New Mexico Health Connections | my connection | Summer 2020

Know your telehealth options offered through New Mexico Health Connections (NMHC). Members can speak with a medical professional by calling Fonemed at 855-925-4003 or by downloading Teladoc to their phone. You can use Teladoc 24/7 for $0 and speak with a doctor by phone or video. Learn more at teladoc.com/nmhc . STRESS LESS Try these mental health tips 2 P.O. Box 30707 Albuquerque, NM 87190 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 SUNNY DAYS Enjoy summer— but protect your skin 3 Numbers you need to know CUSTOMER SERVICE: 866-668-9002, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. •   Benefits. •   ID cards. •   Billing and payments. •   Claims questions, status and reconsiderations. •   Member login help. •   General information. OPTUMRX, OUR PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER: 855-577-6550 OPTUMRX’S SPECIALTY PHARMACY: 866-618-6741 Message from Marlene Marlene C. Baca, CEO of New Mexico Health Connections A MOMENT TO MOURN WHAT WE’VE LOST D ear NMHC community, For many reasons beyond COVID-19, this year has undoubtedly been a very hard year for all of us. The most devastating outcomes of the pandemic and recent national tragedies have been the loss of lives. Our thoughts are with you, our community members, while we collectively mourn those losses and at the same time continue to adjust to the new “normal”: facial masks, social distancing and isolation, and knowing some things will never be the same again. We stand by you, our members, during this time. We will continue to service your health insurance needs and respond to your concerns. I encourage you to err on the side of caution with social distancing and staying home. These are difficult times, and the most important things are, first, to practice self-care and, second, to be kind to each other. Stay safe and healthy. Best regards, Marlene Baca CEO of NMHC To all the essential workers who are caring for our loved ones and serving our community, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The benefits of telemedicine in a pandemic T elemedicine was mak- ing inroads before COVID-19 as a handy way for people to visit with a medical provider. But with the arrival of the pandemic and social distancing, the virtual office visit is gaining even more fans. Telemedicine is using your computer, phone or other device to have a medical visit with your provider. Benefits include: • Not having to travel to a dis- tant office. • Less contact with other people. That’s particularly helpful in the age of COVID-19. • The possibility of seeing a far- away medical specialist. Telemedicine can provide people in both cities and rural areas with access to safe and effective care when and where they need it. What you can expect from a virtual visit A virtual visit is much like an office visit. You’ll have an appointed time to check in, by way of a com- puter or mobile device. When the provider is ready to see you, you’ll be connected through a video link. The provider will have your chart in front of them. Your provider might have you take your temperature. They might also talk you through taking your pulse. Your provider will ask you about your symptoms. You can help your visit go more smoothly by following these steps: • Use a good webcam. Your com- puter probably came with one. • Set the camera at eye level. • Make sure your volume is turned on. • Try out your microphone before the visit. • Use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi, if possible. • Close other computer programs you won’t need during the visit. • Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. • Have your provider’s phone number with you in case your connection goes down. Sources: AARP; American Academy of Family Physicians Thank you