As COVID-19 cases begin to increase again in the region, new outpatient treatment options are available that may lessen the severity of infection and reduce patients’ chances of being hospitalized or dying from the virus. VHAN encourages its members and their staff to learn more about these options to help educate themselves, their family members and their patients about their availability. Making use of these treatment options will be powerful in keeping COVID-positive patients out of the hospital, ensuring beds remain available for patients needing care of all kinds.

For every 10 people who visit a doctor, it’s estimated that seven are seeking care for behavioral health-related reasons, such as depression, anxiety, diabetes management, weight loss or substance abuse. VHAN’s Care Management team facilitates collaborative care that is designed to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care, delivering the right kind of care where and when it is needed.

Recently, VHAN Social Workers were able to create a coordinated plan for psychiatric care, anger management and medication management while providing a patient with the support and encouragement he needed to take proactive steps to manage his physical and mental health.

Currently, 19.86% of adults in the United States are experiencing a mental illness—equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, VHAN has compiled a list of tools we offer to our members, many of whom are helping patients navigate a mental health disorder or dealing with increased stress and anxiety themselves.  

VHAN’s Care Management team of registered nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), social workers, pharmacists and Care Navigators work together every day to address the physical, mental, spiritual and social needs of patients. Recently, the team applied multidisciplinary efforts to help a patient heal from a hospital stay while simultaneously recovering from a personal tragedy—a fire that took her home and most of her belongings. Read the full article to learn more about how VHAN can help patients manage their health through the most difficult times.

Millions of people have delayed preventive health activities during the pandemic, leading health care providers to fear increasing rates of preventable diseases. VHAN has gathered solutions to make it easier for your patients to know about and catch up on these important screenings and immunizations and get their health back in gear.

Last month VHAN began bringing together HR leaders across the network as we pursue shared goals for supporting employee health, well-being and engagement—all in a virtual environment.

VHAN’s Care Navigators help address the physical, mental, spiritual and social needs of patients. Watch a video to see the powerful story of how VHAN’s Care Management team helped Tina improve her mental health and better manage her physical symptoms.

Social work is an integral part of VHAN’s Care Management team, providing a direct connection to patients and caregivers. This was the case with a 64-year-old patient who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and several other conditions. After a hospitalization, the patient moved in with her daughter and husband, but she still needed more help to manage her health at home. That’s when VHAN’s social work care navigators stepped in.  

heir risk factors, explained how to differentiate between an eating disorder and picky eating, discussed when to speak to your child’s pediatrician, and outlined the family’s role in recovery.