Q.   What is CareWise?
A.   CareWise is a health care information service that provides the information and support you need to get the best possible and most appropriate health care for yourself and your family.  As a CareWise member, you and your immediate family can dial 1-800-755-2200 from anywhere in the United States or Canada - 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except holidays) - to talk confidentially, one-on-one, with an experienced registered nurse.

Q.   How can a CareWise Nurse help me?
A.   Have you ever worried about some health problem but didn't think it was important enough to bother your doctor?  Or wanted more information about a prescription, test or surgery your doctor was recommending?  Or just wanted someone to talk to about a health concern?
      Medical decisions can be frightening and overwhelming, and CareWise is here to help.  Our highly trained CareWise nurses can help you understand your medical problem, evaluate self-care possibilities, and plan questions for your doctor.  They can research your options for care and send you information.  They can coach you on how to make your doctor appointments more productive, or offer moral support when you just need to talk.

Q.   What kinds of things do people call about?
A.   Just about any health problem you can think of.  For example: "I just found out my cholesterol level is sky-high.  How can I get it under control?"  "I think my 2-year-old has an ear infection."  "Should I worry about this funny-looking mole on my leg?"  "My kids have chicken pox."  "When I left my doctor's office I had more questions than when I went in."  In short, any health problem that's troubling you - no matter how silly or insignificant you may think it seems - is worth a call to CareWise.
 
Q.  Will you tell anyone that I've called CareWise?
A.   Absolutely not!  While we will ask for your name and the Social Security number of the eligible CareWise member, we'll only use that information to determine your eligibility and establish a medical chart for you.   All calls to CareWise are strictly confidential.

Q.  Should I call CareWise in an emergency?
A.   No.  CareWise is not designed to be an emergency or urgent care service.  In case of an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Q.  How does CareWise save money?
A.   This confidential, complimentary service is  purchased for you by American Postal Workers Union Health Plan.  CareWise helps  members save an average of  one doctor visit a year, and decreases unnecessary  emergency room visits, elective inpatient services and  diagnostic testing.

Q.  Will CareWise really make a-difference in the  quality of my health care?
A.   CareWise members  consistently report that CareWise does make a positive difference.  An annual satisfaction survey taken in 1994 showed that:
- 80% of CareWise callers who responded experienced an increase in their medical knowledge and their confidence in making medical decisions as a result of using CareWise,
- 70% said CareWise helped improve communication with their doctor,
- 89% reported improved health and ability to manage medical concerns.

If you have questions about how or when to use CareWise, or are still wondering if your particular health concern warrants a call, there's an easy way to find out.  Just dial 1-800-755-2206.
 
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This site was created by Jack Ball.
Please address all comments and corrections to him at apwuqcy@adams.net