MEMORANDUM

To: Parents of Triangle Pediatric Center

Due to circumstances beyond our control effective March 1, 2010 we will have to raise the charge for your after-hours advice calls.

Our vendor, WakeMed Call Center, has been very capably and professionally providing this service without an increase in fees since 2002. In 2009 they conducted a cost analysis and the results indicated that a significant adjustment needed to be made so that they can continue to provide this service and utilize experienced and professional RNs. Even with this increase the Department will continue to operate at a loss but they realize, as do we, that this service is an important one.

How does this affect our patients?

Regrettably, we will have to institute an increase from our current charge of $10.00 per call to $20.00 per call. TPC continues to have a physician on call each and every day and we will continue to provide advice to our parents, free of charge, during regular working hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and continuing from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). This means that Anne Marie, Cyndi, Martha and Patty will continue to be there to provide you with the expertise and service that you have come to expect.

We understand that this represents a large increase and we have advised WakeMed of our concerns but as we are all aware – the cost of providing such services has seen many cost increases and they have delayed as long as possible in passing on those increases to the patient/parent and the practices that work with them.

To assist in minimizing the impact of this increase TPC has put together a resource of the top insurance companies in the area. These insurance companies provide a similar service, free of charge, to their members. This list is at the end of this memorandum. Although it is not complete these four (4) insurance companies represent most of the insured patients in this area. If you do not see your insurance company on the list please refer to your member card or call member services to inquire about such a service provided by your insurance company. Remember this is not meant to replace your physician only to provide you with a free resource for basic healthcare questions. Additionally, please note that our website contains access to the Pediatric Advisor Index. Simply go to tripeds.com and click on the tab entitled: Health Info and you will be taken to this index.

Another way to avoid incurring a charge - if you are simply calling for an appointment – is to call during regular working hours. On Saturdays our staff is in the office at 9:00 a.m. and can schedule sick patients for that day. On Sundays you would continue to call and ask to speak with Triage Service who will assess and make an appointment for you if so indicated. Monday through Fridays our phones are on at 8:00 a.m. and we begin scheduling appointments at that time (for same day and future appointments).

We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Physicians and Staff of Triangle Pediatric Center.


Additional Resources for After-Hours Advice


• AETNA
Online Access:
Visit: http://www.aetna.com/plansandproducts/health/wellness.html

• Health Line Blue 24-Hour Health Information Line
Your child has a fever. What are your options? With Health Line Blue, the answers are just a phone call or click away.

Online Member Access:
Refer to your member card for toll free # or visit:
http://www.bcbsnc.com/content/health-wellness/blue-extras/healthlineblue/index.htm

• CIGNA 24-Hour Health Information - Available Day or Night

The CIGNA HealthCare 24-Hour Health Information Line SM is always available — day or night — for personal and confidential information. You can speak directly with a nurse, or listen to automated information on a wide range of health related topics.

Call or Access Online:
You'll receive the toll-free 24-Hour Health Information Line number after you enroll in a CIGNA HealthCare medical plan. If you're currently a CIGNA HealthCare member, you can access the phone number by logging in to myCIGNA.com or by calling the Member Services number on your CIGNA HealthCare ID card. Don't worry, wonder or wait - whenever there's a question about health, just call the number on your CIGNA HealthCare ID card. We'll be here!

http://www.cigna.com/our_plans/programs/24hour_hil.html

• Care24® Resources

Health care isn’t just a 9-to-5 job. The health care needs of your employees don’t begin and end with the work day. Neither should member benefits. Our skilled Care24® nurses offer round-the-clock information and resources to help employees manage complex, time-consuming health conditions and treatments.

Call or Access Online:
Care24 at: 1-888-887-4114
or visit
http://www.uhc.com/employers/programs_tools/for_employees/optumhealth/care24_resources.htm