Health and wellness in the digital age

Digital Tools Available to UPMC Health Plan Members

Technology has changed our way of life.This extends to how we interact with health content [1]. The Pew Research Center reports that 81% of Americans own a smartphone.Many of them use mobile phones as their Primary Networked Devices [2]. We use apps to find cars, make appointments, pay bills and read the news. It’s hard to find parts of our lives where we don’t have any connection.

We even go to the doctor on our phones. But it doesn’t stop there. Here are some other ways technology is changing our health:

• application: Many people use apps to track health stats on their phones. Some apps are dedicated to a certain area of ​​health, such as fitness, meditation, or productivity. Others combine two or more of these. Some apps also have built-in features to help users achieve their goals. These features include reminders, challenges and health coaching.

• Wearable device: One in five Americans will use a fitness tracker in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center [3]. These devices can help people track information such as activity, sleep and heart rate. This data is sent to an app or a healthcare provider. These devices can help you track your progress over time.

• Remote Patient Monitoring: Remote monitoring connects doctors with patients’ medical devices. It allows doctors to track patients’ health through blood pressure cuffs, scales, and more. Information is sent from the device to the doctor so they can review the patient’s progress.Study shows this model helps patients who want to improve their health [5].

• Telemedicine: Demand for remote care is on the rise. Telemedicine helps physicians meet this need.It connects healthcare providers with patients in real-time via video calling [3]. This is a great way to get remote care, especially for those without access to providers [4][6].

• Test at home: Home testing kits help people understand their own health. Home kits can test for many things, such as DNA and hormone levels. Some home kits require a prescription.Others sold over the counter or online [7]. Results are delivered by mail or via the company’s app or website.

Access digital health and wellness tools as a UPMC health plan member

Many of these health tools are available to UPMC health plan members. They can help you manage your health and wellness.

Our products include:

this UPMC Health Plan Mobile App: This application allows you to access health insurance information. You can use it to view member ID cards, medical claims and plan details. You can also search for a provider or chat with a healthcare concierge.

minehealth online: mineHealth OnLine is the membership site for the UPMC health plan. It contains tools and information to help you manage your health.

Receiving well: The UPMC Health Plan’s RxWell app can support your health. It combines proven techniques with the support of a health coach. You can choose from seven programs depending on your needs. Each program has self-guided activities to help you make lasting health changes.

UPMC AnywhereCare: UPMC AnywhereCare helps you get the care you need, when you need it. With AnywhereCare, you can visit providers without leaving your home.^* UPMC AnywhereCare providers are available via live video 24/7. You can make an appointment using a smartphone or computer.^**

this UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line: Our 24/7 nurse line is staffed by UPMC nurses. ^*** They are available to discuss your health issues with you around the clock.

Technology has changed our way of life. Instant access to information helps us connect resources with the push of a button. Time to use these tools to improve your health!

*UPMC health plan members who are located in Pennsylvania at the time of the virtual visit may choose a provider employed by UPMC or a provider from the Online Care Network II PC (OCN), depending on the provider’s availability and discretion. Members located outside of Pennsylvania will receive OCN services. OCN is not affiliated with UPMC. ASO plan members who have opted out of coverage may be limited. During the COVID emergency, UPMC For you UPMC Community HealthChoices members located outside of Pennsylvania will receive OCN services. UPMC AnywhereCare virtual visits are not covered by UPMC after the COVID emergency is over For you Travel outside of Pennsylvania with UPMC Community HealthChoices members.

**UPMC Health Plan provides free help and services to help people communicate effectively with us. These may include language services and qualified sign language interpreters for people whose primary language is not English. Your provider will connect you to these services during your visit.

***The UPMC nurse who answered the phone is licensed to assist members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New York and Ohio. Members must be located in one of these states when calling the UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line. The UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line is not a substitute for medical care. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Nurses cannot answer program or benefit questions. For non-clinical inquiries, please call the Member Services telephone number on the back of your Member ID card.

refer to:

1. Halamka J, Cerrato P. Digital reconstruction of healthcare. New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst. 2020;1(6). doi:10.1056/cat.20.0082
2. Demographics of mobile device ownership and adoption in the United States. Pew Research Center. 2021. Accessed April 15, 2021. pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/.
3. Vogels EA. About one in five Americans use a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Pew Research Center. August 14, 2020. Accessed April 15, 2021. pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/01/09/about-one-in-five-americans-use-a-smart-watch-or-fitness-tracker
4. Kang J, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Zhang C. The impact of remote management on the comprehensive management of diabetes during the COVID-19 epidemic [published online ahead of print, 2021 Jan 1]. Primary Care Diabetes. 2021; S1751-9918(20)30363-6. doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2020.12.004
5. Lee SWH, Chan CKY, Chua SS, Chaiyakunapruk N. Comparative effectiveness of telemedicine strategies for the management of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. science representative. 2017;7(1):12680. Published October 4, 2017. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-12987-z
6. Nittari G, Khuman R, Baldoni S, et al. Telemedicine Practice: A Review of Current Ethical and Legal Challenges. Telemedicine JE Health. 2020;26(12):1427-1437. doi:10.1089/tmj.2019.0158
7. Test at home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Accessed April 15, 2021. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/at-home-testing.html