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UHA REWARDS WOMEN WHO RECEIVE MAMMOGRAMS
Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Warmly Received By Members
(HONOLULU, December 8, 2009)—Hawaii’s third-largest commercial health insurer, UHA, is receiving positive feedback on its Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
A firm believer in the promotion of preventive services that will save lives as well as lower healthcare costs, in 2007 UHA began paying participating physicians who successfully refer their patients for breast cancer screenings. Although a number of physicians have taken advantage of this campaign, it hasn’t resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of UHA members who receive mammograms. It was felt that completion rates could be improved by providing the patient herself an incentive to have the screening, in addition to rewarding her physician. To that end, in November of this year, UHA began a “Breast Cancer Awareness” campaign. Letters were mailed to every woman aged 40 or older who had not received a mammogram in the last 2 years or more urging them to do so. In addition, a $25 Macy’s gift card is currently being sent to those women who receive their annual mammogram.
“UHA has received positive feedback from our members, with several phone calls and letters directed to me personally,” states Dr. Max Botticelli, UHA CEO. “We are hopeful that this incentive will assure that all members who should be screened for breast cancer will do so.”
UHA plans to continue this campaign through 2010 with the goal of significantly increasing the percentage of members who utilize their annual breast cancer screening benefit. This benefit is free of charge when completed by a UHA participating provider.
Founded in 1996 by a group of physician teachers at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, UHA provides medical, drug, and vision plans to Hawaii employer groups. By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of both patients and medical providers, UHA received accreditation in Health Utilization Management through URAC. For additional information about UHA, visit www.uhahealth.com
