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2020

Emergency vs. Urgent Care: Where should I go?

Posted December 15, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re just getting around to putting up the holiday lights. In a matter of seconds, your foot slips off the ladder, you try to grab ahold of the roof but miss and fall fast to the ground with a thud.

At first glance, you seem OK, but when you try to get up your arm is throbbing. There is a chance it could be broken, and you want to get it evaluated.

When situations like this arise, we’re often faced with the uncertainty of where to...

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Advance Directives: What you need to know

Posted December 03, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

If you suffer a catastrophic accident, become terminally ill or are in a coma that leaves you unconscious or unable to speak, how can you make sure your medical wishes are known? Advance directives are your answer.

Advance directives are written instructions to your loved ones and health-care providers about the type of medical care you would like to receive should you not be able to communicate them. They are important tools that help reduce confusion and disagreements about...

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Individual & Family plan

Posted November 19, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales

No employer health coverage? No problem.

If you don’t have health insurance coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can still protect yourself with an Individual & Family plan.

What should you look for in an Individual & Family plan?

Access to care is crucial. Be sure the plan you choose includes your doctors and preferred hospitals in their network and that the drugs you take are in their...

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Reducing Stress: How to do it and why it matters

Posted November 05, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

You know the feeling: your hands sweat, your heart pounds and your muscles tense. Yes, that’s stress, commonly known as our “flight or fight” response. It can motivate you to nail that big presentation at work or quickly react if your kid takes a tumble. But unless you’re being chased by wolves or slamming on the brakes to avoid a pile-up, your stress could be doing you more harm than good.

That’s because our stress response isn’t very good...

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Meet our new president Bill Epling

Posted October 18, 2020

Meet our new president Bill Epling.

Born at Summa Health System-Akron Campus, Bill is literally a born and raised Northeast Ohio native. That gives him a unique perspective on our local market and the people who live and work here. However, his 30-year healthcare delivery and health plan experience extends far beyond his roots.

His deep experience will serve him well as he tackles the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare delivery system. “I think the diversity of my...

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Choosing the Medicare coverage that's right for you.

Posted October 05, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales

Maybe you’re just turning 65 and newly eligible for Medicare coverage. Maybe you’re a Medicare “veteran” and looking to enhance your original Medicare coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. There are key things to consider when weighing your options.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plans

A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan offers everything you get with original Medicare but adds to that coverage with money-saving extras. Depending on the one you...

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COVID-19 tests: diagnostic vs. antibody

Posted September 21, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

As we wage war against COVID-19, testing is a powerful weapon to help stop the spread of the virus. 

Testing can be used to expedite care when needed and potentially identify individuals who require self-isolation. In addition, people they’ve come into contact with can be traced sooner, so those at risk can quarantine and watch for symptoms. 

Testing also helps epidemiologists determine how widely the illness has spread; it makes the “enemy”...

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Why telehealth is quickly becoming a more common way to visit the doctor

Posted September 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

Amidst an ongoing pandemic, telehealth is perhaps more important than ever before. It’s a great option to still get the care you need, while staying safe in the comfort of your own home and avoiding exposure and the potential spread of COVID-19.

And while many people are finding themselves working from home, telehealth is increasingly becoming a popular option.

Telehealth enables patients to conveniently connect with providers using electronic communications and...

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Preventive Healthcare: Regular health screenings are key for optimal health

Posted August 17, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

Life is busy, and it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves first. There’s just not enough time in the day. 

But even in these uncertain times of COVID-19, it’s important to take charge of your health. Preventive health screenings should be a priority to ensure optimal health, in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of rest.

Regular health exams and tests can detect problems even before you experience any symptoms. In addition, detecting...

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Condition Management: Understanding and managing your chronic condition is key to a healthier life

Posted August 04, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

More than half of Americans, or 6 in 10 adults, are living with a chronic illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A chronic condition is a long-lasting, incurable health issue that requires ongoing medical attention, such as diabetes, asthma, depression and heart disease.
 
People with chronic illnesses are more likely to be hospitalized and may struggle with work and performing daily tasks. 

The good news is understanding your chronic...

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Learn more about your pharmacy and prescription drug benefits

Posted July 17, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

Many of us understand firsthand the important role prescription drugs play in keeping us all healthy. Whether you are taking medication temporarily for an infection or you take medications regularly for a chronic illness, it’s important to understand your pharmacy and prescription drug benefits. We can help you fill prescriptions faster and more easily and help control costs, too.

Because prescription drugs are an essential health benefit, most SummaCare plans include...

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How to stay active and safe this summer

Posted July 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

Now that summer has arrived, it’s time for some much-needed fun in the sun — especially after weeks of stay-at-home orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

From outdoor hikes to swimming to pick-up games at the park, there are many activities to look forward to doing outdoors. Not to mention, these activities are a great way to boost your mental health and keep your family physically active.

But with the gradual reopening of parks, pools and playgrounds,...

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New steps medical offices are taking to keep patients and staff safe during appointments

Posted June 18, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

In accordance with Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, many hospitals, physician practices and dental offices across the state are resuming health services as cases continue to stabilize and the stay-at-home order has been lifted. 

But while we understand the integral part regular checkups, health screenings and management of chronic illness play in our overall health, it’s understandable many members are nervous to step back into the doctor&...

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Struggling to get the care you need? SummaCare's care management services can help

Posted June 03, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

SummaCare understands a fragmented approach to health care can make it difficult for members to achieve an optimal level of wellness and function. That’s why we offer care management services to fully respond to all of our members’ health needs. Our care managers are on the frontlines to help improve patient experience and the quality of care our members receive. 

SummaCare care managers are registered nurses who develop a team approach between you, your...

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SummaCare offers resources to help combat stress and anxiety, especially in these uncertain times

Posted May 15, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

The nonstop news coverage and daily statistics on COVID-19 infections and deaths can leave anyone feeling stressed and anxiety filled, if not depressed. It’s only natural to worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, especially when it comes to a new disease where not much is known.  

Fear and anxiety about the recent COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming, isolating and cause strong emotions. You may notice:

  • Excessive worrying or fear that...

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COVID-19 health-plan response: SummaCare’s top priority is the health and safety of its members

Posted April 30, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

SummaCare is here to serve and support our members — especially in this unprecedented time of crisis. As we navigate changes to our everyday lives amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic, know that your well-being and health coverage remain our top priority. 

That’s why we are actively monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as cases continue to increase across the country and putting measures in place to protect our members, while also providing prompt access to...

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