6 Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your Next Visit

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From ALLtech medical partner Regence BlueShield

Now is a great time to schedule an annual wellness visit or routine check-up with your personal doctor, also known as a primary care provider (PCP). Here are some questions you could ask during the visit to help prevent future illness and save money on your health care costs.

Questions about preventive care

1. What preventive services and screenings do you recommend for me? Depending on your medical history and family history, your doctor may recommend lab work to check for certain diseases or conditions. They may also recommend screening procedures — such as a colorectal cancer screening, bone mineral density test, mammogram, or Pap smear test. If your doctor recommends tests and screenings, you might want to ask how the tests will be administered, if you need to do anything to prepare, and how you’ll be informed of the results.

  • For ALLtech members enrolled in medical coverage through Regence, most preventive services and screenings are covered with no copay and no deductible. However, some diagnostic tests, labs and procedures may have a cost share responsibility. Check your benefits at regence.com or call the number on your member ID card for more details and to confirm your coverage.

2. What vaccinations should I get? Some vaccinations, such as for flu, are recommended annually. There are also some newer vaccines you may not have gotten yet, such as vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, and shingles. Your personal doctor can recommend the vaccines that are right for you.

  • Vaccines are covered by ALLtech plans at no cost, but deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply. To check your coverage, sign in to your account at regence.com or call the number on your member ID card.

3. How much and what kinds of physical activity do I need to stay healthy and avoid falls and injuries? Your doctor can suggest strengthening exercises and other ways you can be physically active, tailored to your specific needs and health conditions.

  • ALLtech members have access to discounts on fitness-related products and services like fitness devices and gym memberships through Regence Advantages.

4. What can I do to improve my mental health? Your doctor can do a screening with you to check for mental health risks like depression and anxiety. They can suggest activities that can help, as well as prescribe medications and refer you to a mental health counselor as needed.

  • Through ALLtech, members have access to virtual mental health treatment options through MDLIVE at $0 co-pay on most plans. No referral is needed — you can visit the provider website and fill out the intake form for an appointment.

Questions related to prescription drugs

5. Should any changes be made to my prescriptions? Review the list of prescription drugs you’re taking with your doctor, as well as dosages, supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs you take regularly. Your body can change over time, so the drugs you’re taking may need to change as well. You may be able to stop taking a drug or change to a different dose, or you may need to start taking a new drug.

6. Is there anything I can do to save money on my prescription drugs? Your doctor may be able to help you save, such as changing your prescription to a generic or other less expensive alternative drug. You can compare drug prices at various pharmacies and shop around for the best deals using the price comparison tool when you sign in at regence.com.

A word of caution about your coverage

Most ALLtech plans cover an Annual Wellness Visit or annual check-up at no cost to you. However, you may have to pay additional coinsurance or cost shares if your doctor ends up performing any diagnostic tests or procedures during your visit.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your plan’s coverage or need help finding care, sign in to your account at regence.com and use the Chat feature, or call the number on your member ID card.

Want to learn more about enrolling in ALLtech? Fill out our Request a Quote form or email alltech@advprofessionals.com.

ALLtech Helps Members Stay Healthy with Virtual Care at $0 Co-Pay

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When you’re enrolled in ALLtech, accessing health care is easy whether you’re in the office, at home or on the go with virtual care at $0 co-pay on most plans.

Through MDLIVE, members enrolled in medical through Regence BlueShield or Asuris Northwest Health have 24/7 access to a broad range of services that include:

Primary Care

Consult with a board-certified doctor who will diagnose and treat non-emergency medical conditions, prescribe medications and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. Some common ailments that can be treated include cold/flu, allergies and headaches. For a detailed list, view our Welcome to MDLIVE flyer.

Behavioral Health Care

Through ALLtech, members can talk to a licensed counselor or psychiatrist from their home, office or on the go, to treat issues such as stress, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, and more. The confidential, convenient online therapy is available 24/7 via the MDLIVE app. To learn more, download the MDLIVE Behavioral Health flyer.

Dermatology

ALLtech members have 24/7 access to a network of leading, board-certified dermatologists who can diagnose and treat more than 3,000 skin, hair and nail conditions online. A visit takes less than 10 minutes to complete, compared to waiting days, weeks or even months to visit with a dermatologist in-person. See our post Virtual Dermatology Visits Now Available Through ALLtech to learn more, or visit the MDLIVE Dermatology page.

Substance Use Disorder

MDLIVE partners with Boulder Care to offer a unique virtual care model that provides access 24/7 to substance use disorder treatment. Learn more in our article ALLtech Addresses Substance Use Disorder with Unique Virtual Care Model or visit Boulder.Care/Regence.

Learn More

To login or learn more, go to MDLIVE.com/Regence-WA or MDLIVE.com/Asuris

8 Ways to Improve Your Health in the New Year

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From ALLtech medical partner Regence BlueShield

If your New Year’s resolutions include a goal to improve your health in 2024, here are eight things you can do this year with a little help from ALLtech Benefits’ medical partner Regence:

  1. Select a primary care provider if you haven’t yet. Having a doctor established now makes it easy to get care when you need it. It can take a while to get in for an initial appointment, so schedule it right away. If you need help finding an in-network primary care provider, try Regence’s find a doctor tool or call the number on the back of your member ID card.
  2. Get an annual wellness visit with your primary care provider, which is covered by most ALLtech medical plans with no out-of-pocket costs. Your doctor can assess your overall health and give you guidance on how to improve. This baseline can be very helpful as you plan health, fitness and weight loss goals for the year.
  3. Take care of your mental health. Make self-care a priority. If you’re struggling and need help, ALLtech covers a variety of mental health care services and resources, such as one-on-one counseling, group therapy, medication, as well as self-guided well-being tools and virtual care options. Learn more about ALLtech’s Employee Assistance Program, Wellspring EAP, and virtual behavioral health resources available through MDLIVE.
  4. Get all your age-appropriate recommended health screenings, such as screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. Most screenings are covered through ALLtech with no out-of-pocket costs if you meet criteria. Talk to your doctor about which screenings you should get this year and sign in to your account on regence.com to learn more about your coverage. It may take a few months to get in for some screenings, so get them scheduled early.
  5. Get vaccinated. Getting all your age-appropriate recommended vaccinations will help you avoid illness so you can focus on improving your health. Most vaccinations are covered through ALLtech with no out-of-pocket costs if you meet criteria. Some vaccinations, like the flu shot, are covered annually. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for help deciding which vaccinations you should get.
  6. Participate in a wellness program. The Regence Empower app is a wellness program available to ALLtech members, but you can use it even if you’re not part of an employer plan. The app can help you track your progress on things like sleep, stress, food and exercise. You can also use it to participate in health challenges and find links to podcasts and helpful health-related information. Download the Regence Empower flyer for more information.
  7. Familiarize yourself with all the care options covered by your health plan. Make sure you know when you should head to the emergency room versus an urgent care or your doctor’s office, versus the virtual care and telehealth options available with your ALLtech plan. Knowing the difference could save you time and money, and it’s better to figure it out now instead of when you’re sick.
  8. Consider nutrition counseling. Most Regence plans cover one-on-one nutrition counseling with a dietitian to help you improve your diet. The counseling can be especially helpful if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or renal kidney disease. Benefits vary by plan and can depend on applicable state or federal mandates. To learn what’s available for you, sign in to your account to chat online or call us at the number on the back of your member ID card.

Log in to your account at regence.com or call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about all your insurance coverage.

It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week: 5 Reasons to Get a Flu Shot

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To help recognize National Influenza Vaccination Week, taking place December 4-8, 2023, ALLtech Benefits would like to remind you that there’s still time to get a flu shot to help you celebrate the holidays safely. Members enrolled in ALLtech received full coverage for the cost of most vaccinations at 100 percent when members see an in-network provider.

Why get a flu shot?

Flu shots benefit you, your family and your community 

The most important action to protect yourself against flu is getting a flu vaccine each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine to reduce your risk of getting flu and lessen its symptoms if you do get sick.

Getting vaccinated against flu can also help protect loved ones, like adults 65 years and older and people living with chronic conditions, both groups of people who are at higher risk of having serious flu complications. Bottom line? Getting an annual flu vaccine is important to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community against flu.

Flu shots benefit pregnant people and babies 

Flu can be especially serious for pregnant people because of changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy that can make them more vulnerable to flu and its potentially severe complications. The good news? Getting a flu vaccine can reduce your risk of getting flu and lessen flu symptoms if you do get sick both during and after pregnancy. A flu shot during pregnancy also can help protect your baby from flu for several months after birth, when they’re too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Flu vaccines have safely protected millions of pregnant people and their babies from flu for decades. One study showed fewer cases of infants with flu in mothers who got a flu vaccine compared to mothers who were not vaccinated. This is because, when vaccinated while pregnant, you pass antibodies on to your developing baby.

Flu shots benefit young children 

Did you know flu can be more serious for children than a cold? That’s why it’s also important to get your children vaccinated against flu this year. Children younger than 5 years old – especially those younger than 2 – and children of any age with certain chronic health conditions, like asthma and diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing potentially serious flu complications. Because these groups of children are at higher risk, it is especially important they get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of getting sick or being hospitalized or dying from flu if they do get sick.

Flu vaccines are safe and effective – and there’s still time to get vaccinated

Every year, experts update flu vaccines as needed to best protect against the viruses expected to spread during the upcoming season. During seasons when the vaccine viruses are well-matched to the viruses that are spreading, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness by 40 percent to 60 percent. And if someone who is vaccinated gets sick, vaccination has been shown to reduce severity of illness, reducing the risk of serious flu outcomes.

The best time to get vaccinated is before flu has begun spreading widely in your community but vaccination can still be protective later. Flu most commonly peaks in February, and significant flu activity can continue into May.

You have options on which flu vaccine to get and where to get it, including at a health care provider’s office, at work, a pharmacy, some stores, or even supermarkets. Speak with a health care provider today about getting a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated against flu at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm.

Giving Thanks is Good for Your Health 

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Practicing gratitude around the holidays is a tradition for many families, but it turns out sticking with it throughout the year can have profound impacts on your overall health.  

Improve Your Mood with Gratitude

Some days it may feel impossible to think of even one thing that you’re grateful for, but in fact, these are the times when you can use a bit of gratitude the most. Studies have shown that offering thanks for things in life that are meaningful to you can decrease depression and anxiety, and if practiced regularly can even change the way your brain is wired. 

Turning on gratitude isn’t first nature for many of us, so start small with a daily affirmation – maybe something as simple as thinking about someone you’re grateful for, then gradually building on that by expressing your gratitude to the person.  

Now it’s contagious! Think about the last time a friend or even a stranger made your day by showing their appreciation for you. In the short term, it improves the mood of both parties, and in the long run practicing these acts of kindness will help gratitude become your brain’s go-to response. 

The Joy of Journaling

Another method that has been shown to improve both mental and physical health is keeping a gratitude journal. Some people prefer a bound journal to physically write in each day, but it can be just as meaningful to keep track digitally with your smart phone or computer. What’s important is to maintain a frequency that is realistic – it should feel enjoyable and cathartic, not like a chore. 

Maybe you prefer to jot down something about people or moments that you appreciated each day, or maybe it’s better for you to aim for once a week. Regardless of what you choose, the practice will help you focus more on the many positive experiences you have every day. 

Bring Thanks to the Workplace

Want to help foster a more positive environment in the workplace, too? Bring your gratitude to the office, especially if you are a manager or work in customer service.  

And don’t just say “Thank you” to be polite without really thinking about what you’re saying. Be present, and make a conscious effort to think about precisely what it is that you are thankful for. 

Thank YOU from ALLtech Benefits!

With that, the team at ALLtech Benefits would like to thank you for reading our monthly news and health tips and for being a part of the ALLtech community! Want to learn more about what’s new with ALLtech for 2024? Download our 2024 ALLtech Fact Sheet, or contact us by calling 206.602.3558 or filling out our request a quote form. 

Apps and Mobile Games to Help with Your Dental Fear

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From ALLtech dental provider Delta Dental of Washington

Fear of going to the dentist is more common than you may think. People of all ages have a fear of going to the dentist. The good news is that there are many tools available to help ease those fears before and during dental appointments.

In today’s world, smart devices like cell phones or tablets have essentially become an extension of the body for most people. Why not use these devices for our benefit? There are many mobile games available that can provide anxiety relief and calm nerves at the dentist’s office.

Here are a few mobile games that can ease anxiety:

  • Colorfy: If you find coloring or being creative relaxing, this is the app for you! There are many images to choose from and color on while waiting for your dental appointment to start.
  • AntiStress Anxiety Relief Game: If you find yourself fidgeting during appointments, this game is perfect for you! Simple games such as a digital bubble popper, fidget spinner, and brick smash can help distract your mind and ease anxiety.
  • Prune: This simple game is full of beautiful scenery, calming music, and the simple goal of growing and pruning a bonsai tree.
  • Jigsaw Puzzle: Another great option for those who need a simple distraction before and during dental appointments. Put together beautiful puzzles that vary in difficulty.

Learn about more games and solutions to conquering dental fear by reading the Delta Dental of Washington blog.

Find Balance with November Webinars from Wellspring EAP

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ALLtech is proud to partner with Wellspring EAP to provide members enrolled in medical coverage with three free visits with a counselor each year. But support from the locally based employee assistance program (EAP) also includes resources available 24/7 through its robust online platform at wellspringeap.org.

Each month, Wellspring EAP also offers webinars that highlight its diverse services. For November, please consider registering for the following webinars that are free and open to anyone. Recordings will be sent to those who register after the live webinar and will be available online:

  • The Financial Wellness Playbook
    November 3, noon to 1 p.m. (PT)

    This class shares the habits commonly practiced by people who have little financial stress in their lives: the coaching staff of my Secure Advantage® (MSA) – the financial benefit provided through Wellspring EAP, which has has conducted over a million financial consultations. Presented by Tiffany Willis, the goal of this class is for attendees to take pride in the processes they are practicing well and develop an action plan to address the habits they would like to improve.

  • How to Be the Calm in the Storm During Emotionally Escalated Conversations (for Managers, HR Partners)
    November 8, 11 a.m. to noon (PT)

    We’ve all had that moment when we realize it’s about to get uncomfortable; we know we are in or about to get into a difficult conversation – maybe even a conflict. Each one of us has default and/or predictable and patterned ways of being in those moments and beyond. In this webinar presented by Carol Bowser, JD, you’ll learn to recognize your individual stress response style and cues so you can create a strategy that works for you rather than falling into your default behavior. You’ll learn to manage yourself under pressure as well as hold space for others who are also under pressure. Carol will share some of the common pitfalls many of us experience when situations are intense, and we will explore tools that can help avoid or mitigate the pitfalls and/or the consequences. We will discuss strategies that help you remain neutral. Get ready to have tools, language, and a framework to help you more elegantly navigate important conversations.

  • Sleep Skills for Travel
    November 9, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (PT)

    Travel is coming back in a big way, so it’s time to refresh your travel sleep skills so you can have a fabulous trip. Shifting our body clock doesn’t happen automatically, and can cause symptoms including digestive upset, daytime fatigue along with night time sleepiness, and irritability. Adding skills to help shift your body clock to the new time zone can make all the difference. Come learn from Dr. Catherine Darley, ND, how to prepare in advance of your trip, and what to do when you arrive. We’ll talk about strategies from light and dark exposure, timing of melatonin supplements, mealtimes and more.

Diabetes and your oral health

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From ALLtech dental provider Delta Dental of Washington

Did you know that diabetes can take a toll on the health of your smile? Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, common dental problems such as gum inflammation could potentially be an early warning sign.

October is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month, prioritize your health by learning about other signs and possible symptoms of diabetes:

  • Tooth decay: Elevated glucose in our saliva supplies more food to the cavity-causing bacteria in dental plaque.
  • Gingivitis: Bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause swelling and bleeding along the gum line.
  • Periodontal Disease: This condition is characterized by a loss of bone that supports the teeth. Periodontitis can contribute to spikes in blood sugar that makes diabetes more difficult to control and, in turn, gum disease harder to fight.
  • Dry Mouth: A lack of lack of saliva in some cases, may result in difficulty swallowing, trouble speaking, a burning sensation, or a constant sore throat.
  • Thrush: This causes painful red or white patches in the mouth which are made worse by smoking or high levels of sugar in your saliva.

For more information and a short video describing oral health and diabetes check out the Delta Dental of Washington blog.

Seattle Times Honors 20 Years of Hike-a-Thon (and the ALLtech Team Captain!)

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In The Seattle Times article Washington Trails Association kicks off 20th Hike-a-Thon fundraiser, the captain for the ALLtech Benefits Hike-a-Thon team is among five participants recognized for giving back.

Mai Ling Slaughter, who first joined the ALLtech team in 2019 and has been leading it since 2020, shares her favorite hikes as Snoqualmie Tunnel on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and Kingfisher Natural Area at Thornton Creek. The article continues:

Born and raised in Washington, Mai Ling Slaughter says she was probably strapped to her dad’s back for her first hike. She has fond childhood memories of hiking in the Sunrise area at Mount Rainier and Flaming Geyser State Park, north of Enumclaw. In 2019, she learned about Hike-a-Thon and joined the cause, sporting her HaT T-shirt through Canada’s Jasper and Banff national parks. She started leading a team with co-workers, and for the past three Hike-a-Thons, her group has raised the most money for a company team. Slaughter found particular comfort in the outdoors during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hike-a-Thon gave me an excuse to plan hikes with friends, since being outdoors was one of the only things we could do anyway,” she said. At the time, Slaughter and her friends explored local parks and trails, which “really opened my eyes even more to the beauty that surrounds us throughout Washington.”

To read more about the other participants and about Hike-a-Thon, check out the article Washington Trails Association kicks off 20th Hike-a-Thon fundraiser.

BIPOC Mental Health Month: Taking Care of Ourselves and Others

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In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month in July, ALLtech would like to highlight programs available through our employee assistance program, Wellspring EAP. On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, you’re invited to join Wellspring for a webinar on Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other: BIPOC Mental Health, Self-Care, and Allyship from 10 – 11 a.m. PDT.

This complimentary training is for those who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color (BIPOC), as well as those who identify as an ally. Many of us are striving to improve our ability to understand the bigger systems of oppression and strive to be a driving force for positive systemic change. While we authentically want to do that, we often simply don’t know how. In this session, we will learn about mental health statistics for BIPOC communities, explore how to show up as an ally to BIPOC communities, and how BIPOC communities can show up for ourselves as we recognize and tend to our own needs.

This event will be open to everyone, whether you are a part of the BIPOC community or an ally.

Explore Mindfulness at On-Demand Wellspring Webinar

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of thoughts, feelings, experiences and other people in the present moment. It’s a simple way to look at how the mind works by noticing our thinking patterns without judgment, as a scientist would. We can train our minds to stay focused so that we are more energetic, possess a sense of calm and possibility, and soften our harsh judgments about what’s happening around us.

Click below to register for Wellspring’s on-demand training webinar from June on Mindfulness Practices, which will:

  • Explore the roots of mindfulness and its essential elements
  • Learn how mindfulness can benefit you
  • Directly experience several simple mindfulness strategies
  • Find out how to incorporate mindfulness practices into daily life

This webinar was delivered live in June and the recording is available to you for 60 days. You can also find other on-demand webinars at wellspringeap.org.