Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood condition that is passed from parents to a child at birth. It’s the most common genetic disease. According to the CDC, SCD occurs in about 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births and about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births.
SCD affects the oxygen-carrying protein inside the red blood cells called hemoglobin. Normally, red blood cells are round and soft. This helps them move smoothly through blood vessels. For those with SCD, the oxygen deprived cells become hard and shaped like a banana. This shape causes the cells to stick together – blocking the flow of blood, causing severe pain episodes (known as “crises”), infections and strokes.
Advances in newborn screenings, treatments and care, are leading to better quality and longer lives for SCD patients. However, as many become adults, some patients face many care obstacles and medical barriers. Uncontrolled pain crises often lead to emergency department visits where adult SCD patients may face labeling and receive delayed care. The Aetna Better Health® of Illinois disease management program can help.
Our care managers help manage chronic conditions. If you have SCD, care managers can teach you about your health and share ways to take care of yourself. You’ll learn about benefits and get connected to local resources, too. Think of care managers as your guide through this journey.
Care managers can help:
- Find a primary care physician
- Schedule appointments
- Get rides to your doctor, drug store or hospital
- Get medical and dental services, supplies and equipment
- Provide you with educational materials
- Get the services you need
As new medications and treatments are being developed, people may not know what is available for them or why genetic testing is important. Patient education is the only way to prevent inappropriate medication use and patient harm. Delays can also lead to more severe problems. Our care management team can help design a personalized care plan just for you. They’ll help you better understand your symptoms and work with other agencies to make sure you receive the care you need. By keeping you informed, the care management team can help you become an advocate for your own care.
The care management program is offered at no cost to our members. If you’re interested, call us at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711). Ask to speak to the care management team and take your first step to a healthier you.
Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has the knowledge and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.