Care Manager eases Member’s medical fears

Sometimes, people fear going to the doctor. This was the case for ACANY Member Joe. (His name has been replaced for privacy). Joe has diabetes and often chooses not to take his medications and attend medical appointments. Joe’s Care Manager, Klaudia Staskiewicz, knew that Joe’s fear likely stemmed from negative experiences in the past. Medications have given Joe hallucinations before, and this made Joe feel that all medications were bad.

Klaudia knew she could improve Joe’s situation with health promotion. “I was aware of his fears. So, I visited him in his home and listened to his concerns. By learning his history, I was able to educate myself more about his medical situation.”

Klaudia worked with the Member to become comfortable with his medications. She taught him how to test his sugar. Klaudia also showed him how his dietary choices affected his levels.

Klaudia was there for Joe every step of the way. She gave Joe additional information when he was hesitant about new medications. And if Joe had symptoms that worried him, she taught him how to reach out to someone for help.

As with any fear, a little education goes a long way. Klaudia said, “And that’s what I did for Joe. I gave him the knowledge to make better choices about his diet, medications, and appointments. I didn’t want to make him feel pressured, and I taught him how to complete the necessary tasks for a healthy life.”

Read more about diabetes on The Knowledge Center

The Member’s name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy.