Article summary
- Ballad Health offers a free Diabetes Management Program for eligible team members and dependents, providing education, coaching, medications and supplies to help improve health and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Nicole, a Marsh Regional Blood Center team member, said Ballad Health Pharmacy has saved her hundreds of dollars, offered consistent pricing, provided hands-on coaching and delivered exceptional communication with her care team.
- She credits the program and pharmacy with reducing stress, improving her ability to manage her illness and strengthening her overall wellbeing through personalized, reliable support.
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Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and it is extremely prevalent in the region we serve. Many Ballad Health team members live with diabetes, and as an employer, we want to do everything we can to help our team members be as healthy as they can be.
Ballad Health offers a free Diabetes Management Program available to qualified team members and their families, and a major component of that is Ballad Health Pharmacy. With November serving as Diabetes Awareness Month, we reached out to one of our team members, Nicole, who participates in the program. She recently answered a few questions about her experience with the Diabetes Management Program and Ballad Health Pharmacy.
What led you to choose Ballad Health Pharmacy as part of managing your diabetes care?
Nicole: I wanted to support a pharmacy within our own health system, and I’ve found that Ballad Health Pharmacy doesn’t have the major price fluctuations I’ve experienced at chain pharmacies. For example, during a nationwide shortage of one of my medications, I had to go to a chain pharmacy. Over the course of two to three visits, my copay increased each time.
A week later, Ballad Health Pharmacy had the medication back in stock at the same price I had always paid there. This has saved me hundreds of dollars every time I get a prescription filled.
How has the pharmacy team supported you in managing your diabetes medications and supplies?
Nicole: The pharmacy team has worked with my insurance, Ballad Health’s infusion team, the diabetes program and my healthcare team to provide the best care possible. If something is out of stock, which is rare, they work quickly to get it for me and keep me updated on the timeline.
Have you participated in any diabetes education or coaching through Ballad Health Pharmacy? If so, how has it helped you?
Nicole: Yes. You have at least one scheduled coaching session each year, lasting 30 minutes to an hour. They go through your medication list, offer pointers and are always available to help. They provide one-on-one care, which is especially helpful for new diabetics. I never feel like just a number; my care feels hands-on. This approach has saved me a lot of money.
How well does the pharmacy communicate with your doctors or diabetes care team at Ballad Health?
Nicole: The communication is outstanding. They notice things I might miss and are always one step ahead. If I say I need something filled or refilled, they handle all the calls to make it happen. In today’s busy world, having someone take care of these details is invaluable. The technicians and pharmacists recognize and know me personally, building strong one-on-one relationships.
What changes, if any, have you noticed in your health or lifestyle since using Ballad Health Pharmacy for your diabetes management?
Nicole: I can now afford my supplies and medications thanks to Ballad Health Pharmacy, which has taken away a lot of stress. My illnesses are under control, and my overall wellbeing has greatly improved because I’m able to care for myself properly.
More about our Diabetes Management Program
For team members, spouses and dependents enrolled in a Ballad Health medical plan and with a diagnosis of type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, Ballad Health offers a comprehensive diabetes management program.
- The program is designed to support the foundational doctor-patient relationship by providing ongoing support in the form of education, coaching, diabetes medications and management supplies at no out-of-pocket cost.
- This benefit is available for all individuals actively participating and meeting the program requirements.
- To learn more, go to the Ballad Health intranet main page to Human Resources > Benefits > Wellness/Diabetes Mgmt Program.
For questions related to the Diabetes Management Program, please email TMWellness@BalladHealth.org or call 423-952-2187.
