Excellus BCBS Community Check-In: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Check-In program. Each week, we’ll have conversations with local experts about all things health, sharing the latest info and tips to support you in managing your health and wellness. To learn more about how Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is helping everyone in our communities access health resources and care, visit https://www.excellusbcbs.com/ or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
In this episode of the Community Check In, Dr. Mark Brown, Senior Medical Director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, explores unconscious bias in healthcare. Dr. Brown sheds light on the roots of bias, its impact on patient care and practical steps for both individuals and institutions to address and mitigate its effects. He discusses how to recognize and challenge biases in healthcare interactions, and how Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is actively working to combat unconscious bias through employee resources, diversity training and initiatives prioritizing member experiences.
We’re in the midst of the holiday season and while it’s often a joyful time filled with family moments, it can also be quite stressful for folks for a variety of reasons. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, about how we can manage the stress that comes this time of year.
In this episode of The Community Check-In, Eugene Rozenblyum, Senior Director of Trade Relations and Enterprise Drug Solutions at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, explores the world of biosimilars—a category of drugs that has emerged in the last decade, offering potentially lower-cost alternatives to biologics. He addresses common questions about biosimilars, including their availability globally, the involvement of major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Amgen and the existence of patient assistance programs to alleviate cost concerns.
In part 1 of this two-part series on loneliness, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield explores the concept of loneliness and its impact on an individuals' overall wellness. He discusses the factors that disrupt social connections and addresses how to prevent its negative impacts on health and wellbeing
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Christy Simoncelli, Director of Health Equity at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, delves into the crucial topic of health equity, exploring its meaning and emphasizing why it should matter to everyone. Christy passionately discusses the systemic, socioeconomic, demographic and geographic barriers that hinder communities from achieving optimal health, along with actionable steps to address these inequities.
What is prediabetes, how is it treated and how can it be prevented? In this episode of the Community Check-In, Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield answers these important questions about this common but preventable disease. Prediabetes is extremely common, in fact, one third of adults are prediabetic and most don’t even know it. Lorna speaks out about prediabetes in the hopes of helping community members avoid this serious health issue.
In this episode of The Community Check-In, Nicole Dawley, Senior Director of Pharmacy Strategy and Policy at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, explores the complex world of weight management drugs. Nicole provides valuable insights into the background of the obesity epidemic, the science behind these medications and the importance of integrating them into a comprehensive weight management program.
In this episode of The Community Check-In, we're joined by Elisa Brescia, Regional Medicare Consultant for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, who is simplifying the complexities of Medicare. Medicare can often appear confusing with its multitude of plans, enrollment rules and eligibility criteria. Elisa takes us through the essential aspects of Medicare, including who is eligible, when and how to enroll and the significance of the Annual Election Period (AEP). Whether you're approaching age 65 or looking to make informed changes to your Medicare coverage, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand and navigate the world of Medicare.
In this episode of The Community Check-In, Renee Sabin-Haggerty, Clinical Pharmacist and Director of Medicare Part D Strategy & Operations at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield gives valuable tips on how people with Medicare can save money on their prescription medications and stay healthy. Renee discusses the ways to cut prescription costs, government programs that can help, recent law changes and tips for managing diabetes. This episode is full of helpful advice to help Medicare members make smart decisions about their health and finances as they get older.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, BJ Adigun, director of safety net community partnerships and engagement at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, sheds light on the various avenues to obtain health insurance, from individual and family plans to options for businesses, all while emphasizing the importance of preventive care. BJ breaks down eligibility criteria for different plans, including Medicaid, Essential Plans and Child Health Plus, and also discusses the reintroduction of annual recertification for certain plans. Whether you're an individual, a family or a business owner, this episode provides valuable insights into finding the right health insurance coverage to meet your specific needs.
Have you ever heard of the term “exercise snacking”? In this episode of the Community Check-In, Janette Westman, wellbeing engagement consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks about this simple concept that is meant to keep ourselves happy and healthy. Janette also touches upon some simple tips to filling our plates with healthy food and avoiding unhealthy temptations. It’s time for all of us to work together to improve our physical and mental health.
In this episode of Community Check-In, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, addresses the profound impact of the past few years on individuals' mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth stress, anxiety, social isolation, economic uncertainty and more, leaving many people struggling. Dr. Hopkins engages in a candid conversation about these challenges, emphasizing that no one is alone in their experiences.
In this episode of Community Check-In, Dr. Steven Cohen, Chief Medical Officer for Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, discusses the importance of health insurance and how it contributes to overall health and well-being. The episode explores how health insurance not only protects individuals and families from high healthcare costs, but also plays a crucial role in promoting better health outcomes and access to care.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Lisa Harris, senior vice president and corporate medical director for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield sheds light on the controversy surrounding menthol flavored cigarettes and their potential ban. Dr. Harris also offers actionable steps for parents, teachers, health professionals and health insurers to contribute to the fight against menthol cigarette use.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, host Joe Lomonaco welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, senior medical director of behavioral health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, to discuss the issue of employee burnout. Remote work has brought about significant shifts in work environments, schedules, and routines, leading to increased stress levels and burnout. Dr. Hopkins provides insights on the signs and symptoms of burnout and discusses how employers are responding to this issue and implementing strategies to support their workforce's well-being and create a healthier work culture.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Mark Brown, family physician and medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, discusses the importance of addressing men's health. He encourages hesitant individuals to consider the benefits of early intervention and shares personal experiences that emphasize the importance of proactive healthcare. Host Joe and Dr. Brown also delve into the role of healthcare disparities and how they affect men's health, particularly among minority populations.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield joins us to discuss the significance of summer well-child visits. From infancy to young adulthood, these visits play a crucial role in monitoring your child's growth, development, and overall well-being. Dr. Fitzpatrick highlights the importance of building a trusting relationship with your child's provider and the significance of these visits in empowering children to advocate for their own health as they grow older.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Angel Kerney, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield dives into the significance of preventive screenings, focusing on cervical cancer. By emphasizing the benefits of early detection and treatment, Dr. Kerney provides valuable insights and encourages individuals to prioritize their healthcare needs.
In part 2 of this two-part series on loneliness, we return to the discussion with Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, to explore the impact of loneliness on specific populations, such as seniors and teens. He shares steps individuals can take to avoid the long term effects of experiencing loneliness and how parents and caregivers can also provide support.
In part 1 of this two-part series on loneliness, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield explores the concept of loneliness and its impact on an individuals' overall wellness. He discusses the factors that disrupt social connections and addresses how to prevent its negative impacts on health and wellbeing
Medication adherence refers to taking prescription medicine correctly as prescribed. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and president of pharmacy solutions at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the importance of medication adherence as well as how to save money on prescription medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at any given time, half of all patients are not taking their medications as prescribed. Are you?
Some people may think colon cancer is mainly a man's disease, but the truth is, almost as many women as men are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield joins us for this episode of the Community Check-In to talk about the shocking reality of colorectal cancer and how screening can save lives. Whether you’re insured or not, screenings for colorectal cancer are free and very important for everyone.
Have you ever heard of the term “exercise snacking”? In this episode of the Community Check-In, Janette Westman, wellbeing engagement consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks about this fascinating concept that is meant to keep ourselves happy and healthy. Janette also touches upon some simple tips to filling our plates with healthy food and avoiding unhealthy temptations. It’s time for all of us to work together to improve our physical and mental health!
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the
postnatal period. It affects every single woman, regardless of race or ethnicity. Yet there are higher childbirth complications rates for Black and Hispanic women regardless of age - why is that? Dr. Gina Cuyler, vice president of health equity and community investments at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses these health disparities in this episode of the Community Check-In. There is so much that can be done, on an individual level, to help reduce these maternal health disparities and make sure every woman has culturally sensitive access to the care that they need and deserve.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Sady Fischer, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the importance of DEI commitments, especially in the workplace. Sady lays out how locally, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is working to create more inclusive, equitable environments year-round. Companies across the nation have shared their own commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion but not quite like this
In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, senior medical director, behavioral health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the mental health impact the pandemic has had on our children – and how we can help.
We spend a lot of our time at work – often 8 hours a day or more. This means the culture at work can have a big impact on our wellbeing. In this episode of the Community Check-In, two members from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s HR team, Jason Helsdon and Dona Clasen, dig into what it means to have a positive workplace culture and why it’s so important.
We’re in the midst of the holiday season and while it’s often a joyful time filled with family moments, it can also be quite stressful for folks for a variety of reasons. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, about how we can manage the stress that comes this time of year.
In this episode, Registered Dietitian and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Wellbeing Engagement Consultant, Pat Salzer, talks to us about practical ways to stay healthy during the holiday season and beyond to help us feel our best.
Healthy aging is a goal everyone aspires to. In this episode, Renee Sabin-Haggerty, Director of Medicare Part D Strategy & Operations at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the tips to help Medicare members simplify as well as economize on their prescription medications.
When we think of health insurance, we often get overwhelmed by choices and costs. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Todd Muscatello, SVP of Segment Strategy and Performance at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, talks about all the ways you can get health insurance, how to find the right plan for you, and even how to get more from your plan.
In this episode, Dr. Erin Conway, Medical Director with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks to us about breast cancer awareness and screening. Did you know, a mammogram can detect breast cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most successful, but unfortunately not all women are being screened. Dr. Conway and Joe discuss why this may be and how we can change it.
In this episode, Joe and Dr. Stephen Cohen, Chief Medical Officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, tackle a topic that’s a question for a lot of people – one they may not think of as being part of their health routine – and that’s “why should I have health insurance?”
Medicare can seem confusing. It often features a variety of plans, coverage choices, premium levels and enrollment rules. In this episode, we have Tameria Terrell, regional medicare advisor for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on to walk us through the ins and outs of Medicare, including who is eligible, what plans are out there, and most importantly, what benefits Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers to individuals ready to receive a Medicare coverage plan.
When we think about taking care of our health, we often think about working out, eating healthy and avoiding germs. But, taking medications as prescribed is also a key ingredient in our overall health management. In this episode, Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer and Vice President of Integrated Clinical Strategy for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks about the importance of sticking with your medication plan, and ways to reduce costs all along the way.
As kids head back to school, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, senior medical director, behavioral health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the mental health impact the pandemic has had on our children – and how we can help.
Dr. Gina Cuyler, vice president of health equity and community investments at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield here talks to us about menthol-flavored tobacco products and how they're proven to be more addictive and harder to quit. Yet tobacco companies continue to use this popular flavor to attract and recruit new smokers, making this a serious health issue for our communities.
In this episode, Pat Salzer, registered dietitian and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield wellbeing engagement consultant talks to us about the concept of mindful eating and how incorporating this practice into our lives can lead to improved health and wellbeing.
Change can bring on stress. Unrecognized, stress can cause burnout. Two-thirds of workers surveyed by Indeed said the pandemic has worsened employee burnout. Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, designs and supports internal employee wellness programs there. This podcast will help you learn about the causes of burnout and how to avoid it by potentially changing how we feel and react to ongoing significant changes.
In this episode, Dr. Angel Kerney, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks to us about the importance of getting screened for cancer and how early detection makes it one of the most successfully treatable cancers.
The last few years have left a lot of people hurting. Many of us have endured stress, anxiety, social isolation, economic uncertainty and more during COVID-19. This has all taken a toll on our mental health. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Geoffrey Hopkins, senior medical director, behavioral health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has an honest conversation about this and discusses how none of us are alone. We can all get through the stresses of everyday life and no one has to suffer in silence.
Some people may think colon cancer is mainly a man’s disease, but the truth is, almost as many women as men are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield joins us for this episode of the Community Check-In to talk about the shocking reality of colorectal cancer and how screening can save lives. Whether you’re insured or not, screenings for colorectal cancer are free and very important for everyone.
It is never too early to arrange the medical and dental visits your children will need over the summer break from school. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses how to navigate what annual visits are essential for children and when these should be scheduled.
In this episode of the Community Check-In, Sady Fischer, director of diversity, equity and
inclusion at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the importance of DEI commitments, especially in the workplace. Sady lays out how locally, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is working to create more inclusive, equitable environments year-round. Companies across the nation have shared their own commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion but not quite like this.
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the
postnatal period. It affects every single woman, regardless of race or ethnicity. Yet there are higher childbirth complications rates for black and Hispanic women regardless of age - why is that? Dr. Gina Cuyler, vice president of health equity and community investments at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses these health disparities in this episode of the Community Check-In. There is so much that can be done, on an individual level, to help reduce these maternal health disparities and make sure every woman has culturally sensitive access to the care that they need and deserve.
Medication adherence refers to taking prescription medicine correctly as prescribed. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Dr. Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and vice president of clinical strategy and innovation at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield discusses the importance of medication adherence as well as how to save money on prescription medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at any given time, half of all patients are not taking their medications as prescribed. Are you?
What is prediabetes, how is it treated and how can it be prevented? In this episode of the Community Check-In, Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs for safety net programs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield answers these important questions about this common but preventable disease. Prediabetes is extremely common, in fact, one third of adults are prediabetic and most don’t even know it. Lorna speaks out about prediabetes in the hopes of helping community members avoid this serious health issue.
Have you ever heard of the term “exercise snacking”? In this episode of the Community Check-In, Pat Salzer, wellbeing engagement consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield talks about this fascinating concept that is meant to keep ourselves happy and healthy. Pat also touches upon some simple tips to filling our plates with healthy food and avoiding unhealthy temptations while keeping costs down. It’s time for all of us to work together to improve our physical and mental health!
Medicare can be confusing. Sometimes, it’s hard to navigate who is eligible for Medicare and what plans are even out there. In this episode of the Community Check-In, Elisa Brescia, Medicare sales consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield takes us through the ins and outs of Medicare. Elisa breaks down the process and reassures those of us who may be overwhelmed that we have choices, we have resources and most importantly, we have access. Elisa also details what Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Star Quality Ratings mean for members in the community who are eligible.