Getting regular care is an important way to stay healthy. Parkland Community Health Plan offers several benefits and services that make it easier to access the care you need. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) NEMT benefits are available to all STAR members. Services include no-cost rides to and from the doctor, dentist, hospital, drugstore, or other Medicaid service providers. If you need a ride, PCHP may be able to help with: Public transportation, like the city bus. Money to buy gas. A taxi ...
Knowing your family's health history is a powerful way to protect your child. It helps you stay proactive about their well-being and helps your doctor catch potential issues early. Well-child checkups are an important part of your child's growth. They typically happen about once a year (children under age 3 usually have a checkup every few months). During these visits, your child's doctor will use your family's health history to look for growth problems, learning delays, and other health concerns. So, h...
Is your toddler saying their first words? Can they stack blocks or kick a ball? Watching your child learn and grow is exciting—and sometimes confusing. How do you know if they’re on track? At every well-child visit, your child’s doctor checks if they’re reaching key milestones . These are skills most children develop by certain ages, like walking, talking, and playing with others. Here’s what to look for from ages 1 to 5, along with simple ways you can help your child learn, grow, and have fun. On...
In Texas, babies and children are encouraged to get several different vaccines to help protect them from serious disease. These vaccines are safe, effective ways to help your child stay healthy. See below for a list of common vaccines your child may receive.* Ask your child’s primary care provider (PCP) for a record when they get their shots. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your PCP. COVID-19 vaccine Protects against: COVID-19 , a contagious respiratory illness. Recommended for: Ev...
Have you heard of opioids, but aren’t sure what they are or why people use them? Keep reading for a list of frequently asked questions about opioids and their potential risks. What are opioids? Opioids, also known as narcotics, are strong medicines that help treat moderate to severe pain. They are often used after surgery or for injuries, chronic headaches, or backaches. They include both prescription medications and illegal drugs (such as heroin). Common prescription medications containing op...
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. When someone has sickle cell disease, their red blood cells become hard and sticky. When they travel through small blood vessels, sickle cells get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other health problems such as infection and stroke. PCHP’s STAR (Medicaid) members with sickle cell disease now have access to a treatment called gene therapy, which can help improve their quality of life. The process usually ...
Does your child or teen have a tough time controlling their emotions, making friends, or coping with life situations? If so, they’re not alone! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder and might benefit from psychotherapy. This type of therapy – which can be used instead of or in addition to medication – may be right for your child. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can help children and teens understand ...
Moms and Dads—it’s time to get your child ready for back to school. Whether that means daycare, preschool, or K-12, Parkland STAR and CHIP plans can help! Your STAR or CHIP coverage offers: well-child checkups vaccines sports physical exams vision exams and eyeglasses dental checkups ADHD and behavioral health hearing tests and hearing aids Well-Child Checkups Babies and toddlers should see the doctor several times a year. After age three, most children will need a checkup only once a...
Do you have trouble remembering to take your asthma medication? You’re not alone! Many people with asthma struggle to take their medication – but you shouldn’t give up. Not taking your medicine can lead to some serious consequences. Frequent and severe asthma attacks. If you aren’t taking your medications, you may experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks. You may have more frequent shortness of breath, disrupted sleep, and wheezing on a daily basis. Increased use of rescue me...
You may have heard recent news reports about a measles outbreak in Texas. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to keep from getting the measles. If you haven’t gotten the vaccine yet, it’s important to be aware of potential symptoms. There is no specific treatment for measles. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease. If you think you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles, call your doctor or clinic right away to find out if you need to be tested or if you can be vaccin...
You may have seen recent news reports about measles outbreaks in Texas and other states. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through the air. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and red, watery eyes. Measles can cause serious complications – including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) – in babies, children under age 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best ...
You can help prevent most diabetes complications from developing if you take care of your diabetes. Use this list to stay on schedule with your diabetes management. Your primary care doctor or your diabetes care team may recommend a different schedule or different goals. If so, please follow their advice for your personal diabetes care schedule. Every Day: Blood sugar checks Foot check If you have cuts, redness, swelling, corns, calluses, or changes in your skin or nails, contact your doctor immediately...
Doctors, pharmacists, dentists, therapists. Those are just a few members of the team who keep you at—or working toward—your best. While each provider is needed, the most important member of your health care team is you. Ready to take charge of your health in 2025? Here are some ways to get started. Plan your 2025 appointments now The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to schedule routine appointments in advance. Call your doctor, dentist, and other medical providers in January and plan your visit...
If you have a behavioral health condition, it’s important to visit your provider regularly to make sure your treatment is working. And if you have other medical issues, it is important to balance those needs with your mental health care. What is Care Coordination? Care coordination happens when all of your providers have the same information about your health needs and preferences. When your behavioral health, medical, and pharmacy providers all have access to your health records, they can work together...
It’s time to get your flu shot! Influenza, usually called “the flu,” is a virus that can make you very sick. Flu season—meaning the time most people get sick—starts in October and ends in May. Some common myths and facts about the flu are shown below. Use this information to make the right health choices for you and your family. Myth : I don’t need the flu shot because I'm healthy. Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone gets a flu shot begin...
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, more commonly known as HIV, is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system. If untreated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS is the final, most advanced stage of HIV. HIV can be treated. But it must be treated for life. Without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications like severe infections and some kinds of cancers. Signs and Symptoms If a person is going to have symptoms, they will usually appear within two to four weeks a...
Sometimes, staying healthy takes a little extra effort – and it’s nice when you can get rewarded for it! Parkland Community Health Plan’s Member Rewards program gives members the chance to earn reward points for completing health and wellness activities. Once you earn the points, you can use them to get gift cards and other items from a rewards catalog . One way to earn rewards: visiting the doctor! Earn a $20 reward value when you : Visit your primary care provider (PCP) within 90 days of joining Parkl...
Does your child have diabetes? If so, you know that some days are easier, and some days are more challenging. Diabetes is a chronic condition. That means your child will need to manage their symptoms throughout their lives. The good news is you can help your child learn to plan ahead for any medical emergencies they might experience when away from home. A good place to start? By creating a diabetes management plan. Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports co...
Does your child have asthma? If so, you know that some days are easier, and some days are more challenging. Asthma is a chronic condition. That means your child will need to manage their symptoms throughout their lives. The good news is you can help your child learn to plan ahead for any medical emergencies they might experience when away from home. A good place to start? By creating an Asthma Action Plan. Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so ...
People of all ages and backgrounds become addicted to drugs and alcohol. This includes illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. It also includes abusing prescription drugs, such as opioid pain medication or stimulants. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about one in six Americans reports they had this struggle, also called “substance use disorder.” Some signs of substance use disorder are: Not being able to reduce o...
Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and may impact a person’s ability to breathe. The good news is that it is usually easy to control with medication. Both children and adults can get asthma, but it may affect them in different ways. Asthma is usually more persistent in adults, so they often have it for a longer period of time. Kids may experience asthma symptoms on and off, with symptoms getting better as they grow up. Many signs of asthma are the same in kids and adults – but some symptoms ar...
Healthy teeth are an important part of your overall health. After all, none of us want to feel discomfort or pain when biting, chewing, brushing, flossing—and smiling! The best way to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible is to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Ask your dentist if you should come once a year or more often. Reasons to schedule a dentist appointment Even if you do not notice any symptoms, you might have a tiny cavity in a tooth or plaque or tartar beneath yo...
Sometimes, living with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming. But you don't have to go through it alone! PCHP’s Be In Control program helps members with chronic conditions to get resources that help them manage their health. If you’re part of the program, be sure to ask your case manager or doctor these questions: Am I using my medication correctly? To manage your condition, it’s important to understand the right way to take your medication. Ask your case manager or doctor about: How much medicine t...
Are there times when you want to take your child to the doctor, but struggle to find a time that fits your schedule? Maybe you’re nervous about being near other sick people at the doctor’s office, so you’ve put off a visit for a non-urgent medical issue. If you’re looking for help with a minor health issue, telehealth may be the answer. Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) offers telehealth services at no cost for all STAR and CHIP members age 0-21. This includes easy and convenient access to pediatric...
Parents usually take their children to the doctor when they don’t feel well, or if they need help with a certain condition. But regular doctor visits are an important part of your child’s care, too – even when they’re healthy. If your doctor sees you on a regular basis, they will be more likely to find health issues quickly and keep them from getting worse over time. They can also identify chronic conditions that may require additional care throughout your child’s life. Preventive care can include: Well...
Effective February 15, 2024, MinuteClinic will be part of Parkland Community Health Plan’s provider network. MinuteClinic operates in more than 100 CVS Pharmacy locations throughout Texas and offers a range of services for children and adults, including: Routine health screenings and physicals Treatment for common illnesses and injuries Vaccines Prescriptions Support for chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. You can visit the PCHP Provider Directory or the MinuteClinic website to sea...
Are you pregnant? Remember: A healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy. If you have a normal pregnancy, you will have your baby about 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. Those weeks will go by fast! Be sure to plan ahead for prenatal visits with your health care provider. During your pregnancy, you might receive care from: Obstetricians An “OB” doctor specializes in caring for pregnant women and delivering babies. If you need a cesarean section delivery, also called a “...
Life can be challenging. If you are worried about loved ones or have problems at work or home, you might have times of feeling upset, frightened, or anxious. However, if these feelings are occurring more often—or you don’t know why you feel scared or worried—you might have a condition called “generalized anxiety disorder.” Anxiety disorders can run in families. If one of your parents has an anxiety disorder, you are more likely to develop one at some point. In addition, you might notice signs of anxiety...
Most children are drawn to animals. As soon as they can walk, children try to pet, play with and feed treats to the family dog, the neighborhood cat, wildlife or pets owned by friends. Unfortunately, animals can—and often do—bite. Even if the wound seems small, it can become seriously infected. What can parents to do help their children stay safe around dogs, cats and other animals? What should parents do if their child is bitten, scratched, or injured in some other way? Get answers by reading th...
You might have high blood pressure—and not even know it. In fact, about one in two adults in the United States have high blood pressure with no symptoms. That’s why the condition, also known as hypertension, is often called “the silent killer.” High blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to other serious health conditions. The good news is that high blood pressure is easy to diagnose. If your pressure is high, you can make lifestyle changes or take medica...
Talking about mental health is not always easy. Many people worry that others will judge them or discriminate against them if they have mental health issues. This fear can stop someone from getting the help they need – and that can severely affect their life. Being open about your mental health struggles can help you find resources and get the treatment you need. When you talk about mental health challenges in the same way as physical conditions like cancer or diabetes, it helps the topic seem mo...
Getting ready for a doctor’s appointment? Then you will be filling out paperwork, also known as “medical forms.” Whether you are seeing a medical provider for a pregnancy checkup, taking your children for their annual exams, or helping a senior family member get flu shots or other care, your visit will run more smoothly if you plan ahead for the paperwork. A few weeks before your appointment, take a few minutes to gather the information you’ll need. If you are missing something, you’ll have time ...
Good health relies on three pillars: eating right, getting regular exercise, and sleeping well. If you have diabetes, you need to add two more pillars: performing regular foot exams and getting an annual eye exam. Why are these so important? Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. It is also one the main causes of amputations. Losing your eyesight or a limb is a shattering experience for most people. The good news is you can lower the risk with regular foot exams and a...
You’ve probably heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. It is one of the most common disorders among school-age kids, and it can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and staying focused. Many are also hyperactive and compulsive. Boys are three to four times more likely to have ADHD than girls. Symptoms People with ADHD have a pattern of being hyperactive, impulsive, and/or not paying attention. Symptoms may include: Not pa...
You may have heard about autism or know someone who’s been diagnosed with it. It’s a condition that that can be hard to deal with and understand. Tamara Gavin, Parkland Community Health Plan’s Vice President of Behavioral Health, shares some facts on what autism is – and what parents can do if their child is diagnosed. What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that may cause children to have limited and repeated behavior, interests, or activities. People with ASD can also have troubl...
From birth through late teen years, your child will visit the pediatrician often. Regular doctor visits are a normal part of growing up as healthy as possible. Make it easy for your child—and for you. Prepare ahead of time with these tips from Dr. Mary Strength, a pediatrician in North Texas. What kinds of appointments are available for my child? Some pediatrician visits are unplanned, such as those for diagnosing and treating sudden illness and injury. Others are scheduled in advance, such as well-baby...
Your hospital stay is over—but your recovery could continue for weeks or months. You might be back home after surgery. Maybe you stayed in the hospital for a serious illness or accident. No matter what sent you there, follow your doctor’s instructions and the tips below. We want to help you stay safe at home, so you don’t end up back in a hospital bed! Write down all instructions. New medications? Changes to current prescriptions? Write it down so you’ll remember. Make sure you have enough medication be...
It’s almost time for fall – and the start of a new school year. If you or child have diabetes, this can be a good time to get up to date with your recommended diabetes care. Visit your doctor for a checkup that includes the following: Adult Child Hemoglobin A1c lab test Usually every 3-6 months Usually every 3-6 months Referral for a diabetic eye exam Usually every one to two years, as recommended by your doctor Often starting at age 11, or as recommended by your doctor Complete foot exam to check for n...
American Heart Month is almost over. However, there’s still time to learn about heart health for yourself and your family. Have you followed our special three-part series this month? Be sure to check out the first and second blogs: “What Is Heart Disease ” and “What Are Risk Factors of Heart Disease?” Today’s blog is the final in our series. If you want to help your children avoid heart disease when they grow up, keep reading. Here, we give you tips on how to start them on the right track while t...
Regular doctor visits are important for both kids and adults – and having a primary care provider (PCP) is a great way to stay focused on your health. What is a Primary Care Provider? A PCP provides general preventive care to help you stay healthy – they can treat minor health problems and keep them from becoming more serious issues. A PCP is also known as your “medical home” because you’ll get most of your health care from them. You might visit a PCP for an annual well-child exam or adult physical exam...