Preventive visits, screenings vital to early detection.
The Wellcare logo was a very familiar sight at the 107th American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky. In addition to a large Exhibit Hall booth and informational workshops, the company assisted with the claims clinic and other educational sessions, raffles and more, and sponsored the 20th Legacy Run to Louisville to kick the convention off.
Randy Smith, senior vice president of quality at Wellcare Centene, addressed the general session on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Kentucky International Convention Center to recount these events, just some of the more than 3,000 held over the course of its five-year relationship with the Legion. Smith is an Air Force veteran with more than 33 years in the healthcare field and said quality is, in fact, “the job of everyone who works in Wellcare.”
The company is committed to that relationship with The American Legion, with the two working together to help improve care in America’s communities. But his key message to the Legion Family members in attendance was this: “Take care of yourself … it’s OK to put your healthcare first.” At yearly preventive visits, health screenings can be arranged, and users can get ahead of issues and conditions – such as colon cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, which Smith said 1 out of every 2 Americans will develop – before they get less manageable. Proaction also involves immunizations and vaccinations when needed.
Smith said the best way to support healthcare in America is to support the doctor-patient relationship. Wellcare can help; its teams can make calls – even three-way calls – on behalf of users, including to pharmacies. He urged attendees to get in touch with their healthcare providers when they get home from Louisville and not be afraid to take notes. “It’s important to engage with your healthcare,” he said – and to encourage others to engage with theirs.
- Convention