Health

HEALTH • Summer 2017 23 Making the connection between oral and overall health S itting in the dentist's chair, few patients realize that their mouth is a gateway to the health of their entire body. Without good oral health care, bacteria can build up on teeth, caus- ing inflammation and gum disease, which can cause problems through- out the body. For example, gum inflammation seems to weaken the body's ability to control blood sugar for people with diabetes. The good news is that treating one condition can help bring the other under control. Studies indicate that patients who have gum disease along with diabetes or other chronic con- ditions achieve better overall health outcomes when their gum disease is managed. Research also indicates that medical costs may be lower for these patients when they get care for their gum disease. The opportunity for improved health outcomes and reduction in cost cannot be overlooked. As reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association, patients with diabetes have a three to four times higher risk of also having gum disease. A variety of other con- ditions are also linked to gum dis- ease, including cardiac disease; stroke; pulmonary disease; rheuma- toid arthritis; osteoporosis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Collaborating for better health outcomes Recognizing the link between oral health and overall health, Tufts Health Plan and Delta Dental of Massachusetts have formed an innovative collaboration. Working together as medical and dental insurance carriers, the goal is to improve the health of our members while controlling the rising costs of care. We have identified opportunities for sharing medical and dental data to achieve better health outcomes, and for getting members and healthcare providers more engaged on the issue. The collaboration builds off a pilot program that targeted people with chronic conditions who had cover- age with both companies. It also fol- lows a similar collaboration estab- lished last fall between Tufts Health Freedom Plan in New Hampshire, which offers employer–sponsored plans, and Northeast Delta Dental. The central touchpoint for mem- bers with chronic conditions is the nurse care manager at Tufts Health Plan. This spring, our nurses received intensive training on the importance of good oral care in pro- tecting overall health. The goal is to enhance the value of care through thoughtful, informed outreach to members and health care providers. Employer discounts, innovation Because we are confident in the potential for cost-savings from our collaboration, we are offering employers an insurance premium discount of up to 1 percent when they select coverage with both com- panies. The discount is available to employers with 250 or fewer enrolled employees (excluding small-group employers). The key to closing the gap between oral and overall health is innovation, especially for members with chronic conditions like diabe- tes. For example, we are seeking permission from employer-group customers to analyze employee data, identify those with diabetes, and reach out with regular remind- ers to visit the dentist. Also, we are exploring the possibility of testing a patient's hemoglobin A1c levels right in the dentist's office to encourage better management of diabetes. We realize that better overall health outcomes and lower costs will not be achieved immediately. But Tufts Health Plan and Delta Dental of Massachusetts are com- mitted to working together toward lasting improvements. Dr. Claire Levesque is chief medical officer for commercial products at Tufts Health Plan, which has offices in Worcester. BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION By Dr. Claire Levesque COACHING A proven Leadership Coach ready to maximize your potential for insight, growth and smart decision making. TutiScott.com FACILITATION Customized workshops and retreats for Team Building, Planning and Effective Communication. ImaginePhilanthropy.com Educating and energizing leaders for 20 years. Tuti + YOU = Results H A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY... A NEW BUILDING... A MAJOR COMPANY MILESTONE Whether it's the celebration of a major anniversary or the opening of a new headquarters, Worcester Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division can help you create a custom magazine for your business. Our division's top flight team of writers and designers can help you tell your story – and make your business look great! Based on our unique publishing model, it's surprisingly affordable. Can we create a CUSTOM magazine for you? Call WBJ Custom Corporate Project Director Christine Juetten at 508-755-8004 ext. 270. Worcester Business Journal WBJ Custom Publishing Division Celebrating 50 Years of Growth, Jobs and Development 1 50 Years 1 9 6 5 - 2 0 1 5 C E L E B R A T I N G An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal Shrewsbury Public Library: Building the Next Chapter SHREWSBURY Building the Next Chapter public library

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