Heart Health Event in Catonsville
Aetna Medicare Clarification
Important Clarification About Aetna Medicare Letters
Dear Valued Patient,
We’ve heard from some patients that they recently received a letter from Aetna Medicare saying their Woodholme Cardiology doctor is no longer in Aetna’s network.
Please don’t worry — this information is outdated.
There have been no changes to Aetna Medicare coverage since January 1, 2025. The letter you received appears to be an old one that was mistakenly sent out again by Aetna.
Here’s a quick summary of what actually changed on January 1, 2025:
✔ If your Aetna Medicare is through your Employer:
- You are still in-network with all our doctors.
- No changes to your coverage.
✔ If you bought an Individual Aetna Medicare PPO Plan:
- You can still see our doctors.
- Out-of-network benefits must be included in your plan.
- You may have to pay higher copays or coinsurance.
✘ If you bought an Individual Aetna Medicare HMO Plan:
- These plans do not include out-of-network coverage.
- Aetna will not pay for your visits with us.
✔ If you have traditional Medicare and Aetna as your secondary coverage:
- There are no changes.
- Your coverage is still active and fully in place.
If you have any questions or need help understanding your plan, please email Susan Brown at Sbrown20@lifebridgehealth.org.
We’re here to help!
Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring
Dear Patient,
Your Health Matters to Us
At Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates, our priority is keeping you healthy, delivering the right levels of care at the right time to keep you at home, and out of the hospital. We are proud to be an integral part of your healthcare team and are excited about introducing a new remote patient monitoring program called “Blip Care.”
What is Blip Care?
Blip Care is a remote monitoring program that will enhance your ability to manage your high blood pressure (hypertension) at home. The device is easy to use, and the data transmits to our portal in real-time, safely, and securely.
As an eligible member in our Blip Care program, you will receive a free blood pressure device that you will use to monitor your blood pressure daily at home. You’ll also have regular contact with a dedicated monitoring technician who can help answer your questions about your blood pressure. This technician, with the assistance of your physician, can also give you guidance, support, extra resources, and can help coach you to better health.
How do I Participate
Patients who are interested should email Ari Weiss at Aweiss@lifebridgehealth.org. Participation in the Blip Care program is optional; however, we do encourage you to participate and take advantage of this free blood pressure monitor. Remote patient monitoring is covered by Medicare and most major insurance carriers. Monthly costs (if applicable) will be discussed prior to enrolling in the program.
Wishing you good health,
Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates
No-Show Fee Notification
Please note the following policy change: If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the office at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. If you miss your follow-up appointment and do not call to cancel, a $25 no-show fee will be applied to your account. If you are a New Patient and fail to show up for your scheduled appointment, a $50 no-show fee will be applied to your account. Thank you for your understanding.
Wear Red for Heart Health Day
This February, Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates proudly supports Wear Red for Heart Health Day and Heart Health Month, a nationwide movement initiated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and its impact on our health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and education in maintaining heart health.
Wear Red Day, held on the first Friday of February, symbolizes our collective commitment to fighting heart disease. By donning red, we not only honor those affected by heart disease but also spread the message of hope and the importance of heart health.
Throughout Heart Health Month, Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates encourages everyone to take actionable steps towards improving heart health. This includes adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor heart health.
How You Can Participate:
- Wear Red on Wear Red Day: Show your support and help raise awareness by wearing red on the first Friday of February.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Share information about heart disease prevention and the importance of heart health with friends, family, and your community.
- Get Involved: Participate in local events or online forums focused on heart health awareness.
- Make Heart-Healthy Choices: Commit to a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against heart disease. Let’s wear red and stand united for heart health this February.
For more information about heart health and how you can get involved, contact Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates.
Setting Realistic Heart Health Goals for the Year
New Year, New You: Setting Realistic Heart Health Goals for the Year
As we step into a fresh new year, it’s a great time to focus on one of the most important aspects of our lives – our heart health. At Woodholme Cardiovascular, we believe that setting realistic goals is key to maintaining and improving heart health. Here are some attainable objectives to consider for a heart-healthy 2024:
- Get Moving: Regular physical activity is vital for heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. This can include brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Remember, it’s more about consistency than intensity.
- Eat for Your Heart: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart. Focus on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals. Try to limit saturated fats, salt, and sugars. Small, gradual changes in your diet can lead to significant benefits.
- Monitor Your Health: Regular health check-ups are essential. Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart-related metrics. If you’re due for a screening or have concerns about your heart health, make an appointment with one of our specialists at Woodholme Cardiovascular.
- Cut Down on Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your heart. Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, or simply spending time with loved ones. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Quit Smoking: If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. We understand it’s challenging, but our team can provide resources and support to help you through this process.
- Stay Informed: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Stay informed about heart health by following our blog and social media channels for the latest updates and tips.
Setting realistic goals is the first step towards a healthier heart this year. Remember, it’s not about drastic changes overnight, but about making small, sustainable improvements. Your journey to a healthier heart is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s make 2024 a year of positive changes!
For more information or to schedule a consultation, Contact Us at Woodholme Cardiovascular. Here’s to a heart-healthy new year!
The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.
This vibrant and meaningful event focused on raising awareness about the importance of heart health. One of the key topics discussed was elevated blood pressure, a critical concern in cardiovascular care. We were pleased to showcase our innovative Blip Care program, which has played a pivotal role in helping our patients effectively manage and control their high blood pressure.
Participating in community events like this reinforces our commitment to education, prevention, and proactive heart health management.
Pictured below: Susan Brown (left), Practice Manager, and Shannon Murphy (right), Lead Medical Assistant.