Here is a list of questions frequently asked by physicians regarding the Mutual of Omaha Healthydirections Diabetes Program. Patient Benefits Questions: Q: Can the Mutual of Omaha Healthydirections team answer insurance coverage or benefits questions? A: No. Please call Mutual of Omaha at the number on the patient's member ID card for patient benefits or questions about patient coverage.   Q: Will you be sending my patients education materials? A: Yes, your patients will receive materials to support their specific goals. The materials we use follow the guidelines of nationally recognized organizations.   Q: If my patient participates, will his or her benefits be affected? A: No, participation is voluntary and will not affect current coverage or future eligibility.   Participation Questions: Q: What if I don't want my patients to participate? A: The program is strictly voluntary, and the decision to participate is left up to the patient. However, by electing not to participate, your patients could be missing the opportunity to be in a program that is designed to help them take better care of their condition.   Q: If my patient chooses not to participate now, can he or she join later? A: Yes, as long as he or she is an eligible health plan member, your patient can join the program anytime.   Q: Does this program require that I make a referral or authorization? A: No special referral or authorization is required for your patients to participate. Your patient needs only to consent to participate.   Outcomes Questions: Q: What type of reports will you need from my office? A: There are no standard reports we will need from your office. Occasionally our staff may request a copy of the latest lab report or report from a specialist.   Confidentiality Questions: Q: Who sees my patients' information if they participate in the program? A: If your patients choose to participate in the program, the health plan and American Healthways will have access to their information.   Q: Will my patients' information be kept confidential? A: Yes, all information will be kept confidential by the health plan and American Healthways.   Medical Management Questions: Q: If my patient has a medical problem or emergency, whom is he or she instructed to call? A: All patients calling with medical questions will be referred to their primary care physician. If a patient calls with an emergency, the patient will be directed to call 911 or to contact his or her primary care physician. In either event, you will receive faxed notification of any instructions given to your patient.   Q: Does this program take the place of my medical management of my patients? A: No, this program is an education program only. You will continue to be responsible for the medical management of your patients. Our goal is to reinforce your instructions.   Q: Is this program trying to replace me referring to a specialist? A: No. Only you can determine if your patient would benefit from a specialist. Our services are designed to help your patient achieve better self-care through education.     Return to Mutual of Omaha Healthydirections Diabetes Program.