Krames StayWell’s Self Care Decision Tool Helps Consumers Make Better Choices about Treatment

Business Wire, Inc.

New enhancements made to Symptom Checker

EVANSTON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Krames StayWell, a health care communications and engagement solutions company, released its next generation Symptom Checker, an interactive and mobile self care decision tool. The product now includes an expanded and independent pediatric version, a medication dosage guide, medication and allergy trackers and a share feature to send care instructions and advice to another party. The new features provide additional information and tools for health plan members and consumers to determine the appropriate care plan and share the information with relevant parties, such as physicians or other caregivers.

“The health care industry is rapidly changing, but one thing is very clear – the market is shifting to a more consumer-centric model,” said Sue Lewis, executive vice president, Krames StayWell. “In the coming years, it will be more and more important for health plans to reach and engage members individually and provide them with the tools to better manage their care. Symptom Checker is a resource to help members make better decisions about their health.”

Recently, Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation (PPIC) found that use of the self-care decision tool generated more than five dollars in savings for every dollar that was invested. Looking for a way to connect with and engage members who don't respond to traditional media and to help travelers find the appropriate care away from home, PPIC used the symptom checker mobile app to reach a targeted population of their members. PPIC also reports success in reducing emergency room utilization in targeted locations by more than 20 percent as a result of the mobile app and a focused communication campaign using traditional media.

“Our original intent in launching the mobile self-care app was to provide our members – particularly those who are hard to reach – with a tool to find the appropriate care,” said Steve Sorenson, director of marketing and product innovation, Physicians Plus Corporation. “The interest and wide use of the app has exceeded our expectations, with 4,000 downloads to date. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to offer this valuable benefit to our members to help them find the right care, at the right place, at the right time, and due to the high utilization we’ve also recognized significant savings in the program investment.”

About Symptom Checker

Krames StayWell Symptom Checker is a series of interactive web and mobile decision support care guides that describe the most appropriate care for common health symptoms and minor injuries. The guides are designed to provide decision support, helping health plan members and patients determine the most appropriate setting for treatment and provide basic instruction on how to relieve and manage symptoms of minor illnesses and injuries.

Symptom Checker contains 160 photographs, 81 adult care guides and 99 pediatric care guides and is based on Schmitt-Thompson clinical protocols used by more than 10,000 physician practices and 90 percent of medical call centers in North America. These protocols have been tested in more than 15 million symptom calls, and are used and distributed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The interactive guides can be incorporated into a health plan’s website and are also available on iPhone and Android smart phones.

About Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation

Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation is a nationally recognized managed care organization focused on providing high-quality, innovative products and services that help improve the health of our members and the community. Founded in 1986 and owned by Meriter Health Services and local doctors, Physicians Plus provides health insurance to over 100,000 members in south central Wisconsin, and proudly supports dozens of organizations that serve our community.

About Krames StayWell

Krames StayWell is the largest provider of patient education, consumer health information, and population health management communications in the country. Combining extensive technology and content assets with vast consumer insights and a strategic approach, Krames StayWell is uniquely qualified to engage consumers across the entire spectrum of their health care experience. Our best-in-class health communication solutions integrate print, interactive, and mobile formats at multiple touch points to attract and retain consumers, improve health outcomes, and lower costs. We deliver measurable results for hospital, healthcare professional, health plan, employer, retail pharmacy, government, and association clients with world-class design, commitment to health literacy principles, and a focus on custom development. For more information, please visit www.kramesstaywell.com.