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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Balanced Outlook Helps Members Manage Depression CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2003--A new program, one of only a few of its kind in the nation, is being introduced to help individuals suffering from depression take an active role in managing symptoms of the illness. Medical Mutual of Ohio has joined with Health Integrated to offer members Balanced Outlook(TM), a SuperWell(TM) Health Management Program. Balanced Outlook is a depression management program providing education and support so that individuals can better understand the disease and take an active role in managing their depression through compliance with physician recommendations and a prescribed treatment plan. Depression is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 20 million people and costing $43.7 billion per year in medication, benefits and lost working days. Evidence has shown that depression is a condition that often can be more successfully managed when an individual is involved in taking charge of his or her illness. Balanced Outlook is a collaborative effort between the member, his or her physician and Medical Mutual. While enrolled in the program, the member's physician will continue to direct the individual's medical care. The Balanced Outlook program is the newest addition to Medical Mutual's SuperWell Health Management Program that covers a variety of illnesses and disease, offering guidance to help individuals manage symptoms. Medical Mutual is one of only a few health plans in the country to offer a health management program for depression. Administered by Health Integrated, the Balanced Outlook program provides educational materials customized to each individual member, a Depression Action Plan to help individuals control depression symptoms, regularly scheduled telephone calls by trained clinical specialists, 24-hour toll-free telephone access to trained nurses who can answer questions and provide support, and access to an information line with a variety of pre-recorded health messages. Medical Mutual members may enroll in the program through physician referral or on their own after receiving a positive screening for depression by a Health Integrated clinical professional. "Depression is a very prominent disease in the United States and we feel it's important to offer our members the best possible program to help them deal with this illness," said Paula Sauer, vice president of Care Management for Medical Mutual. "We believe the individual's treatment is enhanced when they take an active role in managing their care." "Medical Mutual's SuperWell health programs offer a unique approach to empowering its members to take control of their illnesses, and we're pleased to be working with such an innovative health plan provider," said Dr. Sam Toney, president and chief medical officer, Health Integrated. The Balanced Outlook(TM) program will help Medical Mutual's members gain an increased awareness for the best practices in managing their depression. Balanced Outlook joins the Medical Mutual SuperWell programs currently offered, including BabyLink(TM), for expectant mothers; Breathe EasyŽ, for those diagnosed with asthma or COPD; Diabetes Advantage(TM), for members with diabetes; Heart Sense(TM), for individuals diagnosed with congestive heart failure; and Pain Solutions(SM), for sufferers of musculoskeletal and chronic pain. About Medical Mutual About Health Integrated |