FORT LEE, Va. (March 10, 2016) -- Reminder calls for routine health screenings may seem like a nuisance to some, but they are a necessary tool to ensure beneficiaries remain active in their wellness program.

Emphasizing the importance of early detection through regular health screenings is a part of Kenner Army Health Clinic's mission of care. Just like any other military treatment facility, the Fort Lee clinic takes an active role in developing processes to improve the health of its beneficiaries.

The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set guidelines are the most widely used standardized performance measures for the majority of health care plans in all treatment facilities -- military and civilian. These nationally recognized standards require preventive screenings or management of chronic illnesses such as breast, cervical and colon cancer, diabetes, and chlamydia with the goal of improved health care quality. Simply put, the performance measures establish accountability in health care.

For the patient, it means the health care provided at KAHC is measured against all other health plans. A facility that provides care while following HEDIS measures receives a score, and those exceeding benchmark goals receive extra funding.

The revenue generated from HEDIS can increase the quality and delivery of care for the facility. It is used for educational programs, equipment or staff to expand the services available. In other words, a successful "report card" is achieved when all agencies work together to get preventive screenings done.

Disease Management at KAHC is involved in the collection of data used to monitor, develop, implement and evaluate HEDIS measures. The benefit of this process is helping beneficiaries maintain the necessary health screenings, lab work and follow-up care to reach optimal health.

Disease Management provides education, resources and outreach to beneficiaries to help patients' manage their care. Reminder letters, phone calls, birthday cards and health fairs are among the tools Kenner uses to market the importance of coordinated healthcare interventions and communication with patients about conditions where self-care efforts are key.

KAHC provides ambulatory services and specialty care with support from a robust network of providers within the community. Health screenings may be done "outside" of Kenner using a network provider, but the results of those exams should be shared with the clinic to ensure a complete record of care is maintained.

To schedule routine preventive health screenings, call the KAHC appointment line at 1-866-LEE-KAHC.