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CEO Message

Howard Lee
President & CEO


Weight Watchers


Most people who know me would probably be surprised that I signed up for Weight Watchers. They’d say, “You don’t need to lose weight.” Looking back at September of this year, my weight was getting out of control as my eating habits started to deteriorate. It was at that point when I decided to make a change, I knew postponing my decision would only make losing the weight more difficult. Perhaps it was the convincing Weight Watchers Reimagined commercial that got me interested, I don’t quite remember, but I decided to give it a try. I started off with the basic program, costing about $10 per month (UHA covers Weight Watchers up to $200 after completion of the program).
 
There were a few things I took away from this experience. The Weight Watchers program is not a fad diet, but rather a lifestyle change that encourages creating better habits around nutrition, sleep, hydration, and exercise. I learned that having a credible source of knowledge coming from a certified nutritionist can be very beneficial to weight loss. In the past I’ve had results with fasting, but in the long run I found it was not sustainable for me. I also learned that I shouldn’t label foods as “good” or “bad”, not to deprive myself of things I enjoyed, and to trust that this mindset needs to be a long-term solution. Jumping on a fad diet may get you results initially, but it may not last you long term. Having a strong foundation in place that’s sustainable will help you to make lasting change.
 
I found the Weight Watchers app helpful in keeping track of what I eat. I tell people the app is like a bank checking account. It puts you on a weekly and daily point system, and you make decisions on how much you want to withdraw depending on the food choices you make. Some food groups are more expensive, while others cost nothing (you guessed it, the vegetables are free). But like finances, you have to learn to live within your budget.
 
So, if you are looking to improve your health and stay accountable, I highly recommend you give Weight Watchers a try. Through this experience I have come to understand that it is not about being perfect, but rather understanding that making better choices will improve my relationship with myself and others. I highly recommend Weight Watchers to anyone struggling with their weight or needing a better foundation for making healthier food choices. With the holidays and the new year around the corner, we can start making healthier food choices today.
 

Provider Voice

Remembering
Dr. Elizabeth Tam

Photo reprint from Star Advertiser
(courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Tam)


Written by Dr. George McPheeters, MD FACS Chief Medical Officer


We at UHA mourn the passing of local pulmonologist Dr. Elizabeth Tam. Liz was approachable, uplifting, loyal and brilliant. She died just before her 40th wedding anniversary after a remarkably short illness. She had never smoked and was always fit. 
She spent her professional life treating and preventing lung cancer and other pulmonary problems and it was a cruel twist of irony that she should succumb to it at a youthful and robust period in her life. She was the face of Hawaii’s smoking cessation campaigns.

A dedicated educator, researcher and clinician, Liz lead the Department of Medicine at John A. Burns School of Medicine for 15 years. The needs of patients came first and her trainees learned science, compassion and common sense skills. As an educator, administrator, physician, and friend, she was truly remarkable.

Liz and her husband Dr. Mark Grattan, a leading cardiothoracic surgeon, returned home to Honolulu after studying and training at the most prestigious institutions in the United States. They brought with them a son, a daughter and a very sturdy dog named Sallie. Ryan is now a pulmonary/critical care fellow at Oregon Health Sciences and Lauren runs a community-based nonprofit in San Diego. Watching the family grow was a privilege for all of us who have known them professionally and personally. From the moment of her diagnosis, Liz’s family focused exclusively on her comfort and dignity. Having gone to Kalani High School, it was fitting that for many years she lived in a house nearby, which she loved for all of its sounds and smells that made Hawaii her home. She was a true child of Hawaii. Days before her death, her first grandson, Miles, played in the yard and swimming pool, much to her delight. 
 
We all see patients and families who act heroically, and we can learn from and admire all of those experiences. Dr. Elizabeth Tam and her family have touched so many lives in Hawaii and beyond that it is worth contemplating the heroism, mutual devotion, and standards of excellence that they have established for all of us to aspire toward, both at work and personally. Her position in the community does not make her life more important or meaningful, but it was and is more visible and capable of educating and inspiring us even after her death. Speaking on behalf of everyone at UHA, I can say that we’ve lost a tremendous force for good health, good will and just plain goodness.

Featured News

IMPORTANT UPDATE Effective November 17, 2021
UHA is Working with Express Scripts and eviCore Healthcare for Prior Authorizations

In an effort to deliver an improved prior authorization process, UHA Health Insurance is pleased to announce our working relationship with Express Scripts and eviCore Healthcare to provide services for members enrolled in UHA’s health plans.
 
Effective November 17, 2021, ExpressPath PA Hub will no longer be in use. UHA participating providers may electronically request prior authorizations through eviCore for dates of service beginning November 17, 2021.

New Medical Plan, One Plan, is Coming Soon

UHA is rolling out a new zero deductible medical plan called, One Plan, to all UHA employees for 2022. Be on the lookout for more information to come on One Plan being offered to the public later this year in Spring 2022.

UHAhealth.com Has a New & Refreshed Look

 As part of our commitment to making healthcare simpler and worry-free, we’re excited to announce the new and refreshed look of the UHA Health Insurance website! The UHA website has been redesigned to help you find the services and information you need, faster. We created this Website Quick Reference Guide with top features that you’ll find helpful.
 
Check out what’s new at uhahealth.com.

REMINDER: New Federal Mandate – TIN/SSN Requirement

 
Starting January 1, 2022, UHA will be required to publish your Tax ID Number (TIN) and National Provider Identifier (NPI). If you are using your Social Security Number (SSN) as your TIN, we may be required to publish your SSN.
 
If you wish to no longer use your SSN as your TIN, please request an Employer ID number (EIN) from the IRS as soon as possible. Once you have received your EIN, complete and submit an Online Participating Provider Change Form to update your existing TIN as soon as possible.
 
If you have any questions regarding this new federal mandate, contact:
UHA Customer Services
808-532-4000
(Toll Free) 800-458-4600

New Claim Editing System


As a reminder, starting November 1, 2021, UHA has moved to a new claim editing system which aligns more closely with other commercial payers in Hawaii. We do not anticipate this implementation will cause any disruption to your claims processing. The addition of this new editing system will allow for more accurate and consistent claims processing and reimbursement.
 
If you have any questions regarding claim outcomes, contact:
UHA Customer Services
808-532-4000
(Toll Free) 800-458-4600

REMINDER: Validation Process – Online Provider Portal Registration


We have implemented new operational security controls for processing Online Provider Portal Registration requests. These added controls will help prevent fraud and ensure your information is protected.
 
A representative from UHA’s Contracting Services Department will be calling the provider’s office asking to speak with an Authorized Agent for that provider’s business entity. If we are not able to speak with an Authorized Agent, we will not be able to process your Online Provider Portal Registration request.
 
Here are some helpful tips to prevent delays in processing your forms:

Online Provider Services – new account/add new user
  • Only an Authorized Agent for the provider business entity will be permitted to set up a new account for UHA’s Online Provider Portal and add the additional users of the account.
     
  • UHA will require verbal authorization from an authorized agent via telephone to set up a new account for UHA’s Online Provider Portal and add the additional users of the account.

Provider Voice

Dr. George McPheeters, MD FACS
Chief Medical Officer


Retirements are Bittersweet


UHA often reflects on the retirement of participating physicians who have cared for our members over many years. Two recent retirements are emblematic of the loss to the entire community as physicians move out of practice. 
 
Dr. Roy Kamada has been a pillar of the local cardiology community for several generations. Countless medical students have marveled at his ability to vocalize normal and pathologic heart sounds, to walk the halls faster than anybody and to remain patient and instructive with learners at all levels. He has truly been a marvel. The depth of his knowledge, the accuracy of his judgment and the kindness he has shown to patients and staff will never be forgotten. 
 
Similarly, Dr. Howard Minami and Dr. Bill Hartman have both retired. This has reminded us at UHA that intelligence and hard work can achieve an awful lot. I was very lucky to have them both (and Michael Kaye) as guides when I started practice in general surgery. I learned quickly that gastroenterologists are a special blend of internist, medical subspecialist and technical wizard. Hawaii has benefited greatly from all of these physicians and many more just like them. We are in their debt.

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