Better Prepared accomplishes demand reduction by helping participants to make healthier lifestyle choices and learn more about self-management of their condition thereby reducing severity and incidence of medical services.  Registered nurse consultants work with participants by:

· Assessing their current health status through a physician assessment, a written self-assessment and by a telephone interview with a nurse.
· Conducting proactive health teaching via telephone a minimum of once a month.
· Reinforcing physician treatment regimens.
· Addressing lifestyle behaviors.
· Identifying appropriate community resources and/or intervention programs.
· Providing educational and emotional support.
· Monitoring their progress.
· Advising them on insurance coverage and benefit options.

Since inception of Better Prepared in 1993, more than 7,000 people have participated in the program.  Individuals are targeted for recruitment into the program through claims codes and pharmaceutical data.

Better Prepared is staffed by 20 registered nurses with a minimum of five years of clinical experience in a variety of fields including medical/surgical, critical care and women’s health.  Additionally, participants can speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling a toll-free number.