Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO) and Presbyterian MediCare PPO | Fall 2020 | Your Story

www.phs.org/Medicare 7 The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO) and Presbyterian Medicare PPO members call: (505) 923-6060 or 1-800-797-5343 , TTY: 711 Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) members call: (505) 923-7675 or 1-855-465-7737 , TTY: 711 Other important numbers PresRN (nurse advice line): (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300 , TTY: 711 Routine transportation (for non-emergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 (for D-SNP members only) New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 ( 1-855-NMCRISIS ) Keep these numbers handy If anything about your medicine isn’t clear—for instance, how often and how much to take—tell your doctor or pharmacist. Medication safety tips for seniors The older we get, the more crowded our medicine cabinets tend to get. Taking multiple medicines, as many older adults do, can increase the risk for harmful drug interactions or other problems. Here are five tips for taking medicines that can help you stay safe at any age: 1. Do tell. Make sure all of your doctors know about everything you’re taking. This includes any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements. If you’re thinking of trying a new drug or supplement, let your doctors know that too. Combining some medicines could cause side effects. 2. Understand your meds. Read the label and any other information that comes with your medicines. Find out what each one is for. If anything about your medicine isn’t clear—for instance, how often and how much to take—tell your doctor or pharmacist. 3. Report problems promptly. If you have any problems with your medicine, tell your doctor right away. He or she may be able to suggest a different medicine. But don’t stop taking a medicine without first getting your doctor’s OK. 4. Take your meds on time. Do you sometimes forget to take your medicines? Consider using a calendar, chart, or pillbox to keep track. You could also ask your pharmacist to put your medicines in blister packs. Or if possible, take your medicines at the same time as another daily routine, like brushing your teeth. 5. Use one pharmacy. Having all of your prescription records in one place can help your pharmacist ensure that you don’t receive two drugs that can interact. Sources: National Council on Patient Information and Education; National Institute on Aging