Rene Silva switched to KelseyCare powered by Cigna, his wife’s benefits plan at the City of Houston, and likes the path his health is on now.
Hoping for better healthcare management, Patrolman Rene Silva switched to KelseyCare powered by Cigna – and he’s ‘mighty glad’ he did.
Police Patrolman Rene Silva was receiving treatment for Type 2 diabetes through his employer’s health benefits plan. But he didn’t feel his diabetes was being managed in a way that suited his work and lifestyle. Despite the medication he was being prescribed, his glucose levels had remained depressingly high.
“The medication I was on just wasn’t working,” he said. “I wasn’t getting any better – in fact, I felt I was getting worse.”
After discussing with his wife – employed with Houston Police Department – how he had lost confidence with the medical monitoring he was receiving, she suggested he change his medical coverage to her health benefits plan: KelseyCare.
Patrolman Silva decided to make the switch.
He met with the managing physician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Clear Lake Clinic who recommended Rene to Dr. Tom Thomas, a board-certified Kelsey-Seybold physician specializing in Endocrinology.
A Kelsey-Seybold endocrinologist tailors an individualized diabetes plan for Rene
“From the first moment I met Dr. Thomas, I liked him,” Rene said. “He wasn’t in a rush. He took the time to ask me about my work and my lifestyle. Some doctors won’t do that.”
Tom Thomas, D.O., has been nationally recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for his excellence in caring for patients with diabetes. He sees patients at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic locations in Clear Lake, Pearland and Meyerland Plaza.
Dr. Thomas took an encompassing look at Rene’s condition and changed his medication regimen to one more compatible to Rene’s sometimes-hectic law-enforcement lifestyle.
It worked: Rene’s glucose level came under control and settled into a healthier range.
“I am feeling much better now. I really appreciate what Dr. Thomas did for me,” Rene said.
Rene gets additional assistance: a nurse case manager
Once enrolled in KelseyCare, Rene got further assistance from Nurse Case Manager Mary Garay, R.N., M.S.N., who became Rene’s personal “healthcare navigator.” He knew he could count on her to help him stay on course with his medication and newly prescribed diabetes-friendly diet.
As a case manager, Mary helps coordinate care between patient and physician.
“I remind Mr. Silva to be diligent about scheduling appointments for his regular checkups and to make sure he’s keeping current on his medications,” Mary said. “I also advise him to be mindful of his dietary choices and to read the labels when grocery shopping.”
“Mary is great,” Rene said. “She helps keep me on track by giving me things to do to improve my health like exercising and watching what I eat. And it’s working. I’ve lost 30 pounds so far and my goal is to lose 20 more.”
With his health circumstances better now, Rene and his family are glad he chose KelseyCare.
