USING THE INTERNET FOR HEALTHCARE

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USING THE INTERNET FOR HEALTHCARE INSURANCE
INFORMATION
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Todays Speakers

• Donna scherer- a nurse with expertise on the
  internet
• Anita johnson- parent of two children with
  special needs who uses the internet
• Faye manaster eldar- moderator and mother of maya
  who is 18 and deaf/blind

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What Is The Internet?

• A network of connected computers that allow
  people to communicate

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Getting Started- You Will Need

• A computer with an operating system and a
  processor
• A modem-allows you to connect with other
  computers
• A monitor- the television screen
• A internet service provider (for example AOL-
  america On line)

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Hints

• Dont be frightened, you cant do anything wrong
• At first it is trial and error
• Take a class at the library, school district,
  park district, or community college
• It takes everyone a lot of time at first

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Your Local Library

• Many libraries have computers you can use
• You might need to sign up in advance
• Some schools and hospitals have computers you can
  use

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What Can The Internet Help You Find?

• Information about a specific diagnosis or health
  condition
• Research various hospitals
• Information about insurance plans and health
  maintenance organizations
• Sites of professional and disability
  organizations, government offices

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Things You Can Find On An Insurance Site

• Approved providers
• Frequently asked questions called faqs
• Health wellness information

• Information about processes
• Claims
• Names of staff

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What Is A ???

• Site map- a page on a website that lists the
  different pages you find. May tell you about the
  content of a page
• Search- a way to look for information. You type
  in the name of a search engine ( lycos, goto.Com,
  northernlight.Com) then type the topic you are
  looking for
• Links- connections to other sites

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How Can You Tell If Information Is Accurate And
Helpful?

• Look at who is providing the information-
• If it is a university or the federal government
  it is probably factual
• If it is sponsored by a company, think about what
  they are selling
• Notice that a site may have both information and
  advertising

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How Can You Tell If Information Is Accurate And
Helpful?

• Is the website written by an individual and
  describes their experiences? Or by a group with a
  specific interest?
• Can you contact the website?
• When was it last updated?

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Types Of Websites

• Those related to a specific condition- for
  example - united cerebral palsy
  http//www.Ucp.Org
• General health site- example http//www.Healthfind
  er.Com

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Types Of Websites

• Government site-national information center for
  children and youth with disabilities
  http//www.Nichcy.Org/
• An individuals site- ask a friend to see if they
  know anyone with their own website

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Looking for Help to Get a Computer? Try

• Civic organizations
• Advocacy groups
• Churches
• Call a friend with a computer- trade time on
  their computer for something else

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Benefits Of The Internet To Families

• Increases ability to get information
• Parents do not have to leave home to get
  information
• You can talk to other families in chat rooms- a
  site where you go and type in your thoughts and
  others respond

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Benefits Of The Internet To Families

• You can find support groups for your childs
  illness or disability
• You can get newsletters electronically
• You can join a list serve- a mailing list where
  you can post information for others

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Advice On Listserves

• Pick one that you think will provide information
  that you are looking for
• You may get a lot of information, so you want it
  to be of interest to you

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Advice On Chatrooms

• Proceed cautiously- everyone in the chat room may
  not be there for the same reason
• You can visit a chatroom and read the comments
  without participating

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Using Internet Information Your Md

• If you find information on the internet, you can
  share it with your childs physician
• Your physician may refer you to a website as a
  resource

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Difference Between Support In Person And On The
Internet

• Neither takes the place of the other
• In person, you have the human touch- on the
  internet you have letters and symbols

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Difference Between Support In Person And On The
Internet

• It is time consuming to type, in detail, what
  your issues are, but you can chat on the internet
  when it is convenient for you
• In person, brothers and sisters may be invited
  and receive support

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Great Site For Kids

• Bandaids and blackboards
• Http//funrsc.Fairfield.Edu/jfleitas/kidsintro.Ht
  ml
• Has stories written by children and teenagers
  about their illnesses
• Information for parents, teachers, and families
  about chronic illness

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Friendly Advice

• Dont be frightened
• Ask a friend to help you
• Start with one site

• Keep in mind, it is just another resource
• Double check the source of information, ask your
  physician

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To View Websites That We Have Selected- Click
Resources On Our Home Page
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