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As the cost of spine surgery continues to rise, HealthPartners is asking patients to consider less-expensive and possibly more effective alternatives for dealing with their back pain. In 2007, HealthPartners estimates that more than $15 million was spent on approximately 600 spinal fusions, which is more than $25,000 per surgery.

Beginning in February, HealthPartners will require network providers to encourage patients seeking lumbar fusion to participate in shared decision making to discuss their treatment options. This change was spurred by a four-year analysis by HealthPartners that found some patients were not getting appropriate care for low-back pain and had received treatments that weren't evidence-based.

Currently, surgeons must get prior approval to perform certain lumbar fusion treatments to treat back pain. Other Minnesota commercial health plans don't require providers to obtain prior authorization for spinal fusions, but the state has added a requirement to certain public health insurance programs.

Learn more about the shared decision making process.

If you have HSA clients, the IRS just released a new document for HSA account holders – Form 8889. This form must be attached to tax Form 1040 to report any HSA activity in 2008, including contributions, deductions and distributions.

There are some important differences between the 2007 and 2008 version. The 2008 version of Form 8889 reflects the 2008 contribution limits and includes pertinent aspects of IRS guidance issued during 2008. The updated Form 8889 also shows you how to report contributions and distributions of Economic Stimulus Payments. The instructions for Form 8889 include expanded tips as well.

You can review Form 8889 and Form 8889’s instructions on the IRS Web site.

Employers who offer HSA plans may want to share this information with their employees.

In 2009, we’re kicking off a new update for clients called “Fringe Benefits.” This monthly e-mail will remind clients about the great value-adds we offer our members. Fringe Benefits will help ensure that employers and their employees are getting the most value for their healthcare dollar. This month’s issue will feature our health club discounts, Frequent Fitness and GlobalFit.

Our Frequent Fitness program continues to grow. Members now have even more choices and chances to save money while achieving a healthy lifestyle.  Now, members who enroll or are enrolled in the Frequent Fitness program will have access to more than 860 locations in the HealthPartners service region.

The Frequent Fitness program offers fully insured members (two per household) up to a $20 reimbursement for working out 12 times a month.

New clubs to join Frequent Fitness effective January 1, 2009:

1. Advantage Health – 5th Street Fitness Center – Minneapolis
2. Mesaba Athletic Club – Hibbing
3. New Richmond Area Centre – (previously New Richmond Area YMCA)
4. Northsite Health Club – International Falls
5. Physiques – Sandstone
6. Pine City Health & Fitness – Pine City
7. Radisson Fitness Center – Plymouth

Learn more about Frequent Fitness.

As our client base and membership continues to expand, so does our network. In fact, we’ve recently added a large number of providers. We’re committed to providing access to the providers your clients demand – nationwide. No matter where your clients live, work or travel, we’ve got them covered. Additions last month included:

Medical – Minnesota
Axis Medical Center – Minneapolis
St. Mary’s Innovis Health – Detroit Lakes
St. Mary’s Innovis Health – Frazee
St. Mary’s Innovis Health – Lake Park
St. Mary’s Innovis Health – Mahnomen

Medical – South Dakota
Avera Hoek Medical Clinic – DeSmet
Sanford Clinic – Ipswich

Dental – Minnesota
Children’s Dental Services – Apple Valley
Children’s Dental Services – Maxfield-St. Paul
Children’s Dental Services – Mendota
Children’s Dental Services – North St. Paul
Children’s Dental Services – Sabathani-Minneapolis
Children’s Dental Services – Shakopee
Family Dental Clinic, PA – Minneapolis
Midwest Dental – South St, Paul
Shoreview Dental Associates, LLC – Shoreview
Smiles for Life – Bloomington

Try out our new search function to see just how easy it is to find a network provider quickly and simply. Provider Search

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