In this issue

• Top News
  • Ticks
  • Immunization (MMR)
• Hot Topics
  • ARHome - Enhancing Patient Care with At-home Test Kits
  • Federal Employee Program (FEP)
• Metric Spotlight
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Did You Know?
• Save the Date!
• Personal Touch

Top News

Ticks

The weather is warmer and guess what’s more active during the spring and summer months…ticks!

Most tick species, especially blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and dog ticks, are most active during the late spring through summer as it’s their peak active season.

Warm weather, combined with increased outdoor activity by humans and animals, creates ideal conditions for ticks to feed and reproduce. People spend more time hiking, camping, gardening or walking pets during the summer, which increases the risk of tick bites.

Common Ticks in Arkansas

• American Dog Tick: Commonly found in grassy and brushy areas, this tick is a primary vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the state.
• Lone Star Tick: Recognizable by the white spot on its back, this tick can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis and has been associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat.
• Blacklegged Tick: Also known as the deer tick, it is the primary vector for Lyme disease, though cases are less common in Arkansas.

Tick-borne Diseases in Arkansas

Several tick-borne illnesses are prevalent in Arkansas:

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): The most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles.
• Ehrlichiosis: Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria, this disease is transmitted by the Lone Star tick. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
• Anaplasmosis: Transmitted by the blacklegged tick, this disease presents with symptoms similar to those of ehrlichiosis.
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome: An allergy to red meat and other mammalian products, linked to bites from the Lone Star tick.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of tick bites and associated diseases:

• Use Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and permethrin to clothing.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Dress in light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks, tuck pants into socks, and wear long sleeves when in tick-prone areas.
• Avoid Tick Habitats: Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grasses and brushy areas where ticks are commonly found.
• Perform Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. Remove any ticks promptly.
• Shower After Outdoor Activities: Bathing or showering within two hours can help remove ticks that may be crawling on you.

What to do after a tick bite

1. Remove Promptly: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.
2. Clean the Area: After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of tick-borne illnesses, such as fever, rash, or muscle aches, within several weeks of the bite.
4. Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Immunization (MMR)

Vaccines are essential for protecting children from serious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and more. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) helps build immunity, prevents outbreaks, and keeps both the child and the community safe. It’s a critical part of healthy childhood development and long-term public health.

What you need to know

• Triple Protection – shields your child from Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Two Doses Needed – first dose at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years for best protection
• Safe and Trusted – decades of research show the MMR vaccine is safe. No link to autism
• Stops the Spread – helps protect your whole family and community by preventing outbreaks
• Required for School – most schools and daycares need proof of MMR vaccination
• Adults May Need It Too – if you’re unsure about your own MMR status, ask your doctor-especially before traveling
• Often Given with Other Shots – can be safely combined with other routine vaccines to reduce the number of appointments.

For additional information, please click on the link below

Vaccine information statement: MMR Vaccine - What you need to know

Hot Topics

Enhancing Patient Care with At-home Test Kits

We're excited about our private, at-home test kit program, provided by LetsGetChecked. These test kits are designed to provide your patients with convenient and discreet access to essential health screenings. This innovative approach aims to reduce the stigma associated with in-person conversations while empowering patients to take control of their health.

Eligible Screenings:

• Chlamydia test for sexually active women under 25 years of age
• HPV test for women 21-64 years of age
• Hemoglobin A1c test (or HbA1c) for members taking antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Getting Started:

To see if your patients qualify for these private, at-home test kits, please direct them to call 501-500-2184. We'll guide eligible ARHOME patients through the process and provide a kit at no charge, delivered directly to their preferred address.

We're committed to supporting you in providing exceptional care for your patients. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at [email protected] call

Keep Patients Connected

Patient contact records for ARHOME patients should be updated with the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to ensure proper notification of changes to their health insurance coverage.

Information should be updated when ARHOME patients:

• Move or change their phone number/email address
• Become pregnant
• Seek to renew health insurance coverage

Patients should contact DHS at 888-987-1200, visit access.arkansas.gov or stop by their local DHS county office for assistance to update their information.

Federal Employee Program (FEP)

Federal Employees can access various preventative care services at no cost through preferred providers, including general health screenings and routine immunizations. Did you know that the Federal Employees can access a wide range of preventative care services at no cost when using a preferred provider?

General Health Screenings

These can help you and your doctor identify lifestyle changes you can make to avoid certain health conditions.

• Annual Physical
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis C
• Tobacco Use
• Well-child Visits

Immunizations and Vaccines

It is recommended that everyone receives routine vaccinations depending on age and medical history. This includes:

• Influenza (Flu Shot)
• Chickenpox
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Shingles

Did you know we reach out to your patients with the Federal Employee Program (FEP) through Blue Cross and Blue Shield to encourage them to complete important preventive care services, including general health screenings, immunizations and vaccines, and cancer screenings?

Please encourage your patients to undergo preventive cancer screenings, as early detection is crucial for improving outcomes.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI (Body Mass Index), weight management, nutrition, and physical activity counseling are crucial aspects of health and wellness, particularly for children and adolescents. BMI, a measure of weight relative to height, is used to assess the risk of obesity and related health conditions. Counseling on these areas can help individuals understand their weight status and make healthy lifestyle choices to improve their well-being.

Description of Measure

The percentage of members 3 – 17 years of age who had an outpatient visit with a PCP or an OB/GYN during the measurement year

• BMI – Weight Assessment
• BMI – Nutrition Counseling
• BMI – Activity Counseling

Exclusions

Did You Know?

As summer temperatures climb, the risk of heat-related illnesses – such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke – increases significantly. These conditions can escalate quickly and become life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Understanding the differences between them and the importance of staying hydrated is crucial for staying safe during hot weather.

Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke: Know the Difference

Heat Exhaustion is a warning sign that your body is overheating. It often results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Headache

What to do:

• Move to a cooler environment
• Loosen clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths
• Sip water
• If symptoms persist for more than an hour, seek medical attention

Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails, and the body temperature rises to 104°F or higher. It can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

• High body temperature (above 104F)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

What to do:

• Call 911 immediately
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Use cool cloths or a cool bath to lower body temperature
• Do not give the person anything to drink

The Vital Role of Hydration

Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. Water helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and facilitates essential bodily functions. Dehydration impairs the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

• Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Consume electrolyte-rich beverages during prolonged physical activity or excessive sweating
• Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body

Preventive Measures

• To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
• Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which can hinder the body’s ability to cool itself
• Monitor the color of your urine; dark urine can be a sign of dehydration

By recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and taking proactive steps to stay hydrated, you can enjoy the summer safely. Always listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness.

Save the Date!

Blueprint Primary Care Program Training (all virtual)

• July 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM
• July 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM

2025 Immunization Summit

• August 8, 2025, 8: AM to 4:15 PM
• Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, N. Little Rock
• 2025 Immunization Summit

Personal Touch: Xinyu Li

Xinyu Li is the Primary Care Data Analyst at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she began her career in 2022 following her graduation from college. She holds a degree in Business Analysis and brings expertise in SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and Python to her role.

Xinyu lives in Little Rock with her two cats, Lucky and Heyhey. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and traveling with friends—Orlando, Florida, being her favorite destination so far. This year, she proudly completed her first 10K during the Little Rock Marathon. Looking ahead, she hopes to explore both Alaska and Hawaii.

Primary Care Team

• Missy Davis, Director [email protected]
• Amanda Barber, Manager [email protected]
• Harry Bounds, Primary Care Representative [email protected]
• Melissa El Houri, Primary Care Representative [email protected]
• Tanikus Farmer, Primary Care Representative [email protected]
• Xinyu Li, Data Analyst [email protected]
• Sonya Martin, Senior Data Analyst [email protected]
• Tina Zimmerman, Primary Care Representative [email protected]