The Fidelis Care Blog

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s a time to highlight the important role vaccines play in protecting individuals, families, and communities. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious diseases and reduce their spread. Childhood immunizations protect against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hepatitis A and B, and more. These vaccines help children stay healthy and provide protection as they grow into adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommended schedule that you can view here. Vaccinations are not just for children. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is also important

During National Health Center Week from August 2 to 8, Fidelis Care recognizes the community health centers that help New Yorkers access the care they need to live healthier lives. Across cities, suburbs, and rural areas, these organizations provide quality healthcare, connect people with important resources, and help improve the health of their communities.

Learning to swim is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Drowning is among the leading causes of death for children ages 1-4, with most of these incidents occurring in the family’s own pool. Luckily, children can start swim lessons as early as 6-12 months old. We know finding budget-friendly options can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the free and discounted swim lesson options around New York State. Check in with your local YMCA or parks department for additional help. Free/Discounted Swim Lesson Resources: City Swim Project, based in Buffalo, offers free swim lessons

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an important part of staying healthy. They provide our bodies helpful nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. You may have seen news reports about an illness called cyclosporiasis. People can get cyclosporiasis after eating food or drinking water that has a tiny germ in it. Sometimes, this can happen with fresh produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are still healthy choices. You can lower your risk of getting sick by washing, peeling and cooking them. What Are the Symptoms? The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Stomach cramps Nausea Vomiting Tiredness Weight

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance shines a light on the unique challenges faced by Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color, while calling for action to improve access, trust, and quality of care. At La Casa de Salud, a Fidelis Care behavioral health grant recipient, we focus on the whole person. Mental health shapes how we think, feel, make decisions, and care for ourselves. When mental health is not supported, everything else becomes harder. The Reality: Need Is High, Access Is Not Mental health challenges are common, but care does not reach everyone equally. Black and Hispanic communities

Recovery is possible. Treatment works. And as healthcare professionals, we play a critical role in helping individuals take the first step toward recovery.

As you may be aware, Section 12006 of the 21st Century Cures Act, along with CMS guidance, required states to implement Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for Personal Care Services by January 1, 2021, and for Home Health Care Services by January 1, 2023.

What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers for women. There are different types of ovarian cancer but the most common type starts in the cells on the outside of the ovary. How common is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer and more than 12,000 deaths from ovarian cancer in 2026. What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? There is no single group of symptoms that clearly point to ovarian cancer, but common symptoms include:

The TurningPoint authorization grid has been updated effective October 1, 2026.

Effective October 1, 2026, first-level Utilization Management (UM) appeals for ENT and cardiovascular surgeries and procedures will be managed by TurningPoint, our specialty benefits management partner.