The Daily Dose
Facts vs. Fear: Emerging from the COVID-19 Crisis
As New York and the nation begin the process of reopening, we have all begun to think of the world a little differently. While many of us are eager to get back to work and reconnect with family, friends, and colleagues, there is still a lot of anxiety about what the future has in-store.
Let’s face it, few of us ever expected to experience a world quite like this.
Understandably, the COVID-19 crisis has taken its toll, physically, emotionally, and economically. But it’s important we not let fear consume us, but rather, smart decision-making guide us moving forward.
Fear is an important and powerful emotion. It’s the result of millions of years of evolution and has taught us how to survive in dangerous situations. While this emotion works wonders to keep us safe in threatening environments, it can also lead to unnecessary worry.
Instead, we must rely on facts.
The facts are, while COVID-19 continues to exist, simple precautions go a long way in preventing the spread of this disease.
As we return to work, school, and the community, we cannot let our guard down and must continue with commonsense preventive measures such as:
- Frequent hand-washing
- Appropriate social distancing
- Wearing masks in public
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily
- Taking advantage of telemedicine
- Maintain good health with annual checkups, and contact your personal physician when you are not feeling well
We must also continue to do everything possible to protect those who are at a greater risk for developing complications from the virus. This includes those who are over the age of 60, and those with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
Our post-covid lives will look different, but we’ve learned a lot over the past few months, and I’m optimistic about the future.
In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to safely reconnecting with our community, and continuing the CDPHP mission of keeping you healthy, happy, safe, and secure.
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP About the Author
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP, is president and CEO of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP), an award-winning, physician aligned, not-for-profit health plan based in Albany, NY. Bennett has held the position since 2008 after serving more than 10 years as chair, vice chair, and board member for CDPHP. During his tenure, CDPHP has been ranked among the top-performing health plans in New York and the nation, most recently named #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power Member Health Plan Study. Under his leadership, CDPHP has also become known as a model employer regionally and nationally and was recently named among the top five Best Companies to Work for in New York by the Society for Human Resource Management, as well as Forbes Best-in-State Employers 2022. Prior to joining CDPHP, Bennett served as founding member and CEO of Prime Care Physicians, PLLC. During his tenure, he co-led a team of 25 cardiologists and helped grow the practice to a 100-physician multi-specialty group. Bennett is board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialties in internal medicine and cardiology. He earned his medical degree at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a Bachelor of Science degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bennett completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians. Bennett is currently board chair for the Center for Economic Growth and the Capital Region Chamber, and vice chair for the Palace Theatre. Bennett also serves on the boards of the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Russell Sage Colleges. Bennett is a member of the New York Public Health and Health Planning Council where he helps shape decisions related to New York State's public health and health care delivery system. Well-known locally and nationally for advancing health care innovation, Bennett was recently named to Crain’s New York Business 2021 Notable in Health Care, as well as the Albany Business Review’s Power 50 list.
Marcia Schaefer
All adjectives of praise go to CDPHP in every department. The absolute supreme Health Insurance Organization. The best benefits for the best premiums. Every representative is intelligent,well informed, patient and ready to help in any way possible. The hours available for conversation are convenient. When any procedures, tests or drugs are necessary they are always very underrstanding and generous with approvals in a very timely manner. I could be more specific but it would take much more time and space. If all organizations were as competent in their fields we would be living in an extremely well run world with great safety, compassion, and efficiency.
John D. Bennett
Hi, Marcia – Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. We have consistently strived to be an organization that exceeds our members’ expectations, and I am always thrilled to hear feedback like yours. Thank you again!
ELOISE PALMISANO NPP
Dear Dr. Bennett
I am a Behavioral Health Provider who has been a provider and a member of CDPHP for the past 10 years as a provider and a member for the past 20 years. As a provider I am treated with the utmost respect and kindness and promptness each and every time I call provider relations. Today, once again I had the opportunity to speak to my provider representative Margarita Roman with a problem with my place of service billing code on my claims. Margarita was understanding and swift in her response to assure me that everything will be taken care of promptly. I am confident that your team of employees will continue to take care of all of us and assure we have the answers we need and the results we need in these uncertain times. Michele Ferriero was also swift in answering her phone and assisting me to solve a big problem for my practice. Please commend both of these women for their ability to calm the water for me as I navigated what could have been a time consuming issue to correct. A very special Thank you to all of you for doing all you do for our members and our providers I am proud to be a provider and a member of yours and look forward to years ahead continuing to do the same. Thank you CDPHP for all you do!!!
Eloise Palmisano NPP
Natalia Burkart
Hi, Eloise – Thank you for reaching out and for the kind words! We will be sure to share your feedback with our team. We appreciate your support of CDPHP.