GOV. RITTER UNVEILS NEW ONLINE FLU SELF-ASSESSMENT WEBSITE

Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., today announced Colorado ’s support of a new comprehensive patient flu health-assessment Web site – AMAfluhelp.org – designed to help patients determine the severity of their flu symptoms and allow them to share their information with their physician. Coloradans are encouraged to access the site by going to www.colorado.gov/nofluforyou. The new program gives patients the ability to assess symptoms quickly, interact with their physician and receive advice on when to return to work or school.



“As part of Colorado ’s dedication to healthcare technology, we are proud to be the first state in the nation to support this new online tool for Colorado families and healthcare professionals,” said Gov. Ritter. “This new tool will play a critical role in helping to reduce demands on our healthcare system.”

Colorado doctor’s offices, clinics and emergency rooms – like those nationwide – are busier than ever this year dealing with both seasonal flu and H1N1. To date approximately 580 H1N1 cases have been confirmed in Colorado .

AMAfluhelp.org is a FREE and secure interactive Web solution powered by the American Medical Association and Colorado company, HealthyCircles. It is designed to help patients and physicians better communicate and improve care coordination. The program walks patients through a series of questions to determine the severity of their flu symptoms based upon the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Patients can choose to share their information and assessment with their physician as well as family members and loved ones.

Again, Coloradans are asked to visit www.Colorado.gov/nofluforyou and click the AMAfluhelp.org link to sign up today.

During today’s event, Gov. Ritter was joined by: Dr. Ned Calonge, M.D., MPH, chief medical officer, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Michael Volz, M.D., Colorado Medical Society; James Mault, M.D., chairman and CEO of HealthyCircles; and James Campbell, M.D., Denver West Pediatrics.