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November 15, 2023

Dr. Rachel Epstein Wexler is no stranger to complicated and life-threatening medical conditions. As a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in Mohs micrographic skin cancer removal surgery, she has nearly 20 combined years of education, training, and experience in her field. But nothing could prepare her for the intricate and complicated medical needs her daughter, Chloe, would have.

A tough first year

Chloe was born with a rare genetic disorder called Dup 15q Syndrome, where a portion of chromosome 15 is duplicated, causing a range of neurodevelopmental issues. Not much is known about this condition making it challenging for Rachel and her husband, Eric, to anticipate Chloe’s needs while also navigating the health care system.

After a year of juggling Chloe’s ongoing health needs, running their businesses, and raising their two older children, the Wexlers reached out to Florida Blue for help. They were connected to the Florida Blue Care Team and registered nurse Stephanie, who immediately joined Team Chloe.

“I always felt like I was a quarterback who was missing a few key players,” Rachel said. “Now, I feel like Stephanie is my right-hand person. She’s there to help us navigate through appropriate channels, connect with contacts and help find solutions. Stephanie always follows through with any task at hand.”

Special care for a special girl

Chloe is nonverbal and is not able to walk independently. She has multiple medical issues that require many different specialists, equipment, medications, lab tests, and imaging studies. When Stephanie and Rachel first connected, Chloe needed urgent blood work and Rachel was having trouble finding a pediatric phlebotomist who could access a vein on a small child. Stephanie quickly found a phlebotomy specialist in the Florida Blue network who was close to the Wexler’s home and who could successfully draw the required blood work. This is the same person they still use today when Chloe needs certain lab tests.

When Chloe needed advanced genetic and chromosomal testing, an in-home oxygen monitor, and a new leg brace, Stephanie took the lead and found providers in the Florida Blue network to keep costs down.

As issues arise for three-year-old Chloe’s care, Stephanie is ready to pitch in. “I do this job because I love our members. It’s very rewarding when I can reach a member who is struggling, listen to their needs, desires, and goals, and then develop a plan where we can tackle everything together, making health care less stressful for them.”

“Stephanie is a true advocate,” Rachel said. “I really wish I’d known her sooner. She knows what services are available and quickly finds the right resources. She has relieved our stress and freed up time so we can focus on our entire family.”

Helping members manage care at no extra cost

The Florida Blue Care Team nurses are here to support our members and to work hand in hand with them and their doctors to help achieve their health goals.

“I had no idea this service was available from Florida Blue,” Rachel said. “I thought I was getting special treatment, but then I realized it’s a service offered to all members who need extra support!”

Florida Blue members can call the care team directly to ask for support. “We’re here to take things off the member’s plate, relieve stress, and let them know that they don’t have to struggle alone with their health care needs,” Stephanie said. “Often, members’ needs aren’t difficult to resolve, they just don’t know what to ask or where to find help. That’s where we come in.”

Read more about our care teams or call them directly based on the type of health coverage you have: