Let's Spread the Word- "You Gave, Now Save"

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/center-for-benefits/you-gave-now-save.html

This "You Gave, Now Save" Campaign was recently launched by  National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in partnership with National Council On Aging to make low-income seniors and their families aware of private and public agencies that offers assistance with their health, food, prescriptions, heating, housing, transportation and many more that a lot of low-income seniors might not even realize they qualify for.With the approaching tax return filing day, it's good to know that we could refer these low- income seniors to TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly)  program which provides free tax counseling and basic return preparation for those who qualify. To find out more about this campaign download a copy of the pamphlet.

Fair Labor Standards Act Should Include Home Care Aides

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/fair-pay-for-home-health-aides/?ref=health
It looks like the present Administration is trying to do the right thing by proposing regulations that would provide for minimum wage and overtime pay for home care aides. Majority of the home care attendants I have had a chance to work with are hard-workers and well deserving. So, if you want your opinions to be heard, you have up to February 27th to weigh in on this issue. See article where to send in your public comment. Let's help this proposed policy pass.

Is cloud- based services the new innovation for healthcare providers?

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/01/17/athenahealth-jonathan-bush/


Interesting technology. It would be amazing if a diabetic can check his/her blood sugar through an iphone attachment which will then send an alert to his/her doctor using cloud technology- thus avoiding a potential ER visit. What a great idea! I'm all for it. I bet it will be costly. This could be a potential Health Care Policy.What do you think?

Lovenox Assistance Program Discontinued

http://umhsheadlines.org/14/sanofi-aventis-discontinues-lovenox-patient-assistance-program-pap-reimbursement-service/

This is a sad news to those needing lovenox assistance. I have utilized Sanofi's assistance program several times in the past and was really satisfied with their efficiency. I guess this is part of cutting back on expenses. Does anyone know of any other options besides the one mentioned in the article?

Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Campaign

http://libn.com/2012/01/24/li-hospital-group-offers-health-care-reform-help/
Check out the website by the long island hospital group campaign. I enjoyed reading their policy watch. It's a great resource for everyone. This is a great way to spread the news.

Predicting Hospital Re-admissions

http://journals.lww.com/professionalcasemanagementjournal/Fulltext/2012/01000/Affordable_Care_Act__Predictive_Modeling.5.aspx

This is a very interesting article. I highly recommend reading it. It is very informative and has CE as added bonus! It makes me asks how many of you are using a predictive model in your organization to avoid re-admissions? The article also explains the changes in thinking that are needed to adapt the Accountable Care Organizations Models of Care. I firmly believe in developing patient-family-physician-nurse relationships in making discharge decisions. I also think patients are ready for discharge when they “feel and think” they are ready.  This article certainly elicits my curiosity in developing predictive models to prevent re- admissions.

New Year's Resolution

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/quick_stress_relief.htm

Hello everyone! Since it is early January, I know a lot of you are probably writing down lists of resolutions. I am guessing that a lot of you would like to manage your stress level, I know I do. So I’d like to share this article on Quick Stress Relief. My favorite one is “taking a break from technology”. There are a lot of electronic stimulations present now than ever before, that I think it is important to unplug.  We need to surround ourselves with positive energy. It will be an awesome 2012!

A look Back at 2011

http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2011/12/review12282011a.html
The year 2011 has brought a lot of surprises. This was a year full of changes. While I was reading this article, it made me think of what changes I had to get used to in 2011. I think the biggest for me was the implementation of face to face encounter.  It’s been more than six months since it was introduced but still I am finding myself explaining it to providers almost every day. It is great that we can prevent Medicare fraud. Although some providers become disinterested in home care referral because they don’t want to be bothered with forms, there are a lot more embracing the change. I like to remain proactive. I believe we are headed for the right direction. Happy New Year everyone!  Looking forward to a healthier and prosperous 2012!

Payment Options for Complementary Alternative Medicine

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/financial/index.htm
I very much enjoyed the inservice given by Kathie Lipinski. It made me more aware of the connections between mind and body. It's fascinating how the mind can help our body to heal. It is also amazing to know that the US spent $33.9 billion out of pocket on Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)treatments in 2007. I wonder what is the figure now? This just shows that more and more people are interested in what CAM can offer. Perhaps in the future, as this interest grows and as more studies shows the cost-effectiveness of such treatments, the insurance companies may offer increase coverage. For now, we have to explore other payment options.

How to Publish a Post

http://www.youtube.com/BloggerHelp#p/u/4/wX4KSiQbVW4

Hello everyone!  In case anyone is wondering how to post a comment or create one, this video tutorial is a great tool that will help you. You would need to join this site in order for you to post.Set up an account by clicking on Join this site button. After setting up one, you would need to sign in before posting. You can find the sign in button at the upper right hand corner of the screen. After you have signed in, you will see New Post next to the sign out button. Click on New Post to start posting or managing your blog. If you would like to post a comment, just click on the comment  to post. Happy posting everyone!