National Webinars on Health Care Law

http://www.hhs.gov/partnerships/resources/aca_101-invite.html

Do you ever talk to you patients about the Health Care Law? This would be a good resource for those who need clarification on the Affordable Care Act. The Department of Health  and Human Services are offering a conference call that is  open to public regarding Health Care Law 101. It's also in Spanish. I hope you find it helpful!

Doctors Answers Their Texts Faster Than Pagers

http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/7-ways-to-secure-physician-text-messages.html

It's the best invention ever! It's not only the doctors but anyone- even my mother with arthritic fingers answers text messages quicker than the phone call. In my opinion, there's a lot more advantages to using this technology as a way to communicate. It improves workflow, increases patients and providers satisfaction, miscommunications with foreign speaking providers will be avoided. (have you ever tried spelling Rolling Walker to a new resident?) It's pretty embarrasing. The problem however, is  keeping it secure. This article outlined ways to keep text messages secure. I think it's worth giving it a try.

Women Are Lucky

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/07/14/Health-reform-Women-may-be-winners/UPI-21671342320564/

When it comes to the Health Reform, research shows women are winners. Once fully implemented, the rates of unsinsured will significantly dropped. It will also cover a lot more preventive services  without costs that are just for women. So, are you feeling lucky now?

Frequently Asks Questions About The HealthCare Reform

 http://health.heraldtribune.com/2012/07/02/health-care-reform-101-your-questions-answered/

 There are so many articles that are out there about HealthCare Reform. I thought this is the most concise and comprehensive one. I have a hard time keeping up with it myself. Hopefully this will help you understand it better.

Innovative Approach By HHS in Solving Nation's Health

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/06/20120622a.html

 I was reading these new approaches to solving healthcare challenges and what struck me is the part where it mentioned building health resilience technology to withstand natural disasters. It's very important especially that the hurricane season has begun for chronically ill to continue to use their DME's even with prolonged  power outages for example. We could save thousands of lives if we have a way of knowing who needs access to DME's at the time of natural disasters.

A Different Approach to Dementia Care

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Geriatrics/Dementia/33112

Check out this new CMS initiative “Partnership to Improve Dementia Care”. I like the fact that CMS will have each nursing home’s antipsychotic use available on Nursing Home Compare. I use this tool a lot of times and refer families to check the site for better decision making strategy.  It’s about time someone looks into a different approach to Dementia care!

Healthcare options for the Young Adult

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/08/investopedia83231.DTL

It's that time of the year when we have young adults graduate and leave home to start on their own. Somehow, they would need to decide what kind of healthcare insurance they would need. This article explains 3 different options to choose from based on their need. I hope you find it helpful!

Breast Density Notification Bill

http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_20737411/breast-density-notification-bill-its-way-state-assembly

This is an FYI that in California, Senate Bill 1538 which requires health care providers to notify women of dense breast tissue as detected by mammogram is now headed to the  State Assembly and if passed into a law, other states might follow. This could save lives as it will prompt women to go for additional screenings. Does anyone know of similar Bill being filed in New York?

Accountable Care Initiative in New Hampshire

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/granite-healthcare-network-and-cigna-launch-largest-accountable-care-program-in-new-hampshire-linking-doctors-hospitals-and-health-plan-2012-05-29

We can all learn from this new initiative in New Hampshire to improve care coordination and patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. We, as case managers, continue to be a critical element in these initiatives. Healthcare had come along way, transforming it from provider centered to now patient centered. We also moved from fragmented care to now continuing patient care. In my opinion, today’s providers are more attuned in ensuring that their patients have the right follow up care.

Innovation Programs That Would Help Save Money

http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2012/May/17/innovation-grant-projects.aspx

CMS Innovation Center has awarded grants to different health care organizations for implementing their innovative ideas of saving health care dollars and at the same time improve patient care. One of the grants mentioned here was bringing telemedicine in the remote areas of Rocky Mountains, Colorado. I'm excited to hear all about what  telemedicine has to offer.