http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57494974-10391704/doctor-uses-salons-to-encourage-healthy-living-in-the-african-american-community/?tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea
In allignment with our upcoming meeting topic about the impact of obesity, I would like to share this article about a doctor's campaign to fight obesity. I never thought to correlate hairstyle with obesity, but this article explains how a person who spends more on upkeeping their hairstyle could get discouraged to exercise, therefore, lives an unhealthy life. Very interesting correlation and campaign to fight obesity.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Prescription Discount Card for Nassau County
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/nassauRx.html
Not too long ago I received a prescription discount card in the mail from Nassau County. It has a member number specifically attached to my name and home address. Luckily, I have put it aside despite of my reluctance. It's just too good to be true. Until one of my patient whose medications were not covered by his insurance had a need for it. I almost forgot about this benefit that Nassau County offers for all Nassau resident whose medications are not covered by their insurance. So, I reminded my patient about it and showed them what the card looked like. Unfortunately, she thought it was junk mail and threw it away. The good news is that you can print a copy of the card online. You could save up to 20% off the retail price. I think that's great!
Not too long ago I received a prescription discount card in the mail from Nassau County. It has a member number specifically attached to my name and home address. Luckily, I have put it aside despite of my reluctance. It's just too good to be true. Until one of my patient whose medications were not covered by his insurance had a need for it. I almost forgot about this benefit that Nassau County offers for all Nassau resident whose medications are not covered by their insurance. So, I reminded my patient about it and showed them what the card looked like. Unfortunately, she thought it was junk mail and threw it away. The good news is that you can print a copy of the card online. You could save up to 20% off the retail price. I think that's great!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Keep The Noise Down
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/the-clatter-of-the-hospital-room/?ref=health
In our recent collaborative care meeting where I work, we usually score less than what we want on patient satisfaction for keeping the noise level down. There's the beeping of machines, nurses yelling in the hallway, visitors' cell phone ringing, being awakened by a PCA to take Vital Signs in the middle of the night, the lists can go on and on. It's been a challenge to show improvements on these indicators. One nurse suggested each nurse carries a cell phone to limit yelling in the hallway for the nurse. I have to admit, since the hospital installed a new nurse tracking device, I haven't noticed too much yelling in the hallway for their names. Another suggestion was to take less Vital Signs at night only if the doctor medically allows so. This article has more suggestions from other hospitals. Is your hospital ready to go above and beyond like the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System in reducing the noise level? It's amazing! You have to read it....
In our recent collaborative care meeting where I work, we usually score less than what we want on patient satisfaction for keeping the noise level down. There's the beeping of machines, nurses yelling in the hallway, visitors' cell phone ringing, being awakened by a PCA to take Vital Signs in the middle of the night, the lists can go on and on. It's been a challenge to show improvements on these indicators. One nurse suggested each nurse carries a cell phone to limit yelling in the hallway for the nurse. I have to admit, since the hospital installed a new nurse tracking device, I haven't noticed too much yelling in the hallway for their names. Another suggestion was to take less Vital Signs at night only if the doctor medically allows so. This article has more suggestions from other hospitals. Is your hospital ready to go above and beyond like the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System in reducing the noise level? It's amazing! You have to read it....
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
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.
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?
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?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Frequently Asks Questions About The HealthCare Reform
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.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, June 11, 2012
A Different Approach to Dementia Care
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!
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