At an industry conference years ago, I met an HIV-positive patient. We spoke about her treatment as well as her adherence program. “Who takes care of you?” I asked. “Kaiser Permanente,” she responded. Afterward, I did a little research and discovered this was one of the first HMOs created in…more.
The decision by former President George W. Bush and his doctors to treat a blockage in one of his heart arteries with angioplasty and stenting has become the newest chapter in the intense debate over appropriateness in stenting. Bush’s physical examination revealed irregularities that led to tests that revealed a…more.
Workplace wellness is not a new concept, but it is definitely one that is recently gaining more importance. With non-communicable diseases on the rise, many people are becoming more concerned about what lifestyle choices can be made to avoid them and stay healthy. Furthermore, businesses recognize the cost of stressed,…more.
As young people across the country go back to school, patient advocates and government stakeholders are leveraging awareness days to help communities learn about health issues impacting children, prevention strategies and efforts to improve care. Here are some examples: Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month Each August organizations including the Envision…more.
The word “home” has many connotations: the building in which you live, the place you come from, and even the end point of a game. Now, there is a new type of home: The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). PCMH is a model of primary care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible…more.
With nearly half of all patients in the US not taking their medications as prescribed, medication non-adherence remains a dangerous and expensive problem that costs the health care system $329 billion annually (Express Scripts Drug Trend Report), meaning more hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room (ER). So what’s the good news?…more.
Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Toby Cosgrove, MD, believes that the medical center is ready to “lead the charge” in delivering better patient outcomes and faster care, all at a lower cost. To that end, the Cleveland Clinic has established a Value-Based Care Team, made up of physicians, nurses and…more.
Hospitals are notorious for being energy hogs. With 24/7 operation, lots of energy-consuming equipment, and strict codes for lighting, air circulation and heating/cooling, there should be little wonder why. In fact, it’s estimated that the operation and construction of hospitals uses five percent of all the energy consumed in the…more.
The call came the day after my 48th birthday in April. “The radiologist saw something suspicious on your mammogram from last week…an undetermined mass,” said the voice on the other end of the phone. “We’d like you to come in for an ultrasound so we can see better.” During the ultrasound…more.
A recent article in Health Affairs reports that ChenMed – which serves low-to-moderate income elderly patients primarily through the Medicare Advantage program – is achieving better health outcomes for Medicare-eligible seniors, including those living with five or more major and chronic health conditions. Dozens of Chen and JenCare Neighborhood Medical Centers are helping tens of thousands of seniors…more.