• By Linda Barlow  |  Aug 13, 2013

    Hospitals See Early Signs of Cost-Savings through Energy Efficiency Project

    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.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Jul 10, 2013

    Are Shorter Doctor’s Office Wait Times Just a Phone Call Away?

    Nobody likes to wait, especially at the doctor’s office. No one knows for sure what will happen to wait times, which average from about 16 minutes to just over 24 minutes nationwide according to Vitals – as 30 million more Americans obtain health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. But it stands to reason…more.

    Categories: Access to Care
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Jun 13, 2013

    More Patients Choosing Hospice “Comfort Care” Option

    In today’s health care environment, so much attention is paid to preventing and eradicating disease to improve health outcomes. But for patients facing terminal illness or life-limiting conditions, accessing quality care can be a frightening and lonely challenge. That’s where hospice comes in as an option for more and more people.…more.

  • By Linda Barlow  |  May 23, 2013

    Implementation of Health Care Law Expanding Coverage to More Young Adults

    For the first time in nearly a decade, the number of 19-25 year-olds gaining access to health insurance is on the rise, according to the Commonwealth Fund 2012 Biennial Health Insurance Survey. Researchers point to a provision in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA), which allows young adults…more.

    Categories: Access to Care
  • By Daniel J. Vukelich, Esq., President, Association of Medical Device Reprocessors  |  May 9, 2013

    Saving Green by Going Green

    In August 2012, Forbes ran an article by Richard Crespin entitled, “If Sustainability Costs You More, You’re Doing it Wrong.”  Never before has this been more true for health care providers than it is right now.  In fact, data shows that if hospitals put in place certain green initiatives, they would save a…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Mary P. Sundeen, President, The HealthWell Foundation  |  May 2, 2013

    Heroes Needed: Apply Within

    We’re taking a departure today from our coverage of what works in American health care to ask for your help. Patients want us to re-open our Breast Cancer Fund at HealthWell, but we can’t successfully do that until we identify several key companies or organizations to partner with us in…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Apr 30, 2013

    It Takes a Community for Effective Disease Prevention and Management

    To help stem the tide and high cost of persisting disparities in U.S. health care, providers are leveraging Community Health Workers (CHWs) as critical players in improving health outcomes by successfully linking “vulnerable” patient populations to better care. Living in the communities where they work, CHWs understand what is meaningful…more.

    Categories: Access to Care
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Apr 25, 2013

    National Patient Safety Program Cuts Bloodstream Infections to Save Lives and Money

    Central-line catheters are lifesavers. They’re used in hospitals to deliver therapy where needed and when needed for patients with a wide range of conditions.  Unfortunately, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in added costs to the U.S. health care system,…more.

  • By Linda Barlow  |  Apr 23, 2013

    Telehealth Opens Doors to Enhance Health Outcomes and Reduce Costs

    Telehealth solutions are making significant inroads to reverse high health care expenditures and reduce noncompliance with prescription therapies – issues that especially impact those living with chronic disease. By engaging patients in health education through classes, patient portals, real-time patient-provider consultations, online discussion forums and more, telehealth strategies empower providers…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Apr 2, 2013

    Walgreens Unveils Solutions to Boost Medication Adherence

    How can health professionals enable their patients to take medications more consistently as prescribed? Personalized counseling from pharmacists and prescription refill reminders are two effective ways now shown to fuel better drug adherence, according to research from Walgreens presented March 15 at the World Congress Summit in Philadelphia. Walgreens’ community pharmacy programs…more.

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