Though the health care overhaul faces an uncertain fate next month before the U.S. Supreme Court, preparations for the massive rollout of its medical care coverage might already be leaving a legacy of improved customer service.
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Obamacare May Be Helping Improve Insurers' Notoriously Poor Customer Service
MANCHESTER Granite Healthcare Network, a collaboration among five hospital systems, is partnering with Cigna Health Care on a new accountable care organization.
It's really a great initiative for us, Rachel Rowe, executive director of Granite Healthcare Network, said.
It's the first time Granite Healthcare Network is entering into a partnership with an insurer to provide better health for communities, better care for patients and lower cost, she said.
It also is the first time Cigna has partnered in an accountable care model with multiple organizations, spokesman Mark Slitt said.
Most prior agreements were with a primary care doctor's office, an integrated delivery system including doctors and facilities or a multi-speciality practice.
This is a little bit of a twist, he said.
Granite Healthcare Network is made up of Concord Hospital, Elliot Hospital, LRGHealthcare (Lakes Region General and Franklin Regional hospitals), Southern New Hampshire Health System (Southern New Hampshire Medical Center) and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.
The hospitals are adopting analytical programs to improve care and reduce costs. Together, they cover nearly half the state's population.
An accountable care organization is a group of health care professionals that accepts responsibility to be held accountable for the population it serves. Cigna calls its model collaborative accountable care.
Care coordination is well-known to provide better outcome so we're looking forward to the opportunity to work with Cigna on that; Rowe said.
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Low-income children in rural California communities are in jeopardy of losing their doctors and health care plans under Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal, according to state lawmakers, doctors and health advocates.
The governor is proposing to transfer nearly 900,000 children enrolled in Healthy Families, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program, to Medi-Cal -- a program aimed at serving the state's poorest families, seniors and disabled residents.
While combining the two programs might be a painless transition for children in urban areas with doctors who typically provide care to both Healthy Families and Medi-Cal patients, the transfer could severely limit access to health care for those on the outskirts.
"In the more rural areas or outlying areas, there would be quite a loss or quite a strain," said Stuart Cohen, a San Diego pediatrician and California chairman-elect for the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Access to care would be a huge issue."
And there would not be much incentive for rural doctors at full capacity to continue caring for their Healthy Families children if they have not already agreed to serve Medi-Cal patients, Cohen said.
The governor's proposal not only forces Healthy Families patients to move to Medi-Cal, but it also would require doctors to accept Medi-Cal's monthly reimbursement -- an average cut of nearly 20%.
Healthy Families doctors receive a monthly average of $103 per patient. They would receive an average of $84 per patient if they decide to make the switch to Medi-Cal, but California Medical Association spokeswoman Molly Weedn said the reimbursement often can be much less.
"Rates that physicians are reimbursed for a Medi-Cal patient are less than what a large pizza costs," she said. "It's really incredible that a physician can be reimbursed $18, $20 [per month]."
A survey referenced by the Legislative Analyst's Office asked pediatricians who now provide care to Healthy Families patients, but not Medi-Cal patients, if they would be willing to make the switch. The February report said 29% would not and 46% were not sure.
Anthony Wright, executive director at Health Access California, a health care advocacy group, said there likely would be a disruption of care for Healthy Families patients in rural areas when their doctors face the decision of whether they can accept a smaller payment.
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YARDLEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Krames StayWell, the nations leading health care communication and engagement company, has announced its library of discharge instructions is now available directly through the MEDITECH Electronic Health Record (EHR), a leader in health care IT. Known for its application of health literacy design principles, the Krames StayWell database of discharge instructions is designed to facilitate transitions between different care environments and ultimately, patients homes, to support better outcomes and avoid costly re-admissions. The discharge instructions library in MEDITECH is available in English and Spanish.
Krames content is recognized for being patient-friendly and for helping providers educate patients at the point of care, explained Robert True, manager of business development at MEDITECH. Helping to provide superior patient care is at the core of MEDITECHs mission. Creating easy access to Krames content enables us to meet that goal, and we are committed to making it happen.
John George, senior vice president of sales at Krames StayWell, added, Establishing this collaboration was important for us, because so many of our clients use the MEDITECH EHR. They want to reap its documentation and workflow benefits, without sacrificing the benefits driven by Kramesbetter communication between providers and patients for improved outcomes and satisfaction. Now, our clients can benefit from both.
As we head into Stage 2 and Stage 3 of Meaningful Use, health care organizations must offer robust, EHR-based education and engagement solutions to their communities, George continued. Together, Krames StayWell and MEDITECH are laying the groundwork for today and tomorrows needs.
The Krames StayWell-MEDITECH collaboration ensures we engage people in their health self-management, to improve outcomes and overall well-being, while improving safety and lowering costs.
MEDITECH clients interested in accessing Krames StayWell discharge instructions through their EHR can contact their Krames StayWell representative at (800) 203-7902.
About Krames StayWell
Krames StayWell is the largest provider of patient education, consumer health information, and population health management communications in the country. Combining extensive technology and content assets with vast consumer insights and a strategic approach, Krames StayWell is uniquely qualified to engage consumers across the entire spectrum of their health care experience. Our best-in-class health communication solutions integrate print, interactive, and mobile formats at multiple touch points to attract and retain consumers, improve health outcomes, and lower costs. We deliver measurable results for hospitals, health care professionals, health plans, employers, retail pharmacies, government agencies, and association clients with world-class design, commitment to health literacy principles, and a focus on custom development. For more information, please visit http://www.kramesstaywell.com.
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stethoscope and pen resting on a sheet of medical lab test results, with patient file and x-ray or mri film
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) They're throwing granny off a cliff!
That's the not-so-subtle message Republicans and Democrats appear to be converging on for political ads on health care this year, featuring heavy doses of what each party alleges the other one plans to do to wreck Medicare.
From cost controls in President Barack Obama's health care law to GOP Rep. Paul Ryan's privatization plan for future Medicare recipients, there's something about health care that makes it a breeding ground for the wildest allegations.
[Photo Gallery: Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney.]
Families feel vulnerable to the catastrophic costs of serious illness, and few understand the labyrinth of private and government insurance, allowing partisans to play to their worst fears. Add to that the belief among political pros that health care worries can drive the votes of seniors.
"It is easy to deceive on the issue because the knowledge base of the electorate when it comes to the complexities of health care is relatively low," said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, an expert on political communication at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center.
It would be hard to top Sarah Palin's now-debunked assertion that "death panels" lurked in the recesses of Obama's law, but don't be surprised if that happens this year.
"Many people believe crazy things about health care because they want to believe them," said Drew Altman, president of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. Some of today's outlandish claims remind him of fears about fluoridated drinking water in the 1950s.
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WASHINGTON - They're throwing granny off a cliff!
That's the not-so-subtle message Republicans and Democrats appear to be converging on for political ads on health care this year, featuring heavy doses of what each party alleges the other one plans to do to wreck Medicare.
From cost controls in President Barack Obama's health care law to GOP Rep. Paul Ryan's privatization plan for future Medicare recipients, there's something about health care that makes it a breeding ground for the wildest allegations.
Families feel vulnerable to the catastrophic costs of serious illness, and few understand the labyrinth of private and government insurance, allowing partisans to play to their worst fears. Add to that the belief among political pros that health care worries can drive the votes of seniors.
"It is easy to deceive on the issue because the knowledge base of the electorate when it comes to the complexities of health care is relatively low," said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, an expert on political communication at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center.
It would be hard to top Sarah Palin's now-debunked assertion that "death panels" lurked in the recesses of Obama's law, but don't be surprised if that happens this year.
"Many people believe crazy things about health care because they want to believe them," said Drew Altman, president of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. Some of today's outlandish claims remind him of fears about fluoridated drinking water in the 1950s.
Sound far-fetched? It's already started.
A few months ago, former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum lent credence to an unfounded rumor that the Obama administration would deny advanced medical treatment to stroke patients over the age of 70, allowing only comfort care. It didn't seem to matter that two doctors' groups and the Health and Human Services Department were shooting down the rumor.
And as for throwing granny off a cliff, two political ads are already depicting just that , one from the left and one from the right. Both dramatizations are getting steady attention on the Internet.
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Written by Greenwich Post Staff Tuesday, 29 May 2012 08:00
The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) celebrated its 10-year anniversary and New Frontiers in the field of cancer gene therapy research with a gala benefit in April at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. More than 450 supporters of ACGT and over 30 of the nations top cancer research scientists gathered to celebrate progress that has been made in the field. The event raised more than $1.4 million, of which 100% will go directly toward funding new grants and clinical trials using cancer gene therapy.
Robert Bazell, the Emmy award-winning chief science and health correspondent for NBC News, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Dennis Clegg, professor, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Calif., was the featured scientist at the dinner.
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Abu Qatada's bid for freedom has been blocked by a judge due to Britain's terror threat at the Olympics.
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New York gave a Big Apple salute to its heroic war dead yesterday, marking Memorial Day with a mix of solemn ceremonies, parades and picnics.
Under bright skies and a scorching sun, residents and tourists found an assortment of ways to say thank you to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Its important to reflect on the people that gave their lives, said Ray Stone, a World War II veteran from Salem, NY, for whom the day marked a reunion of sorts.
Stone, 87, was a guest aboard the West Side-docked USS Intrepid, the ship on which he served and survived a torpedo hit and five kamikaze attacks.
AFP/Getty Images
SOLEMN DUTY: President Obama marks Memorial Day by placing a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery.
Freedom doesnt come cheap. Its fought for and earned, he said.
The average citizen enjoys freedom, Stone said. Why? Because of our military who fought for this.
Mayor Bloomberg marked the day by marching in two parades, where he reminded people that the holiday was about more than beaches and backyard barbecues.
Its a day for the kids to like the bands and eat cotton candy, Bloomberg said before marching in the Whitestone Veterans Memorial Association Service and Parade in Queens.
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The military color guard marches down Main Street in Wilmington during the Memorial Day Parade, Monday. (Josh Stilts/Reformer)
WILMINGTON -- It was standing room only in Memorial Hall Monday morning as hundreds filed in to pay tribute to the men and women who have and are serving in the armed forces. They were reminded of one thing, "Freedom isn't free."
"Today we remember the names we know and those we don't, who served this country with honor and laid down their lives in sacrifice so that we may have our freedom," said Town Moderator Frank Spencer during a Memorial Day service in Wilmington.
He asked if anyone in the room knew of someone currently serving in the military and one-by-one the people in the audience spoke the names of their loved ones, each one receiving a huge applause from the crowd.
Throughout Windham County, dozens of Main Streets were filled with people paying tribute to all the members of the military, like in Brattleboro where the crowd gathered on the town common and listened as Richard Hodgdon, commandant of the Marine Corps League, shared his thoughts about those who served and those still serving, and in Hinsdale, N.H., where flowers were tossed into the river and the VFW Post 4234 fired off a gun salute to all the fallen soldiers.
Sylvester and Colleen Murphy, of Brattleboro, visited the graves of loved ones, many of whom served in the military like Sylvester.
"We've lost friends and family," Sylvester, who served in the Navy from 1957 to 1977, said. "We thought this was the best way to spend Memorial Day."
In
Wendy Pratt, one of the event organizers for the Memorial Day celebration, said the brave soldiers had yet to be recognized for their service and that it needed to change.
"Vietnam veterans were my era and a lot of us are not aware of how difficult it was for these soldiers coming home," she said. "There were protests and turbulence and they weren't welcome all of the time."
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WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama will honor a diverse cross-section of political and cultural icons including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn, basketball coach Pat Summitt and rock legend Bob Dylan with the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Tuesday.
The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace or to other significant endeavors.
Other recipients this year include:
Toni Morrison, author of such novels as "Song of Solomon" and "Beloved."
John Paul Stevens, former Supreme Court Justice.
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.
Shimon Peres, former president of Israel.
John Doar, who handled civil rights cases as assistant attorney general in the 1960s.
William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who helped lead the effort to eradicate smallpox.
Gordon Hirabayashi, who fought the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.
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By KENNETH KNIGHT | The Tampa Tribune Published: May 29, 2012 Updated: May 29, 2012 - 8:44 AM
They are smart and share an appreciation for the Florida Gators, but that is where the similarities end for Freedom High School seniors Crystal Fleming and Chris Tolson.
Fleming, the class valedictorian, is reserved, spiritual and musically talented. The tenacious 17-year-old recently recovered from a serious car accident to begin planning for college and to wed her high school sweetheart.
Tolson, the salutatorian, is a fun-loving prankster who is eager to launch his college experience with some of his "main bros" in tow.
Although they have vastly different personalities and hobnobbed in separate social circles at Freedom, Fleming and Tolson have traveled similar paths to academic success.
Their journeys were etched by self-determination, concentration and a zest for knowledge. They both plan to attend the University of Florida on scholarships this fall.
"I think God blessed me with the ability to excel," Fleming said.
The West Meadows resident will graduate Tuesday with a 6.99 grade point average.
Tolson, 17, of Tampa Palms, who finished with a 6.84 GPA, offered a jovial rationale.
"I have keen eyesight," he quipped. "I'm very popular, so I got all the text messages with what questions were on the tests."
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The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower from Driven by Solar Inc., is Cordless, Rechargeable And Eco Friendly.Carson, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2012 The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower from Driven by Solar Inc. uses No Oil, No Gas and Produces No Emissions. The 36v85Ah battery system provides up to 2 acres of cutting performance on a single charge. There are 7 selectable height adjustments and choice ...
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The New Recharge Mower G2 Riding Mower Is Cordless, Rechargeable And Eco Friendly
May 29, 2012 in Idaho State will remove polluted soil at four sites alongriver
From Staff Reports
Washington will spend $600,000 to clean up heavy metals from four popular Spokane River beaches this summer, reducing exposure risks for people andwildlife.
The work will be done at Barker Road on the north side of the river and at Islands Lagoon, Myrtle Point and Flora Road on the south side of theriver.
Beach cleanup will begin in late summer when river levels are low and finish in the fall. Temporary closures at the beaches and along parts of the Centennial Trail are expected during thework.
Lead, arsenic, zinc and cadmium from historic mining activity were deposited on the beaches after washing downstream from Idahos Silver Valley. The Washington Department of Ecology will remove polluted soil and install a foot-thick protective gravel cap at thesites.
At the Flora Road beach, a new cap will be installed to replace the clean gravel that was washed away during last years high flows. The initial cleanup work at Flora Road was done in 2009. At each of the beaches, native vegetation will be planted to help stabilize theshoreline.
A 1998 study identified nine Spokane River beaches in Washington that were contaminated with heavy metals from upstream mining activity. Previous cleanup efforts targeted polluted soil at beaches at Starr Road, Island complex, Murray Road and Harvard Road North. The beach on the south side of the river at Barker Road remains on the cleanuplist.
Money for this years cleanup effort comes from a $6 million fund to remove environmental toxins from sites in Eastern Washington. The fund gets its money through the states voter-approved tax on hazardoussubstances.
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POSTED: 10:47 am PDT May 28, 2012
UPDATED: 8:43 pm PDT May 28, 2012
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I have no shame in admitting I love face-on spiral galaxies. Scientifically, of course, theyre fascinating; spread out in front of us are all the inner workings of a galaxy. Its like having an X-ray of human body in front of you, making it easier to understand anatomy.
But their beauty well. The scope and grandeur of a face-on spiral is unparalleled, I think, in astronomy, or perhaps any field of science. But dont take my word on it. See for yourself.
[Click to galactinate, or get a 1900 x 1200 desktop image.]
This is the wonderful nearby spiral M101, and is a composite of no fewer than four orbiting observatories! It has images from Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra, and GALEX. These represent (in order) observations in visible light (shown as yellow in the picture), infrared (red), X-ray (purple) and ultraviolet (blue).
Each shows a different aspect of the galaxy. Visible light shows stars and gas, infrared indicates warm dust, X-ray show hot gas and energetic objects like supernovae and black holes, and ultraviolet is where young stars glow and light the gas around them. Each observation is incredibly useful to a scientist, but combining them together makes them even more powerful.
The things to look for are where colors overlap, and where they dont overlap. For example, in the outer arms you can see dust and gas and young stars all together, showing where stars are born. In the inner regions of the galaxy the infrared and visible images are next to each other, parallel spirals. Dust blocks visible light, so where theres lots of dust theres little light we can see, and vice-versa.
You have to be careful interpreting images like this, though. The outer arms, for example, are blue. You might think this means theyre only giving off ultraviolet light. But you have to account for the different telescopes field of view, exposure times, and more. Each of those affects what you see no matter what the galaxy itself may be doing. Images like the one above are useful, even important, but its also important to remember their scientific limitations.
But artistically? Thats a different matter. All together.
Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; IR & UV: NASA/JPL-Caltech; Optical: NASA/STScI
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DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Joseph Armstrong, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (ASTI), has joined the Strategic Advisory Council of Bye Aerospace, Inc. Ascent Solar is a developer of flexible CIGS solar panels and Bye Aerospace is applying clean energy solutions to innovative aircraft designs for the business aviation and defense markets.
Armstrong has spent the majority of his 30+ year career in photovoltaics (PV), including with Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed Martin) and ITN Energy Systems before becoming a founding member of the ASTI team in 2005. Dr. Armstrong has been on the forefront in the development of lightweight, flexible photovoltaics for terrestrial, aeronautics, near-space, and space applications. He is a named inventor on five U.S. patents in areas including shape memory alloys, fuel cells, electronic circuit assembly, and thin-film PV technology, and on numerous pending patent applications. Armstrong has a bachelors degree from Lewis University in Illinois and received his masters and doctorate degrees in Physics from the University of Denver, Colorado. Dr. Armstrong previously served as a member of the Advisory Board for the State of Colorado Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion and was the Chair of the Steering Committee, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Advanced Materials Institute.
I am honored to be invited to join the Strategic Advisory Council at Bye, said Dr. Armstrong. As business aviation and defense markets envision solar energy as a compliment to traditional power sources, with purposeful integration into systems and structures, numerous performance advantages can be realized. I believe that Ascent Solar and Bye Aerospace are uniquely positioned in these markets.
It is an absolute honor to welcome Dr. Armstrong to our impressive group of strategic advisors, said George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Bye Aerospace. Clean energy provided by thin-film PV technology is critical to the performance of several of Bye Aerospaces internal programs, including the solar-electric hybrid Silent Guardian unmanned aerial vehicle and the StarLight solar-electric powered airship.
ABOUT ASCENT SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules, which were named one of TIME Magazines 50 best inventions for 2011, can be directly incorporated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions.
ABOUT BYE AEROSPACE
Bye Aerospace, founded in 2007 and headquartered near Denver, is applying clean energy solutions to innovative aircraft designs for the business aviation and defense markets. For more information, go towww.ByeAerospace.com.
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Ascent Solar’s Joe Armstrong Joins Bye Aerospace Strategic Advisory Council
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Nestl in the United States today released its 2011 Creating Shared Value report detailing new accomplishments in the areas of nutrition, sustainable business practices, and economic and community development.
Among the ways Nestl creates shared value are by offering high-quality products, working to improve our environmental efficiency, providing stable jobs that contribute to our economic vitality, and remaining actively involved in our communities, said Heidi Paul, vice president, Corporate Affairs, Nestl Waters North America.
Creating Shared Value is Nestl's fundamental business strategy based on the belief that for a business to prosper in the long-term, it must create value for society as well as for shareholders. In the United States, Nestls largest market, the company creates value by providing quality products supported by an expertise in nutrition, health and wellness.
Nestl in the United States consists of five main businesses: Nestl USA, Nestl Purina PetCare Company, Nestl Waters North America, Nestl Nutrition and Nestl Professional. In 2011, its sales totaled $24 billion and the company now boasts seven billion-dollar brands in the United States. This year, Coffee-mate joins Stouffers, Lean Cuisine, DiGiorno, Nestl PureLife, Gerber and Friskies as billion dollar brands.
Below are some highlights of the latest Nestl in the United States annual Creating Shared Value report. To view the full report, please click here.
Good Food, Good Life: A Focus on Nutrition
Creating Shared Value for Sustainable Business Practices
Creating Shared Value in its Communities
About Nestl in the United States
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Nestlé Reports New Accomplishments Toward Creating Shared Value in the United States