Transition From Volume to Value Based Medical Marketing

By Dr. Jonathan Elias D'Souza, PhD A.M.  |   Submitted On July 27, 2013

 

The need for an integrated healthcare delivery process and its success is being defined by emptier hospital beds and a much healthier population. This is much different than the healthcare scenarios of the 90's.
We need to constantly ask ourselves. Are we improving? Are we innovating? What's different this time? Will people from the healthcare industry, hospitals, physicians, technicians and other healthcare providers come together to make an impact or will they let themselves be distracted and go astray. These questions are the ones that plague those people who are striving for innovation in healthcare marketing.

Future Steps For Health Information Exchange

By Redmond Schitzangel  |   Submitted On January 23, 2011

Through a process called health information exchange, medical information can be shared electronically across organizations within a geographic area or hospital system. Integrating disparate systems that contain electronic medical records, or EMRs, has become a necessary step to remaining competitive within the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Clinical data can be accessed more safely and quickly than in the past.
Through EMR integration designed to permit the exchange of information, healthcare quality is improved, treatment and processing costs are lowered, and medical errors are reduced. Healthcare providers such as hospitals, primary care physicians, and laboratories can access and update medical records from various locations. Using a physician portal, a surgeon can even deliver updates from the patient's bedside.

Medical Transcription School - The Start to a Flexible and Rewarding Career

By Nelson Smith  |   Submitted On May 06, 2008

Medical Transcription School will equip you, not only with the knowledge to fulfil a rewarding career, but also the understanding of why this service you will be providing is such an important service to millions of people.
Technology has changed all our lives, it was meant to make our lives much easier and to a large degree it has met that quest. Not least in the fact that medical records can now be obtained through the pressing of a button.

Medical Insurance, Pre-Determination and Plastic Surgery

By Dr Barry Eppley  |   Submitted On August 13, 2008

Third party insurance and potential coverage of surgical procedures is an important part of one's overall health maintenance program. Many plastic surgeons are happy to participate and aid you in maximizing your insurance benefits. Plastic surgeons work on a daily basis with many insurance providers and are very familiar with this process. It is important that you understand how the process works and the following information is provided to help you in that regard.
Once you are seen and evaluated by your plastic surgeon, and it is determined that your problem may be covered by your health insurance, there is a detailed process which follows to determine your eligibility and benefits available to you through your insurance provider. In most surgical procedures of a non-urgent nature, the proposed surgery must be pre-determined. This consists of a written letter from your plastic surgeon in which will be a description of the medical problem, proposed surgery, photographs, and documentation (if applicable) of symptoms related to the medical problem. No elective plastic surgery procedures today can be approved by a simple phone call.

Medical Transcriptionist Classes - What You Need to Know

By Max Appleton  |   Submitted On December 26, 2008

Are you looking to become a medical transcriptionist? The interest in medical transcription has increased immensely due to the high earnings from the career without much of an effort. But becoming a medical transcriptionist isn't easy. You must take a course in the subject before you can actually start earning money with it. Where would you go to participate in such a course? There are various schools that offer classes or you may even take an online course.
What exactly do those medical transcription classes teach? This is a question that looms over a majority of future transcriptionist. Just take a look but do not get worried, as there have been thousands of people who have completed the course without any prior knowledge.
1) Medical Terms. Being a transcriptionist means that you have to be very well versed with all medical terms and their roots.

Life Insurance Medical Exams

By Julie Shields  |   Submitted On July 16, 2008

Life insurance premium pricing and coverage eligibility are based on an individual's gender, age, and health status, and thus when applying for life insurance you will undergo medical examination.
Relatively small amounts of death benefit coverage, typically less than $75,000, will only require that you answer a life insurance agent's medical questions for some companies. However, for larger amounts of coverage--and often if you want lower premiums on the lower amounts of coverage--the medical exam for life insurance coverage will be a two-step process.
WHY DO YOU NEED A MEDICAL EXAM?
You need a medical exam for life insurance coverage because the insurance company needs to know what sort of payout risk you are to them (that sounds cold, but it's strictly business). Life insurance companies employ highly paid statistical wizards called actuaries to figure out these risk factors for them. Based on your risk of dying, the insurance company decides what to charge you for your premiums and may set upper limits on how much you will be allowed to be insured for based on this data as well.

Medical Transcriptionist Careers - Stay at Home and Earn Money Online

By Max Appleton  |   Submitted On December 26, 2008

One industry where there is always demand for more employees is the medical industry. People will always get sick. If you are currently looking for a job, you should consider becoming a Medical Transcriptionist. These are people who transcribe medical audio recordings for doctors and hospitals.
This field offers some of the best jobs in the world. However, working as a transcriptionist is not as easy as you may think. You usually have to take several courses through a college that educate you in the medical field.

Emergency Information For Your Elderly Parents - Would Anyone Know How to Find You?

By Dale Susan Edmonds  |   Submitted On March 30, 2009

 

Today, it's not unusual for aging parents to live at great distances from adult children. One accident or sudden illness could leave your Mother or Father unable to speak for themselves. Their neighbors are always friendly and helpful, but would they have any idea how to find you if there was an emergency?
Where to Start

Life Insurance With No Medical Questions

By Sylvia Hoffman  |   Submitted On April 11, 2009

Life insurance with no medical questions at all?
Not exactly. A life insurance company is not in the business of just giving away insurance. While you might not find an application without any medical nosiness by the insurer, there are many policies that ask only a few health questions and no medical exam.
No Medical Exam Insurance
These types of policies go through much of the same underwriting process as traditional life insurance, except for one major thing. There is no physical exam involved, so the carrier relies on your answers to the health questions as well as information available in public databases. The health questions can get pretty extensive. Some companies will want to know anything and everything about you. For example:

Clinical Benefits of Electronic Medical Records

By Marty Perdew  |   Submitted On September 10, 2009

Clinical Decision Making Improvements:
Electronic medical records contain a wide array of decision-making tools such as treatment plan recommendations and drug cross reaction alerts. Many EMRs have PDR based medication dictionaries. There are also many mobile applications springing up that have similar functions. Doctors can also make treatment recommendations based off a patient's diagnosis. The provider can make better educated decisions when they keep a close eye on medical information through integration of external sources such as labs, imaging centers, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Enhanced Documentation:
EMR software allows more than one user to access the patient's record which can be altered in realtime which ultimately results in a more complete and accurate chart. Loss of information through damage and loss to paper charts puts many providers at risk. There are many security measures being put in place that control permissions to a patients' record. With the pressures to conform to new pay-for-performance programs, computerized documentation allows us to manipulate data for reporting capabilities. The information can then be used for research reports, health maintenance reminders, statistics, drug recalls, and patient marketing.
Enhanced Patient Care:

Ladies Come Learn Where to Get Free Medical Care

By Sophie Maddox  |   Submitted On September 21, 2009

This can be one of the scariest times you face, an emergency and no way to pay for the expensive treatment. Take a deep breath, I'm here to give you good news, first before we get into what you can do to get medical treatment. Let me say I'm sorry you are going through this, I've been there. That is why I'm writing, to let you know so that you don't have to go through what I did, to get free medical care.
Grab a pen this is important, we are going to look at how to help you get the medical care you need.
The Emergency: If you are having an emergency or are helping someone who is having an emergency here is what you do.
1.       Drive if you can or have someone drive you. If this is not an option call 911. Tell the Medics that you don't have insurance and request to go to the nearest free clinic if there is an emergency room attached.
2.       Find the nearest free clinic. There should be one close by get the directions; write them down clearly how to get there. Bear in mind that you are not able to think as well as you typically do.
3.       Bring any type of medical information you have at home, if you are on any kind of medication bring the containers with you.
4.       Bring a pad of paper to take careful notes
Be very clear as you check in to let the Administration know that you don't have insurance. Be prepared to show proof that you can't pay them. If you were laid off you may have to show documentation. This verifies that they're not being scammed. There are some very interesting people who have no trouble looking for a free ride.
Free Clinics what do you need to know

How to Plan For a Medical Emergency

By Rick Brunting  |   Submitted On March 24, 2010

In this article today I would like to discuss several tips, tricks, and techniques that everybody and anybody can use to help plan for a medical emergency.
We don't often like to think about it, but the fact of the matter is a medical emergency can strike at any minute of the day or any minute of the night and being prepared for such a thing can mean the difference between life and death in many circumstances.
But most people have absolutely no plan in place for any sort of medical emergency and that's a huge shame because it doesn't take very much effort to put a plan in place and make sure that everybody in your family is aware of it.

How Does a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Affect My Ability to Get Health Insurance?

By Doug Gulleson  |   Submitted On March 09, 2010

Don't we all have some pre-existing condition? To quote from an unknown author, "No one is prefect...that's why pencils have erasers."

So what is a pre-existing condition?

Imagine you contact a car insurance agent on a Monday morning to tell him you need car insurance to pay for repairs on your car that is currently in the shop being fixed because of an accident you had on Friday night. Your agent tells you that he would be happy to help you take out car insurance for future accidents--after the vehicle is fixed and drivable. Even car insurance companies look at pre-existing conditions as a huge concern. Why? Simply put--we all "follow the money."

How to Plan For a Medical Emergency

By Rick Brunting  |   Submitted On March 24, 2010

In this article today I would like to discuss several tips, tricks, and techniques that everybody and anybody can use to help plan for a medical emergency.

We don't often like to think about it, but the fact of the matter is a medical emergency can strike at any minute of the day or any minute of the night and being prepared for such a thing can mean the difference between life and death in many circumstances.

But most people have absolutely no plan in place for any sort of medical emergency and that's a huge shame because it doesn't take very much effort to put a plan in place and make sure that everybody in your family is aware of it.

Explore the Field of Health Information Technology

By Jeremy P Stanfords  |   Submitted On April 14, 2010

 

The healthcare industry is growing faster than ever, and growing with it is the need for trained professionals in the field of information technology. With advances in medicine and technology, digital record keeping and data basing have become fundamental elements to modern healthcare facilities.

According to statistics held by the United States Bureau of Labor, job prospects for professional in the health information technology field are expected to be among the fastest growing for the next decade. In addition, technicians are in constant demand by employers, making IT professionals in the health industry invaluable. Wages for technicians averaged at $40,610 in 2008, and those holding degrees from accredited universities earned even more.

Pet Medical Insurance - How to Find Reliable Pet Medical Insurance

By Brian Garvin  |   Co-Author: Jeff W  |   Submitted On April 21, 2010

When looking for pet medical insurance, there are so many different companies offering such a large choice of policy, it can all be very confusing. Every pet owner has different needs, requirements and budget, and you need to choose a company that fully understand that. Keeping your pet healthy is very important, and you can never tell what is going to happen in the future. That is why pet medical insurance is so important. For many responsible pet owners, insurance is as important as feeding, grooming and exercise.
Deciding what to cover your pet for is the first decision, it is advisable to have a dual policy which covers for both, injury and illness. There are extra items you can add to the policy, for example, if you are injured yourself and your pet needs to go into boarding kennels, or if your pet causes damage to somebody Else's property.

Essential Matters in Health Information Systems

By Ed Raine  |   Submitted On July 02, 2010

Health information systems have deep implications at the level of security and ethics. Therefore, the article will approach the critical issues of privacy, security and health ethics.
The application of e-health technologies has to observe the concerns of data security and confidentiality of health of information. Since e-health technologies are available to a large number of users across great geographical areas, security access has become a major concern. In order to prevent any security issues, the informational system has to be endowed with appropriate firewall protection, data encryption and password access. Nevertheless, computing viruses become more and more intricate and sophisticated as the security technology develops.

The Essentials of Medical Coding Training

By Dennis Moore Hopkins  |   Submitted On August 03, 2010

Most of the students interested in medical courses are now shaping their career by taking a bright turn in medical coding training career.
Today, many schools are offering M.C.T. such as University of Phoenix, Brown Mackie College etc. The students are prepared mentally in such a way that they can deal with Medical Coding Training programs like massaging, therapy, assisting professional therapists and moreover they can work for respective healthcare support.
A Medical Coder can maintain bio data of patients related to pharmacy in a realized coding system e.g. (ICD-9 Index) as it uses a special type coding for making a record of medical information for recompense purposes. The coders are responsible for arraying each patient's analysis and treatment depending upon their classified system so that Health care doctors can uncover the patient's insurance companies.

Further Adoption of Electronic Medical Record Solutions

By Jake Richards  |   Submitted On August 13, 2010

Even with the need for an effective and reliable process for handling medical information, a comparatively small percentage of medical organizations have implemented electronic medical record (EMR) systems. These health care have made use of their traditional, paper-based methods for so long that they really do not think that there's a simple approach to make the change to digitized records. However, there are tons of benefits to an EMR, and they can more than outweigh the starting costs.

Medical Underwriting - Understanding Medical Underwriting

By Sean L Johnson  |   Submitted On September 08, 2010  

Medical underwriting refers to the process in which insurance companies use health or medical information to make decisions about your medical insurance coverage, including your premiums and whether to offer you coverage at all. While insurance companies believes that the use of underwriting keeps premium rates low, it is also a controversial practice that is not allowed in some states. This may be true, but nevertheless, this process affects a number of people who are subsequently denied health insurance due to their pre-existing medical conditions.

Do You Have a Medical Proxy Appointed?

By Michelle Jorgensen  |   Submitted On October 04, 2010

A medical proxy is also known as a health-care proxy or medical power of attorney. It is a legal agreement where you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make a medical decision for yourself.
Why Do I Need One?
There are two situations when a medical proxy is needed: when you are temporarily unable to make a health-care decision or if you are permanently unable to make your own decision. For instance, if you were having surgery and something happened while under anesthesia where a choice had to be made, without a medical proxy in place, the surgery would have to stop. You would have to come out from under the anesthesia and then be asked your preference and go through the surgery preparation procedures all over again.

Baby Boomers Cause Boom in Home Medical Monitoring

By Rhonda C  |   Submitted On February 04, 2011

 

Consider it the "graying of America." The aging "Baby Boomer" population has put a large strain on those who are responsible for care and services for elderly people. The attempt to keep up with the requirements of an aging population requires that large-scale adjustments be made by both government and private institutions.
This demographic shift has caused home medical monitoring systems to gain popularity in recent years. The rise in the prominence of these systems began in the 1980s with the increased capability of phone lines to handle more complicated data signals. Since that time, the advancements in medical alert services have been astonishing. There are more and more features available, and more and more providers. The competition between the companies that provide these services result in more advanced and reliable systems.

The Case for Medical Alert Jewelry for Diabetics

By Martha J Zimmer  |   Submitted On September 21, 2011

 

 

Diabetic jewelry might be a steel medical alert necklace, or it could be a gold charm on a chain. Whether it costs $5 or $100, it could make a huge difference in your life.
It's easy to argue against diabetic jewelry. What if you never need it? That's the same argument you could use against wearing seatbelts and locking your doors. You may never need those things, but if the time comes that you do, you will bless the day you chose to use them.
Emergency medical people say that over 95% of them do look for medical alert jewelry, and 75% of them say they look for them first before they do anything else.
Here' another statistic. Half of medical errors occur on admission or discharge from a hospital. Diabetic jewelry and other medical alert items could keep that from happening to you.

The Top Five (5) Things to Look for When Shopping for Medical Alert Services

By George A. Wissing  |   Submitted On February 28, 2013

Does your elder relative live alone? Are you worried he or she might fall and not be able to get to a telephone and call for help?
For decades, millions have turned to Medical Alert Services to address this life-threatening situation. Yet, choosing the right Medical Alert bracelet or necklace can be confusing.
How do You Choose the Right Emergency Medical Alert System?
Following, are 5 key factors to consider when choosing among Medical Alert Services for your elder relative (referred to, from here, as "Mom") who lives alone.

Features Of the No-Medical Exam Life Insurance

By Elen Moja  |   Submitted On October 12, 2013

Insurance companies are witnessing a sharp increase in insurance shoppers requesting for the no-medical exam life insurance products. This is in light of the fact that insurance agents are presenting the traditionally underwritten alternatives at lower costs. Shoppers are opting for the "non-med" coverage. This is not a surprise because the traditionally, underwritten alternatives present many inconveniences. Indeed, insurance companies are coming to terms with the facts that the no-medical exam polices help people who would otherwise not consider purchasing insurance. The no-medical exam policies get rid of the excuse of not having time. Features of the no-medical exam polices include:
· No medical exam requirements
If you do not enjoy getting pocked with needles, the no-med exam policy is right for you. Therefore, the medical exam should not be an excuse that keeps you from buying insurance.
· Affordable
Insurance companies are seeing rising trends. Every year, new insurance products with no-medical examination are entering the market. Furthermore, new companies that specialize in these types of products are entering the market. As a result, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive. This is in turn driving the premiums down. Nevertheless, when compared with the traditional insurance policies you will end up paying a little more for this product. The service provider is taking on a greater risk by failing to evaluate your health fully and thus the need to charge a little more.
· Limited guarantee

Both Sides Of The Coin For No-Medical Exam Life Insurance Policy

By Elen Moja  |   Submitted On October 15, 2013

 

It is becoming absolutely necessary to have some sort of insurance these days. One of these is the no-medical exam life insurance policy. In simple terms, this policy provides coverage for applicants, without subjecting them to a full medical or physical examination. Normally, insurance carriers require their applicants to go through a thorough medical examination to determine the level or risk and thus charge premiums accordingly. The higher your health risks the higher your insurance rates. Very elderly people who have many health complications are in most cases denied coverage completely. For such individuals, cheap no-medical exam life insurance is suitable. However, before you rush to get such a policy, it is wise to know both sides of the coin.
Benefits of this form of insurance
The main benefit of a this kind of life insurance policy is that it offers coverage for individuals who might have a hard time obtaining a regular life policy due to various health complications. It is also a great way to get life insurance coverage fast especially if it is a part of the requirements for certain occupations, and you cannot wait for the normal process which may take ages.
In a traditional coverage, it usually takes up to six weeks for an insurance to approve your policy but with this policy, it takes just a few days. Another advantage of this kind of policy is that it helps you avoid the hassle of going through a medical exam in the hospital. This process is usually rigorous and can take up much of your valuable time. Normally, if you are above the age of 50 and healthy, your no-medical exam life insurance will be able to be approved quickly.
Cons of the policy

Medical Offices Using Paper Records Will Be Penalized By 2015

By Javier Rios  |   Submitted On January 03, 2014

 

The healthcare industry is set for a major change in the United States. With the re-election of President Obama and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Obamacare in the early summer, the entire way that healthcare is handled in America is about to be turned on its head, and most of these changes are administrative in nature. One of the key components of the Obama Care legislation has to do with the way that medical information is shared, which is why the paper method of medical file keeping is no longer going to be a sustainable method.
In fact, medical offices that continue to use the paper filing method past 2015 will be fined by the Federal government.

Alternative Medical Treatments: Five Steps to Assure a Wise Decision

By Tim Anderson  |   Submitted On October 30, 2006

 

It's well after midnight and you can't sleep. The little Mariachi men running around inside your brain continue to taunt you with shouts of glee and rapid-fire strums of guitars. You numbly flick through television channels and a vision of beauty appears. An infomercial for an alternative insomnia treatment beckons you. Stunned, you let the remote fall from your hand and rush to grab the phone. Unfortunately, you trip over the remote control and take a headlong dive to the floor, severely spraining your wrist in the fall. Not to worry. Your toe clicked the TV station and a new, late night infomercial slowly drifts along your auditory pathways. It promises relief from sprains virtually overnight. You reach for the phone...
Is this the best way to select alternative medical treatments? Though the infomercial producers, and possibly your credit card company, will love you, there is a much better way. Alternative medical care is chosen for many reasons, including cost, the desire to avoid medication side effects and, at times, simple lack of success with traditional treatments. While we are fortunate to have access to a wide array of alternative treatments, it's critical that we choose wisely. Follow these five steps to assure you make a well-founded, thoughtful selection of alternative medical treatment.
1. Be Specific. When you begin your search for alternative treatment you should attempt to be as specific about your symptoms as possible. A "stomach ache" is going to be virtually impossible to treat. But, a sharp pain in the lower abdomen, just to the left of the centerline will help you begin your search. When you take your car to the shop you anticipate the car mechanic is likely to ask, "What's the problem?" You're ready to answer because you've thought about it and rehearsed your explanation. Give the same care and forethought to your physical symptoms before you begin your research.

Diabetes Medical Jewelry - The Importance Of Wearing Diabetes Medical Jewelry

By Terry Edwards  |   Submitted On May 03, 2007 

Diabetes medical jewelry can actually be the difference between life and death in certain medical emergencies. The American Medical Association encourages anyone with diabetes or diabetes mellitus, to wear a necklace or bracelet that could alert an emergency worker to know that you have a medical condition. The American Diabetes Association also recommends the same thing for diabetics. It only makes sense. Many medications and treatments work well for others, but with someone who has diabetes it could spell disaster.
Without a doctor knowing you're a diabetic, they will have no way of knowing you shouldn't have certain medicines or that you need a different kind of treatment that will work well with high blood sugar.

Care Of Your Personal Health Information

By Catherine Collins  |   Submitted On October 07, 2007

A Digital Personal Health Record should contain the health care information about an entire individual lifetime and should not only provide support to continuity of care and education but also ensure confidentiality of health data at all times. This will be able to provide quality health care delivery to the individual over their life time. The portable device should have the facility to store and retrieve health care records in a rapid, secure and highly user friendly method.
Many people would like to avoid issues regarding their health as much as possible and stay far away from it, because health is always associated with something bad. That means when you are healthy, disease free you are not interested to think or talk about it. Health is equated to sickness. Health is depressing.