An important part of the health care reform law is the promotion of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) – programs that enable health care providers to earn financial rewards when they achieve goals for high quality, cost-efficient care. The Medicare ACO program will begin this year and surveys show more than 150 additional ACOs currently being [...]
As health care plans continue to promote wellness and pro-active health awareness, the use of sophisticated imaging technology and pathology becomes even more widespread. Experience shows that many conditions, including certain types of cancers, can be very difficult to diagnose conclusively. While it is very common to choose a treatment plan from the first doctor [...]
Herbs and spices make great salt substitutes Using less table salt and salt in cooking may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease. To avoid salt without sacrificing flavor, experiment by making your own seasoning blends. Chinese five-spice blend for chicken, fish, or pork Combine ¼ cup ground ginger, 2 tablespoons [...]
Designed to extend health care protection to millions of Americans who lack coverage, the individual mandate is a central part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act recently debated in oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. While no one can predict the outcome, we thought it might be appropriate to consider a few [...]
Read the nutrition facts panel. Low fat does not always mean low calorie. Most packaged foods (like small bags of chips) have several servings. Limit alcohol. It contains about 70 calories per ounce and can weaken your resolve. Eat on smaller plates.
The average adult in the U.S. watches almost five hours of television per day. Even for people with high levels of physical activity, watching four or more hours of TV and screen-based entertainment per day is associated with worse mental health, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, low levels of “good” (HDL) cholesterol, and a 46% [...]
Cost containment, medical management, voluntary wellness programs, higher deductibles, increased participant contributions, marketing your health coverage each year to find the “best” carrier rate, are all employer strategies that have been tried over the past ten years with the sole purpose of controlling the rapidly increasing cost of health insurance. However, according to the Kaiser/HRET [...]
Here are six symptoms that you should call your doctor about: 1. Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. 2. Black, tarry stools — could be a bleeding ulcer or intestinal cancer.
What the Law Has Delivered, Or Not The Supreme Court has begun deliberation on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and is expected to render an opinion in early summer. Irrespective of what the “talking heads” may say, no one can predict their decision with 100% certainty, so we will all just have [...]
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal provided a first-hand look at a cancer patient who worked closely with a Nurse Navigator to get much more than quality medical treatment. Even if you’ve been blessed with good health, it may help to know more about the services these health care professionals can provide.