Viridian Health Management Provides Best Practices to Integrate Safety and Health Promotion, Reduce Health-Care Costs ...

Fri, Jun 8, 2012, 8:04 AM EDT - U.S. Markets open in 1 hr 26 mins

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These Start-Ups Can Help You Reduce Health Care Costs

According to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), health care costs will increase 7.5% next year, compared to 9.6% in 2009, when the recession kicked in. PwC identifies as the main drivers behind this slowdown a reduction in medical equipment costs, the shift in doctor compensation from fee-for-service to one based on a patient’s outcome, the use of generics as more drugs lose their patents, and price transparency. “What surprised me most when we talked to health plans in particular, is that many were able to explain why health care costs increases came down, but few could say why they could see a resurgence next year; the trend for going back up is not very strong,” says Mike Thompson, the study’s primary author.

Economists are pondering whether the slowdown in health care costs ushers in a permanent shift in the way patients consume health care, but it is highly unlikely that the trend will reverse. The reason: consumers are increasingly paying out-of-pocket for health care in the form of higher deductibles and premiums. In PwC’s survey of 1,400 employers, more than half plan to increase their employees’ share of health care costs.

As consumers start bearing the brunt of costs, they are going to shop around and push for greater price transparency. Prices for medical procedures and tests are mostly based on negotiations between health care providers and health insurers, and are kept confidential. As a result, prices can vary widely. In San Francisco, for example, the price of a cholesterol test ranges from $11 to $150. Used to having their employer pick up most of the tab, patients are now shocked to discover those price discrepancies. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, a woman who paid $2,236 for a CT scan at a Long Beach Calif. hospital sued her health plan, when she found out that it cost $1,054 if she hadn’t used her insurance. More startling, the cash price for a CT scan at a nearby medical center was only $250.

Patients will be battling with health care providers and insurance companies–some more enlightened than others, for their right to know how much medical services cost, before they pay for them. It won’t be easy. As health care investment analyst Avik Roy pointed out in his Forbes blog, an Arizona state senator tried in vain to pass a bill which would have required health care providers to post direct pay prices for common procedures. She blamed “swarms of lobbyists” for the bill’s failure to pass.

In the meantime, start-ups have spotted an opportunity to help patients reduce their health care costs, either by providing more clarity on prices, or rewarding healthy behavior by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Here are a few:

1-     Castlight Health: Allows employees of self-insured companies to compare prices for medical procedures and tests. Customers include Honeywell, Life Technologies, and Willis North America.

2-     GoodRx: The insured and uninsured can shop around for the cheapest drug price. In my neighborhood, thirty 10 mg tablets of the generic version of cholesterol drug Lipitor cost between $76.20 for a mail order from FamilyMeds (free shipping) and $102.27 at Rite-Aid.

3-     SeeChange Health: Members lower out-of-pocket expenses by taking preventive steps, such as check-ups and basic blood tests. Health plans are available in California, and roll out in Colorado next month.

4-     EveryMove: Health plan members who register accumulate points for engaging in physical activities, such as jogging, walking, or gardening. Those points translate into rewards in the form of lower out-of-pocket expenses. Launches this September with Premera Blue Cross in Washington; expects to sign up four plans next year.

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Texas Health Resources and Healthways Announce Ten-Year Commitment to Improve Well-Being and Reduce Health-Related ...

Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 7:51 AM EDT - U.S. Markets open in 1 hr 39 mins

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Dignity Health is First Health System in the Nation to Switch to Dye-Free Products to Reduce Environmental Impact

Thu, Apr 5, 2012, 6:40 PM EDT - U.S. Markets closed

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Health Organizations Count on Clinical Informatics to Improve Patient Health and Reduce Healthcare Costs, Finds PwC ...

NEW YORK, March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinical informatics may hold the key to better population health and a reduction of the healthcare costs in the United States if health organizations can use it to engage patients in managing their own health.  A new PwC US Health Research Institute (HRI) report published today suggests that health organizations view clinical informatics – the integration of information technology into healthcare – as paramount to their financial success and ability to effectively and affordably manage patient care and wellness.

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While improved patient care and safety is a top goal of their clinical informatics efforts, few health organizations have found ways of using health information to engage patients in managing their own health. A recent PwC HRI survey of more than 600 health management professionals across the country found:

Only 15 percent of health insurers and 13 percent of hospitals, physicians groups and other providers believe they have been able to successfully influence patient behavior through their informatics efforts.Nearly eight in 10 providers (79 percent) are looking to clinical informatics to help reduce medical errors, 61 percent hope to use it to improve population health, and 52 percent hope it will help them reduce costs by involving patients in preventative care routines.Eighty-five percent of health insurers are counting on clinical informatics to improve management of complex cases such as care for patients diagnosed with cancer, 80 percent are seeking a reduction in preventable emergency room visits and hospital readmission rates, and 56 percent hope that findings from their clinical informatics programs will lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention.

The HRI report, titled Needles in a haystack, Seeking knowledge with clinical informatics, looks at the state of clinical informatics in the industry and the needs, goals, barriers and opportunities that health organizations face in expanding their informatics capabilities. To inform its findings, PwC US surveyed health management professionals, including those from hospitals and physician groups, health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and life sciences companies, and conducted in-depth interviews with 30 chief information officers, chief medical informatics officers, and clinical leaders at health organizations across the country.

PwC found that all of the organizations it studied are now focused on clinical informatics capabilities, a nascent, fast-growing field that combines technology, patient care, financial reporting and collaborative information-sharing. While organizations have different needs, expectations for their informatics programs, the one common informatics goal PwC found they all share is a better understanding of medication compliance. Billions of dollars a year in wasteful healthcare spending can be attributed to excess hospitalizations, premature deaths and other avoidable expenditures caused by patients who do not take medications as prescribed. PwC's survey found:

Nearly 60 percent of providers and 91 percent of insurers said that improving patient compliance and adherence to prescribed medication is a goal of their clinical informatics program over the next two years. Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of pharmaceutical companies believe that access to information in electronic health records could help them better understand what factors lead to noncompliance as well as the factors affecting the safety and efficacy of patients' drug usage.

"Health organizations recognize the value of effective informatics and analytics, but they are struggling to institutionalize the insight, make it actionable and use it for competitive advantage," said Daniel Garrett, Health Information Technology practice leader, PwC. "They need strategies for mining data, conducting and integrating evidence-based research, translating findings into practice, and influencing patients to participate in the process."

The state of clinical informatics in the health industry

PwC reports that clinical informatics is likely to become even more important in healthcare as the reimbursement landscape shifts from a fee-for-service or volume-based model to an outcomes-based model. Comparative effectiveness research has made it incumbent upon providers, drug makers and medical device manufacturers to understand and demonstrate how different treatments, tests, or procedures work compared to others.

PwC's research found:

More than half (56 percent) of health organizations now have a formal clinical informatics program in place.Six in 10 (61 percent) hospitals and physician groups have a formal clinical informatics program, compared to 59 percent of health insurers and 33 percent of pharmaceutical / life sciences companies, which have been more likely to outsource their informatics functions.All health organizations – especially health insurers – have plans to increase informatics staffing over the next two years. Nearly half (48 percent) of providers plan to increase technical analysts and 35 percent will add clinical informaticists. Among insurers, 70 percent will increase technical staff and 30 percent will add clinical informaticists. Among pharmaceutical / life sciences companies, 39 percent intend to add technical staff and 38 will add clinical informaticists.Within the next two years, nearly two-thirds of providers will look to clinical informatics to help them improve care delivery by better understanding variances in performance, while 60 percent of health insurers will use clinical informatics to identify lower-cost, high-quality providers. Health organizations that already have formal informatics programs have made greater progress than those that do not on business strategies that position them to compete for patients and revenue in the new health market. They are:  More likely to be sharing data outside the organization and participating in new care delivery models.More likely to have advanced informatics functionality needed to meet requirements for meaningful use of electronic health records, such as the ability to integrate and aggregate data, measure performance and deliver information to the point of care.More likely to be considering new collaborative strategies to expand informatics capabilities with other organizations and patients.Health industry converges around clinical informatics

The nature of the once adversarial relationship among payers, providers and pharmaceutical / life sciences companies is becoming more collaborative in an outcomes-based reimbursement environment as health organizations discover they need each other and access to one another's information and capabilities.

Clinical informatics is spurring an increase in collaborative agreements, partnerships and deal activity among health organizations, suppliers, private equity firms and other market participants.

PwC's research found barriers that may slow collaboration and progress in the use of clinical informatics. 

Fewer than half of health companies are exchanging information externally today. Only 31 percent of providers, 47 percent of insurers and 49 percent of pharmaceutical / life sciences companies participate in external data exchange.Despite the need for clinical information, the two biggest challenges health organizations face in expanding their clinical informatics efforts is data integration and lack of industry-wide data standards, leading to distrust in the data itself and its usage.Nine in 10 (90 percent) of pharmaceutical / life sciences respondents said that access to the clinical  data stored in electronic health records would help with drug research and development, and 85 percent said it would help clinical trial protocol design and recruitment, yet 87 percent also expressed concerns in the quality of EHR data. Pharmaceutical companies, which have historically purchased clinical information, have decreased purchasing activity from 45 percent in 2009 to 24 percent in 2011. More than half (54 percent) of providers said they would like to provide feedback into evidence-based protocols, yet only 20 percent of health insurers are "very confident" in their ability to offer providers access to evidence-based protocols.Seven in 10 providers and health insurers said that their top technical goal is integrating data from multiple sources, and only 17 percent of providers and 16 percent of health insurers are very confident that their health information exchange vendor will be able to meet their analytic and integration needs over the next two years.

A copy of PwC's clinical informatics report is available for download at www.pwc.com/us/hitinformatics.

About PwC's Health Research Institute (HRI)

PwC's Health Research Institute provides new intelligence, perspectives, and analysis on trends affecting all health-related industries. The Health Research Institute helps executive decision makers navigate change through primary research and collaborative exchange. Our views are shaped by a network of professionals with executive and day-to-day experience in the health industry. HRI research is not sponsored by businesses, government, or other institutions.

About PwC's Health Industries Group

PwC's Health Industries Group (www.pwc.com/us/healthindustries) is a leading advisor to public and private organizations across the health industries, including healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, health and life sciences, payers, employers, academic institutions and non-health organizations with significant presence in the health market. Follow PwC Health Industries at http://twitter.com/PwCHealth.

About the PwC Network

PwC firms help organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for.  We're a network of firms in 158 countries with close to 169,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services.  Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

© 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

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Healthy U Program Aims to Reduce Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity in New Jersey has become a major concern. A Rutgers University study found that nearly one in three children in the state between the ages of 10 and 17 are overweight or obese and that number is even higher in urban areas. YMCAs throughout the state implemented a program called Healthy U in 2008 with the help of a $1 million grant from the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey to help combat the problem. The goal of the program is to reduce childhood obesity by 10 percent in four years by promoting physical activity, good nutrition and family involvement.

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How Digitizing Data Will Reduce Health-Care Costs

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions CEO Glen Tullman on how digitizing health-care information will reduce costs for the industry and why he is supporting Obama.

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Insignia Health Helps Medica Health and Wellness Coaching Program Improve Member Health, Reduce Costs

Tue, Feb 7, 2012, 7:16 AM EST - U.S. Markets open in 2 hrs 14 mins

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Quick Techniques to Reduce Belly Fat

Are you wondering how you can get rid of your belly fat and have a sexy, toned belly? Well, I tell you you are not the only one trying to accomplish it; there are hundreds of people who do not the following techniques and are willing to achieve washboard abs.

1. Workout

It is no secret that following certain kinds of regimes always help in driving the desired results. 30 minutes of aerobics thrice a week to increase benefit drastically. However, while working out, just ensure that you've a supervisor who can assist you. They have relevant experience and can even prescribe fat-free yet nutritious foods to you.

Plus, it also makes a person stronger and boosts endurance power too.

2. Improve Your Diet

Food intake is the primary reason why your body gets out of shape, remains fit; therefore, if you like to have high-carb diets, avoid them completely. Plus, diet is a significant factor that can contribute in an individual's overall health; in fact, research has proven that in order to get the most from exercise, one should focus on his diet too.

Foods that need to be avoided are dairy products, meat, chicken, cheese; etc. These are not only high in fats, but also contain cholesterol.

Also, rather than going for 3-4 four big meals, divide the food into 5-6, but in smaller quantities.

3. Improve Your Metabolism

For better results at your belly fat reduction endeavors, it is vital to have an excellent metabolism. And a good metabolism is largely contributed by consistent and healthy breakfast, particularly because you would have an empty stomach through the night, and would require something nutritious.

Plus, with improvised metabolism, it would be convenient for you to work-out harder and shed belly fat quite effectively.

4. Drink a Lot of Water

Some people claim that having a lot of water with salty food causes fats to be deposited on the belly, but this is so untrue! Our body consists of 70% of water and without it, would be exhausted. It enhances the overall physical performance of the individual and gives your body, the energy it requires.

According to the reports, an average adult must have at least 6-8 liters of water every single day to remove the fats from his belly.

In conclusion, reducing belly fats is no rocket science; hundreds and thousands of people have been following the above tips and are getting a lean and toned tummy.

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Best <b>Diets</b> To Reduce weight � Car Insurance Articles or blog posts <b>...</b>

Some thing tasty and yummy and nevertheless you drop weight

The many ideal diet program plans are according to restrictions on carbohydrates, fats and substantial calorie items. During diet program plans you can take fruits, green leafy vegetables, roughages and foodstuffs having much less calories.

Best Diet program Plans:

The Cabbage Soup diet program has been utilized by dieters for a long time. This diet program contains numerous versions however the uncomplicated one is that should you consume cabbage soup whenever you are hungry it is going to fill you up and can assist you to stay on reduced calorie diet program. While you are on cabbage soup diet program you need to not take oily, fatty foodstuffs. This diet program has really reduced calories. For that reason cabbage diet program is amongst the best diets to shed weight.

The Sonoma diet program was first ready by Dr. Connie Gutterson. This effective weight loss diet program contains antioxidant vegetables, juicy fruits like blueberries, spinach, whole grains and small almond oil. It is possible to even add a glass of red wine. Sonoma diet program can also be accepted as one from the ideal diets to shed weight.

Slimatox diet program is incredibly valuable in controlling hunger for greater than 4 hrs. Slim rapid diet program is balanced, nutritional and rich in calcium and proteins. The Slim-Fast Diet program strategy is planned for dieter to take six times in day. It is possible to add fruits, yogurt and cottage cheese. Fresh vegetables, meats and nuts are also a part of slim rapid diet program. It isn’t only diet program cautious but additionally provides you with a great flavor and taste. It may be deemed since the ideal diet program strategy to shed weight particularly for teenagers.

Unfavorable calorie diet program is much less of a Pure Acai Berry diet program and a lot more like diet program helper. It consists of a checklist of foodstuffs whose net calorie account is less than complete calories taken to digest them. These consist of substantial roughages, reduced fats, fruits and vegetables. Roughage is essential subject material of detrimental calorie diet program. The calorie output right here is detrimental thus it is going to help shedding pounds.

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Can Fish Oil Reduce The Pain Associated With Osteoarthrits ?

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Fish oil is often recommended for people with arthritis and many people take it regularly to help ease the pain and stiffness in the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. However, there has been a lot of speculation amongst health professionals as to whether a daily dose of fish oil really does help alleviate the symptoms that is characteristic of osteoarthritis as the effects of Omega 3 haven't been thoroughly investigated in a randomized trial.

Now according to the results of a new study, the indications are that even those taking a low dose of fish oil are likely to see a reduction in the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The research lasted for 2 years and was a randomized double blind clinical trial carried out in Australia and Tasmania in several hospitals and universities.

The government funded study involved 200 patients over the age of 40 with an average age of 60, who had Osteoarthritis and were experiencing pain. The researchers wanted to compare the difference between the benefits of a high dose of Omega 3 fish oil with a low dose and specifically were looking for changes in pain levels and in disability. They assessed the patients at the beginning of the trial and also at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index or WOMAC Index. This is a standardized questionnaire used to evaluate pain levels, joint stiffness and disability in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis

Approximately half of the participants were given a low dose of fish oil and the remaining half got a high dose. After a year there was a clinically important improvement seen in both groups but no noticeable difference between those taking a low dose and those taking a high dose.

Interestingly, the researchers discovered that after a period of two years those taking a low dose of Omega 3 fish oil saw greater improvements in the WOMAC scale for pain and disability than those taking a higher dose. There was also a higher dropout rate, particularly in the earlier part of the trial, in those taking the higher dose of fish oil. The researchers concluded that the lower dose of fish oil was "superior" but said they weren't sure exactly why the low dose of fish oil resulted in greater benefits

There is currently no cure for Osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative joint disease. The condition is caused by wear and tear on the joints and commonly affects the weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips but can also affect the wrists, feet, and spine. In fact Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body. The joints become painful when the bone cartilage that protects the joints breaks down exposing the bone and causing friction and damage. Apart from intense pain, other symptoms include stiffness, inflammation and a reduction in mobility. Environmental conditions such as humidity and cold can exacerbate the symptoms. Sometimes patients with Osteoarthritis will need to have joint replacement surgery in order to increase mobility, lessen pain and improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis currently affects around 8 million people in the UK and 27 million people in the US and is a leading cause of disability. Most people with arthritis rely heavily on anti inflammatory medication to alleviate their suffering Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are not ideal on a long term basis as anti inflammatory drugs can cause damage to the stomach over time. A number of studies have indicated that long term use of fish oil can reduce the need for NSAIDs.

According to Arthritis Australia, the amount of Omega 3 fish oil needed to reduce inflammation and help control the symptoms of arthritis is 2.7 grams daily although a lower dose than this will help improve heart health and health in general

Taking omega 3 fish oil EPA ,has been found to be very beneficial for a host of health probelms, for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit.

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