Aging Boomers' Mental Health Woes Will Swamp Health System: Report

TUESDAY, July 10 (HealthDay News) -- The United States faces an unprecedented number of aging baby boomers with mental health or substance use issues, a number so great it could overwhelm the existing health care system, a new report warned Tuesday.

"The report is sufficiently alarmist," said Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "I think [the report authors] are right."

Kennedy was not involved with the report, The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands? It was mandated by Congress and issued by The Institute of Medicine in light of a "silver tsunami" of health care needs expected to accompany a senior population that will reach 72.1 million by 2030.

The "silver tsunami" is the result of simple supply-and-demand forces gone awry, the report authors explained.

Up to 8 million older Americans, or 20 percent of the current senior population, suffer from some form of mental health condition, often depression, at-risk drinking or dementia-related behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, according to the IOM report. (A basic diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was excluded from the study.)

And 2 million seniors have severe mental illnesses, a number that is "greatly under-appreciated," said Dr. Peter Rabins, one of the authors of the report.

Also, as baby boomers age, studies indicate that their use of illicit drugs will continue.

"The reality is the Woodstock Generation has come of age," said Kennedy. "Their background is with psychedelic drugs, marijuana, recreational drugs, non-narcotics . . . It's a real problem."

Against these growing problems, meanwhile, the number of health providers and other service providers is shrinking in proportion. And that means, according to the report, that "a health care workforce that is not prepared to address either [mental health/substance use] problems or the special needs of an aging population is a compelling public health burden."

"The number of individuals with specialty training in both aging and either mental health or substance use issues is extremely small," said Rabins, who is a psychiatry professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Nor are candidates rushing to fill the pipeline, Kennedy added, probably because of lower pay in geriatric specialties.

Each of these populations -- the elderly, and those with mental health and/or substance use issues -- require special care. But the two in combination represent a special challenge.

Older people metabolize both alcohol and drugs differently from younger people, putting them at risk for overdoses. According to one estimate, almost two-thirds of emergency room visits for adverse drug reactions in 2008 were by elderly people.

Also, elderly people -- particularly those with depression -- may be less able to adhere to complicated medication regimens for mental and physical ailments.

And medications to treat mental health issues may not react well with other medications needed to treat high blood pressure, diabetes and the host of other physical problems that become common as people age.

"The biggest challenge appears to be the fact that these problems rarely occur in isolation. Most [elderly] people who have mental health or substance use problems also have a physical health problem," said Rabin. "That's not true in younger age groups."

The report provides a number of recommendations for solutions, in what basically amounts to an overhaul of the health care system.

Key to handling the future explosion of seniors with mental health issues and/or substance use issues will be organizing a better health care workforce.

"We really need to be training the existing workforce, which interacts with both older people and mentally ill people, to have the skill set of the other group," said Rabins. "People with general mental health training, such as social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists, have very little training in treating the elderly. Those in the aging network have very little experience treating mental illness."

Better provisions, including funding, need to be made for training professionals to care for this population. This includes primary care providers, nurses and nursing-home assistants.

And Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement schedules need to be overhauled to make sure the services this population requires are covered.

The report also said the federal government should coordinate all the efforts that involve these two vulnerable populations.

In addition, Kennedy suggested that partial forgiveness of medical-school loans would "turn around the onward direction of trainees coming into the geriatric field."

More information

Visit the Institute of Medicine for more on the report.

View the original article here

Aetna and Inova Health System Establish New Health Plan Partnership in Northern Virginia

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Inova Health System and Aetna (NYSE: AET) today announced an exclusive partnership to establish Innovation Health Plans, a jointly owned health plan serving Northern Virginia, including more than 1.1 million residents currently served by Inova. Innovation Health Plans aligns two marquee organizations to provide more affordable, quality health care to Northern Virginia employers and residents, with each organization bringing best-in-class services: Aetna for health benefits administration and care management capabilities and Inova for health care delivery.

The partnership will help to promote clinical integration of the health care community. Inova Health System will engage Inova and community physicians to focus on promoting wellness; improving patient outcomes through better care coordination; and streamlining access to patient information. Aetna will support Inova with technology that makes it easier for physicians to exchange information and track their patients’ care across all settings.

New commercial and Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO products will be offered in Northern Virginia as part of the joint venture expected to begin Jan. 1, 2013. The new products will give employers and consumers access to less expensive, more coordinated and integrated health care fostered by the partnership and engagement with community physicians.

“Our mission is to improve the health of the diverse community we serve through excellence in patient care,” stated Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System. “This innovative relationship with Aetna responsibly addresses long-standing challenges related to the quality and expense of care, physician participation and patient satisfaction. Together, we are streamlining the process to empower patients while better engaging payers and physicians. Taken as a whole, we are forging a higher standard of health care for Northern Virginia consumers.”

“Both Inova and Aetna believe that shared accountability translates into a powerful new value proposition for consumers,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna chairman, CEO and president. “This joint venture with the region’s largest health system signals a new level of Aetna’s commitment to payment reform and stronger provider collaboration. It is a significant step forward for our customers and members. Through our joint arrangement we will deliver a better, more affordable health care experience.”

Currently, Inova provides care to more than 1.1 million Northern Virginia residents annually. Aetna provides health care benefits to approximately 570,000 members in Virginia.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services and health information technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About Inova

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50319780&lang=en

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50319780&lang=en

View the original article here

University Health System Engages MedAssets for Construction Growth Strategies

Wed, Jun 20, 2012, 11:36 AM EDT - U.S. Markets close in 4 hrs 24 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Cardinal Health, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System Announce Unique Collaboration To Promote Urban Renewal

DETROIT, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health, Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) today announced a unique collaborative effort to spur urban renewal and bring jobs to the city of Detroit.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120529/CL15141 )

As part of the economic recovery effort, DMC and HFHS have agreed to long-term distribution agreements with Cardinal Health, enabling the company to relocate a medical products distribution center to the midtown area from its current Romulus locations. The transfer will bring 140 jobs to the city of Detroit.

"DMC was focused on leveraging our partnership in a meaningful way to contribute to the city's revitalization. This new facility will fulfill Cardinal Health's commitment to relocate its Michigan based distribution operations within the City of Detroit, which was part of the negotiation of the DMC agreement. We are excited our 20 year partnership will continue and the relocation will be an opportunity for new construction within the midtown area," said Donald P. Groth, corporate vice president, Materials Resource Management, Detroit Medical Center.

"Henry Ford Health System is deeply committed to the revitalization of the midtown area and is pleased to be collaborating on what we envision as the first step in a major redevelopment effort," said Nancy Schlichting, HFHS CEO. "We're thrilled to be making progress and expect that this project will lead to further development not only in the areas of warehousing and office space but also in retail and residential space."

Cardinal Health has construction plans for a 273,520 square foot distribution center. The company has filed an application with the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and is awaiting a number of City Council approvals before details can be finalized. The company advises that its relocation to the site within city limits is dependent upon those approvals and a robust package of local, state and federal economic development incentives.

Pending approvals, Cardinal Health could begin construction by the end of 2012. Construction would be complete in approximately 12 months.

"We're pleased that we have entered new, long-term agreements with both Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System and that, as a result of our mutual long-term commitments, we're able to collaborate with these organizations in support of their commitment to the city of Detroit and its revitalization," said Steve Inacker, president, Medical Channel Management at Cardinal Health.

Cardinal Health will also serve surrounding areas in the state of Michigan as well as northern Ohio and northern Indiana from its new location.

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) is a $103 billion health care services company that improves the cost-effectiveness of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices focus on patient care while  reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality. Cardinal Health is an essential link in the health care supply chain, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products to more than 60,000 locations each day. The company is also a leading manufacturer of medical and surgical products, including gloves, surgical apparel and fluid management products. In addition, the company supports the growing diagnostic industry by supplying medical products to clinical laboratories and operating the nation's largest network of radiopharmacies that dispense products to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ranked #21 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. More information about the company may be found at cardinalhealth.com and @CardinalHealth on Twitter.

About Detroit Medical Center

The Detroit Medical Center operates 10 hospitals and institutes, including Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Institute, Kresge Eye Institute, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and DMC Surgery Hospital.  

The Detroit Medical Center is a leading regional health care system with a mission of excellence in clinical care, research and medical education.

The Detroit Medical Center is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System, one of the country's largest and most comprehensive integrated health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research and education. The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group; four acute care hospitals; two residential behavioral health facilities; Health Alliance Plan, a 600,000-member health insurance and wellness company; Henry Ford Physician Network, a physician-led organization to drive clinical integration and quality and reduce costs; and 150 ambulatory, health-related and wellness sites throughout southeast Michigan. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient.

View the original article here

Adventist Health System Joins National Programs Focused on Preventing Harm, Reducing Costs

Mon, Apr 16, 2012, 3:33 PM EDT - U.S. Markets close in 27 mins.

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

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

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Rush System for Health, UnitedHealthcare Announce New Network Relationship

Mon, Mar 26, 2012, 1:14 PM EDT - U.S. Markets close in 2 hrs 46 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley - New care system aggressively monitors patient health

An Accountable Care Organization is a new type of healthcare system aimed at lowering cost by aggressively monitoring patient health. Jeff Glor reports on how these organizations are projected by the Obama administration to save up to $960 million over the next three years.

View the original article here

Health Canada Approves Medical Device License for CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System

Sun, Mar 4, 2012, 5:58 PM EST - U.S. Markets closed

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

ANN ARBOR: U of M Health System and Trinity Health to partner

ANN ARBOR: U of M Health System and Trinity Health to partner - Ann Arbor Journal - Heritage Newspapers #paragraphs2, #paragraphs3, #paragraphs4, #fullstory, #commentsblock { display: none;}/* #paragraphs2, #paragraphs3, #paragraphs4, #paragraphs1, #commentsblock { display: none;} #fullstory { display: block;} .comments-link-block, #paging { display:none; } */ window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({appId: '163000030395391', status: true, cookie: true, xfbml: true}); }; (function() { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.async = true; e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js'; document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e); }());Advertise with UsContact UsSubscribe RSS FeedsMember CenterSubmit AnnouncementsPlace an AdSpecial SectionsServing Ann Arbor, MI and surrounding communities

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Home News Sheriff's Blotter What's Next? National/State News Politics/Election News Business/Finance News Video Sports National/State Sports Major League Baseball Video Business Opinion Letter to the Editor Entertainment Cruisin' MI Auto Events Calendar Movie Reviews Music Reviews Recipes & Menus Lottery Contests & Promotions Crossword Obits Life Health Announcements Bridal Down River Directory Community Directories Dearborn Area Living Travel Blogs Video Autos News Sports Health JobsReal EstateCarsVideoCruisin' MIClassifiedsMarketplaceDirectoriesHot DealToday's AdsSpecial Sections Search:

Advanced Search for articles older than six months

window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({appId: '163000030395391', status: true, cookie: true, xfbml: true}); }; (function() { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.async = true; e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js'; document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e); }());Breaking News:WASHTENAW COUNTY: 800 of 20,000 who lost power are still without itAnn Arbor Journal > NewsANN ARBOR: U of M Health System and Trinity Health to partnerPublished: Sunday, March 04, 2012

Tweet0

The University of Michigan Health System, based in Ann Arbor, and Trinity Health-Michigan, based in Novi, have signed a new master affiliation agreement that paves the way for close cooperation between the two health systems that officials hope will benefit patients around the state.

The agreement signals an intention to work together on specific opportunities that may be developed by teams of physicians and leaders from both systems.

The goal is to use the complementary strengths and geographic location of UMHS and Trinity-Michigan services to help patients get the care they need in the most appropriate place.

The two organizations will also seek to improve the safety net for the uninsured. That effort will begin with southeastern Michigan, where both health systems are based, and grow to the rest of the state.

Initially, they will explore areas that include inpatient hospital capacity, high-complexity care for the most seriously ill patients, children's care, cancer care, physician training and hiring, clinical research and support services such as information technology.

The affiliation also positions UMHS and Trinity-Michigan to take advantage of new federal and state programs, such as accountable care organizations that give incentives to health systems to provide better and more coordinated care for entire populations of patients while also containing the growth of costs.

"We are thrilled to embark on this level of affiliation, which makes us Trinity's preferred academic partner in Michigan and sets the stage for great things to come," said Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, the executive vice president for medical affairs at U of M and CEO of UMHS, in a news release.

The move makes possible many opportunities that could benefit patients statewide by providing the care they need at the best place for them, ensuring our future supply of physicians and creating new knowledge from research, Pescovitz added.

"From St. Joseph Mercy Health System on the east side to Mercy Health on the west side, our organizations throughout Michigan have enjoyed a long-standing and positive relationship with the U of M Health System," said Garry C. Faja, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Health System and regional market executive for Trinity Health-East Michigan.

"We are excited about the opportunity to work more closely together to better meet the needs of patients and the communities we serve." Continued...

1 2 See Full Story Reader Comments » View reader comments (0) » Comment on this story » UMHS has three hospitals in Ann Arbor and a network of primary care and specialty outpatient centers in three counties.

Trinity Health's presence extends from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in the metro Detroit area with hospitals in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Howell, Livonia, Pontiac, Port Huron and Saline; up to Grayling and Cadillac in northern Lower Michigan, and to the west with Mercy Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

With a wide base of hospitals and associated services under one affiliation agreement, the two health systems now have a wide range of options for designing new models of care to better serve patients.

Both health systems will now contribute members to a leadership group that will approve all proposed cooperative agreements and to teams that will work on specific proposals.

  1 2 See Full Story Reader Comments » View reader comments (0) » Comment on this story » 1 2 3 See Full Story Reader Comments » View reader comments (0) » Comment on this story » 1 2 3 4 See Full Story Reader Comments » View reader comments (0) » Comment on this story » The University of Michigan Health System, based in Ann Arbor, and Trinity Health-Michigan, based in Novi, have signed a new master affiliation agreement that paves the way for close cooperation between the two health systems that officials hope will benefit patients around the state.

The agreement signals an intention to work together on specific opportunities that may be developed by teams of physicians and leaders from both systems.

The goal is to use the complementary strengths and geographic location of UMHS and Trinity-Michigan services to help patients get the care they need in the most appropriate place.

The two organizations will also seek to improve the safety net for the uninsured. That effort will begin with southeastern Michigan, where both health systems are based, and grow to the rest of the state.

Initially, they will explore areas that include inpatient hospital capacity, high-complexity care for the most seriously ill patients, children's care, cancer care, physician training and hiring, clinical research and support services such as information technology.

The affiliation also positions UMHS and Trinity-Michigan to take advantage of new federal and state programs, such as accountable care organizations that give incentives to health systems to provide better and more coordinated care for entire populations of patients while also containing the growth of costs.

"We are thrilled to embark on this level of affiliation, which makes us Trinity's preferred academic partner in Michigan and sets the stage for great things to come," said Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, the executive vice president for medical affairs at U of M and CEO of UMHS, in a news release.

The move makes possible many opportunities that could benefit patients statewide by providing the care they need at the best place for them, ensuring our future supply of physicians and creating new knowledge from research, Pescovitz added.

"From St. Joseph Mercy Health System on the east side to Mercy Health on the west side, our organizations throughout Michigan have enjoyed a long-standing and positive relationship with the U of M Health System," said Garry C. Faja, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Health System and regional market executive for Trinity Health-East Michigan.

"We are excited about the opportunity to work more closely together to better meet the needs of patients and the communities we serve."

UMHS has three hospitals in Ann Arbor and a network of primary care and specialty outpatient centers in three counties.

Trinity Health's presence extends from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in the metro Detroit area with hospitals in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Howell, Livonia, Pontiac, Port Huron and Saline; up to Grayling and Cadillac in northern Lower Michigan, and to the west with Mercy Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

With a wide base of hospitals and associated services under one affiliation agreement, the two health systems now have a wide range of options for designing new models of care to better serve patients.

Both health systems will now contribute members to a leadership group that will approve all proposed cooperative agreements and to teams that will work on specific proposals.

  Return to Paging Mode Reader Comments » View reader comments (0) » Comment on this story » Return to Story «

CommentsThe following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of Heritage Newspapers.

Login To Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

*Member ID: *Password: Remember login?
(requires cookies)   Forgot Your Password?   Not Registered? Sign up today for free!Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID: *Choose a password: *Re-enter password: *E-mail Address: *Year of Birth:   (children under 13 cannot register)

*First Name: *Last Name: Company: Home Phone: Business Phone: *Address: *City: *State: *Zip Code:   Return to Story «

ADVERTISEMENT

#artslider1 .jcarousel-clip-horizontal {height:100%;width:280px;}#artslider1 ul.jcarousel-list li, #artslider1 ul.jcarousel-item {float: left;list-style: none;width: 280px;height: 100%; display: block}123

Your browser does not support iframes.

View More

Place a Classified

Your browser does not support iframes.

View More

Place a Classified

Your browser does not support iframes.

View More

Place a Classified

Loading Health Theater Content... National News Videos

See wrong or incorrect information in a story. Tell us here

What was wrong?

Article URL or Title

Email Address


Please enter the characters you see above:

Community Calendar

Your browser does not support iframes.

Recent Activity on Facebook

Photo GalleriesView more photos from HeritageShare your Photos & VideoOrder Photo ReprintsBlog Center

Inside the Newsroom

Staff writers at The Saline Reporter and Milan News-Leader write about their beats, sharing their thoughts and insights while covering local events and issues in both communities, and adding local photos and video.

Inside the Newsroom @ Chelsea, Dexter

Updates from the staff of Chelsea Standard and Dexter Leader.

A2 Journal Blog

Written by the staff at A2 Journal, a new, weekly, community newspaper covering Ann Arbor.

The Starting Five

Tune in as local Heritage West sports writers put their two cents in on area teams and the world of sports.

More BlogsMI Central Blog Center See, Click, Fix
Sections: SportsBusinessOpinionEntertainmentObitsLifeBlogsVideoJobsCarsReal EstateClassifiedsMarketplaceSpecial SectionsServices: Advertise With UsSubscribeWhere to BuySubmit AnnouncementsNewspapers in EducationPlace an AdContact UsAbout Us
Member CenterCarrier InformationSchool ClosingsLegal Notices RSS FeedsHeritage Network: Heritage NewspapersAnn Arbor JournalBelleville ViewChelsea StandardDexter LeaderThe Ile CameraThe Manchester EnterpriseThe Milan News-LeaderThe News HeraldThe Press and GuideThe Saline Reporter Ypsilanti CourierThe GuardianMICentral Network: Advisor and SourceDaily TribuneGrand Traverse InsiderLeader & KalkaskianMacomb DailyMI CentralThe Morning SunThe Oakland PressVoice Newspaper© Copyright Heritage Newspapers, a Journal Register Property & part of Journal Register MI -- All rights reserved | Our Publications | About Our Ads | Privacy Policy/Terms of Service

document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js' %3E%3C/script%3E")); COMSCORE.beacon({ c1:2, c2:8030909, c3:"", c4:"", c5:"", c6:"", c15:"" });Newstogram.init('a22e942f938a9f86a01e8f8ca67f2aaa');Newstogram.pageView();

View the original article here

Health Canada Approves Medical Device License for CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System

Thu, Mar 1, 2012, 10:54 AM EST - U.S. Markets close in 5 hrs 6 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Adventist Health System Accelerates Revenue Receipt, Improves Workflow

Tue, Feb 21, 2012, 2:22 PM EST - U.S. Markets close in 1 hr 38 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

University General Health System Announces Acquisition of Facilities Management Company

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire -02/02/12)- University General Health System, Inc. (OTCQB: UGHS.PK - News) (Pinksheets: UGHS.PK - News), a diversified, integrated multi-specialty health delivery system, today announced that it has finalized the acquisition of Sybaris Group, LLC, a luxury hospitality service provider and facilities management company headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Sybaris Group, LLC provides environmental, food and nutrition, and facilities management services to twelve clients in the Houston metropolitan area, including University General Hospital. Sybaris, with nearly 100 employees, achieved almost $5.5 million in revenues and an estimated EBITDA of $500,000 in the year ended December 31, 2011. The acquisition, for 5 million shares of UGHS common stock, will increase University General Health Systems' shareholders' equity by approximately $1.5 million.

"The acquisition of Sybaris by University General Health System will allow us to grow more rapidly and leverage the scalability of our business model," stated Diron Blackburn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sybaris Group, LLC. "We are delighted to join the UGHS team, as we are mutually committed to the expansion of the regional health delivery system."

"The quality of services provided by Sybaris will contribute to the success of our growth strategy, allow us to continue providing concierge-level services to our patients and physicians as we expand into new markets, and contribute to our bottom line, which is of paramount interest to our shareholders," observed Hassan Chahadeh, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of University General Health System, Inc. "We expect the acquisition to increase our EBITDA by more than $1.0 million annually. Sybaris will contribute to our integrated, diversified model, and we are delighted to have Mr. Blackburn and his quality management team join our Company."

About University General Health System, Inc.

University General Health System, Inc. ("University General") is a diversified, integrated multi-specialty health care provider that delivers concierge physician- and patient-oriented services by providing timely, innovative health solutions that are uniquely competitive, efficient, and adaptive in today's health care delivery environment. The Company currently operates one hospital, two free-standing emergency rooms, and one ambulatory surgical center in the Houston area. University General also owns three senior living facilities and manages six senior living facilities, and it plans to complete additional acquisitions in 2012 and future years in Houston and other markets.

The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common stock is listed on the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol "UGHS."

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements related to the future financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, successful execution of growth strategies, product development and acceptance, the impact of competitive services and pricing, general economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

View the original article here

Health Care System Cutting Hundreds Of Jobs

UMass Memorial Health Care is laying off hundreds of employees.

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Orriant Chief Calls on CEOs to Save the U.S. Health Care System

SALT LAKE CITY, UT--(Marketwire -01/27/12)- A health industry leader today urged corporate America to stop complaining about skyrocketing employee health costs -- now the third largest expense for U.S. companies today -- and start doing something about it.

In a controversial article published today in Bloomberg View, the new editorial unit of the BusinessWeek media franchise, Darrell Moon, the chief executive of wellness program provider Orriant, chastised his fellow CEOs for what he termed "their curious passivity" in the face of employee health costs that have literally doubled in the last ten years.

"Chief executive officers," Moon wrote, are "failing to employ even the most basic management tools and economic incentives to deal with the problem" -- techniques that every one of them learned back in business school.

Moon then pointed to seven simple things that CEOs can do to reign in their spiraling employee health costs. These range from offering bonuses to human resource and benefit managers who reduce the company's health plan costs (but not its plan benefits), to targeting high-cost risk factors like depression for early intervention by employee assistance programs.

But the most important thing CEOs can do is to incentivize their own employees to get healthier. This, Moon insisted, is the real game-change for a company's bottom line.

That's because a new Gallup poll found that an astonishing 86 percent of all full-time employees in the U.S. are overweight or suffer from one or more chronic health conditions. So offering incentives like reduced premium contributions to employees willing to work with a health coach to change their health-related lifestyles makes simple economic sense, said Moon.

"The point is," wrote Moon, "that CEOs cannot keep handing out unlimited health benefits with no strings attached. Employees who don't even try to modify their health risks," he argued, "should pay more."

The article -- titled "It Takes a CEO to Save the U.S. Health Care System" -- also quotes health care author and thought leader Joe Flower: "We could have better healthcare at half the cost, without denying care to anyone, just by driving economic incentives back into the system."

Orriant is a Sandy, Utah-based wellness program provider serving companies nationwide. For more information, call 888-346-0990, email info@orriant.com, or go to www.orriant.com.

View the original article here

dbMotion Chosen by Unity Health System to Enhance Patient-Centered Medical Home

Wed, Jan 25, 2012, 12:18 AM EST - U.S. Markets open in 9 hrs 12 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

dbMotion Chosen by Unity Health System to Enhance Patient-Centered Medical Home

Tue, Jan 24, 2012, 12:27 PM EST - U.S. Markets close in 3 hrs 33 mins

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Romania's health system needs intensive care

Underfunded and short-staffed, Romania's health system is in need of intensive care, analysts say, warning that recent mass street protests should not derail a drive for reform.

A draft law aimed at giving private operators a central role in the sector earlier this month sparked outspoken criticism from physicians and patients, who feared that health care would become unaffordable to average Romanians.

The bill also drove the founder of the emergency medical services unit to quit, but the widely-respected Raed Arafat was later reinstated and the bill withdrawn after tens of thousands of Romanians had protested in the streets.

But experts stress that the system cannot survive unless it is overhauled.

"Steps must be taken to reduce the hospitals' payment arrears, and improve access to and the quality of health care," Richard Florescu, human development director at the World Bank's office in Bucharest, told AFP.

Romania's centre-right government last year pledged to curb its public deficit in exchange for a back-up agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the European Union.

The deal included measures to streamline health expenses by closing dozens of derelict, poorly-equipped hospitals.

In 2011, funds earmarked for health care stood at 5.5 billion euros, four times more than in 2005. But the figure accounted for only four percent of the Balkan country's gross domestic product, a far cry from France's 11.0 percent or the OECD average of 9.0 percent.

Analysts however warn that much of the funding has been wasted, pointing to corruption and mismanagement.

The small number of contributors, barely 6.7 million for a total population of 21.5 million, is another key issue.

"No matter how big it may be, the health-care budget will never be enough because a lot of the money gets siphoned off," said Vasile Barbu, the head of the Patients' Protection Association.

He blamed the corruption on the current state-controlled health insurance system, which enables firms held by politically powerful cronies to get most of the public procurement contracts.

Under the scrapped reform bill, private insurers were to have replaced the state-owned ones, a move meant to uproot corruption. However, analysts warn that in the absence of a detailed roadmap and strong checks this will not lead to any improvement.

But corruption takes more than one form in Romania, where slipping money into the doctors' and the nurses' pockets is the rule.

"The first thing I did after being admitted to hospital for bladder surgery was to inquire about the surgeon's and the anaesthetist's 'fares'," said Monica Petre, 79, a Bucharest retired engineer.

Daily Evenimentul Zilei last week published a "fare guidebook" for patients, listing bribes of up to 500 euros for a Caesarian section and 3,000 euros for brain surgery.

A study financed by the World Bank showed that informal payments in Romania's health care amount to roughly 300 million euros a year.

Analysts warn that as long as physicians' wages remain around 500 euros a month, or a tenth of their western peers, graft will continue to flourish while medical staff will emigrate to western countries.

"If we solve the sector's major problems, the issue of doctors' pay will be resolved too," Dan Perieteanu, vice-president of the physicians' union, told AFP.

Despite health officials' efforts to encourage preventive care, many Romanians seem to trust hospital medics more than general practitioners and tend to go straight to emergency units when they fall ill.

Patients also complain of an "inhumane system", where a lack of respect and empathy is more of an issue than outdated equipment and drug shortages.

"There are dedicated doctors, but patients are often treated in a deplorable way, from the way medical staff address them to the care, or lack of, they get," Ana, a 31-year-old Bucharest philologist who suffers from a serious illness, told AFP.

View the original article here

Merger Creates New Statewide Health System -- KentuckyOne Health

Jewish Hospital, St. Mary's HealthCare and St. Joseph Health System have just announced they will merge to form a new statewide health care system for Kentucky.

View the original article here

Easy Health System To Maintain Your Over Weight

e-HealthSource.com is a service of e-Healthcare Solutions.
e-HealthSource.com offers a suite of marketing tools for health publishers. Currently, these tools are free. In the future, some of the tools may be fee-based.

HealthDay News: HealthDay Health News feed, automatically updated 6 times a day. You can choose your specific health topic out of 36 disease categories. (The feed on the left is showing the topic "General Health.") Get the HealthDay News feed now. Roo Media Health Video Feeds: Roo Media health video feeds, are automatically updated each time a new video is added by Roo media. You can choose your feed out of eight health categories. (The feed on the left is showing the topic "Your Health.") Learn more about how to get the Roo Video feed.. Health Articles Database: Health Articles Database feed, automatically updated whenever new articles are uploaded into the category that you choose. You can choose your specific health topic out of 36 disease categories. (The feed on the left is showing the topic "Cancer.") Get the Health Articles Database feed now. You can also add your own articles by submitting your health related articles to the Health Articles Database. Health Links: Health Links Database RSS feed, automatically updated whenever new links are posted into the category that you have chosen to display. You can choose your specific health topic out of 36 disease categories. Get the e-HealthLinks feed now. You can also add your own link by submitting your health related site to e-HealthLinks.com. Health Press Release News Service: Health Press Release News RSS feed, automatically updated whenever new press releases are posted into the category that you have chosen to display. You can choose your specific health topic out of 36 disease categories. You can also add your own press releases by submitting to e-HealthWire.com. CME Directory: CME Courses RSS feed, automatically updated whenever new courses are posted into the category that you have chosen to display. You can choose your specific health topic out of 36 disease categories. You can also add your own courses by submitting to CME Directory. Discussions: Choose from over 100 health topics and have the ability to make your site look large by sharing a discussion board with other health sites. (The feed on the left is showing Cancer related topics.) Join these discussions and help promote the community. We allow you to include a link back to your site on each of your posts to this board. Drug Search: Top 100 drugs. Drug information from PDRHealth.com. Hot Health Resources: Here we list the sites that contribute to these resources. You can particpate freely in any of these sites and help build out content, as well as get multiple links from different websites to your site. Refer-A-Friend: This tool will allow visitors to refer your site to other people via email. Medical Guides: General information about specific medical conditions provided by Medifocus.com. Choose from 30 guides. (The guides chosen on the left are all cancer-related.) Sponsored Links: Sponsors that help to pay for the further development of this community. Blogs: Health Blogs RSS feeds, automatically updated.

Custom Templates: If you have over 100,000 page views per month, inquire about our custom templates that match the look and feel of your site.

Generic Template: If you have less than 100,000 page views a month, you can still display the HealthDay News Feed and the Articles Database Feed, but your visitors will be sent to a generic template.

If your site gets over 100,000 page views per month, you may qualify for a free custom designed landing page for the feeds. Contact us for more information.

If you have less than 100,000 page views per month, there are still plenty of opportunities to build out your site.

View the original article here