Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2014

Helpful Health Care Links: November 29, 2014

This holiday week is a time for reflection. Our helpful health care links focus on many topics — changes in healthcare coverage for immigrants under President Obama’s new program and tighter FDA menu regulations for many restaurants. We also included a local story from The Wall Street Journal about a Detroit neurosurgeon arrested for alleged insurance fraud. All are worth your time. And, as always, if you ever come across a healthcare story that you think merits more attention, please send it our way!

A Warning on Nutmeg

During the holiday season, nutmeg is one of the most well-loved spices, but it has quite the twisted history. Toxicologists warn: measure your nutmeg carefully.

Illegal Immigrants Could Receive Social Security, Medicare Under Obama Action

Under President Obama’s new program to protect millions of illegal immigrants from deportation, many of those affected will be eligible to receive Social Security, Medicare, and a wide array of other federal benefits.

FDA Menu Labels May Freak Restaurants into Swapping Fries for Fruit

The Food and Drug Administration unveiled long-awaited rules requiring restaurants, grocery deli counters, convenience stores, and other outlets with more than 20 locations to post calories counts on their menus.

Turning 21? Here’s How to Avoid a Big Hike in Health Insurance Premiums

For those insured through the federal health insurance marketplace that operates in about three dozen states, turning 21 could mean a whopping 58 percent jump in health insurance premiums in 2015 if you don’t take the steps outlined in this article.

Detroit Neurosurgeon Aria Sabit Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud

A Detroit-area neurosurgeon was arrested for allegedly defrauding federal and private health-insurance programs by billing for spine surgeries that he either didn’t perform or that were medically unnecessary.

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Although we’d all like to avoid it, it’s likely that most of us will at some point be admitted to the hospital. Whether you are staying in a hospital for a happy event, such as the birth of a child, or are being admitted due to an emergency or serious illness, you should understand how a hospital works. MyHealthSpin’s Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay reveals the easy and practical answers that only an insider knows.

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Posted on Monday, November 24, 2014

5 Things to be Thankful for in Healthcare

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important to look at all the things we have to be thankful for.

This is especially true in healthcare. So much in the news is about the controversy in our healthcare system, ObamaCare, etc., but really There is Much to Be Grateful For:

The U.S. Healthcare System Offers Sophisticated Care: Americans have access to dependable, advanced care for all conditions. In many countries, people either have little care or none at all. And, in some countries, very preventable diseases go untreated, such as glaucoma, tuberculosis, and strokes. In the U.S., no matter who you are, doctors must treat you for an emergency no matter if you can pay for it or not.
U.S. Healthcare Technology is Expanding Every Day: Healthcare technology has boomed over the last several years. Most healthcare providers have begun using Electronic Health Records and Patient Portals to better communicate with other providers and patients. Also, patients have more devices to personally monitor their health such as fitbits and smart phone apps. This will help doctors and nurses provide you more efficient and effective care.
U.S. Healthcare Protects Your Privacy Rights: With HIPAA and other laws, healthcare providers must keep your health information private and confidential. And if your privacy is compromised, the healthcare provider must notify you immediately and he or she could face heavy penalties.
U.S. Healthcare Provides More Options for Care: As the U.S. population ages, our healthcare system is providing more and more opportunities to stay healthy and happy. There are more coverage for wellness programs and preventative care. It used to be that the only way your health plan covered you is if you were sick. Now, health plans have to cover wellness check ups as well as screening tests, such as colonoscopies and mammograms, often at little or no cost to you.
U.S. Healthcare Research Continues to Grow: Over the last ten years, healthcare research has made amazing advances. For example, scientists are currently sequencing all of the genes that make up our DNA. This allows other researchers to isolate the specific genes that cause certain diseases and in turn helps healthcare providers better treat and determine cures for various diseases. This along with many other advances are moving disease prevention moving forward at an amazing pace.

So as we consider our many blessings of family, friends and health, remember to also be grateful for our many blessings in healthcare. Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2014

Will Patients Have More Choices in ObamaCare Insurance?

The answer is YES. Insurance companies are flocking to the ObamaCare exchanges as they now see it as a money-making opportunity.

In 10 states, there are 27 new insurance companies that will offer ObamaCare plans. This is a significant improvement from 2014. Major insurers simply cannot afford to sit on the sidelines when 8 million Americans signed up for ObamaCare.

What does that mean for patients?

More choices in where they can get their healthcare.

In the past, patients got referrals from their primary care doctors or their local hospitals. They often just went to the closest physician or hospital. OR the doctor who was referred to them. Patients did very little research in selecting their doctor or hospital.

With more insurance options, patients will have more choices. Additionally, patients are getting more tools to research their doctors to determine which one is best for them.

With healthcare reform, doctors and other healthcare providers must “win” the patient and “keep them.” As a patient, make sure your healthcare provider is offering the following:

Great customer service
Convenient evening and weekend hours
Availability for questions via new forms of technology
A patient portal where patients can get information about their care; and
Compliance with current laws and regulations!

If your doctor doesn’t meet your standards, it’s never too late to find another provider who will better suit your needs.

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