More plans get involved in care management
Employers are looking to an ever-increasing variety of care management services to train workers to use healthcare resources in creative new ways. The heightened demand has brought the business of care management onto the radar for health plans, and many are trying to look at ways to get more involved in the business. Managed Care magazine
Editor’s Note: The concept of care management is taking hold. If you have had ideas of becoming an independent case manager, now is the time for you to set your plans in motion. If you not sure what it takes to be an entrepreneur, read the article in the February/March issue of Case in Point: “Do You Have What it Takes to be an Independent Case Manager?” for some good tips.
FDA revisits cold medicine safety in children
The FDA is taking a closer look at the risks and benefits of cold and cough medicines for children, especially those younger than 2 years old, according to a New York Times report. Officials say most of the drugs have not been sufficiently tested in children. The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
Editor’s Note: Interesting article regarding children’s cold medicine from the FDA. As we are into the cold season, this is good information for you to share with your families and friends.
Improvements in treatment efforts for underserved
In an analysis of 44 community health centers, a new study reports improvements in efforts to care for the poor but not much change in clinical outcomes. The study showed improvements in the areas of disease prevention and screening and treatment for patients with diabetes and asthma, but not for patients with hypertension. The Washington Post/HealthDay News
Editor’s Note: Community health centers are an important resource for those who are un- or under insured in our country. This is an interesting study on some of the gains that can be made when coordinated efforts are undertaken to improve outcomes.
Hospital room of future could be loaded with technology
Cerner Corp. has unveiled a model of what it says could be the hospital room of the future at a trade show in New Orleans. The smart room includes a single in-room screen where patients can access their healthcare providers, watch TV and even play video games, as well as bedside monitoring devices. Physicians could use video and audio to monitor multiple patients from different locations. The Kansas City Star (Mo.)
Editor’s Note: The hospital room of the future will be equipped with all of the high tech gadgets that will assist professionals as well as patients to ensure their care is delivered safe and effectively. Take a minute and watch the video that showcases some of the exciting things coming to a hospital near you!
Dental, heart health related
Oral hygiene and general health are strongly related, and recent studies in fact show that neglecting dental care can damage the heart. Periodontal disease, or inflammation of the gums, can increase the risk of development and progression of coronary artery disease. FOX News
Editor’s Note: The relationship between oral health and the impact on other organs in our body is getting more and more coverage. Read this article to learn why prevention is essential.
CDC turns to virtual world to educate on health issues
The CDC is teaming with corporations, including IBM, Toyota, and American Apparel, to create virtual worlds and educate Web-savvy people about health issues. One CDC official says the agency “can’t always expect people to come to our Web site or use our tools directly,” so it is setting up a presence in Web-based virtual worlds, such as Second Life and Whyville, for marketing its messages. Atlanta Journal and Constitution
Editor’s Note: I found this story very interesting as I was not aware of the website that the story mentions. I applaud CDC for going ‘mainstream’ and ensuring that healthcare news is front and center.
