You Should Be Excited About This…..

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Danyell Jones

Have you ever wondered how you can improve your business in a down or rebounding economy?

Has your organization ever had the necessity for a crisis management strategy?

How are you dealing with adversity, and are you aware of the importance of engaging and expert to assist in growth?

I am excited to announce that we will be not only be having a guest poster in the upcoming week who will address these questions and more, but we are pleased and excited to have such a prestigious guest on our blog. Mr. Tom Bednarek will be offering invaluable advice this upcoming week on everything from business strategy, to how to handle a crisis situation, and how to best address the challenge of adversity. Our followers are welcome to submit comments and questions and will have live access to one of the nations leading healthcare executives…..so bring your questions and comments, we would love to hear from you!

Tom Bednarek is a Senior Consultant with BHM Healthcare Solutions and is responsible for providing key support for corporate strategy, operations and business development initiatives. Prior to joining BHM, Tom founded Beacon Acquisition Solutions to provide strategy M&A and business development advisory services to mid-market healthcare companies. Starting in 2008 Tom was named Chief Executive Officer of Premier Radiology and Affiliates, a regional provider of radiology services. While at the helm he initiated a successful turnaround of the organization and his initiatives eventually guided every component of the organization to profitability. In addition to these positions Mr. Bednarek was the Managing Director and Division President of Commercial Property and Investment Banking Services at Watermark Properties Group where his primary focus was healthcare mergers and acquisitions.

To schedule a one to one free initial consultation with one of BHMs leading healthcare consultants please email us at results@bhmpc.com or call us at 1-888-831-1171. BHM consultants provide real value and measurable results to healthcare firms, government agencies, and insurers through data driven and strategic management analysis, and assist organizations with Clinical Operations, Financial Management Improvement, Physician Advisor Services and Accreditation.

Questions to Ask Before Having a Radiology Test

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Annie Evans

With the state of our economy and the rising cost of health care, medical scans such as MRIs, PETs, or CT scans can seem particularly expensive. Policymakers claim that physicians who prescribe these tests often do so just to make money. However, these types of scans have also greatly improved the quality of health care we receive today.

If your physician prescribes any type of radiology test, it’s natural to feel concerned and overwhelmed about both the procedure and the cost. Before you have any such test done, there are a few questions you should ask your doctor to make sure that it is absolutely necessary and safe.

1. Why do I need this test?

Don’t be afraid to ask your physician why you must have a certain test done. Ask what information it will provide and how the results may affect your treatment. Advanced medical imaging scans can provide excellent information, but they should not simply be a replacement for a physical exam.

2. What are the risks and side effects of this test?

It’s important to know the risks of the radiology test your physician prescribes, so that they can be compared with the potential benefits of having such a test.

The main risk of advanced medical imaging is exposure to electromagnetic energy, which varies depending of the type of scan.

- Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (MRIs) use a magnetic field which is safe to most patients. However, if a patient has a pacemaker, automatic defibrillator, or other metallic articles in their body, an MRI is not safe.

- Computed Tornography (CT) scans use high levels of ionizing radiation at about 300 times more than the exposure of an x-ray. Although they are still relatively safe, pregnant women should avoid these types of scans.

- Positron Emission Tornography (PET) scans are performed with a nuclear source but are considered safe for most patients

Another risk is an allergic reaction to a substance called contrast, which is a dye injected into the veins to produce a clearer image. Allergic reactions are very rare, but may be more likely if you have a history of diabetes or kidney problems.

Thirdly, advanced imaging techniques can expose other abnormalities in the body that may or may not be a health problem. A physician may recommend further testing to ensure that there is not a problem, which will result in more scans and increased costs.

3. How much will this test cost? Are there any low-cost alternatives?

While prices of imaging tests vary, CTs generally cost less that MRIs or PET scans. In some cases, less expensive imaging options like an x-ray or ultrasound can provide your physician with enough information. Other times, the results of blood tests or other tests will offset the need for radiology testing.

4. Where should I have this test done?

Not all medical imaging facilities are alike. Some may have newer equipment that produces better images, or they may have a staff with more experience. You should go to a center that employs certified or licensed technicians and a board certified radiologist. The equipment should be up to date and FDA approved. The center should also take proper measures to ensure safety from radiation and magnetic fields. Most importantly, the center should be known for producing quality results.

5. How soon do I need to have this test performed?

Most radiology tests do not need to be performed immediately. Consult your physician and consider how long your health problem has been present and if it has improved. Many problems should be treated a fair amount of time before medical imaging is performed.

Annie Evans has been working as a certified radiologist in hospitals for over 15 years. Her site, Become an X-Ray Technician, is a resource for students who want to start a career in medical imaging.

Heart Attack Research Reinforces New Preventative Health Strategy

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Imogen Reed

Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in American men and women over 55. While men are more likely to suffer a heart attack than women, fatalities among women heart attack sufferers is far higher, and new research has discovered the possible reason for this. While symptoms of heart attack are often well publicized, with chest pain being the most obvious, research has discovered that fewer women suffer from these classic symptoms than men, making missed diagnosis far more common.

Whether under Medicare or with private surgery insurance, diagnosing and preventing heart attacks is a primary concern for all health care providers, and under the Affordable Care Act, is one of the primary preventative care strategies for Medicare. One in three Medicare patients die due to cardiovascular disease, but the risk is far greater for women than it is for men. Currently, a heart attack is fatal in around 10 percent of male Medicare patients, while for women, fatalities occur in about 14 percent of heart attacks.

New Research

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in all Americans over 55, but the research has found that the risk of death is greater for women, because they don’t always suffer chest pain, often thought of as the primary symptom of a heart attack. Because of this, researchers believe many women are not getting the right type of treatment as the heart attack is not being diagnosed.

Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the researchers say their study, compiled in 1000 hospitals throughout the United States, found 42% of women who suffered a heart attack did not experience any chest pain whatsoever, compared with just 30% of men, and with younger patients, the difference was even more striking.

Despite the difference in symptoms and increase in risk of fatalities, researchers found men still suffer significantly more heart attacks in the United States than women, and cardiovascular disease tends to strike men at a younger age too; the study found that the average age of a male heart attack sufferer was 67, while for women it was 74.

Symptoms

Prompt treatment is the key to heart attack survival in all patients, regardless of sex, so it’s important that people can identify symptoms early. Without the presence of significant chest pain, identifying the symptoms of cardiovascular disease can be extremely difficult. Some patients report only breathlessness, a feeling of being unwell, and a feeling not unlike indigestion. Researchers believe this could mean than tens of thousands of American women may have suffered a heart attack and not sought any treatment, having put down the condition to indigestion, heartburn or summer other minor ailment. However, the likelihood of permanent heart damage and a repeat attack is far greater after such an episode, even if the heart attack symptoms were only mild.

Besides severe chest pain, any of the following symptoms could be indicative of a heart attack:

A dull ache, heavy feeling or mild discomfort in the chest
Pain in the back, arm or stomach
Indigestion that feels either severe or prolonged
Feelings of light headedness or dizziness

Prevention

An increasing emphasis is being placed on prevention of heart attacks and this new research suggests the importance of the preventative health measures introduced the Affordable Care Act. Medicare now covers more preventive health services aimed at helping people reduce the risk of heart attack. It is hoped, that the Million Hearts Campaign, which Medicare are helping to lead, will prevent a million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years – this could mean the saving of nearly 200,000 American lives.

Starting from American Heart Month, which began in February, Medicare will pay for an annual face-to-face visit so that Medicare beneficiaries can discuss ways to prevent cardiovascular disease with their care provider. During this visit, care providers will screen patients for high blood pressure, whilst also providing advice on healthy eating and ways to change lifestyle habits that could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. While smokers, people with diabetes and those suffering obesity – the leading causes of cardiovascular disease in the United States – are also now entitled to claim for counseling services under Medicare since the Affordable Care Act.

7 Lessons Learned from the Swine Flu

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Casey Roberts

As the H1N1 outbreak of 2009 taught us, we as a modern society are just as apt to be exposed to outbreaks, as well as the behavior that follows. Because the next outbreak is only a matter of time away from happening, we thought now would be a good time to go over some lessons learned to be applied to the next time. So without further ado, here are the seven things that swine flu taught us.

Public Health Emergency does not mean panic – Back in 2009 when the swine flu first hit the states, public officials were declaring an emergency after 20 people had infections confirmed. More people die per day of the flu than were diagnosed back then, which doesn’t necessarily merit a panic, but what if the next outbreak is more serious?
There is tons of medication – In fact, when the outbreak hit in 2009, there was a supply of 50 million units of anti-viral drugs that could have been used immediately, not to mention a pharmaceutical industry that was prepared to make lots more.
Planning pays – There was a system in place for the case of an outbreak that did include mobilizing the proper people. There were also plans in place that were implemented to stockpile medicines should an outbreak occur.
The media helped – Although the media can be blamed for over-exaggerating or under-exaggerating outbreaks, it is also a vital part of relaying information. Just about every private citizen heard about the outbreak, its symptoms, and what to do from the media.
Rise of outbreak sites – In addition to the CDC’s site that lists outbreaks and updates, there were also other sites that sprang up to meet the need of people who wanted to be notified immediately of outbreaks. There are sites such as FluTracker and Outbreak Alert that can tell you what has been reported in your area.
Review – The outbreak of swine flu was also a good chance for everyone to brush up on good hygiene and safety practices like washing your hands, covering your mouth, and not going into work if you think you’re contagious.
More vaccine plants – The outbreak of 2009 showed how limited the United States’ own resources were limited. In fact, Time reported that only one plant in Pennsylvania produced flu vaccines in the U.S.

Casey Roberts is a student and also writes for Radiology Assistant which helps students find the right radiology degree.

Please Welcome Guest Poster Casey Roberts

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Danyell Jones

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce our guest poster, Casey Roberts. Casey has wonderful information about timely healthcare topics, we hope that you will enjoy these posts and welcome Casey to our online blog community.

Cheers!