With Physical Therapy Medicare Reimbursement Capped at $1,740, a Challenge to Physical Therapy to Step Up Health Promotion Strategies
Anchorage, Alaska (ContentDesk) January 1, 2006 -- Congress adjourned December 22 without completing work on a budget reconciliation bill (S. 1932), allowing the current moratorium on the Medicare therapy cap to expire December 31, 2005. Therefore, unbeknownst to most of the millions of Medicare recipients, beginning January 1, 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to proceed with implementation of the $1,740 therapy cap, although Congress is likely to agree to modifications to the cap later in January. What these means for Seniors and others who depend upon Medicare for primary health care coverage is that unless and until Congress offers exceptions for those most needy, beginning in January, private out-patient physical therapy coverage will be limited to only $1,740 of coverage for this entire year.Because this is obviously not enough health care coverage to meet the needs of all Medicare recipients, health care providers and patients must turn to health promotional strategies that identify
(1) things that negatively impact health, wellness, and well-being
(2) activities and behaviors that enhance quality of life while minimizing dependency upon the health care system.One of the most demanding health influences in our lives today is stress. Stress is an unavoidable part of our lives.
As lifes situations demand change, the imperative to adapt is stressful. To some degree, stress can offer an exciting challenge to motivate one on to higher achievement. Or, it can be distressing if life events are overwhelming, especially if the individual possesses physical and mental challenges that prohibit positive adaptations. Patients who solely depend upon Medicare for health care reimbursement are most at risk for feelings of helplessness, and inability to cope in the face of life-challenging events.
Stress has been shown to cause or worsen many of the leading health problems in the US today, such as those related to obesity, heart disease, mental well-being, and use of addictive substances.In The Wellness Book (1993), Herbert Benson, MD and Eileen Stuart, RN, list the many manifestations of stress as: (1) Physical Symptoms: headaches, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, indigestion, restlessness, sleep disturbances, racing heart/shortness of breath, stomach aches, sweaty palms, dizziness, tiredness/fatigue, and ringing in the ears;(2) Behavioral Symptoms: excessive smoking, bossiness, critical, angry, grinding of teeth, compulsive gum chewing, and over use of alcohol; (3) Emotional Symptoms: crying, nervous, anxious, edgy/ready to explode, feeling powerlessness, anger, lonely, unhappy for no reason, and easily upset; and (4) Cognitive Symptoms: trouble thinking clearly, forgetfulness, inability to make decisions, lack of creativity, constant worry, thoughts of running away, and loss of sense of humor.
If you feel stressed, you many recognize and have many of these symptoms.What can be done to assure health and well-being for the Seniors and those dependent upon the Federal government for health care reimbursement. For one, visit your physical therapist so she or he may assess your health indicator risks and design with you an inclusive health promotional program that encompasses the following: (1) physical activity for fitness and (2) stress management strategies. Also, all individuals need to stay educated regarding what they can do to help themselves. The Wellness Book is a good place to start. Dr.
Benson and Ms Stuart have written other works on the topic of wellness as well.Older adults need to be active to promote health. Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. An example of a moderate activity is walking 2 miles in 30 minutes. Choose activities that you enjoy and do regularly. These may include activities such as gardening, or daily household chores.
If you are already getting 30 minutes of these types of activities, you can get even more health benefits by increasing the time or vigorousness of the activity. For full attainment of physical fitness, choose activities that incorporate aerobic health; ones that improve your heart fitness and breathing, and ones that improve strength and flexibility. Information providing practical
health and fitness solutions may be obtained free of charge by logging on to healthypeople.gov.
Your physical therapist will be glad to assist you with finding just the right information activities to suit your needs.Although an enhanced fitness level automatically assists and individual to feel more capable to handle stressful situations, some people find that adding relaxing meditation or selective quiet personal times to a busy schedule is also helpful. There are many self-help remedies available and your physical therapist will help you to find and place into practice the one that works best for you.
The most popular and effective stress busting remedies use the principles of personal self-regulation and mindful meditation as the basis of intervention. For patient looking for further and deeper discussions on self-regulation for mindful meditation and relaxation, the works of Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD are a must read.These abrupt changes in the Medicare regulations are prone to take many Seniors off guard as they attempt to navigate other Medicare programs such as the newly formed prescription medicine plan. It is important for Seniors to know that in the face of shrinking health care dollars that investment in their health through properly applied health promotional strategies will get them through these times of privation with independence and self-determination. Although the physical therapy cap is small, a visit to your physical therapist can show you how to make it go far. And with this said, happy New Year, and good health to you throughout the year..
Governor Schweitzer Encourages Montana EHR Collaborative Dialogue on Rural/Urban Health Information Connectivity
(ContentDesk) July 8, 2005 -- Healthcare decision-makers in the Pacific Northwest are prioritizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) as critical to Montana's healthcare infrastructure.
The Montana EHR Collaborative (MEHRC), a group of cross-industry leaders, will converge with key healthcare stakeholders in an August 12-13 meeting to assess the potential for joining rural and urban care communities via a consolidated, statewide e-health initiative. The goal of MEHRC is to move healthcare stakeholders from contemplation to vigorous action in the electronic healthcare arena. "Providing quality, affordable healthcare is a top priority.
This conference is an excellent first step in looking at ways technology can help us deliver better healthcare services to the people of Montana," said Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.
Improving state healthcare has been high on the governor's agenda since his inauguration early this year. "Our gorgeous state has a distinguished...
Governor Schweitzer Encourages Montana EHR Collaborative Dialogue on Rural/Urban Health Information Connectivity
Health insurance > Governor Schweitzer Encourages Montana EHR Collaborative Dialogue on Rural/Urban Health Information Connectivity
Free, Prescription Drug Discount Card Offered by Metropolitan Business Council
New York, NY (ContentDesk) February 21, 2006 -- Metropolitan Business Council, a personal financial consulting firm, is announcing its entry into the small business/association Member benefits arena with the offering of a free, prescription discount card. The card will save Members hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year on the high cost of their prescription drugs. Unlike some prescription drug cards, this one is simple, easy to use and is not insurance.Members merely present their card at their local pharmacy and receive discounts off the stores normal prices of 10-40%. It can be used with both brand name and generic drugs. Sometimes pharmacies run specials on a certain drug or types of drugs, for diabetes for example which results in a price lower than the Members discounted price.
In that case, the Member automatically receives the lower, special price.The card is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies across the country, including most chains and many independents...
Free, Prescription Drug Discount Card Offered by Metropolitan Business Council
Health insurance > Free, Prescription Drug Discount Card Offered by Metropolitan Business Council
EarthSearch Communications Encourages Usage-Based Insurance System via AUTOSEARCH GPS Device At No Cost To Insurers
When EarthSearch Communications (ESC) launches AutoSearch this month in the US, the focus will be on insurers, commercial fleets and the automotive industry.
After successful tests and pacts with automakers and telecommunications companies in South America, EarthSearch will approach the US insurance industry with a revolutionary program that offers their premiere GPS product AutoSearch at no cost.
In earlier attempts to use GPS technology for determining a usage-based rating system, by monitoring a driver's driving behavior then gauging risk, some auto insurance industry pioneers of the system found that their use of GPS technology failed due to "? prohibitive costs, complex production and device installation..."
EarthSearch plans to eliminate those barriers by facilitating a program that allows insurers to promote the installation of the AutoSearch device free of charge to its customers with the acceptance of a monthly service charge to be paid by the insured.
Health insurance > EarthSearch Communications Encourages Usage-Based Insurance System via AUTOSEARCH GPS Device At No Cost To Insurers
Dr. Federico C. Grosso is Presenting 3 Lectures for Mental Health Clinicians on the Standard of Care for Managing Crisis Issues. These Course are Based on an Actual Legal Cases Faced by Mental Health Clinicians in the Recent Past.
Federico C. Grosso, DDS, PhD, MFT, BCFE announces a pivotal presentation for mental health clinicians titled: The Standard of Care in Managing Mental Health Crisis Issues. This course addresses the application of legal and ethical mandates expected of reasonable and prudent mental health clinicians when facing unpredictable and potentially damaging crisis issues, such as the threat of suicide, child abuse accusations, elder abuse issues, anorexia/bulimia, and many others.Dr. Grosso bases this presentation on a variety of mental health legal cases in which he served as a successful expert witness. He points out that these legal cases reinforce the premise that crisis issues are unpredictable in nature; require an appropriate structure to manage them when they occur; the mental health clinician must have the appropriate training, knowledge, and education to manage these issues; be able to recognize presenting clinical risk factors, apply the appropriate legal and ethical standards, take...
Dr. Federico C. Grosso is Presenting 3 Lectures for Mental Health Clinicians on the Standard of Care for Managing Crisis Issues. These Course are Based on an Actual Legal Cases Faced by Mental Health Clinicians in the Recent Past.
Health insurance > Dr. Federico C. Grosso is Presenting 3 Lectures for Mental Health Clinicians on the Standard of Care for Managing Crisis Issues. These Course are Based on an Actual Legal Cases Faced by Mental Health Clinicians in the Recent Past.
Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers
Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them "seasoned citizens") want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates. Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy. 1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections.
Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection.
Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic. 2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit.
Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially...
Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers
Health insurance > Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers