Keep Your Dollars in Your Pocket (Part 1)

As of late, there has been several articles addressing measures to reduce your healthcare costs. Recent health population studies indicate that our "senior" (>55) population is better equipped to do that than young adults (25-34). While 3 in 4 adults expressed concern about the cost of healthcare. What is ironic about the results of this study indicate that the seniors are more savvy at finding savings on healthcare costs than the young adults. Seventy percent of young adults stated that the economy has made it significantly harder to pay for healthcare expenses. Here's the kicker...more than half of those >55 stated the economic downturn had not impacted the ability to pay for healthcare at all. This is the opposite of what most people would have thought. It seems that the seniors are more experienced at reducing their costs.
The most prominate area of expense is with medication costs. The study indicated that while those <35 are in fact looking for ways to cut their medication costs but 1 in 5 say they do not know where to start. Only 3% of those over 55 answered the same.
In short, it appears there is an apathetic view of healthcare cost pervading the population...people either don't know where to start or simply feel it is a futile effort.
Well...let me tell you, it is not a futile effort! There are ways to cut your costs and streamline your care. Over the next few posts, I will be discussing some of those methods. Until then, stay healthy and happy.

Can You Obtain Health Insurance?

As statistics continue to indicate the increasing numbers of uninsured in the US, it is (or should be) of utmost concern to every American that the team we elect into the presidency as of January has a firm plan to reform health care. In my opinion, the health care system is in a state of turmoil akin to the economic crisis. They are going to go hand-in-hand. Today, WebMD published articles related to the uninsured which did reinforce what we have been told all along of the number of uninsured. Along with these statistics, a recent study by Consumer Reports was highlighted that indicated it has become increasingly more difficult for individuals to obtain insurance coverage.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.webmd.com/news/20071203/buying-health-insurance-on-your-own

In other words, if they do not have group coverage through the employer, it is difficult or near impossible to obtain it unless you are completely healthy. They told the story of a woman with Rheumatoid arthritis who lost her group insurance when her employer discontinued the plan. With her arthritis, the only thing that was keeping her from being completely disabled was a monthly injection of a medication costing $1400-$1700 per month. She has been turned down for most policy coverage or when accepted, it was to exclude any costs related to the rheumatoid arthritis.

I restate parts of the story to make a point. This situation is not an isolated one. I am fairly sure if I lost my group coverage, I would not be able to obtain coverage, or at least not anything I consider comprehensive and or affordable. In the above situation, she is actually considering not taking her injections (because of cost) until she is completely disabled again, then file for disability through the government systems. Now, is this what we want or need in a health care system? I think not, but it is not the fault of the insurance companies. I believe the insurance situation is a by-product of ever increasing costs of technology, drug research and development as well as the increase in the human life span. The attached link is to another article published on WebMD of items to consider and look for if you find yourself in the position of searching for health policy coverage.

It is extremely important that we demand of our legislators and the upcoming President of the US to implement a plan that will ensure every American is able to obtain health coverage regardless of current health conditions. We need to hold them responsible to first, implement a committee of health personnel and non-health care persons to identify what we actually do expect from our health care system. Then, do whatever it takes to find funding that will provide at least that basic requirement for every American. Now, I don't mean to imply that there is no personal financial responsibility.

As you can see, I am somewhat passionate about this topic. Due to that passion, I have provided some helpful resources on my web site (http://www.ezhealthcareonline.com/ ). I would also like to recommend a book recently published by a colleague. The book is "Healing Health Care" by Dr. Roger Howe. His analysis does give an interesting perspective of approaching a solution to this crisis...and yes, it is a crisis. That is my opinion.

National Case Management Week

It is National Case Management Week. EZHealthCare wants to acknowledge all the Case Managers in the various areas of care provision. We see and use Case Managers in virtually every aspect of the health care system. We see them in Acute Care Hospitals, Long term care facilities, home health services, physician offices as well as Rehab facilities. They can be found in clinics, managed care organizations (health insurance companies) and even on the internet. My entire web site and business is based on a community based case management model. In this sense, I can function as your case manager.

The Case Managers are the ones who act as a central point of care coordination along with your physician. In cases where your primary physician cannot or does not act as a central coordination the Case Manager can assist in this manner. The basis of Case Management is to “manage” the case/care…your case. This does not mean we provide hands-on-care for your illnesses…your doctor should do that. We can assist you in pulling the different pieces of the healthcare puzzle together. This helps eliminate gaps in care, duplication in care by more than one physician and to help you understand your conditions to better self-manage. This is usually a Case Manager’s goal with you…to assist you to become more independent with your care and that includes providing education and resources. There are times when you may need the services of a case manager for a prolonged or extended amount of time.

My services at EZHealthCare include that of Community Based Case Management. If you would like to know more about how I can help YOU, please contact me at alice@EZHealthCareOnline.com or check my web site: www.EZHealthCareOnline.com

Maintain Care Information Flow

Let's talk about coordination of care. In the last post, I mentioned how your primary care physician (PCP) is the one who serves as the central point of coordination for your care. He/she should have any information from specialist visits and from any testing that may have been ordered by another doctor. You have a role in maintaining this flow of information. One opportunity for this occurs when you have a test such as a CT scan or a x-ray ordered by another physician. The ordering physician is the one who will receive the report findings of the test. At the time you are providing your history and giving consent for the ordered procedure, there will be a place on the forms asking if the test results should be sent to any other physicians. This is your opportunity and responsibility to facilitate the flow of information to your PCP. Always add your PCP to this list of recipients assuring that not only the specialist will get the results but also to your central point of coordination. By doing this consistently, your doctor has the ability and information to adequately identify any patterns that may need to be addressed.

Your consciousness of this is more important now than ever in the past. Most insurance plans today do not require a referral from a PCP for a specialist visit. All you need to do is make an appointment. If the specialist does not include your PCP with the findings of the examination and any tests, your PCP may never know of the specialist visit. There will be a gap in information and potentially in care. Ask the specialist to send a copy of the assessment and findings to your PCP. You may want to ask for a copy also. The days of the patient not being knowledgeable of the doctor's records are gone. You can then make sure your PCP does indeed have copies of your information.

Another area that needs your action to assure information flow is with your preventive care tests. An example is a mammogram. There is often no need for a physician referral for a yearly screening mammogram. If you do not identify the physicians to receive a report, your PCP may never know you had it done. Consider this aspect of your coordination of care any time you have a health care experience. You can always check with alice@ezhealthcareonline.com if you need assistance with any aspect of care flow.

Do You Need a Family Doctor?

I read an article yesterday advocating for Family Practice Physicians as a critical piece of the healthcare reform puzzle. I happen to agree. We all need a central coordination point for our healthcare. In the medical community, this is known as the "Medical Home". Your family practice doctor, also called primary care physician should be the one you see first for any condition, and more importantly for preventive care. Your physician is not to be seen only when you become ill. One of the main issues with today's healthcare system is that it is fragmented. We see a specialist for every different illness we have. In this case, you are the only central point of coordination, potentially leaving gaps in care or missed issues. The family physician needs to evaluate your conditions, assure you are being cared for according to national practice standards and make referrals IF necessary. All information obtained through a specialist referral should be channeled back to your primary care physician. This assures someone has "The Big Picture" of your care and can put together the puzzle.

Health Insurance Application

Hi everyone. It is time to get this blog up and going again. The first thing I want to tell you about is completing a health insurance application. If you are applying for coverage, most likely, you will need to provide a health history. It is of utmost importance that you include absolutely everything. They will likely ask for a complete history for the past 3 years, maybe 5 years. Include all medications, Dr. visits and any health conditions or injuries. It is very difficult to remember every little thing, but that is what you will need to do. If you don't include everything, and it surfaces at a later time, it could result in non-coverage or even rescinding your policy for non-disclosure.

No one wants that to happen, but that is how it works. My suggestion to you is to start a list now. Do this even if you don't think you will not need it. Going to a new physician, you will need to answer these type requests. Start your list now and every time something changes, update your list. Make a list of any medications you are taking or have taken in the past five years. Include even an antibiotic or sinus pill. Add the reason for taking each and the approximate dates. Do the same thing with any illnesses you may have or have had and any visits to a doctor.

Being proactive in keeping a personal health record now, will save you time and accuracy in the future. This gives you time to account for everything. As you remember something, add it to your log. Do this, and you will be prepared for the next time you are required to submit health information. You will find examples of blank logs on my web site: www.EZHealthCareOnline.com

Increased Incidence of Two Cancer Types

Hi Guys!

I want to make everyone aware of some new statistics. It is not the most pleasant topic, but it is necessary. Cancer. The other day I discovered these statistics by the Americal Cancer Society. As we have all been shown many times before, the leading cancer for women is Breast Cancer and for men is Prostate cancer. Due to early detection and improved treatment, the incidence is decreasing. In other words, new cases of these cancers have decreased. However, for both men and women a leading type of cancer is colorectal cancer. I think it is very important to note various prevention and early detection procedures. An example of this is regular self-breast exam and yearly mammogram. In men it is a PSA blood test and rectal exam to check the prostate. These methods have decreased the incidence and mortality rate due to early detection. For early detection of colorectal cancer are checks for blood in the stool and a periodic colonoscopy.


A main point was made with both these charts is the fact that:

About 33% of the 559,650 estimated cancer deaths for 2007 are related to

• being over weight or obese
• physical inactivity or
• poor nutritian

Now, please look at the charts I have provided through this link to my web site. Obviously, preventive care is of ultimate importance.


http://www.ezhealthcareonline.com-a.googlepages.com/cancerstatistics

Thank you for visiting and I hope to see you again.
Alice

Do You Have Chronic Back Pain?

Good Evening Everyone,

I have back from a little time off. I've got a lot of stuff to share so I will get right to it.

If you have chronic back pain or muscle weakness, it may be caused by something you never would have thought...a lack of VitaminD. Yes, that's correct. A vitaminD deficiency. According to the authors of this article, we in the United States have contributed to this. There are many problems that can be a result of the lack of this vitamin. For one, in order for calcium to be absorbed for maintaining bone strength. This deficiency has been attributed to increase risk for several cancers...colon, breast, prostate, lung and skin cancers. It sould be easy to correct since the sun light is the main source of VitaminD. Since we have gone nuts to prevent any little piece of sun to hit our skin for fear of skin cancer we do not get the good and healthful aspects of the sun. The article mentions some studies that indicate the greatest risk for skin cancer seems to be fair colored skin. Of course, if we get many sunburns throughout our life, it can increase the risk.

Any way, I found this article to be very eye-opening because my physician has just identified that I have a deficiency. She has me on a gel capsule one time per week then to re-check in 3 months. The main thing that they seem to worry about is the lack of calcium absorption which will lead to brittle bones. I sure don't want that! But, I am interested in potential improvement in my achey and weak muscles and the low back pain. I don't think physicians are aware enough about other symptoms of VitaminD deficiency...We need to spread the word! The article gives information on home testing kits.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022997.html


I will keep you posted about my results!
I will also make available some a link to the article as well as other healthcare tips.

• Alice

Simplify Your Doctor Visits, Part 2

As I stated in the previous post, I will give you some helpful steps to ensure adequate information exchange. I'm sure you all have experienced this scenario: You schedule an appointment, You then must wait in the waiting room, many times longer than you think is necessary, filling out endless forms, only to finally get in and spend about 3 minutes with the doctor...you had questions but with the rush, you could't remember what to ask. I am going to tell you the same thing as in the previous post: Write it down!!! You must obtain adequate information in order to manage your healthcare! In today's world, you need to educate yourself about your healthcare, be involved and take charge.

Write it down:
In addition to your questions also document your health history, it will help you in establishing a baseline for your new doctor. Below are suggested items to include in your list of questions:

1. Document all your health conditions, when that condition developed and ended (if applicable), what type of treatment you have received and whether it is ongoing. This is a critical step to go with the medication list.
2. Create a list to take with you to the doctor visit; write down all your questions, concerns, etc. In a subsequent post I will list several items that are critical to know in order to to adequately manage your healthcare.
3. Take the list with you to the appointment (make a copy before you come).
4. Depending on your condition, etc. may determine how to get your questions answered. If there are only a few questions, you may be able to ask them while you are with the doctor.
5. Usually, your best action it to tell the nurse that brought you in that you have several questions for the doctor.
6. Many times you can give the nurse the list and they will present it to the doctor prior to entering the room. This gives the doctor enough time to realize that he/she will need to spend a little more time. Additionally, they may be able to answer some of them prior to entering the exam room.
7. You can use the information provided to search the internet for additional info.
8. Keep up with that list of questions and answers so you can compare over time...at some point you may need to refer to it.

Eight steps to an efficient doctor's appointment. Of course, this would also be applicable for other types of healthcare professionals, for example Physical therapy, chiropractor, any of your specialists.

Once again, I have placed a template on my web site for your reference. www.ezhealthcareonline.com

I hope this helps you in some way. I know it has definitely helped me! Thanks for your time.

Alice

11 Steps to a Productive Doctor Visit

Well, I'm back. Today I am going to tell you some secrets that will help your Doctor visits be more productive. Every time you go to your Doctor, it is usually difficult to get the exchange of adequate information you want or need in order to manage your health at optimum...has that happened to you? I know I have experienced this. I recently changed insurance plans due to a new employer, so I was forced to select different physicians since some of my previous doctors are not in the new plan. This was very troublesome for me since I have had the same Primary Care Physician for 28 years. During the first visit and periodically from there, they will ask for an update on your health information. I found myself repeating my health information multiple times...and if you are taking several medications it is vital that you inform them of all your medications. Can you remember all the specifics regarding each of your medications? I seem to always forget part of it if I am going from memory.

Here is my solution to both issues: Write it Down and keep it updated. Easy, right? Well, it does take some time on the front end, but saves you time on the backend. Let's start with your medication list...if your doctor is not completely informed about your current medications and your allergies, he could easily prescribe something that is not compatible with one or more current medications.

1. Gather every medication you have, even any over the counter meds such as Advil, Prilosec, sinus pills, etc)
2. Also count any herbal supplements.
3. Sort them based on the reason you are taking them...if you are going to include meds you are not currently taking, be sure to note that.
4. Write down all the information for each medication.
5. Name of Drug - common name and generic name if applicable.
6. Dosage of Drug - for example: 20 mg or 50mg.
7. The route taken - by mouth or injection (for example: Insulin, injected)
8. Reason you are taking this medication...this is very important!
9. When was it first initiated?
10. Include the ones that you just take periodically as needed, but be sure and state that on your record.
11. Record all your allergies...even if it is just hay fever.

There you go. Eleven Steps to a Productive Doctor Visit, Part 1. I will place a log on my site that you can retrieve if you want to use it. That site is www.ezhealthcareonline.com

The next post will deal with communication with your doctor...be sure and tune in!

Alice