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Ir a lateral
by: Matt West
Asbestos is a toxic chemical substance that has been used directly or indirectly in hundreds of products across the globe. It is incorrect and inappropriate for human beings to have excessive exposure to asbestos. This might result in malignant mesothelioma -� a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart -� and other diseases.
It is amazing to find that, asbestos has still not been entirely banned in the United States, and Americans continue to risk exposure to this dangerous fiber.
If you feel that you have been exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma (like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or back region, swelling in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss.), it is important for you to consult your doctor immediately. There are various methods that are available for treating the victims of mesothelioma.
They are either direct methods or alternative methods. Some of the direct methods are Surgery-both Aggressive and Pallative, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy etc. Immunoagumentive Therapy (IAT), Gene Therapy, Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT) etc. are some of the commonly practiced alternative methods.
Also one can take the help of Support Groups, which are available to help sufferers deal with the challenges that they are facing. A recent publication says that over 20% of Americans have participated in some type of self-help group. There are mainly two types of support groups that are available namely- online support groups and community centred support groups.
If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important for you to have a positive frame of mind and keep yourself well informed about the latest medical developments that has taken place pertaining to this field. Also as a victim of the Asbestos industry you can have certain legal and social claims. The following propositions can be considered if you are a victim of Mesothelioma caused due to negligent asbestos exposure.
1. Legal Aid and Financial Compensation
People who contract the disease must be absolutely sure that the cause for the same was asbestos exposure and then take steps to get the right legal counsel. Once the legal counsel has been retained the law will ensure that he or she gets the compensation for employers negligence if any.
2. Claim from the Asbestos Industry
Mesothelioma victims have the option to claim large monetary compensation from the asbestos industry. These claims can go into the millions of dollars depending on the rights and cause of the claims. A Law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases ensures that the families of victims gets ample compensation.
3. Claim Social Security Disability
Victims can claim social security disability after getting advice from an attorney that specializes in these cases.
4. Disability Insurance
You are legally entailed to claim disability insurance if you have disability insurance either privately procured, within your life insurance policy or through your employer.
5.Worker's Compensation
It is one of the core responsibilities of an employer to take care of its employees. Thus, even while the victim takes legal action against the asbestos industry he or she can simultaneously claim workers compensation for being 'disabled' during work. A lawyer who has experience in the asbestos industry should handle this sort of claim.
6. Health Insurance
A victim of mesothelioma can incur huge medical bills due to the expensive nature of treatment that�s required for the treatment of this disease. If a victim is admitted to the hospital he or she should talk to the Discharge Planner or other personnel who can help with hospice and hospital coverage. Laws cover medial treatments and action can be taken health insurance company if they fail to provide proper coverage. Again it is imperative to ensure that the victim employs a proper legal representative.
About the author:
Did you know that mesothelioma symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting www.mesothelioma-a.com
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by: Damian Sofsian
A growing number of professional, experienced health consultants and medical claim processors are needed in the country today. Healthcare is such a large and technologically driven industry that knowledge and procedures used today are likely to be seen as far outdated only a few years from now. To keep pace with all the various procedures, techniques, and technologies available and distinguish one from the other in a clear manner, definitions are made and coded for every kind of surgical procedure, diagnosis, and complaint. These definitions and codes help doctors ensure that they are compensated accurately for their services by the health insurance companies.
Medical billing is the process by which the needed data for completion of all the necessary forms (insurance cards, patient info, encounter forms, diagnosis, treatment, etc) is collected and processed for payment. This data is then entered into one of a variety of competing medical billing/patient accounting software programs. Medical billers are also responsible for following up using effective paperwork and time-management skills. Having been trained to understand an insurer�s EOB (explanation of benefits), the medical biller must review all claims for errors. If not all of a patient�s balance is covered by insurance, the medical biller has to decide if the balance will be written off or billed to the patient. The main job of the medical biller is to ensure that the physician or facility receives optimal reimbursement for services rendered. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly reports are often generated by the accounting software to show the client (physician, facility) whether they are losing or making money on various insurance contracts.
Besides the above main responsibilities, a medical biller must have or develop the following skills:
� Understand and be able to explain insurance terms and benefits to clients and patients
� Accurately read and complete claim forms
� Perform bookkeeping activities
� Bill insurance companies and patients promptly and accurately
� Handle everyday medical billing procedures
� Document all activities using the correct terminology
� Schedule appointments
� Follow-up with insurance companies and patients on unpaid bills
Medical billing is a growing opportunity to the ever-expanding health industry and many people are finding satisfying and well-paying careers working both at hospitals or small clinics and from home running their own medical billing small business.
About the author:
Medical Billing Info provides comprehensive information about medical billing software, services, jobs and companies. Medical Billing Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Software Web.
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by: Damian Sofsian
Every healthcare provider, including dentists, surgeons, doctors, or chiropractors, is entitled to receive money for their services. Medical billing companies are setup to make it easier for them to wade through the murky waters or regulation and insurance company code to ensure proper and timely reimbursement.
Employees trained by medical billing companies are trained to understand health insurance and the healthcare industry in all its complexity. Their individual responsibilities are then to bill patients and insurance companies based on the proper codes according to their superbill (treatment record). Then, they have to follow up on claims and answer any questions regarding billing. In addition, medical billers must submit reports and help their clients to understand the positive and negative aspects of their cash flow.
There are many large medical billing companies to choose from and they all offer a range of services. Any full-service medical billing company should be able to offer the following:
� Expedite the claim/reimbursement process using advanced software and expertise
� Follow up on unpaid bills with both patients and insurance companies
� Provide accurate and timely feedback on their client�s practice in the form of reports
� Stay up to date on all new regulations
Good medical billing companies help clients to increase their revenue by getting claims reimbursed quickly and accurately.
Besides the many large medical billing companies, there are also many small one or two-person businesses that operate from homes across the nation. These small-business medical billing operations have the advantage of more personal attention to their client�s needs. Anyone with sufficient training and expertise can run an effective home-based medical billing company if they dedicate themselves.
When looking for medical billing companies, it is important to shop around. Larger companies may let you have a trial period so you can see if you like the way they handle your billing issues. Whether you decide to try a small or a large medical billing company, be sure to ask for references and address any concerns you have upfront so you can make sure the arrangement is positive on both ends.
About the author:
Medical Billing Info provides comprehensive information about medical billing software, services, jobs and companies. Medical Billing Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Software Web.
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by: Damian Sofsian
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) includes seven sets of rules that will affect your practice. The Department of Health and Human Services, or DHHS, issues these in the form of the "Notice of Proposed Rule Making" or NPRM. Every practice, regardless of size, must comply with HIPAA privacy, security and transactional regulations. Moreover, adherence to all subsequent regulations is also required. This covers most everything in your practice, including your medical billing software.
When you are shopping for medical billing software, ask how and for whom the system was designed, and whether the data will be safe and secure on backed-up, protected, HIPAA-compliant servers accessible only to authorized persons. Look for companies who provide free updates to ensure continued efficiency and HIPAA compliance. The new HIPAA standards require huge changes to how healthcare organizations deal with their patient information, including coding, security, patient record management, reimbursement and care management. HIPAA�s provisions include stringent codes for the unvarying transfer of electronic data, including routine alterations and billing.
Clearly your approach to HIPAA medical billing software must include a serious investigation of software security. Most computer experts will agree that there is no such thing as absolute computer or software security, so working closely with your HIPAA software providers to help determine data deficiencies is a good idea. HIPAA Complaint Medical Billing Software can be easily expanded to meet future needs, and can be targeted directly to the size and complexity of your practice. Options for new HIPAA compliant software have never been better, as there is unlimited scalability, a wide range of customization choices, and a large selection of useful features that will prevent the patients' privacy from being compromised.
Innovations in the technology of medical billing software have created a new criterion for digital precision. Make certain that the HIPAA compliant medical software packager you chose includes all finalized aspects of HIPAA to guarantee full compliance with HIPAA standards as they relate to the electronic transfer of protected health information. The regulations themselves took effect in February 2003, and affect every medical practice in the United States. Effective April 2005, HIPAA mandates security measures to physically and electronically secure electronic protected health information (PHI) against unauthorized retrieval, reliably store the electronic data, and provide for emergency access to the data.
Since most medical billing software packages are now designed to be HIPAA compliant, it is just a matter of choosing the right software for your practice, and your medical billing software will run as smoothly and efficiently as ever.
About the author:
Medical Billing Software Info provides comprehensive information about medical insurance billing software, HIPAA compliant medical billing software, easy and free medical billing software, and medical billing software prices and reviews. Medical Billing Software Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Web.
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by: Dave Markel
Copyright 2005 Dave Markel
Choosing a health insurance plan that is best for you and your family is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Choosing between health plans is not as easy as it once was. Although there is no one best plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's health needs. Plans differ, both in how much you have to pay and how easy it is to get the services you need. No plan will pay for all the costs associated with your medical care, some plans will cover more than others.
Most Americans have health insurance through their employers, and every year more employers offer insurance coverage by managed care organizations (MCOs). Today, Americans are in an era of managed care. It's a new experience for most people. Managed care companies may decide what doctor you will see and when, and what treatments will be covered. It requires you to make some important decisions because not all managed care plans are the same.
In choosing a health insurance plan, you have to decide what is most important to you. All plans have tradeoffs. It is worth asking yourself a few questions such as:
� How comprehensive do you want coverage of health care services to be? � How do you feel about limits on your choice of doctors or hospitals? � How do you feel about a primary care doctor referring you to specialists for additional care? � How convenient does your care need to be? � How important is the cost of services? � How much are you willing to spend on health insurance premiums and other health care costs? � How do you feel about keeping receipts and filing claims?
You might also want to think about whether the services that a health insurance plan offers meet your needs. Call the plan for details about coverage if you have questions. It is worth considering the following:
� Life changes you may be thinking about, such as starting a family or retiring. � Chronic health conditions or disabilities that you or family members have. � If you or anyone in your family will need care for the elderly. � Care for family members who travel a lot, attend college, or spend time at two homes
Most health insurance plans provide basic medical coverage, but the details are what count. The best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. For each plan you are considering it pays off to find out about a range of things from physical examinations and health screenings, care by specialists and prescription drugs to vision care and dental services. It is also important to find out about the various offered services such as medical counseling as well as what is on offer.
Ask if a certain service is limited or not covered. You should find out if what is provided is what you require and if there are special programs for certain types of illness. It is also worth finding out about medicines and equipment that may be needed. Find out what types of care or services the plan will not pay for. These are usually called exclusions. Few indemnity and managed care plans cover treatments that are experimental. Ask how the plan decides what is or is not experimental. Find out what you can do if you disagree with a plan's decision on medical care or coverage.
Finally you should think about the location of services and how far you may be prepared to go for care. On this subject you should consider whether or not the plan handles care when you are away from home.
After you review what benefits are available and decide what is important to you, you can compare plans. Many things should be considered. These include services offered, choice of providers, location, and costs. The quality of care is also a factor to think about.
About the author:
For more great articles about Choosing a Health Plan visit http://for-more-info.com/health/health-insurance.html
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by: Damian Sofsian
Medical billing software prices can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your practice and the software package you choose. Medical billing software is offered in many forms to the discerning customer. Innovations in the technology of medical billing software have created a new benchmark of digital accuracy. There are many packages offered, such as software with equipment lease, software lease via the Internet, or the software along with installation and training. When you are evaluating the needs of your practice, consider the factors that will affect the cost of your medical billing software such as the number of users, the number of patients, amount of use, and amount of data storage.
Many software packages will not fill all the diverse needs of your practice, so make sure you identify vendors who are familiar with health care management solutions and who will work with your practice to sustain your advantage in the business. When investigating prices for medical billing software it is a good idea to ask how and for what purpose the system was designed, and the cost for all the data to be secure, backed-up and protected on servers that are compliant with the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). Also find out what the total price will be including ongoing costs, like upgrades, maintenance and training.
Other significant factors that will affect the price of medical billing software are the price of user licenses, and the costs involved with customization to fit your medical practice. Check to see if you can configure the software without assistance, and whether a first time user can quickly learn the program. If the answer is yes to these questions, you will save a bundle on training your staff. Selected vendors will allow you to create your own medical software quote by asking a series of questions that will identify your precise needs. Keep an eye out for companies who provide free updates to ensure continued HIPAA compliance.
There are medical billing software options out there that require a minimal provider investment, such as the web-based solution that allows the medical billing provider to manage and maintain all of your data and hardware within a totally secure remote environment. You could have all of the advantages of great medical billing software, including exclusive access to patient information, at sharply reduced costs. Some points of sale to look out for are: no hardware or software to buy, no need for installation, and no upgrade costs. Carefully evaluate the needs of your medical practice to see if this easy and popular option is right for your practice.
Finding a comprehensive selection of medical billing software prices can be a simple task if you are certain from the outset of your medical practice needs, and the size and flexibility of your budget. Medical billing software does not have to be costly to work efficiently. Once an expensive bundle of complicated interfaces filled with cumbersome textual fragments, today's electronic medical billing suites are reasonably priced, straightforward and intuitive.
About the author:
Medical Billing Software Info provides comprehensive information about medical insurance billing software, HIPAA compliant medical billing software, easy and free medical billing software, and medical billing software prices and reviews. Medical Billing Software Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Web.
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by: Jeff Lakie
With the ever-increasing cost of health care, procedures and medicines, it's no wonder that the cost of health insurance has also dramatically risen over the past few years. But as that's happened, insurance companies and the government have seen the potential negative impact of families and individuals without insurance. There are some things you can do if you don't have health insurance.
A federal mandate requires that all 50 states have a health insurance program for children. Each state was allowed to create a plan tailored to the needs of children in that state, but there are some things that are the same from one state to the next. The first is eligibility.
Government funded health programs typically have very stringent income guidelines. These health insurance programs have income requirements, but the criteria allow higher income than most programs.
Another criteria for participation is that the child isn't covered by any other health insurance. That differs from most programs in a very important way. Most programs say that if the family has access to insurance, they aren't eligible. That means that parents who have employer-based insurance don't qualify. But many of the employer-based plans are too expensive, and workers sometimes simply can't afford the premiums. This program is designed to help fill that gap.
These programs don't cover families - only children. But there are some great benefits for those who qualify. Some states offer mental health benefits, transportation to and from appointments and dental/vision benefits.
If your children don't qualify for this program, or if you're in the market for individual health insurance for an adult or private insurance for a family, you have some options. Even though insurance is typically very expensive, you can take some steps to control costs.
You can eliminate extras such as vision and dental coverage, and increase deductibles to lower the cost of your insurance premiums. Look for policies that don't include maternity benefits and cancer plans as more affordable general health insurance plans. Basic coverage will likely be less expensive than an all-inclusive health insurance program.
Finally, shop before you make a decision. Even if you're offered employer-based insurance, you might find a better deal elsewhere (depending on the amount of employer participation). Look to professional groups for discounts and advice.
About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Insurance Resources a website providing information on Insurance
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by: Bill Douglas
Copyright 2005 Bill Douglas
In a special to CNN, the Mayo Clinic�s mayoclinic.com reported that, �Parkinson's disease is progressive, meaning the signs and symptoms become worse over time. But although Parkinson's may eventually be disabling, the disease often progresses gradually, and most people have many years of productive living after a diagnosis.� This would indicate that there may be effective interventions that could perhaps slow the progress of the disease. When we get such a diagnosis, our first reaction might be to withdraw and give up. However, the old adage �use it or lose it� tells us that just the opposite is true. If you have Parkinson�s, you�d likely be best off to use everything your body is, every which way, on a regular basis.
Tai Chi movement�s gentle balance enhancing motions can obviously help the Parkinson�s patient by helping to reduce the gradual loss of balance that Parkinson�s sufferers often experience. However, there may be much more it offers. For example, Tai Chi movements rotate the human body in about 95% of the ways the body can move, when a long form is practiced. This is far beyond what other exercise offers, and in fact the closest would be several swimming strokes, which together would only rotate the body in about 65% of the ways it can move. For Parkinson�s sufferers, or anyone for that matter, this would indicate that by �using� 95% of the body�s possible motion several times a week, the possibility of �losing� the ability to do so diminishes accordingly. This isn�t rocket science, but simple common sense.
Yet, perhaps Parkinson�s patients have even more to gain from Tai Chi. A few years ago I taught several classes at local medical centers. I was continually frustrated because although I�d seen emerging reports that Tai Chi was beneficial to people with Parkinson�s Disease, or arthritis, or chronic hypertension, etc., even though the departments that specialized in those conditions were often just down the hall from my Tai Chi class . . . they might as well have been a million miles away. Because the physicians who ran those departments were either ignorant of or unwilling to refer their patients to the possibilities that Tai Chi offered their lives.
I remember though, that at one medical center a visionary neurologist began to refer patients with balance disorders to my Tai Chi classes and the result was very beneficial for his patients. Another physician actually wrote prescriptions for my Tai Chi classes to treat the chronic hypertension of his patients, who�d seen a significant drop in their blood pressure since beginning the classes weeks before. A clinical psychologist brought me in to teach Qigong (Chi Kung) meditation and Tai Chi to her patient group to enhance their sense of well being and provide effective stress management training. So, even back then some physicians were seeing the potential Tai Chi offered their clients, and even more are now, but the number of physicians who are still not informing their patients of Tai Chi�s direct therapeutic or at the least adjunct therapy benefits to their patient�s efforts to deal with their conditions and life, is increasingly indefensible in this day and age. Given the research that has exposed the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits Tai Chi offers, for physicians to not educate themselves on this and share their knowledge with each and every patient is tantamount to mal-practice. Health educators should likewise be making such therapies part of their medical student education programs as well.
Tai Chi for Parkinson�s is being recommended increasingly by support groups and some progressive medical centers, but until everyone that has Parkinson�s knows about it, then our work at World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is not done, nor is the medical community�s. There are many obvious reasons everyone with Parkinson�s should be doing Tai Chi, but it�s the ones that are not yet obvious that may be the most intriguing. One obvious reason is that Tai Chi is the most powerful balance and coordination enhancing exercise known. In many studies at major universities Tai Chi was found to be TWICE as effective in reducing falls as the other balance enhancing exercises being studied. For people with Parkinson�s, who often see their balance deteriorate as their condition progresses, it is unforgivable for them to not be informed of Tai Chi�s potential benefits at the earliest stage possible while their balance is still good.
Now, regarding the less obvious reasons Tai Chi may benefit Parkinson�s patients. Both my wife and daughter, who co-taught a Tai Chi class together noticed that a young man with severe Parkinson�s tremors . . . completely lost his tremors once he joined the class in flowing through the Tai Chi movements in class. In another class I was teaching an older man with advanced Parkinson�s attended my classes for many months, and he always came in very slow with his walker. Once we began the Tai Chi movements he no longer used his walker, and had learned the entire long form of Tai Chi I taught, which was over 15 minutes of continuous changing forms. His form was unique and tailored for his limitations, but nonetheless a challenging set of exercises he was able to accomplish without the use of his walker. What do these anecdotal experiences portend for others with Parkinson�s? I don�t know, but there should be massive research dollars coming from the National Institutes of Health to find out. Given the promise Tai Chi seems to offer people on so many profound physical, emotional, and mental fronts from preliminary research, the current total research money earmarked for complimentary and alternative medicine�s (CAM) is a mere pittance.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), now in its sixth year, supports more than 300 research projects and has an estimated budget of over $120 million for 2005 (up from $50 million in 1999). Total spending on CAM by all NIH institutes and centers is expanding as well, and is expected to reach $315 million by 2005.
Sounds like a lot? However, $120 million is less than �one half of one percent� of the total NIH FY2005 budget. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges the NIH�s total annual budget for FY 2005 is $28.8 billion (http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/05pch8.htm). Remember, we are talking about only spending much much less than one half of one percent to study an exercise that preliminary research has shown to: n Lower High Blood Pressure (about 1/3 of Americans have hypertension � roughly over 90 million Americans) n Boost Immune Function profoundly (a study sited at drkoop.com indicates that a Tai Chi practicing group was TWICE as resistant to the shingles virus, and researchers believed this would carry over to other viral resistance as well.) n Dramatically reduce falling injuries by about half (complications from falling injuries in older Americans is the 6th leading cause of death for seniors in America)
If Tai Chi only addressed this chronic condition affecting 1/3 of Americans, while boosting the immune system of all practitioners profoundly, and cutting in half the sixth leading cause of death for seniors, without any negative side effects, that would seem to be, for the rational person a reason for pouring massive resources into researching it further. However, Tai Chi�s benefits only begin with the above preliminary findings. We also know that it may very well relieve depression, anxiety, and mood disturbance, as well as reduce ADHD symptoms in teenagers diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. There are indications that Tai Chi may greatly reduce or even eliminate chronic pain conditions, and lessen allergic and asthmatic reactions, and improve overall respiratory function.
My point is, �where is the massive attention this would garner on talk shows, and in health newspaper sections, if this were a drug or surgery that could provide such a seemingly massive breakthrough in health treatment?� Peter Chowka, in a brilliant two part series for Natural Health Line, entitled �Complementary & Alternative Medicine in 2000,� wrote, �Conflicts of interest are not uncommon in most aspects of life. But in medicine, the biggest business in the U.S. (over $1.5 trillion a year constituting over 14 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, according to the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine report issued January 10, 2001), serious conflicts are particularly well entrenched.� Mr. Chowka wrote of physicians like Dr. Marcia Angell voicing concerns of the �troubling� result massive research money from drug and medical-equipment companies was having on the scientific process. In the New England Journal of Medicine�s May 18, 2000 issue, Dr. Angel wrote an editorial entitled, �Is Academic Medicine for Sale?� She wrote, "As we spoke with research psychiatrists about writing an editorial on the treatment of depression . . . we found very few who did not have financial ties to drug companies that make antidepressants. . .The problem is by no means unique to psychiatry. We routinely encounter similar difficulties in finding editorialists in other specialties, particularly those that involve the heavy use of expensive drugs and devices."
So, who can make a multi-billion dollar fortune teaching Tai Chi to people? No one can. Tai Chi cannot be bottled, or mass marketed. It is a decentralized labor intensive industry that employees many people, but keeps the profits small and local. Yes, there are videos and DVDs that teach Tai Chi effectively, but ultimately even those who utilize videos are drawn to live class like structures. As I mentioned before with the �anecdotal� experiences of my students with Parkinson�s, Tai Chi seems to offer something profoundly beneficial to the quality of life of Parkinson�s sufferers. It needs further study. We are in a catch 22, where many health professionals feel they cannot recommend Tai Chi because too much of the preliminary research is anecdotal. However, when Tai Chi is jockeying for position to get a crumb of the .5% of total NIH money going to ALL complimentary and alternative medical therapies . . . the result will be many long years of millions of people suffering needlessly from conditions or symptoms of those conditions that Tai Chi could likely safely lessen or even eliminate.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT TAI CHI AND PARKINSONS?
Tai Chi is being recommended by some forward thinking medical institutions already. The Cleveland Clinic of Neuroscience Center encourages Parkinson's Disease patients to seek out a hobby or activity they can enjoy and stick with such as �Tai Chi� and other activities. The Alexian Neurosciences Institute in Illinois offers a course in their The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center. Also, the American Parkinson�s Disease Association at Stanford University Medical Center, in it�s �Beyond Pills.... Alternative Approaches to Coping with Parkinson's Disease� program, offered �Tai Chi, The Art for Living with Parkinson's� by Mwezo & Jane of Kujiweza Healing Arts. (Learn more at: http://parkinsons.stanford.edu/symposium.html). The Parkinson�s Society of Canada recommends Tai Chi for Parkinson�s patients, suggesting �Tai Chi may prevent or at least slow down the onset of degenerative diseases; in the long run, it can reduce need for rehabilitative care.� (http://www.parkinsons.ca/managing.html#taichi)
In the United Kingdom a Parkinson�s Tai Chi study was conducted at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, Cornwall. Their conclusion of the study was such, �Tai Chi training was well tolerated by PD patients in this study, but had no measurable effect on motor performance using UPDRS score or GAG time. There was a non-significant improvement in quality of life scores (PDQ 39). Larger studies would be needed fully to evaluate the value and efficacy of Tai Chi. However our results are encouraging, and provide evidence for its safety and tolerability and would support the feasibility of further study.� (http://www.pdcornwall.org.uk/showarticle.pl?n=30&id=81)
WCHS TV during a news report focusing on Tai Chi�s ability to boost immune system function, also reported that �Tai Chi has also been shown to help illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and arthritis.� (http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/healthyforlife/2177.shtml)
The Neurology Channel reported, �The slow flowing movements of Tai Chi help maintain flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The Struthers Parkinson�s Center in Minneapolis, which teaches a modified form of Tai Chi, consistently reports benefits achieved by patients in all stages of Parkinson�s.� (http://www.neurologychannel.com/parkinsonsdisease/surgery.shtml)
Physicians at the Mayo Clinic recommend Tai Chi for Parkinson�s therapy, under their Parkinson�s �self-care� section for avoiding falls, where they suggest you �Ask your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that improve balance, especially tai chi. Originally developed in China more than 1,000 years ago, tai chi uses slow, graceful movements to relax and strengthen muscles and joints. �
At a popular health website called �RemedyFind.com� viewers can vote on therapies they�ve found benefited their condition, or didn�t benefit it. The rating there for Tai Chi as a Parkinson�s therapy received a rating of 9.8 out of a possible 10. (http://remedyfind.com/rem.asp?ID=13945)
A Study at the University of Florida in Jacksonville found that patients who attended Tai Chi classes for one hour each week for 12-weeks were less likely than a group of control patients to experience an increase in the severity of their condition and a decrease in motor function. . . .[of alternative therapies] the most popular therapies being Tai Chi, yoga, and acupuncture. (http://www.worldhealth.net/p/275,1526.html), (SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 13th November 2002)
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported, �Parkinson�s Meets It�s Match in Tai Chi.� In this article they write that Dr. Mark Guttman, director of the Centre for Movement Disorders in Markham, Ontario, recommends people with Parkinson's do exercises that involve a lot of stretching, similar to the movements of tai chi.
"Tai chi is wonderful; it can help people with disabilities as well as people with Parkinson's," he says. He added that studies on animals show exercise induces a change in the brain that prevents the symptom�s of Parkinson�s from emerging.
The Tai Chi teacher for this program, Ms. Embree, spoke of how people with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and Parkinson�s often attend her classes . . . �Doctors are now sending people here," adds Ms Embree. (for the entire article, go to: PARKINSON�S MEETING IT�S MATCH IN TAI CHI, April, 13, 2005, http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/0304/lvtaichi7.html)
At the National Parkinson�s Foundation site, Melanie M. Brandabur, MD NPF Center of Excellence, University of Illinois at Chicago and Jill Marjama-Lyons, MD NPF Center of Excellence, Shands Jacksonville, wrote, �Most patients derive a great deal of benefit from today's medications and surgical therapies for Parkinson's Disease . . . However, benefits of these therapies can be limited. As time goes by, the medications may not seem as effective as they once were. Side effects or unpredictable response may develop. Surgical therapies are not curative and often treat only selected aspects of Parkinson's Disease. For these reasons, patients may decide to explore other modalities, such as massage therapy, Tai Chi, yoga, or herbal preparations to augment their Parkinson's medication . . . Many patients with Parkinson's Disease have become interested in complementary therapies to supplement medications and other traditional PD treatments. These physicians also suggest that as Tai Chi and other modalities benefits are exposed by clinical research, physicians will advocate their use more widely. (http://www.parkinson.org/site/pp.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=238635)
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day joins a growing number of health professionals specializing in fields like Parkinson�s who believe that much more research needs to be done to illuminate the full spectrum of benefits Tai Chi offers all people as well as those specifically with chronic conditions. This will enable more physicians to make Tai Chi a regular prescription written as therapy or adjunct therapy for a host of maladies many are already enjoying the benefits of for their condition, but paying out of pocket for. Ultimately more and more health insurance plans should and will make Tai Chi classes a deductible medical expense for their clients. The end result of this shift may portend the savings of hundreds of billions of dollars annually in saved health care costs as patients are better trained in self care techniques, training the great visionary Thomas Edison referred to as �the care and maintenance of the human frame,� which Edison envisioned would more and more reduce the need for expensive surgeries and life long dependence on medications as human beings maximized their own self healing abilities. Traditional Chinese Medicine has spent centuries developing and evolving self healing technologies like Tai Chi. Now the west can learn about their results, and physicians can prescribe them to their patients and our entire society will be healthier and more abundant for it.
About the author:
Bill Douglas is the Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil.com, Founder of World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day (held in 50 nations each year), and has authored and co-authored several books including a ##1 best selling Tai Chi book �The Complete Idiot�s Guide to T�ai Chi & Qigong.� Bill�s been a Tai Chi source for The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, etc. You can learn more about Tai Chi & Qigong, and also contact Bill Douglas at http://www.worldtaichiday.org
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by: David Chandler
Since competition in terms of health insurance is on the rise, it is no wonder that more and more forms of health insurance are being designed. Among these, there are few that are popular and they are briefly described below.
Individual Insurance: Ensuring a person individually is a common mode of insurance. One may be selective about what s/he wants in a plan through this process. Accordingly, one has required premium is calculated, and the insurance plan takes effect.
Group Insurance: Another type of insurance is the group arrangement. Through this type of insurance, one is compelled to abide by what others are going for, and this is dependent on the insurance providers. They are the ones that decide what is feasible to include in a plan, and on that basis, a group insurance can take place.
Indemnity Plan: This plan allows one to go to any doctor when one needs to; there are no restrictions on this, and it is believed to be more of a traditional plan. One does not need permission to go to a particular health care provider. However, usually what happens is that the member pays 20% of the total fee for treatment while the insurance provider pays 80%. In addition to this, there is a period through which one pays up in this manner, and then the company takes over paying the whole 100%.
HMO: The Health Maintenance Organization is one that allows a member to select a particular doctor off the panel. It is these selected doctors that will deal will with members' problems. The selected doctor is the one that will be approached for checkups of any kind, and if there are problems with a member that cannot be handled by him or her, the member is referred to specialists.
About the author:
For more information, visit http://www.healthinsuranceinfocenter.com
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by: Matt Coers
On April 21, 2005, a new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule went into effect. The requirements of this rule, which are basically information security best practices, focus on the three cornerstones of a solid information security infrastructure: confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.
The HIPAA regulatory requirements encompass transmission, storage and discoverability of Protected Health Information (PHI). Given the widespread use and mission-critical nature of email, enforcement of HIPAA encryption policies and the growing demand for secure email solutions, email security has never been more important to the healthcare industry than it is right now.
Although many assume it applies only to health care providers, HIPAA affects nearly all companies that regularly transmit or store employee health insurance information. HIPAA was signed into law in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton, with the intent of protecting employee health and insurance information when workers changed or lost their jobs. As Internet use became more widespread in the mid-to-late 1990s, HIPAA requirements overlapped with the digital revolution and offered direction to organizations needing to exchange healthcare information.
HIPAA in the Workplace
Collaboration between employers and healthcare professionals has grown increasingly digital, and email has played an ever-increasing role in this communication. However, email�s increased importance can lead to severe consequences without proper security and privacy measures implemented.
In addition to the usual concerns about privacy and security of email correspondence, even organizations that are not in the healthcare industry must now consider the regulatory compliance requirements associated with HIPAA. The Administrative Simplification section of HIPAA, which, among other things, mandates privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI), has sparked concern about how email containing PHI should be treated in the corporate setting. HIPAA, as it relates to email security, is an enforcement of otherwise well-known best practices that include:
* Ensuring that email messages containing PHI are kept secure when transmitted over an unprotected link
* Ensuring that email systems and users are properly authenticated so that PHI does not get into the wrong hands
* Protecting email servers and message stores where PHI may exist
Organizations regulated by HIPAA must comply and put these practices in place. However, the need to comply with regulations puts particular pressure on the healthcare industry to enhance their use of technology and �catch up� with other industries of similar size and scope.
Privacy and Email Security
The privacy protection provisions in HIPAA pose a major compliance challenge for the healthcare industry. These provisions are intended to protect patients from disclosure of any of their individually identifiable health information. Organizations that fail to protect this information face fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for each instance of unauthorized disclosure. If the disclosure is found to be intentional, HIPAA provides for fines ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 and possible jail time for individuals involved in the violations.
The clock is ticking � it�s time to get started
Bringing an enterprise into compliance with the rules set by HIPAA can seem like a very daunting task to even the most experienced executives. Nonetheless, the growing dependence on email as a mission-critical application requires that your organization implement comprehensive security and privacy policies � and soon. A solid combination of security policies and the technologies to enforce those policies can ensure improved security as well as HIPAA readiness and ongoing adherence.
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by: Damian Sofsian
There is help available for people addicted to prescription drugs. There are countless inpatient and outpatient programs around the world that are specifically created to help people kick their drug addictions. These programs usually include detox centers, psychologists, and often include safe alternative substances to help curb withdrawal symptoms. The level of treatment needed depends on the length and severity of the addiction. It is important that people realize that some type of treatment or rehabilitation is always a good idea. It can be dangerous for an addict to try to quit taking drugs without any medical advice or intervention.
Inpatient treatment centers are the best option for people with severe addiction problems. These centers require that the patient live in the facility for a specified length of time while receiving treatment. Inpatient treatment centers can be extremely expensive, but they are sometimes covered by health insurance policies. The prescription drug addiction treatment provided by these facilities has several phases.
Outpatient prescription drug addiction centers are a great option for other people. If someone cannot afford to live in an inpatient facility, or if the problem is not so severe, outpatient treatment is a great alternative.
There are several components to a prescription drug addiction treatment. First is a period of detoxification, which is when the drug is slowly cleared out of the addict�s body. This can be the most difficult part of the treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that medical intervention is needed. At the very least, detox is time consuming and uncomfortable.
Another aspect of prescription drug addiction treatment is psychological counseling. This helps the recovering addict cope with a drug free lifestyle, and deal with any symptoms of withdrawal. Availability of emergency counseling is vital for keeping addicts from relapsing. Counseling helps the patient see how much better life is without the complications of a drug addiction. Counselors also help the patient figure out how to avoid situations that could lead to a relapse.
Many prescription drug addiction treatment programs give replacement drugs to patients who need them. Some of the most common drugs of this type are methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone. These are safe alternatives to opioids; they can help curb withdrawal symptoms while helping the addict detoxify. Drug alternatives are usually only available for opioids and not for CNS depressants or stimulants.
It is vital that anyone who is addicted to prescription drugs gets treatment. Prescription drug addiction treatment helps the addicts to safely deal with their drug problems in a supervised and secure environment.
About the author:
Prescription Drugs Addiction Info provides detailed information about prescription drug addition symptoms, treatment, statistics, and forums, as well as personal prescription drug addiction stories. Prescription Drugs Addiction Info is the sister site of Drug Testing Web.
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by: Damian Sofsian
Medical billing is an increasingly popular office or home-based small business opportunity that involves using skills and knowledge in medical terminology, insurance claims, and customer service to ensure that physicians and clinics receive payment from patients and insurance companies.
Whether working from home based small-businesses or at large hospitals, every medical biller utilizes medical billing software. Though still referred to as medical billing software, today�s electronic medical billing software is also more accurately called medical practice management software and covers many functions. Up-to-date medical billing software will generate a variety of reports based on data, manage appointments, as well as collect, transmit, and track billing information and payments. Current medical billing software will also make sure that records are kept in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act security standards. When deciding on software to buy, compliance with this act is an important consideration and will help you steer clear of some of the software scam artists out there.
When considering software for a medical billing business, here are some things to ask yourself or potential suppliers:
� Does the software include the ability to manage several different accounts?
� Can the software handle multiple doctors or multiple offices?
� Does the software recognize current procedure and diagnosis codes and it is updatable for the future (very important!)
Many vendors will allow a trial use of their program to see if it fits your needs. You will also be able to address whether the supplier answers questions in a timely fashion and if the are helpful in a trouble-shooting situation. Remember that a good medical billing software suite will cost at least $500 so don�t be fooled by people trying to sell $50 products that don�t even function.
Though electronic billing is still mainstream, there is a movement towards online billing where a subscription is setup on the web allowing a paperless entry of patient information, claims, and more. This service will cost more than $200 per month so you have to research and weigh the benefits of a one time investment for electronic medical billing software that is local or the online web-based software that can be used from any web-connected computer or device.
About the author:
Medical Billing Info provides comprehensive information about medical billing software, services, jobs and companies. Medical Billing Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Software Web.
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by: Ross Bainbridge
While approximately .08% of children born in the U.S. have some degree of hearing impairment, the vast majority of audio-impaired people are over age 50. Because the people in this age range often have limited resources for health coverage, purchasing hearing aids can be financially difficult.
It is not unusual for older people to procrastinate about going to hearing evaluations. They usually know if they are losing their hearing and know that hearing aids are expensive. If they are uninsured or underinsured, they may have trouble making such a purchase.
Unfortunately for those without private health insurance, hearing aids may have to be purchased out-of-pocket. The debate of the issue of Medicare and hearing aids has been a lengthy and ongoing battle. With only a few exceptions, Medicare continues to exclude hearing aid coverage in both of the plans: A & B. Even people who purchase additional Medigap policies through private insurance companies will not receive hearing aid coverage.
Luckily, however, over the past few years, Medicare has increased health coverage options. Some seniors now have the option of a Medicare HMO plan. Similar to private HMO�s, seniors must choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and only visit doctors and specialists in their particular network. By paying a small co-payment each time they visit a physician, they are able to save money on premiums and often get additional benefits.
If Medicare and hearing aids are of concern to you, you should become a wise consumer. Learn as much as you can about the Medicare HMO you plan to choose and make sure that they offer additional benefits such as vision care and hearing aids. These plans will generally offer services for auditory evaluations and fittings for the hearing aid. Medicare sometimes pays the full amount and other times you may be asked to meet a deductible. It depends on your specific coverage.
About the author:
Hearing Aids Info provides comprehensive information about digital, programmable, behind-the-ear, discount, wholesale, and cheap hearing aids, as well as child hearing aids, Medicare and hearing aids, and reviews of best hearing aids. Hearing Aids Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.
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by: Keith Thompson
Copyright 2005 Keith Thompson
If you find yourself in the position of shopping for an individual health insurance policy, there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind. Whether you are coming out of a job that covered you before, or are at the end of your COBRA benefits, or simply have never had coverage before there are things you can do to get coverage on yourself and your loved ones.
The basic thing to know is that if you have a shot a group health insurance, whether through a job or an association you're a member of, that is usually much more affordable than buying individual health insurance on your own. First you need to figure out your health insurance goals; in other words, what are you after? If you're young, healthy as a horse, no dependents and not attempting Mt. Everest next week, you may want to opt for a policy that covers only the catastrophes, and cover the rest out-of-pocket. On the flip side of that, if you're the sole bread winner with a family to support, the scenario is different.
The basic choices you'll have are Fee-for-Service, Managed Care Plans, and Association-based health insurance. Fee-for-service is the traditional indemnity plan, harder to acquire, more expensive, but usually great coverage. Managed care plans include most HMO's and PPO's. These offer lower costs but your choices are somewhat limited. Another way to get insured is through a group or association you may already be a member of, such as professional, religious or trade organizations. Often they may offer health insurance. It's worth checking out, as sometimes you can strike gold in this vein.
Things to consider when you're looking for any policy are what's covered on this plan, how much are the monthly premiums, what is the yearly out-of-pocket, what is the deductible, how much are office visits, does it cover preventative medicine, vision, dental? And I'm sure you can come up with many of your own. Sit down before you go shopping and make a list of your needs and wants, and decide in advance what you're willing to give to get. Be aware that once you start getting quotes they can vary as much as 50% for the same person! Remember, you're shopping, and nobody's making you do anything. If one insurer isn't cutting it, move on to another. If you're coming at this cold and have no good recommendations it may be wise to use a broker who represents several companies, as he or she wil be more likely to find the best policy for you, as opposed to selling the company they work for.
Shopping for individual health insurance can be frustrating and time-consuming, but if you come armed with facts you'll be able to navigate this highly competitive and ever-changing field.
About the author:
Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.health-insurance.giftsforbiz.com,a site geared toward helping you find great individual health insurance!
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by: Peter Lenkefi
Health Insurance Coverage: What are �Covered� Services?
Health insurance coverage is a contract used to determine medical benefits that are covered, or not covered, between you and your insurance provider. The insurance company, based on a fee that you provide them on a regular basis, promises to pay health insurance coverage on certain items or benefits listed in that contract. These are called �covered� services. �Covered� services can include a wide variety of things, such as implements, prescriptions, services (such as massage), checkups, tests and/or research.
Your contract should also list all of the things NOT covered in your health insurance coverage � these are items or services that you will need to pay for out of your own pocket, should you require them.
Health Insurance Coverage: What is a Medical Necessity? How is this Different from Covered Services?
Just as it seems, a medical necessity is something that your health professional has deemed a required service/ item that will affect your health negatively should you decide not to purchase it. However, just because your doctor tells you something is a medical necessity does not mean your health insurance actually offers coverage for it.
Since insurance companies decide what health coverage they will and will not provide, you really have no leeway in this area.
Health Insurance Coverage: What Do I Do?
Most doctors try and keep themselves abreast as to what the major insurance companies do, and do not cover when it comes to health coverage. However, there are a LOT of plans out there, so this just isn�t enough. So how can you avoid any nasty surprises during an emergency?
Read your health insurance coverage. You�re better off knowing what your health insurance company will, and will not provide coverage for right off the bat. Then, if your doctor decides on a treatment plan that isn�t covered, you can ask for alternatives that may be.
If there are questions regarding your health insurance coverage, do not hesitate to contact the insurance company. Questions are good, and they expect them.
Health Insurance Coverage: What Do I Do if Something I Need Isn�t Covered?
The gross majority of what your doctor orders for you will be covered in your health insurance plan. If you do get a treatment or supply that isn�t covered, you can always challenge the health insurance coverage. You may not be the only one who requires the same type of service, benefit or item � so you�ll end up fighting not just for yourself, but for others in the same situation.
Ask your doctor for their side, and use this in your claim. It may not help in the end, but if your doctor is on your side, you may be able to convince the health insurance company that coverage is required.
About the author:
For more more information about health insurance coverage please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/Health-Insurance-Coverage.php
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by: Peter Lenkefi
Most pet owners aren�t aware that health insurance for their loved animals has been available for about 15 years now. However, both the availability and restrictions on most plans have made this type of health insurance out of reach for most pet owners.
Interestingly enough, pet health insurance has changed in the past couple of years. Now, animal owners are able to afford medical procedures previously prohibitive because of the cost. But many skeptics are concerned that health insurance for pets will see an increase in the red tape us humans already encounter every day.
Animal medicine is one of the few health care services that isn�t financially dependent on health insurance. Medical, dental, surgical and pharmaceuticals are all pretty much covered by health insurance in humans, but veterinary patients are responsible for all of that, themselves. Or, at least their owners are.
Health insurance for pets is very similar to insurance for humans. The same fees, deductibles, coverage rates and plans are all in place, with different plans based on the age, species, and general health of your pet.
Most health insurance policies for animals start around the 6-8 week range, but when the policies end depend on a variety of factors, mostly decided by the health insurance company. Some have age limits, and some don�t.
And just like with humans, some health insurance companies will only accept your pet on their plan if they are healthy; others will accept them only if they have had a stable condition for more than six months in a row.
Currently, deductibles stand around $100 for pet health insurance. Policy costs vary as much as human health insurance does, unfortunately. Some depend on what types and kind of coverage is desired, and yet others are just blanket coverage catch-alls. Some may only cover accidents and illnesses. And more pets usually means a reduced health insurance rate for subsequent animals.
But what if you decide that an health insurance policy is not right for you, and your pet? There are other options, of course!
First, discuss your situation with your Veterinarian. Some animal hospitals offer packages that aren�t quite health insurance, but can offer a rate deal of some sorts on more mundane medical procedures (spaying/neutering, vaccinations, etc.), or packages for your aging animal.
Secondly, research plans that offer discounts on animal health services. PetAssure is one of these companies, but there are a myriad of not-for-profits that may offer this as a side benefit when you join. Or, these same animal not-for-profits may offer financial assistance for pet owners whose health costs are beyond their means � a sort of emergency fund, if you will.
All in all, it depends on you, and your pet(s), whether or not pet health insurance is the right choice. Hopefully, with the help of this article, your choice will be an informed one.
About the author:
For more more information about pet health insurance please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/The-Important-of-Health-Insurance.php
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by: Damian Sofsian
Employers have many reasons for requiring pre-employment drug testing. One of the most obvious reasons is that of safety. Those handling dangerous equipment or those who drive commercial vehicles have a greater chance of accidents or inflicting injury upon themselves or others if they are under the influence. Companies have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that their employees adhere to Federal work-safety guidelines, and pre-employment drug screenings can be an effective tool.
Insurance and health-related absences provide two more reasons for implementing pre-employment drug testing. More than 175 million Americans are enrolled in workplace group health insurance; with an average of a 30% increase in premiums in the last three years, pre-employment drug testing may be one way to cut down on costs. Studies have linked short- and long-term health problems with drug abuse. Drug abusers are more likely to develop respiratory problems and are generally more susceptible to illness. Employers often view drug abusers as irresponsible since many absences can be attributed to the after-effects of drug usage. Employee absences cost employers millions of dollars every year, and many human resource experts suggest that pre-employment drug testing can reduce these costs.
However, some groups argue that pre-employment drug testing is not an accurate way to detect the use of drugs while at work. Many drugs, such as marijuana, will remain detectable for up to three weeks after usage. Other drugs, such as cocaine, may only be present for a few days after consumption. It is often a difficult call for an employer to make but most simply make their decisions cautiously. They often view it as better to not hire someone who occasionally uses drugs than to take the risk of the person using before or during working hours.
According to the Small Business Administration, companies lose an average of $7,000 per drug-using employee per year. This figure is often enough to convince an employer to implement a standard of pre-employment drug testing. In any given year, it is estimated that nearly 50 million American workers are required to have a drug screening. Advances in medical testing have made it quick, easy and relatively inexpensive for employers who wish to use this screening process. Many employers view this is as a simple means of ensuring the well being of both their company and their customers.
About the author:
Drug Testing Info provides detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair, and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info is the sister site of Prescription Drugs Addiction Web.
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by: Stephen Dayton
The newest thing in the American medical savings game is prescription drug cards, where users pay a monthly fee (anywhere from $10-100, approximately) that nets them discounts at their local medical establishment. Doctors, pharmacists, dentists and even hospitals are all jumping on the discount prescription drug card bandwagon.
And although they sound like an excellent idea to most consumers, these discount prescription drug cards do carry some risks. This article will detail what to look out for so that you remain an informed medical consumer.
How Does it All Work?
Usually, discount prescription drug card programs work in the same way. The card company works on the clients� behalf, getting discounts at a variety of medical establishments. However, the discounts that are �purchased� are not done with the provider directly, but rather with a �preferred provider organization� (PPO). At times, this system works so poorly that cardholders have walked into their medical establishment with their discount prescription drug card, just to be told that the institution has no knowledge of the discount program.
Since there is no regulatory body for discount prescription drug cards, the people who sell these cards need not be licensed or even knowledgeable about the health care field. And when you do walk into the pharmacy with one of these cards, it�s hard to even tell if you are getting any sort of discount at all; many health care providers do not offer any sort of price list for their services in the first place.
Is There a Problem Here?
Well, some legislators in Georgia and Kansas think so. They�ve passed laws stating that discount prescription drug card providers state in �prominent type� that they are not insurance programs, since more than a few consumers were making this mistake.
Other states have taken legal action against these discount prescription drug card companies. In one instance, Argus Health Plans was sued because allegedly they signed customers up for a free trial period, and then charged those same customers� credit cards with no prior authorization for a discount card membership. More than a dozen other suits are still pending investigation or trial with other discount card providers throughout the US as well.
So How Do I Save Money on My Prescription Drugs?
OF course, not all discount prescription drug cards are poor consumer choices. However, without more legislation in place, consumers are at risk to be scammed while trying to save money. Of course, there are still other ways to save on your prescription drug costs, such as:
- Keep dibs on the fluctuating prices of your prescription drugs, as costs can differ
quite dramatically between pharmacies;
- Ask your doctor to prescribe the generic version instead of the brand name version; and
- Try and get health insurance coverage if you don�t have it already.
With a bit of know-how and investigative work, you�ll be able to save on your medications without having to resort to discount prescription drug cards anytime soon.
Copyright � Stephen C. Dayton 2005
About the author:
Stephen C. Dayton is the staff writer for http://www.rxmexonline.com/A-mexican-pharmacy/discount-prescription-drugs.htmland author of many articles relating to health issues helping the public to be better informed of the options available to them in today's online world.
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by: Yoav Cohen
A study involving a European occupational therapist suffering from psoriasis who had obtained compensation from her health insurance in order to undergo therapy at the Dead Sea has lead to great interest in health funds in Denmark, Germany and other European Countries. This has resulted in their subsidizing treatment from the Dead Sea for people suffering from both Psoriasis and other skin conditions. If Health Insurance companies can be considering coverage of treatment at the Dead Sea for relief and treatment of skin disorders, then it seems reasonable to advocate usage of products manufactured from the Mud and minerals of the Dead Sea.
Healthy skin and
Assisting to replace or remove electrolytes enables the body to maintain a good fluid balance thereby improving a feeling of relaxation, health and well being. Below is a list of the therapeutic physical and mental well being is dependent on the correct sodium and potassium or fluid balance in the body. This is regulated by the Adrenal gland, which in turn affect healthy function of the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for controlling 28 chemicals in the body. An imbalance of these chemicals or electrolytes can result in certain skin or other symptoms and over an extended period of time results in various illnesses. benefits of the Dead Sea products together with the conditions or symptoms they alleviate.
The Dead Sea Salts differ from regular sea salt in 2 important ways.
1) They contain 10 times more minerals than sea salt.
2) The Dead
Sea salts absorb essential oils with ease, which enables them to be released into the bath water as they dissolve.
This is beneficial for those wishing to benefit from the Dead Sea in the privacy of their own home. Some of the minerals found in the Dead Sea are listed below together with their functions or benefits to health. This provides some insight as to why these minerals assist in cleansing, de-toxing and restoring a healthy status quo of the body, especially the skin and muscles.
Minerals and Chemicals found in the Dead Sea
Sulfur-is found in the amino acids cysteine, and methionine; as well as in cells, hemoglobin (of the blood), collagen (of the muscles), keratin (required for skin), insulin, heparin, biotin, co-enzyme A, (required for healthy hair, skin, nails, among many other biological structures). Sulfur is necessary for synthesizing collagen. It is required for the adequate digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and a number of vitamins e.g. thiamin, biotin and pantothenic acid; It is also essential to enable cells to breathe Sulfur is necessary for the secretion of bile from the liver and for converting toxins into non-toxins.
Chlorine is necessary to maintain the correct balance of alkaline and acid in the body, together with being vital for cell metabolism
Iodine is necessary for the production of the hormone thyroxin, and is also vital for both energy and cell metabolism is necessary to maintain the water balance in order for cell metabolism to take place, assisting the cells to absorb nourishment and expel waste products. An imbalance in potassium often leads to water retention.
Potassium also plays a vital role in regulating muscle contractions and the nervous system.
Sodium like potassium plays s a vital role in assisting the cells to absorb nourishment and expel waste.
Calcium is necessary in strengthening cell membranes and cleansing the pores. In addition it is vital for production and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, together with regulating the heart muscles and nerves.
Magnesium is necessary in assisting the body to utilize other essential nutiens and in cell metabolism.
Bromine helps with the natural repair of the body together with cell metabolism and can be sued as a natural antibiotic. Saunas often use Dead Sea salts to evaporate the bromides thus creating and environment similar to the Dead Sea. Having a hot bath with Dead Sea salts and allowing the steam to collect in the bathroom will have a similar effect. Other than the benefits listed below for bath salts, steaming and using these salts in the bath can be beneficial for respiratory conditions e.g. asthma.
PELOTHERAPY The main healing property of mud is humic acid, which comes from concentration of organic matter. After the Ice Age the earth experienced a compression of plant and animal life resulting in transformation of various rocks and hence, muds. The parts of the earth, which suffered the most erosion, have higher deposits of humic acid. One of these areas is the Dead Sea, which has the largest concentration of humic acid, chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, bromine and various other minerals. Since the Dead Sea Mud (also known as Pelloid) has a high concentration of minerals together with an ability to hold heat, the mud can be used for certain healing benefits. Smearing the Pelloid onto the body in a process known as Pelotherapy provides cleansing and detoxing of the skin which has proved beneficial for skin, muscle pain and arthritic or rheumatic conditions.
BALNEOTHERAPY
Is an ancient healing form using water, usually with added salts, thereby distinguishing it from hydrotherapy, to condition, relax and revitalize the skin, body and muscles. Its benefits are seen in improving circulation, strengthening the immune system, reducing pain, stress and insomnia.
About the author:
Yoav Cohen is an author for AHAVA Dead Sea products site
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by: Damian Sofsian
Medical billing software, also referred to as electronic medical billing software, is now one of the most important components of a successful medical practice. Healthcare professionals from many different specialties can benefit from some level of medical billing software. Innovations in the field of medical billing software have created a new standard of digital precision. Many software packages in general can now fill all the needs of your practice; you can easily locate vendors who know about health care management solutions and will work with your practice to maintain your lead in the business.
When investigating possibilities for your billing software, ask questions such as how and for whom the system was designed, and whether the data will be safe and secure on backed-up, protected, HIPAA-compliant servers accessible only to authorized persons. (�HIPAA� is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.) Then you can ask for the total price (including ongoing costs like software upgrades) of the entire software package. Some vendors will allow you to build your own medical billing software quote by providing you with a series of questions that will identify your essential needs. Moreover, look for companies who offer free updates to ensure continued efficiency and HIPAA compliance.
To figure out your software requirements, you can either assess them for yourself if you have excellent computer and software knowledge, or contact one of the many medical practice software providers who can assist you in comparing features, prices, and services. There are many companies that will do this free of charge.
One popular option that some electronic medical billing software experts will recommend is to use web-based software. These are companies that maintain practice management programs, electronic medical records, and various software programs on remote computers. All of your data is web-based and accessible through the Internet. These companies are commonly referred to as application service providers (ASPs). All you need to use an ASP is an ordinary computer and a broadband Internet connection. Most packages include software support, security, database management and training. This eliminates the burden of maintaining network servers, backup tapes, upgrades or modems. Additionally, search for software providers (web-based or otherwise) who will consistently upgrade their products in a timely manner, anticipate future developments, and translate those advances into system features.
Because dynamic, scalable software is now readily available to the modern medical establishment, even the most humble doctor�s office can install a fluid software system that everybody can use. Further, as the demand for electronic medical billing software has blossomed, so have the available choices. Medical billing software is just one of the many options now available that make operating a medical practice easier than ever before.
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Medical Billing Software Info provides comprehensive information about medical insurance billing software, HIPAA compliant medical billing software, easy and free medical billing software, and medical billing software prices and reviews. Medical Billing Software Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Web.
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