With the creation of the Internet and other major data sharing sources, things started changing dramatically in the way that information is transferred between many different sources. Using the web and data software for medical records retrieval, prior to government regulated action, did not really provide security or privacy for the patients whose records were being shared. Thus, HIPAA was born and protected health information became a reality. Time to explain what exactly HIPAA is and what does it cover as a law?
First, it is important to begin with a general definition of HIPAA. In 1996, the United States passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This act changed the way healthcare workers and providers are allowed to handle medical record retrieval and the sharing of personal healthcare information. This act is relevant for all Americans, whether they are infants, adults, or even deceased. HIPAA protected health information encompasses all walks of life and all sorts of professionals who may or may not need to access the private information of others. This act was passed to prevent the random access of information via networks, and makes it so that medical professionals and others who frequently use medical records have to obtain permission from patients to share or access this material.
Because HIPAA protected health information is protected under federal law, all states have to apply by these regulations, and can only add to them, not take away from their severity. Improper medical records retrieval can result in serious consequences. All punishment results in fines, and these fines can add up to over one million dollars, which to most people, is an exorbitant amount of money. Keeping patients safe and secure both physically and also record wise is crucial for patient safety and success.
HIPAA protected health information encompasses many areas of the medical field and several other professions. Essentially, all information about a patient is protected by this act. A patient has to give consent before anything, but his or her first name can be shared with others. Medical records retrieval is something that is needed in other professions as well, such as legal personnel. HIPAA protects patients from lawyers obtaining their information without court ordered documents. This makes sure that a patient's personal business is not put out there for just anyone to see and spread. By covering all information, there is no chance of anything being left up to chance regarding the security and safety of patients.
HIPAA protected health information is something that no one wants to have distributed publicly for the entire world to see. HIPAA protects every citizen of this country from the unlawful and unfair spreading of his or her personal medical information. Without explicit permission or a signed document, there is no way to get away from having to pay an expensive fine if one violates the HIPAA protection act. Medical records retrieval is something that might be considered a little time consuming since HIPAA has been signed into law, but it has become safer and more secure for everyone.
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Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Baby Health Information - Three Tips You Might Not Know
When it comes to your baby, health information is some of the most important stuff that you need to pay attention to. If you are a new parent, there are probably lots of little tips and tricks that you will soon learn. But, to help you get started, here are three important bits of information concerning your baby's health that you might not have known before.
Keep your baby warm, but not too warm
Dr. William Sears, a father of eight children and a practicing pediatrician for over 30 years, advises new parents all the time. He says that many parents try to keep their baby too warm. A young child does not need to be at a temperature much higher than room temperature. Over-bundling your child can lead to a lot of health problems - foremost, overheating can lead to the disruption of a baby's neurological systems. This could cause your baby to stop breathing or to slow breathing to the point where brain damage might actually occur.
You should also be careful to keep your baby at a constant temperature. A baby's brain does not react well to abrupt changes in temperature. So, in the winter months when it is time to take your baby outside into the cold, you should bundle them up inside to allow their body heat to create a barrier to the cold. In the same way, during the summer you should always be mindful of taking your baby from an air conditioned home out into the heat.
Think about using baby massage
Baby massage techniques have been used for centuries throughout different cultures around the world - but, it still remains some of the least known baby health information in modern North America. A baby massage is the simple act of rubbing and massaging your baby very gently and with love. A 10 minute massage one or two times each week will really help to strengthen the parent-child relationship. Children need touch just as much as they need food, so setting some time aside to gently massage your baby is a great way to make them feel more comfortable with you and relax them at the same time.
Try swaddling
Swaddling refers to covering your baby from head to toe with a small blanket. Swaddling has been used in just about every culture and is really making some headway in the modern baby health information age. Swaddling does a lot to help nurture the relationship that a parent has with their child. However, it has some additional benefits as well. Swaddling helps to regulate a child's internal body temperature and it just makes the baby into a cute little package!
You can safely swaddle your child until they are about four months old. If they start to get a little bit squirmy, you can free their arms and give them a little bit more room to move. However, it is likely that your baby will get used to swaddling quickly and enjoy being so close to you.
Perhaps you have never heard of these baby health information tips, but I suggest that you look into them a bit further. You can always ask for advice or help from a midwife or a pediatrician. The bottom line is that you should find out what your baby really needs and make sure that they get it.
Keep your baby warm, but not too warm
Dr. William Sears, a father of eight children and a practicing pediatrician for over 30 years, advises new parents all the time. He says that many parents try to keep their baby too warm. A young child does not need to be at a temperature much higher than room temperature. Over-bundling your child can lead to a lot of health problems - foremost, overheating can lead to the disruption of a baby's neurological systems. This could cause your baby to stop breathing or to slow breathing to the point where brain damage might actually occur.
You should also be careful to keep your baby at a constant temperature. A baby's brain does not react well to abrupt changes in temperature. So, in the winter months when it is time to take your baby outside into the cold, you should bundle them up inside to allow their body heat to create a barrier to the cold. In the same way, during the summer you should always be mindful of taking your baby from an air conditioned home out into the heat.
Think about using baby massage
Baby massage techniques have been used for centuries throughout different cultures around the world - but, it still remains some of the least known baby health information in modern North America. A baby massage is the simple act of rubbing and massaging your baby very gently and with love. A 10 minute massage one or two times each week will really help to strengthen the parent-child relationship. Children need touch just as much as they need food, so setting some time aside to gently massage your baby is a great way to make them feel more comfortable with you and relax them at the same time.
Try swaddling
Swaddling refers to covering your baby from head to toe with a small blanket. Swaddling has been used in just about every culture and is really making some headway in the modern baby health information age. Swaddling does a lot to help nurture the relationship that a parent has with their child. However, it has some additional benefits as well. Swaddling helps to regulate a child's internal body temperature and it just makes the baby into a cute little package!
You can safely swaddle your child until they are about four months old. If they start to get a little bit squirmy, you can free their arms and give them a little bit more room to move. However, it is likely that your baby will get used to swaddling quickly and enjoy being so close to you.
Perhaps you have never heard of these baby health information tips, but I suggest that you look into them a bit further. You can always ask for advice or help from a midwife or a pediatrician. The bottom line is that you should find out what your baby really needs and make sure that they get it.
What Is the Healthcare Administration And Health Information Exchange?
The healthcare industry is one of the largest employment sectors in the country and is currently experiencing huge levels of growth. Healthcare administrators are responsible for keeping the industry running smoothly by performing duties that involve finance, management, and strategic planning. These individuals must be proficient in nearly every area required to manage a practice. Often, they are held responsible for the current nationwide electronic medical records conversion that will enable comprehensive health information exchange.
These highly skilled professionals play no small part in the operation of a healthcare facility. Involvement in the daily functioning of the facility is included in their job descriptions. In addition, they may take center stage when it comes to the government-mandated initiative to convert patient medical records from paper to electronic. This process involves installing an electronic medical records (EMR) system within the facility, a project that should not be underestimated and involves great attention to detail during the selection and installation phases.
Setting up the EMR Interface is the first step in a very complex process. Once the interface is established, physicians must be educated to perform CPOE, or computerized physician order entry. In the CPOE process, the physician enters patient orders electronically via a physician portal accessed through a tablet computer, PDA, laptop, or other device. In most cases, the administrator will be the one conducting the training, unless the facility is large enough to contract a trainer knowledgeable in this area.
EMR Integration is the next step and often requires the use of a skilled IT professional. Integrating the EMR system with those used by hospitals, labs, and health plans enables health data to be exchanged. A hospital or lab can log into the system and view the patient record created by the primary care physician. This multi-party access to identical information ensures the highest quality of care and eliminates redundancies and errors. Without the services of these IT workers, none of this would be possible.
Health care administrators are often not working alone in this process designed to make health information exchange more convenient and paper-free. They have the help of software professionals and vendors skilled in EMR Integration. Administrators at larger hospitals and labs may also find the assistance of a health information technology trainer very helpful because this individual can educate the staff on the use of the new system. Throughout the process, the administrator will likely serve as the go-to person for the facility.
These highly skilled professionals play no small part in the operation of a healthcare facility. Involvement in the daily functioning of the facility is included in their job descriptions. In addition, they may take center stage when it comes to the government-mandated initiative to convert patient medical records from paper to electronic. This process involves installing an electronic medical records (EMR) system within the facility, a project that should not be underestimated and involves great attention to detail during the selection and installation phases.
Setting up the EMR Interface is the first step in a very complex process. Once the interface is established, physicians must be educated to perform CPOE, or computerized physician order entry. In the CPOE process, the physician enters patient orders electronically via a physician portal accessed through a tablet computer, PDA, laptop, or other device. In most cases, the administrator will be the one conducting the training, unless the facility is large enough to contract a trainer knowledgeable in this area.
EMR Integration is the next step and often requires the use of a skilled IT professional. Integrating the EMR system with those used by hospitals, labs, and health plans enables health data to be exchanged. A hospital or lab can log into the system and view the patient record created by the primary care physician. This multi-party access to identical information ensures the highest quality of care and eliminates redundancies and errors. Without the services of these IT workers, none of this would be possible.
Health care administrators are often not working alone in this process designed to make health information exchange more convenient and paper-free. They have the help of software professionals and vendors skilled in EMR Integration. Administrators at larger hospitals and labs may also find the assistance of a health information technology trainer very helpful because this individual can educate the staff on the use of the new system. Throughout the process, the administrator will likely serve as the go-to person for the facility.
Streamlining Health Information Exchange
Health information exchange involves mobilizing healthcare information across organizations within a hospital system, community, or region. The details, captured as electronic medical records, or EMRs, are moved electronically between different health care information systems. This is done via an EMR interface that maintains the integrity of the information.
The goal of health information exchange is to simplify the process of accessing and retrieving clinical data. Doing so allows patient care to become safer and more efficient, timely, and effective. Included in the information being exchanged are details obtained via computerized physician order entry, or CPOE, which are medical professional instructions regarding the treatment of a patient.
A system of information exchange assists physicians, hospitals, and laboratories with meeting high standards regarding patient care. They are able to participate with each other electronically for the continued care of a patient. EMR integration expands access to medical information crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to increased collaboration and communication, benefits include a reduction in treatment expenses. Duplicate tests, the time involved to obtain missing health information, the cost to print, mail, scan, or fax health records, and time on the phone verifying their delivery are all eliminated. According to one study, this equates to a $17,160 annual reduction in expenses. That money can instead be used to pay for new testing and diagnosis technology for the physician office, lab, or hospital.
Heath information exchange is made simpler due to the emergence of organizations that design and install the EMR interface between the hospital or lab and the physician office. Development and installation of this component is a complex process due to the various EMR systems in existence. Organizations like this play a vital role in enabling labs and hospitals to remain competitive in a healthcare environment that changes on a daily basis.
The goal of health information exchange is to simplify the process of accessing and retrieving clinical data. Doing so allows patient care to become safer and more efficient, timely, and effective. Included in the information being exchanged are details obtained via computerized physician order entry, or CPOE, which are medical professional instructions regarding the treatment of a patient.
A system of information exchange assists physicians, hospitals, and laboratories with meeting high standards regarding patient care. They are able to participate with each other electronically for the continued care of a patient. EMR integration expands access to medical information crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to increased collaboration and communication, benefits include a reduction in treatment expenses. Duplicate tests, the time involved to obtain missing health information, the cost to print, mail, scan, or fax health records, and time on the phone verifying their delivery are all eliminated. According to one study, this equates to a $17,160 annual reduction in expenses. That money can instead be used to pay for new testing and diagnosis technology for the physician office, lab, or hospital.
Heath information exchange is made simpler due to the emergence of organizations that design and install the EMR interface between the hospital or lab and the physician office. Development and installation of this component is a complex process due to the various EMR systems in existence. Organizations like this play a vital role in enabling labs and hospitals to remain competitive in a healthcare environment that changes on a daily basis.
Future Steps For Health Information Exchange
Through a process called health information exchange, medical information can be shared electronically across organizations within a geographic area or hospital system. Integrating disparate systems that contain electronic medical records, or EMRs, has become a necessary step to remaining competitive within the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Clinical data can be accessed more safely and quickly than in the past.
Through EMR integration designed to permit the exchange of information, healthcare quality is improved, treatment and processing costs are lowered, and medical errors are reduced. Healthcare providers such as hospitals, primary care physicians, and laboratories can access and update medical records from various locations. Using a physician portal, a surgeon can even deliver updates from the patient's bedside.
By providing physicians with the ability to access patient medical information via laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones used at the point of care, improved treatment and minimization of duplicate or conflicting tests or prescriptions result. From a larger-scale perspective, healthcare entities experience streamlined work processes and improved efficiencies. This reduces costs, something that provides much-needed assistance to healthcare systems at risk of going defunct.
The U.S. is currently in the process of developing and implementing state and federal regulations regarding the exchange of, and technology used to capture, health information. Considered a new industry, government regulations, state-sponsored organizations are already changing the playing field. In addition, HL7, a global authority regarding standards for the interoperability of health information technology, is playing a strong part.
Only about 25 health information exchange communities have been established in the U.S. The electronic transition has a long way to go, with the majority of the established entities still being tied to independent or government grant funding to stay in operation. As more communities arise, each will need to find a way to be self-sustainable in order for this endeavor to be successful. In this situation, failure really is not an option.
Through EMR integration designed to permit the exchange of information, healthcare quality is improved, treatment and processing costs are lowered, and medical errors are reduced. Healthcare providers such as hospitals, primary care physicians, and laboratories can access and update medical records from various locations. Using a physician portal, a surgeon can even deliver updates from the patient's bedside.
By providing physicians with the ability to access patient medical information via laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones used at the point of care, improved treatment and minimization of duplicate or conflicting tests or prescriptions result. From a larger-scale perspective, healthcare entities experience streamlined work processes and improved efficiencies. This reduces costs, something that provides much-needed assistance to healthcare systems at risk of going defunct.
The U.S. is currently in the process of developing and implementing state and federal regulations regarding the exchange of, and technology used to capture, health information. Considered a new industry, government regulations, state-sponsored organizations are already changing the playing field. In addition, HL7, a global authority regarding standards for the interoperability of health information technology, is playing a strong part.
Only about 25 health information exchange communities have been established in the U.S. The electronic transition has a long way to go, with the majority of the established entities still being tied to independent or government grant funding to stay in operation. As more communities arise, each will need to find a way to be self-sustainable in order for this endeavor to be successful. In this situation, failure really is not an option.
Great Careers in Health Information Technology
There is a huge demand for health information technology specialists. These professionals are responsible for maintaining, designing and operating the technology that keeps the healthcare industry running. The career outlook for clinical coders, patient information specialists, data analysts and clinical coders is strong. Technicians are employed in hospitals, clinics and private practices, mental health facilities, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, vendor companies, government agencies and education.
As the use of technology in the healthcare industry continues to increase the number of career opportunities for professional technicians will continue to grow as well. Patient care is becoming more complex. This is resulting in an increase in medical records that need to be maintained for each patient, and in turn, creating a need for more health information technicians to manage patient records. The benefits of using modern technology in the healthcare industry include less paperwork, higher productivity as well as fewer mistakes in patient record keeping.
An associate degree in health information technology will prepare students for positions as healthcare applications developers, health information technicians, medical secretaries and clinical laboratory technicians as well as consultants and sales and marketing support positions. Many graduates seek positions in hospitals or clinical settings, although many choose to enter the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.
Degree programs encompass learning in technology, administration and medical areas. Graduates will be skilled in many areas of computer science including database management, trouble shooting, technical support and computer networking. They will also be knowledgeable in hospital regulations, insurance and billing procedures, medical ethics, patient privacy and record processing. Additional courses in medical areas will include medical terminology, biology, anatomy and physiology.
Applications developers create software to efficiently collect patient data, and streamline data processing. The shift to digital records and wireless communications in the medical field is creating a need for skilled professionals to help with this transition. Automated alert and reminder systems as well as digital protocol and safety systems are also among the applications that technicians design and maintain. Their work allows those responsible for patient care to do be more effective in their work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for health information technologists will increase at a faster than normal rate through 2014, and maybe longer. Jobs for clinical laboratory technicians will be the fastest growing segment. The demand for medical secretaries will be the slowest growing; however, there will still be a number of jobs for these professionals.
As the use of technology in the healthcare industry continues to increase the number of career opportunities for professional technicians will continue to grow as well. Patient care is becoming more complex. This is resulting in an increase in medical records that need to be maintained for each patient, and in turn, creating a need for more health information technicians to manage patient records. The benefits of using modern technology in the healthcare industry include less paperwork, higher productivity as well as fewer mistakes in patient record keeping.
An associate degree in health information technology will prepare students for positions as healthcare applications developers, health information technicians, medical secretaries and clinical laboratory technicians as well as consultants and sales and marketing support positions. Many graduates seek positions in hospitals or clinical settings, although many choose to enter the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.
Degree programs encompass learning in technology, administration and medical areas. Graduates will be skilled in many areas of computer science including database management, trouble shooting, technical support and computer networking. They will also be knowledgeable in hospital regulations, insurance and billing procedures, medical ethics, patient privacy and record processing. Additional courses in medical areas will include medical terminology, biology, anatomy and physiology.
Applications developers create software to efficiently collect patient data, and streamline data processing. The shift to digital records and wireless communications in the medical field is creating a need for skilled professionals to help with this transition. Automated alert and reminder systems as well as digital protocol and safety systems are also among the applications that technicians design and maintain. Their work allows those responsible for patient care to do be more effective in their work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for health information technologists will increase at a faster than normal rate through 2014, and maybe longer. Jobs for clinical laboratory technicians will be the fastest growing segment. The demand for medical secretaries will be the slowest growing; however, there will still be a number of jobs for these professionals.
Explore the Field of Health Information Technology
The healthcare industry is growing faster than ever, and growing with it is the need for trained professionals in the field of information technology. With advances in medicine and technology, digital record keeping and data basing have become fundamental elements to modern healthcare facilities.
According to statistics held by the United States Bureau of Labor, job prospects for professional in the health information technology field are expected to be among the fastest growing for the next decade. In addition, technicians are in constant demand by employers, making IT professionals in the health industry invaluable. Wages for technicians averaged at $40,610 in 2008, and those holding degrees from accredited universities earned even more.
Healthcare technicians perform a variety of duties relating to organization records handling. Their skills are essential to efficient patient care. Some of these duties include compiling medical information like medical history, current symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and past healthcare services provided. Workers in this field also organize and manage medical data and ensure the quality and accuracy of data.
In addition to careful management of data, technicians are responsible for understanding and using a variety of advanced equipment and technologies. Technicians are now proficient with electronic health records, or EHR. With this type of software, technicians maintain and analyze all of a facilities data. Professionals often work to improve the quality of data management, and contribute to greater quality in overall patient care.
Professionals in the health information technology field may hold an associates degree, or higher. Programs in the field are offered at a variety of field, and typically cover a broad range of topics in healthcare and computer systems. At the associate's level, graduates can expect an introductory level of knowledge of the following areas.
Basic Medical Terminology
Graduates can expect a rich understanding of medical terminology so they can communicate with medical professionals and understand important concepts for healthcare organizations and patient care.
-Health Services and Information Systems Classes will cover the history of healthcare facilities in the United States and the evolution of modern day procedures in the industry.
-International Classification of Diseases Coding Central to a healthcare professional's basic knowledge is an understanding of the layout of disease classification. Graduates will be better able to interpret and communicate this data.
-Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information Programs will prepare graduates to deal with the specific technology laws related to patient privacy and records handling.
According to statistics held by the United States Bureau of Labor, job prospects for professional in the health information technology field are expected to be among the fastest growing for the next decade. In addition, technicians are in constant demand by employers, making IT professionals in the health industry invaluable. Wages for technicians averaged at $40,610 in 2008, and those holding degrees from accredited universities earned even more.
Healthcare technicians perform a variety of duties relating to organization records handling. Their skills are essential to efficient patient care. Some of these duties include compiling medical information like medical history, current symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and past healthcare services provided. Workers in this field also organize and manage medical data and ensure the quality and accuracy of data.
In addition to careful management of data, technicians are responsible for understanding and using a variety of advanced equipment and technologies. Technicians are now proficient with electronic health records, or EHR. With this type of software, technicians maintain and analyze all of a facilities data. Professionals often work to improve the quality of data management, and contribute to greater quality in overall patient care.
Professionals in the health information technology field may hold an associates degree, or higher. Programs in the field are offered at a variety of field, and typically cover a broad range of topics in healthcare and computer systems. At the associate's level, graduates can expect an introductory level of knowledge of the following areas.
Basic Medical Terminology
Graduates can expect a rich understanding of medical terminology so they can communicate with medical professionals and understand important concepts for healthcare organizations and patient care.
-Health Services and Information Systems Classes will cover the history of healthcare facilities in the United States and the evolution of modern day procedures in the industry.
-International Classification of Diseases Coding Central to a healthcare professional's basic knowledge is an understanding of the layout of disease classification. Graduates will be better able to interpret and communicate this data.
-Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information Programs will prepare graduates to deal with the specific technology laws related to patient privacy and records handling.
Get a Degree in Health Information Technology
A degree in health information technology opens up many career options. Whether someone is interested in the scientific aspects of the field, or the business needed to ensure the processes run smoothly, the job options are numerous. Each of these careers has their own unique requirements in terms of the job description, but they all begin with the same degree.
A health information technician has the job of reviewing the medical charts of patients. While checking for completion and accuracy, they also compile reports and assign the diagnosis codes for several purposes. The diagnosis codes are used by the physician, insurance claims, and data collection. The work that an information technician does ensures that the healthcare providers can work efficiently for the patients. This occupation requires great computer proficiency and little direct contact with the patients. Entry level positions are available with an associate's degree, but certification is required by the state in many cases.
A medical coder's task is similar to that of a health information technician but adds more of a business element to the job. Again, the medical coder will review documents for the physicians. However, this job requires further assessment. Next, diagnostic and procedural codes are assigned and sequenced using the standard coding system. The business aspect is entered in because the financial reimbursement hinges upon the accuracy of this coding system. An associate's degree is necessary to reach an entry level position. The position of a medical coder is a popular entry point into the health care field due to the advancement opportunities that stem from having this knowledge.
Healthcare information managers deal almost solely with the business components of services. They are the ones that manage the systems that house all the documents, including insurance and those provided by the physician. Managers are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and any other business in a related field. This position requires at least a bachelor's degree, but many also have a master's degree.
Medical secretaries enable the work performed in this professional sphere to run efficiently. They perform clerical and administrative work. Among these tasks include managing correspondence and transcribing dictation. They also schedule appointments and make arrangements for patients that need to be admitted outside their specific office. Secretaries must be knowledgeable concerning the paperwork such as insurance and billing, but must also understand the laboratory procedures.
A degree in health information technology allows those entering the medical field to earn a place and maintain a professional career. With increased education, the opportunities increase exponentially. Whether someone is simply looking to break into the field or wants to climb their way to the top, health information technology is essential.
A health information technician has the job of reviewing the medical charts of patients. While checking for completion and accuracy, they also compile reports and assign the diagnosis codes for several purposes. The diagnosis codes are used by the physician, insurance claims, and data collection. The work that an information technician does ensures that the healthcare providers can work efficiently for the patients. This occupation requires great computer proficiency and little direct contact with the patients. Entry level positions are available with an associate's degree, but certification is required by the state in many cases.
A medical coder's task is similar to that of a health information technician but adds more of a business element to the job. Again, the medical coder will review documents for the physicians. However, this job requires further assessment. Next, diagnostic and procedural codes are assigned and sequenced using the standard coding system. The business aspect is entered in because the financial reimbursement hinges upon the accuracy of this coding system. An associate's degree is necessary to reach an entry level position. The position of a medical coder is a popular entry point into the health care field due to the advancement opportunities that stem from having this knowledge.
Healthcare information managers deal almost solely with the business components of services. They are the ones that manage the systems that house all the documents, including insurance and those provided by the physician. Managers are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and any other business in a related field. This position requires at least a bachelor's degree, but many also have a master's degree.
Medical secretaries enable the work performed in this professional sphere to run efficiently. They perform clerical and administrative work. Among these tasks include managing correspondence and transcribing dictation. They also schedule appointments and make arrangements for patients that need to be admitted outside their specific office. Secretaries must be knowledgeable concerning the paperwork such as insurance and billing, but must also understand the laboratory procedures.
A degree in health information technology allows those entering the medical field to earn a place and maintain a professional career. With increased education, the opportunities increase exponentially. Whether someone is simply looking to break into the field or wants to climb their way to the top, health information technology is essential.
Health Information - Pros and Cons of Raisins
It is beneficial to know the health information on the food you are snacking on. Raisins are sweet-tasting delicacies obtained from drying grapes either under the sun or through mechanical driers. Raisins can be eaten alone or mixed with desserts, pastries and different dishes.
Dr. Mehmet Oz had once posted on his Facebook wall: "Breakfast of champions: steel-cut oatmeal, walnuts, raisins, and flaxseed oil. Don't skip this important meal!"
Indeed, raisins are a tasty addition to cereals. Instead of eating candy and sugary junk food, raisins are a better choice to satisfy a sweet tooth. Find out the health information on some of the pros and cons of raisins.
Pros
Raisins provide nutritional values as they contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber. They are a good source of potassium and magnesium, which both reduce acidity. Magnesium is essential in regulating metabolism and helps lower blood pressure. Raisins also have considerable amounts of iron, which is good for those who are anemic. The B vitamins and copper found in raisins are also helpful in blood formation.
Raisins aid in bone health since they contain calcium and boron. They also contain phytonutrients that are beneficial for ocular health.
They may be high in fiber
Cons
There are studies that link raisins to the promotion of tooth decay.
They are VERY high in sugar.
You will probably get diarrhea.
There are actually upper limits for vitamins and minerals. You may have reached one or more.
You probably feel like crap and may be at risk for dental caries (cavities) if you didn't brush your teeth often enough, as that sugar sticks to your teeth.
Funny how, aside from the advantages greatly outweighing the disadvantage, the only disadvantage cited is highly preventable just by brushing your teeth after munching on these sweet delights.
Dr. Mehmet Oz had once posted on his Facebook wall: "Breakfast of champions: steel-cut oatmeal, walnuts, raisins, and flaxseed oil. Don't skip this important meal!"
Indeed, raisins are a tasty addition to cereals. Instead of eating candy and sugary junk food, raisins are a better choice to satisfy a sweet tooth. Find out the health information on some of the pros and cons of raisins.
Pros
Raisins provide nutritional values as they contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber. They are a good source of potassium and magnesium, which both reduce acidity. Magnesium is essential in regulating metabolism and helps lower blood pressure. Raisins also have considerable amounts of iron, which is good for those who are anemic. The B vitamins and copper found in raisins are also helpful in blood formation.
Raisins aid in bone health since they contain calcium and boron. They also contain phytonutrients that are beneficial for ocular health.
They may be high in fiber
Cons
There are studies that link raisins to the promotion of tooth decay.
They are VERY high in sugar.
You will probably get diarrhea.
There are actually upper limits for vitamins and minerals. You may have reached one or more.
You probably feel like crap and may be at risk for dental caries (cavities) if you didn't brush your teeth often enough, as that sugar sticks to your teeth.
Funny how, aside from the advantages greatly outweighing the disadvantage, the only disadvantage cited is highly preventable just by brushing your teeth after munching on these sweet delights.
Most of the Much Needed Health Information Is Simply Right at the Fingertips
Most of the much needed health information is simply right at the fingertips. You could become a fitness expert yourself if you paid attention to all of this information that comes from late night infomercials, health or fitness blogs, fitness magazines, the internet, and TV shows. By now, everyone should be aware of the drill. You should eat a smaller amount of fattening or sugar containing foods, avoid fast food, and exercise more often. Furthermore, we know we need to try to keep motivated at doing all of these things for a healthier body. We also are aware of which foods may battle cancer, elevated blood pressure, and heart disease as well. Contrary to the past, we hear this information on a daily basis, even when we wish to not know about it.
Although we have all of this information at hand, diseases, along with obesity continue to be a problem worldwide. What is the reason for this? Do you view yourself as part of the healthy statistic, or are there many changes that could be made? Do you seriously care for your body properly? If you answered these questions no, what is the reason? What is stopping you from treating your body properly and staying healthy?
Concerning me, I can advise you that when it happens, sadly it is due to a combination of things. I do try to stay vigorous and attempt to consume healthy foods the majority of the time, however, like most people, I may have several small slips. There are times when I may be a bit lazy, and I just wish to do whatever I want, even if that includes consuming a pint of ice cream. However, I do not do this on a daily basis. We are all informed about how dangerous alcohol consumption may be, but during holiday events, I likely will have a glass in my hand. I will not tell you a lie; I love wine, margaritas, and beer as well as tequila shots. Whether this is right or wrong! Depending on the crowd I am with, alcohol consumption may tend to get a little wild at times.
I try to live my life to the absolute fullest I can, this includes not denying myself of any of life's pleasures. The good thing is however, that I can pull back, and know when the time is right to do so. Usually, the following day I can be expected to be back on the treadmill. I will also be back to eating correctly and doing what I recognize is best for my body. In my opinion, you do not have to refrain from having fun and letting go every once in awhile, as long as this does not happen daily.
I tend to manage to remain well and fit even though I have broken the rules from time to time. I must add that this is not always an easy task to perform.
For several, discovering that steadiness may be a little more difficult because of constant worry, no support, pessimistic peer pressure, as well as temptation. This includes if you have to care for others prior to caring for yourself. Other times, you may simply be too tired to go exercise or cook yourself dinner. Those moments are what result in you not making healthy choices for your health and well being.
What is the deal? In your eyes, are you healthy and in good shape? If the answer is no, you need to evaluate the reason for this. What is stopping you from reaching that? Is there anything in particular that would help get you to that point? Is this simply because of you, or do you have a situation or influences that will not allow you to reach your goal? With all the disease and health problems in today's world, everyone needs to properly evaluate their health, and make necessary changes.
Although we have all of this information at hand, diseases, along with obesity continue to be a problem worldwide. What is the reason for this? Do you view yourself as part of the healthy statistic, or are there many changes that could be made? Do you seriously care for your body properly? If you answered these questions no, what is the reason? What is stopping you from treating your body properly and staying healthy?
Concerning me, I can advise you that when it happens, sadly it is due to a combination of things. I do try to stay vigorous and attempt to consume healthy foods the majority of the time, however, like most people, I may have several small slips. There are times when I may be a bit lazy, and I just wish to do whatever I want, even if that includes consuming a pint of ice cream. However, I do not do this on a daily basis. We are all informed about how dangerous alcohol consumption may be, but during holiday events, I likely will have a glass in my hand. I will not tell you a lie; I love wine, margaritas, and beer as well as tequila shots. Whether this is right or wrong! Depending on the crowd I am with, alcohol consumption may tend to get a little wild at times.
I try to live my life to the absolute fullest I can, this includes not denying myself of any of life's pleasures. The good thing is however, that I can pull back, and know when the time is right to do so. Usually, the following day I can be expected to be back on the treadmill. I will also be back to eating correctly and doing what I recognize is best for my body. In my opinion, you do not have to refrain from having fun and letting go every once in awhile, as long as this does not happen daily.
I tend to manage to remain well and fit even though I have broken the rules from time to time. I must add that this is not always an easy task to perform.
For several, discovering that steadiness may be a little more difficult because of constant worry, no support, pessimistic peer pressure, as well as temptation. This includes if you have to care for others prior to caring for yourself. Other times, you may simply be too tired to go exercise or cook yourself dinner. Those moments are what result in you not making healthy choices for your health and well being.
What is the deal? In your eyes, are you healthy and in good shape? If the answer is no, you need to evaluate the reason for this. What is stopping you from reaching that? Is there anything in particular that would help get you to that point? Is this simply because of you, or do you have a situation or influences that will not allow you to reach your goal? With all the disease and health problems in today's world, everyone needs to properly evaluate their health, and make necessary changes.
Medical Transcription Outsourcing and Health Information Management
Modern day healthcare depends on the input from various sources to be effective and profitable. One such aspect that plays a vital role in healthcare is health information management. Health information management is the practice of maintenance and care of health records. Health information professional have been described to play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare. They focus on collection, maintenance and the use of quality healthcare data to support the information intensive and information reliant healthcare system.
One important aspect of health information management is medical transcription, which is the process of documenting the patient-healthcare professional encounter. Medical transcription is a specialized process requiring the optimum combination of people skills, processes and technology. Outsourcing medical transcription ensures that patient records are created in a professional manner making the process efficient, effective and economical. Patient records need to fit a certain criteria to be useful in the healthcare process. The service provider needs to be evaluated based on the criteria used to evaluate data characteristics:
One important aspect of health information management is medical transcription, which is the process of documenting the patient-healthcare professional encounter. Medical transcription is a specialized process requiring the optimum combination of people skills, processes and technology. Outsourcing medical transcription ensures that patient records are created in a professional manner making the process efficient, effective and economical. Patient records need to fit a certain criteria to be useful in the healthcare process. The service provider needs to be evaluated based on the criteria used to evaluate data characteristics:
- Accuracy: Medical records of patients are vital to the process of healthcare. They provide continuity, basis for planning future care, assist in case of litigation and can be used for education and research. Therefore the accuracy of the data captured should be as close to 100% as possible.
- Accessibility: To provide quality healthcare it is important that information is easily accessible. It not only helps healthcare professionals and support staff provide quality care but also organize their time better. Outsourcing can help in this aspect by providing archiving facilities, which make it easier to trace file.
- Comprehensive: Patient records need to encompass all the details of the patient's medical history. This aids healthcare professionals in making the right treatment plan. The service provider needs to ensure that all the details are comprehensively captured during the transcription process.
- Consistency: Healthcare is a complex field and it is important that the value of the data should be reliable and standard across various applications. This is the responsibility of the transcriptionists who actually transcribe the records. It is important that their training program encompasses all the details of the specialty they are transcribing for.
- Currency: The patient records should reflect current data. Creating timely records is an important duty of the service provider.
- Definition: This means that the data should be clearly defined with no room for misunderstanding. This requires the transcription team to have in-depth knowledge of medical terms and definitions.
- Granularity: This means the attributes and value of data should be defined at the correct level of detail.
- Precision: The details in the medical record, documenting the essentials so that no details are missed but unnecessary data is not included.
- Relevancy: The data captured in the medical records should be relevant.
- Timeliness: The medical records need to be created with all the above given attributes within a reasonable time frame. The optimum turnaround time would aid both quality healthcare and quicker reimbursements.
Classifying Health Information Systems (HIS)
The present article will focus on presenting the various ways according to which a health care system can be classified.
* Therefore, a first class is represented by patient centered IS . They are actually the electronic version of patients' information. Terms such as electronic patient record (EPR) or computer based patient record (CPR) systems are usually associated with this type of health information system. The tasks of such system are to manage comprehensively patient care information, including medical records, theatre management, appointment scheduling and ward reporting.
* A second type of HIS are called clinical IS that separately administer specialized service of clinical departments. Patient monitoring systems and anesthesia documentation system are examples of such type. As the specific tasks of CIS are concerned, the main ones are to collect specific data for patient care, to manage, plan and maintain national data repositories. These particular tasks are distributed accordingly to departments such as internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, obstetrics, psychiatry and surgery. The purposes to which these activities are subordinated are represented by administrative support, decision support, picture archiving, image analysis, patient data collection, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and research.
* Radiology IS are the ones which endorse the acquisition and analysis of radiological images, but also fulfill administrative functions of radiology departments.
* Laboratory IS are designed and created in order to perform data validation, administration, electronic transmission and computer storage. Due to the fact that this system is used in different hospitals, it must interface with various instruments and other information systems, such as LIS. The latter mentioned defines a highly configurable application that facilitates a broad range of laboratory workflow models. It is highly useful when many tests are performed, generating large data. They fully and automatically analyze samples, processing computer generated results. The major contribution of this type of system resides in that it helps clinicians to analyze trends and evaluate treatment effects.
* A fifth class is represented by pharmacy IS , which primarily are used to maintain medication information. Keeping patients' records, checking prescriptions and providing drug prescriptions are among the major functions of this type of health information system.
* Hospital IS comprises a series of integrated hospital information systems such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE), patient care information systems, nursing documentation systems, general practitioner IS and others. The functionality of the hospital information systems covers the operational, tactical and strategic levels of healthcare activities.
* Telemedicine is a HIS supported by electronic processes and communication, facilitating the exchange between primary care physicians, specialists and patients from disperse locations.
* Therefore, a first class is represented by patient centered IS . They are actually the electronic version of patients' information. Terms such as electronic patient record (EPR) or computer based patient record (CPR) systems are usually associated with this type of health information system. The tasks of such system are to manage comprehensively patient care information, including medical records, theatre management, appointment scheduling and ward reporting.
* A second type of HIS are called clinical IS that separately administer specialized service of clinical departments. Patient monitoring systems and anesthesia documentation system are examples of such type. As the specific tasks of CIS are concerned, the main ones are to collect specific data for patient care, to manage, plan and maintain national data repositories. These particular tasks are distributed accordingly to departments such as internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, obstetrics, psychiatry and surgery. The purposes to which these activities are subordinated are represented by administrative support, decision support, picture archiving, image analysis, patient data collection, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and research.
* Radiology IS are the ones which endorse the acquisition and analysis of radiological images, but also fulfill administrative functions of radiology departments.
* Laboratory IS are designed and created in order to perform data validation, administration, electronic transmission and computer storage. Due to the fact that this system is used in different hospitals, it must interface with various instruments and other information systems, such as LIS. The latter mentioned defines a highly configurable application that facilitates a broad range of laboratory workflow models. It is highly useful when many tests are performed, generating large data. They fully and automatically analyze samples, processing computer generated results. The major contribution of this type of system resides in that it helps clinicians to analyze trends and evaluate treatment effects.
* A fifth class is represented by pharmacy IS , which primarily are used to maintain medication information. Keeping patients' records, checking prescriptions and providing drug prescriptions are among the major functions of this type of health information system.
* Hospital IS comprises a series of integrated hospital information systems such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE), patient care information systems, nursing documentation systems, general practitioner IS and others. The functionality of the hospital information systems covers the operational, tactical and strategic levels of healthcare activities.
* Telemedicine is a HIS supported by electronic processes and communication, facilitating the exchange between primary care physicians, specialists and patients from disperse locations.
Alternative Health Information - Treatments For Headaches
Headaches have been experienced by almost everybody at some point. These headaches can range from those mild irritations to that of an incapacitating pain that needs immediate remedy. Headaches are being extensively researched and treated in the medical society, but what causes them exactly still remains a puzzle to be solved. The medical community have classified headaches into three types. Primary headaches are by far the most common of these types, while cluster and secondary headaches are rare. Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be signs of serious disorders in the brain. These headaches can be treated by both using alternative health information/medicine and pharmacological medicine.
Most headaches are being classified as primary headaches, and are usually treated by over the counter medications. Ibuprofen and Aleve are effective remedies in alleviating problems given by primary headaches. The more serious ones, such as the cluster headaches, need to be treated with pain killers to prevent serious daily impairment. Other effective remedies for headaches include therapeutic options and lifestyle change. These are great ways to prevent headaches before they even start. The majority of headaches are caused by stress.
Several hours of physical exertion can easily cause a stress-related headache. The muscles in the skull tend to get constricted, which gives additional stress contributing to the pain. Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention is a more effective means of reducing the pain caused by headache. Preventing headache pain usually means looking for the onset's cause in the first place. If emotionally stressful situations are the ones that cause the pain, some sort of stress management should be undergone by the patient. Hours of physical labor should be accompanied with regular breaks to prevent the start of stress-related headaches.
Headaches occurring frequently that don't diminish and occur randomly may be a sign of a more serious condition. Unlike the primary headache which can be treated by using both alternative health guidelines/information and pharmacological medicine, treatment under these conditions may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue. Headaches that occur on a frequent basis and seemingly without incitement could be a sign of more serious neurological issues. This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify neurological problems such as tumor growth, internal bleeding and chemical imbalances. It is important to see a specialist whenever a patient experiences these problems regularly. Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming a bigger issue.
Most headaches are being classified as primary headaches, and are usually treated by over the counter medications. Ibuprofen and Aleve are effective remedies in alleviating problems given by primary headaches. The more serious ones, such as the cluster headaches, need to be treated with pain killers to prevent serious daily impairment. Other effective remedies for headaches include therapeutic options and lifestyle change. These are great ways to prevent headaches before they even start. The majority of headaches are caused by stress.
Several hours of physical exertion can easily cause a stress-related headache. The muscles in the skull tend to get constricted, which gives additional stress contributing to the pain. Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention is a more effective means of reducing the pain caused by headache. Preventing headache pain usually means looking for the onset's cause in the first place. If emotionally stressful situations are the ones that cause the pain, some sort of stress management should be undergone by the patient. Hours of physical labor should be accompanied with regular breaks to prevent the start of stress-related headaches.
Headaches occurring frequently that don't diminish and occur randomly may be a sign of a more serious condition. Unlike the primary headache which can be treated by using both alternative health guidelines/information and pharmacological medicine, treatment under these conditions may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue. Headaches that occur on a frequent basis and seemingly without incitement could be a sign of more serious neurological issues. This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify neurological problems such as tumor growth, internal bleeding and chemical imbalances. It is important to see a specialist whenever a patient experiences these problems regularly. Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming a bigger issue.
Introduction to Mental Health Information
Mental health illnesses are one of the growing problems in the world. It affects a good number of the population. As the world gets more advanced technology and as people experience a more complicated lifestyle, the number of people suffering from these conditions increases. If you are wondering what are a few of the causes to the problem, below is some mental health information you must know.
Genetics
The genes of a person play an integral part on the mental capacity of that person. Experts say that the person's family lineage can have a major impact in the ability of the person to handle problems and imbalances in life. Mostly, those people whose family members suffer from a illness will have higher risks of acquiring the condition compared to those people with no known predisposition.
Environment
Environment play its part in the contribution of the person's manifestation of mental illnesses. Although genes play a significant role, the environment nurtures the genetic abnormality. Even if you are born with the tendency to suffer from mental break down, your surroundings can help you prevent it. One example: proper nurturing, love and affection can combat an unhealthy mental condition. With the right emotional nourishment, you can reduce greatly the likelihood of the illness. Many experts point to the significance of the parents in rearing the right attitude in preventing the manifestation of the condition.
In conclusion as we come to the end of our mental health information overview and what could potential contribute to them; we mentioned the interaction of the genes and the environment. Although your genes are innate, you can modify your future by having supportive parents, family and friends.
Genetics
The genes of a person play an integral part on the mental capacity of that person. Experts say that the person's family lineage can have a major impact in the ability of the person to handle problems and imbalances in life. Mostly, those people whose family members suffer from a illness will have higher risks of acquiring the condition compared to those people with no known predisposition.
Environment
Environment play its part in the contribution of the person's manifestation of mental illnesses. Although genes play a significant role, the environment nurtures the genetic abnormality. Even if you are born with the tendency to suffer from mental break down, your surroundings can help you prevent it. One example: proper nurturing, love and affection can combat an unhealthy mental condition. With the right emotional nourishment, you can reduce greatly the likelihood of the illness. Many experts point to the significance of the parents in rearing the right attitude in preventing the manifestation of the condition.
In conclusion as we come to the end of our mental health information overview and what could potential contribute to them; we mentioned the interaction of the genes and the environment. Although your genes are innate, you can modify your future by having supportive parents, family and friends.
How HIPAA Privacy Rules Affect Your Health Information - 6 Points
There are certain entities in the healthcare field, insurance companies and healthcare providers for example, that need to collect various information of the individual and even exchange it with other entities for treatment and insurance purposes. While this is required for the proper functioning of the industry it also poses a series of threats as sensitive information of an individual is involved. The Privacy Rules of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have tried to address this concern by framing a set of guidelines to protect health information.
Some of the points that covered entities have to keep in mind regarding health information are listed below.
• Collection: The most important thing that any covered entity must keep in mind is that the data must be collected by legitimate means only without resorting to any unfair and secretive practices. The individual must be duly informed about why the data is being collected and the process must be continued only after receiving consent.
• Quality: The covered entities must also make sure that the data collected is relevant to their specific purposes. No attempt must be made to gather any extra data; only the information required for the smooth functioning of the treatment or for any related matter must be sought. Instead the entity must focus on ensuring that the information is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.
• Use: A very vital aspect of the HIPAA Privacy Rules is the use of the collected information. Covered entities that are in possession of the individual's data must use it only for the purposes allowed by the law and share the information solely with entities that require it for the approved purposes. Remember that if you are one of the entities you must neither seek data nor disclose it to others if it falls outside the purview of the relevant rules.
• Clarity: All the covered entities are required to have a clear set of policies regarding the management of personal health information. Complete information about the practices followed for using the data must be readily available; in fact the entities must provide the patient with the Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) at the first opportunity to keep them well informed.
• Safeguards: Besides the collection of appropriate data the entities are also required to take sufficient measures to safeguard such information. The safeguards must provide adequate protection against data theft, unauthorized access and even destruction of the records.
• Patient Participation: To give the patient more control over their own information HIPAA Privacy Rules require an entity to seek due authorization from the patient for use of the data for purposes other than those specified by the law. In addition the patient can seek a copy of personal information and even make suggestions to modify or delete certain content.
All the parties involved must understand the HIPAA Privacy Rules for managing information, whether it is the covered entities seeking data or the patient who must know the consequences when authorizing use of personal information.
Some of the points that covered entities have to keep in mind regarding health information are listed below.
• Collection: The most important thing that any covered entity must keep in mind is that the data must be collected by legitimate means only without resorting to any unfair and secretive practices. The individual must be duly informed about why the data is being collected and the process must be continued only after receiving consent.
• Quality: The covered entities must also make sure that the data collected is relevant to their specific purposes. No attempt must be made to gather any extra data; only the information required for the smooth functioning of the treatment or for any related matter must be sought. Instead the entity must focus on ensuring that the information is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.
• Use: A very vital aspect of the HIPAA Privacy Rules is the use of the collected information. Covered entities that are in possession of the individual's data must use it only for the purposes allowed by the law and share the information solely with entities that require it for the approved purposes. Remember that if you are one of the entities you must neither seek data nor disclose it to others if it falls outside the purview of the relevant rules.
• Clarity: All the covered entities are required to have a clear set of policies regarding the management of personal health information. Complete information about the practices followed for using the data must be readily available; in fact the entities must provide the patient with the Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) at the first opportunity to keep them well informed.
• Safeguards: Besides the collection of appropriate data the entities are also required to take sufficient measures to safeguard such information. The safeguards must provide adequate protection against data theft, unauthorized access and even destruction of the records.
• Patient Participation: To give the patient more control over their own information HIPAA Privacy Rules require an entity to seek due authorization from the patient for use of the data for purposes other than those specified by the law. In addition the patient can seek a copy of personal information and even make suggestions to modify or delete certain content.
All the parties involved must understand the HIPAA Privacy Rules for managing information, whether it is the covered entities seeking data or the patient who must know the consequences when authorizing use of personal information.
New Health Information Facts
Most people show signs of needing better nutrition
Very few people feel really well
New Health Information Facts indicate that only 6% of people have an overall health score in the optimum range. Everyone else shows significant symptoms that relate to requirements for specific foods and nutrient to help support their wellbeing.
- 43% of people have symptoms that show they need more foods rich in Vitamin B2.
- 27% of people need more foods rich in Vitamin A.
- 51% of people have symptoms that show they could do with eating foods rich in Vitamin C.
- 57% of people need to eat more foods rich in B Vitamins.
Very few people feel really well
New Health Information Facts indicate that only 6% of people have an overall health score in the optimum range. Everyone else shows significant symptoms that relate to requirements for specific foods and nutrient to help support their wellbeing.
- 80% of people report low energy
- 82% become quickly impatient when held up and 62% easily become tense or anxious
- 64% of women report suffering from PMS/PMT
- 46% report suffering from depression
- 57% of people fail to have a bowel movement every day
- 64% suffer from abdominal bloating
- 54% report dark circles or bags under their eyes
- 46% suffer from headaches and migraine
- 50% have more than two colds or flu a year
- 40% find it hard to shift an infection All of these symptoms are influenced by what we eat and how we live. The underlying causes are different for different people and that is why the profile is so great. It helps individuals find out what is most important for them based on their personal profile. The profile shows that at different times for different people some foods are best reduced or eliminated completely to feel really well or to help lose weight. The profile helps people make the right choices for them. No more guesswork about what works for you.
Good Dog Health Information Every Pet Owner Needs
Owning a dog can give a person a great and loyal friend, but it is costly and the first thing to do is pick a vet so he can give you good dog health information on taking care of your pet. Be sure to have the money because pets are costly.
A dog should have a yearly checkup and be updated on shots. This is a good way for a vet to find any illnesses. When illnesses are detected early they can be treated. Your pet might seem fine but then what do you do when there is an accident, and you need emergency care. Pets get old too and then need care for age-related problems.
Teaching your dog the rules is very important. You are the boss and he needs to know that. Decide what the rules are for the dog and enforce them, do not let your pet do what he wants or you will have a dog you do not like.
Pets like routine, this makes them feel secure. They like to be fed at the same time, sleep in the same spot. They expect their owner home at a certain time every day. Routine can change on occasion, but they will be happiest if they do the same thing every day.
Feeding your dog a good healthy food and giving him exercise will help him live longer. This will help prevent illness, and you will not need the vet in between your health checks. If you have a small dog that has to be caged while you are away be sure to take him out and play and exercise him, also be sure the cage is big enough to move around in. Dogs love treats but use them for training or special occasions.
Dogs love to chew, and chewing on an electrical cord is not a good thing to chew on. Be sure things are kept up so not to harm the dog. Give them plenty of toys and chew toys to use instead. If the toys get to old replace them with new ones, or they will not use them.
Where the dog lives needs to be kept clean, this is very important. Dogs get dirty and need to be kept clean. They do not like sleeping in a dirty environment and parasites can grow in unclean areas. Pick up after the dog, brush his teeth at least three times a week and it will help eliminate tooth decay.
Keep your dog confined in a safe place. Be sure there are no holes in the fences, cages etc. When going outside use a leash to walk the dog. There are speeding cars, bad animals, pesticides and all kinds of things in the world that can hurt your pet. There are even thieves, so along with a dog collar it is good to have a micro-chip put in your pet.
When you bought a pet you made a commitment to take care of him. He cannot take care of himself so if you do not do it, he will become another homeless pet. This means he needs regular healthy food. He needs to be feed on time. He needs a good and safe place to play and get exercised on a regular basis. If you do all these things you will have a friend for life.
A dog should have a yearly checkup and be updated on shots. This is a good way for a vet to find any illnesses. When illnesses are detected early they can be treated. Your pet might seem fine but then what do you do when there is an accident, and you need emergency care. Pets get old too and then need care for age-related problems.
Teaching your dog the rules is very important. You are the boss and he needs to know that. Decide what the rules are for the dog and enforce them, do not let your pet do what he wants or you will have a dog you do not like.
Pets like routine, this makes them feel secure. They like to be fed at the same time, sleep in the same spot. They expect their owner home at a certain time every day. Routine can change on occasion, but they will be happiest if they do the same thing every day.
Feeding your dog a good healthy food and giving him exercise will help him live longer. This will help prevent illness, and you will not need the vet in between your health checks. If you have a small dog that has to be caged while you are away be sure to take him out and play and exercise him, also be sure the cage is big enough to move around in. Dogs love treats but use them for training or special occasions.
Dogs love to chew, and chewing on an electrical cord is not a good thing to chew on. Be sure things are kept up so not to harm the dog. Give them plenty of toys and chew toys to use instead. If the toys get to old replace them with new ones, or they will not use them.
Where the dog lives needs to be kept clean, this is very important. Dogs get dirty and need to be kept clean. They do not like sleeping in a dirty environment and parasites can grow in unclean areas. Pick up after the dog, brush his teeth at least three times a week and it will help eliminate tooth decay.
Keep your dog confined in a safe place. Be sure there are no holes in the fences, cages etc. When going outside use a leash to walk the dog. There are speeding cars, bad animals, pesticides and all kinds of things in the world that can hurt your pet. There are even thieves, so along with a dog collar it is good to have a micro-chip put in your pet.
When you bought a pet you made a commitment to take care of him. He cannot take care of himself so if you do not do it, he will become another homeless pet. This means he needs regular healthy food. He needs to be feed on time. He needs a good and safe place to play and get exercised on a regular basis. If you do all these things you will have a friend for life.
A Physician Portal Leads To Health Information Exchange
Using computerized physician order entry, or CPOE, done via a physician portal, medical providers can now create and update patient medical records electronically. This allows them to do away with the paper medical records that line their office walls and take up square footage in offsite storage. When additional technology is installed, it also permits health information exchange.
Until now, it has been difficult for treating physicians to get a comprehensive view of patient medical records. Each provider, hospital, and laboratory kept separate records, most of them paper-based. The conversion to electronic medical records, or EMRs, has made it possible for these records to take electronic form. With the addition of an EMR interface, the records can be shared between these parties.
EMR integration enables a treating doctor to enter a virtual physician portal to review medical records. The doctor can also perform computerized physician order entry, or CPOE, of his or her treatment orders. When a patient is hospitalized, other departments within the hospital system can access this information and perform their designated functions. Since the information is typed, not handwritten, there is no worry of misinterpretation of unclear handwriting.
When an EMR interface is installed between a physician office, lab, hospital, and pharmacy, patient medical records can be accessed and updated by all of these entities. The increased level of communication and collaboration made possible by this technology benefits both patients and those providing treatment. Redundancies and errors are reduced and treatment is streamlined.
Through the physician portal, healthcare providers are given a single point of access to different services and applications. The portal can be accessed via a PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, or tablet computer. In this manner, health information exchange is made possible from the palm of one's hand, whether at the point of care or offsite.
Until now, it has been difficult for treating physicians to get a comprehensive view of patient medical records. Each provider, hospital, and laboratory kept separate records, most of them paper-based. The conversion to electronic medical records, or EMRs, has made it possible for these records to take electronic form. With the addition of an EMR interface, the records can be shared between these parties.
EMR integration enables a treating doctor to enter a virtual physician portal to review medical records. The doctor can also perform computerized physician order entry, or CPOE, of his or her treatment orders. When a patient is hospitalized, other departments within the hospital system can access this information and perform their designated functions. Since the information is typed, not handwritten, there is no worry of misinterpretation of unclear handwriting.
When an EMR interface is installed between a physician office, lab, hospital, and pharmacy, patient medical records can be accessed and updated by all of these entities. The increased level of communication and collaboration made possible by this technology benefits both patients and those providing treatment. Redundancies and errors are reduced and treatment is streamlined.
Through the physician portal, healthcare providers are given a single point of access to different services and applications. The portal can be accessed via a PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, or tablet computer. In this manner, health information exchange is made possible from the palm of one's hand, whether at the point of care or offsite.
Bias in Health Information: Understanding the Agendas
Writers of medical advice--including columnists, insurance companies, governmental agencies, medical organizations, drug companies and even practitioners--are all biased. They always have agendas. They all choose to write about certain topics and not others. They make choices about what to include in their articles, what to leave out and how to state their cases. They're all self-serving. They all have something to "sell," even when there is not an immediate cash-return.
Does that mean you should throw up your hands, say the hell with it, and never read or listen to another medical message? I don't think so, but in order to derive value from these messages, you sure as heck better understand the agendas of the people who created them. Or as the psychologists say, if you want to understand a behavior, you need to figure out what motivated it. Let's examine some advice-givers and their biases.
What motivates health columnists? Well, how about their continued employment, the needs of their publisher-employers, and the needs of the companies the publishers wish to attract as advertisers? It's not hard to imagine there are some subtle and not-so-subtle influences and incentives at play in framing the subject-matter and slant of the articles. Certainly, it's hard to attract the business of potential advertisers when you have written devastating critiques of their products.
Yet don't infer that you should ignore what the health columnists have to say. They provide a wonderful service in discussing health issues, the business of medicine and its practice. I personally enjoy reading the health columns of that great medical publication, The Wall Street Journal. In fact, I still distribute to my patients an excellent article about medication-overuse headaches that Tara Parker-Pope, one of their columnists, wrote years ago.
One of the odder chapters in the business of medicine is that certain insurance companies have positioned themselves as providers of health advice, particularly those companies paid by employers to manage their medication-benefit plans. I won't waste the reader's time in building a case that insurance companies have agendas and conflicts-of-interest in providing such advice. This should be self-evident.
Governmental agencies like the National Institutes of Health provide medical information which is generally reliable and useful, but influenced by the agency's understandable needs for self-promotion and self-preservation. The same holds true for medical organizations like the American Academy of Neurology (to which I belong) and big group-practices like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. The advice tendered by these medical organizations in their publications and web-pages is backed by their reputations, which they zealously protect. So you can be sure that the medical content is subjected to rigorous quality-control. And fortunately, although their messages are motivated by commercial needs, the linkages are obvious and easy for the consumer to take into account.
How about individual health practitioners? Giving advice is what they do for a living, so what's the issue? Well, in the U.S., at least, there is a genuine "medical marketplace" where competition reigns supreme. So when you need help with your health, each practitioner (including me!) would like to make the short-list of advisers whose opinions you trust and value.
Let's move on to the drug companies. In my opinion there is no medical information that is both as pervasive and biased as that created by drug companies. And in many cases the connection between the message and the drug company's name has been obscured or hidden, so the consumer doesn't even know to be wary.
I have written elsewhere about the comical turn of events in the "advice" that drug companies have provided to people with headaches. For many years the makers of sinus medications invested heavily in convincing people with headaches that most of them were due to sinus disease. But now that effective and lucrative drugs for migraine exist, companies are sinking even larger sums of money into the message that those headaches weren't due to sinus conditions after all. Instead, they've been due to migraine. This vignette illustrates the hazard in allowing marketing departments of drug companies to diagnose one's headaches.
Another hazard is in allowing drug companies to write the information-sheets that doctors hand patients at the ends of office visits. Every doctor gets buried in pamphlets that sales reps from drug companies leave at their offices. For years I actually looked at these things, trying to select the 30% that might be worth retaining and passing along to my patients. After a while, 30% seemed too optimistic, so I searched for the 20% that was worth keeping, and then the 10%...well, you get the idea. The pamphlets kept getting more biased and less useful. At one time the sales reps passed out some real gems that were genuinely helpful to patients and their families. But those days are gone.
So when it comes to medical advice, consider the source.
(C) 2005 by Gary Cordingley
Does that mean you should throw up your hands, say the hell with it, and never read or listen to another medical message? I don't think so, but in order to derive value from these messages, you sure as heck better understand the agendas of the people who created them. Or as the psychologists say, if you want to understand a behavior, you need to figure out what motivated it. Let's examine some advice-givers and their biases.
What motivates health columnists? Well, how about their continued employment, the needs of their publisher-employers, and the needs of the companies the publishers wish to attract as advertisers? It's not hard to imagine there are some subtle and not-so-subtle influences and incentives at play in framing the subject-matter and slant of the articles. Certainly, it's hard to attract the business of potential advertisers when you have written devastating critiques of their products.
Yet don't infer that you should ignore what the health columnists have to say. They provide a wonderful service in discussing health issues, the business of medicine and its practice. I personally enjoy reading the health columns of that great medical publication, The Wall Street Journal. In fact, I still distribute to my patients an excellent article about medication-overuse headaches that Tara Parker-Pope, one of their columnists, wrote years ago.
One of the odder chapters in the business of medicine is that certain insurance companies have positioned themselves as providers of health advice, particularly those companies paid by employers to manage their medication-benefit plans. I won't waste the reader's time in building a case that insurance companies have agendas and conflicts-of-interest in providing such advice. This should be self-evident.
Governmental agencies like the National Institutes of Health provide medical information which is generally reliable and useful, but influenced by the agency's understandable needs for self-promotion and self-preservation. The same holds true for medical organizations like the American Academy of Neurology (to which I belong) and big group-practices like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. The advice tendered by these medical organizations in their publications and web-pages is backed by their reputations, which they zealously protect. So you can be sure that the medical content is subjected to rigorous quality-control. And fortunately, although their messages are motivated by commercial needs, the linkages are obvious and easy for the consumer to take into account.
How about individual health practitioners? Giving advice is what they do for a living, so what's the issue? Well, in the U.S., at least, there is a genuine "medical marketplace" where competition reigns supreme. So when you need help with your health, each practitioner (including me!) would like to make the short-list of advisers whose opinions you trust and value.
Let's move on to the drug companies. In my opinion there is no medical information that is both as pervasive and biased as that created by drug companies. And in many cases the connection between the message and the drug company's name has been obscured or hidden, so the consumer doesn't even know to be wary.
I have written elsewhere about the comical turn of events in the "advice" that drug companies have provided to people with headaches. For many years the makers of sinus medications invested heavily in convincing people with headaches that most of them were due to sinus disease. But now that effective and lucrative drugs for migraine exist, companies are sinking even larger sums of money into the message that those headaches weren't due to sinus conditions after all. Instead, they've been due to migraine. This vignette illustrates the hazard in allowing marketing departments of drug companies to diagnose one's headaches.
Another hazard is in allowing drug companies to write the information-sheets that doctors hand patients at the ends of office visits. Every doctor gets buried in pamphlets that sales reps from drug companies leave at their offices. For years I actually looked at these things, trying to select the 30% that might be worth retaining and passing along to my patients. After a while, 30% seemed too optimistic, so I searched for the 20% that was worth keeping, and then the 10%...well, you get the idea. The pamphlets kept getting more biased and less useful. At one time the sales reps passed out some real gems that were genuinely helpful to patients and their families. But those days are gone.
So when it comes to medical advice, consider the source.
(C) 2005 by Gary Cordingley
Online Health Information - Should You Trust It?
You or a loved one is newly diagnosed with a serious health condition. Or maybe your doctor has prescribed a new medication and you're concerned about side effects. Or you need surgery and want to know what to expect. Where do you turn? According to the Pew Research Center, if you're like 80% of the Internet users out there, you've looked for health-related information online. But type "cancer" into a search engine and you'll get over 306,000,000 (yes, million!) results. Where do you begin? And can you trust what you find? Here are some guidelines to help you.
Things to Look for in a Legitimate Health Site
The National Institute of Health, along with the National Library of Medicine (which is the world's largest medical library) have produced a website designed specifically for patients and their families. You'll find information on over 800 diseases and conditions, clinical trials, drugs and supplements, interactive tutorials, and "cool tools" like health calculators. There are also directories to help you find doctors, dentists, and other health care providers, hospitals, organizations, support groups and much, much more. You'll find easy-to-understand information that's current and totally reliable. So the next time you have a health-related question, you might want to consider visiting MedlinePlus first. You may not have to look anywhere else!
Things to Look for in a Legitimate Health Site
- First of all, what does the URL or website address end in? If it's a.gov (government site),.org (organization's site), or.edu (educational site), the information there is most likely to be trustworthy. If it's a.com, you'll have to look closer. The site may be legitimate, but it may also be trying to sell you something, or contain inaccurate information.
- Is there an author or organization associated with the website? If an author is listed, what are his or her credentials?
- Is there "contact" information available -- an address, phone number or email? Is there an "about us page?
- When was the site last updated? Is the information current? (You may find this information near the bottom of the page).
- Look to see if there is an HONcode or similar indication of accreditation. These sites must go through an approval process and follow certain ethical guidelines.
- Be aware that the highlighted links that appear at the top of the page or over at the right after you've typed in a search term are "sponsored" or paid ads. They may be trying to sell you something.
- Are there a lot of misspellings or poor grammar on the website? Look elsewhere.
- Does the site promise a miraculous or quick "cure"? Is it the only site making these claims? Does it put down traditional medicine? If the claims made seem too good to be true -- they probably are.
- Are there a lot of advertisements on the page? Or is it, in fact, a blatant sales page itself? That alone may not disqualify it. But proceed cautiously nevertheless; and verify what you read there.
- Do they post a privacy policy? You may have to look around for this. But if you're asked to provide an email address, fill in a registration form, or take a survey, make sure they have one. If they state that they share information with companies that may send you "useful" information or products, then be aware that your personal information is not private.
- And finally, don't use the information you find on the Internet to diagnose or treat a disease or condition! Internet information is not a substitute for your doctor's care, but should be used simply to educate yourself and supplement information provided by your doctor.
The National Institute of Health, along with the National Library of Medicine (which is the world's largest medical library) have produced a website designed specifically for patients and their families. You'll find information on over 800 diseases and conditions, clinical trials, drugs and supplements, interactive tutorials, and "cool tools" like health calculators. There are also directories to help you find doctors, dentists, and other health care providers, hospitals, organizations, support groups and much, much more. You'll find easy-to-understand information that's current and totally reliable. So the next time you have a health-related question, you might want to consider visiting MedlinePlus first. You may not have to look anywhere else!
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