Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2013/10/11/vampire-protocol/
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Tuesday, February 25, 2014
BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers
Dr. Grochmal is excited to be able to offer these treatments to complement his already extensive oculoplastic repertoire. Please call the office for more information, 410-697-4090.
Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/oculoplastic/botox-and-dermal-fillers/
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Monday, February 24, 2014
Take A Walk On The Grass
Take A Walk On The Grass
When is the last time that you took off your shoes and yours socks and you walked barefoot on the grass. If you’re older than twelve I’m guessing it has been quite some time. It’s funny, when we’re kids, if we see a mud puddle we JUMP right in it. When we become adults we walk around the mud puddle. Not only do we walk around the mud puddle…we complain about it!
Stop complaining. It’s not really serving you. Start living. Get outside and re-connect with our planet. This isn’t some hippy dippy statement. We (human beings) are electrical beings. That’s right, we are electrical beings. Electricity is constantly flowing through our bodies. In fact, without electricity you wouldn’t be reading this post right now. Without electricity running through your body your brain would cease to function.
Sometimes we need to re-charge. We need to “ground” ourselves. One of the ways to do this is by getting outside and walking barefoot on the grass. While you’re walking (barefoot of course) do some deep breathing – you’ll be accomplishing two things at the same time (there is nothing like multi-tasking when it comes to your health). Walking barefoot on the grass will “ground” you, literally. Doing this will help you release built up electrical energy that’s in your body.
As stated above, your entire nervous system is run on electrical energy. Get walking, ground yourself, do your deep breathing, and make some positive changes in your life. This doesn’t cost you a dime. What have you got to lose?
Yours In Health!
G.E. Moon II
Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/takeawalkonthegrass
Mayo Clinic offers newly approved treatment for GERD
C. Daniel Smith, M.D. , chair of the Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Florida, discusses minimally invasive surgical options for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A novel device, a ring of tiny magnetic titanium beads that acts to keep stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus, is now offered at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Read more about the LINX Reflux Management System in the April 11, 2012, edition of MedCity News.
Mayo Clinic in Florida is one of the first health care institutions in the U.S. to offer a newly approved device to treat GERD. Mayo Clinic in Florida helped test the device in patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the device and treatment procedure on March 22, 2012, for patients with GERD who continue to have chronic reflux symptoms despite taking medication. Mayo Clinic in Florida was one of 14 centers nationally that participated in a clinical trial that led to the FDA’s approval of the device.
About GERD
In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, liquid or food in the stomach flow back up into the esophagus due to the inability of a ring of muscle between the lower esophagus and the top of the stomach to close properly. If drugs aimed at neutralizing the acid in the stomach fails to prevent GERD, an operation designed to correct the mechanical defect is considered. Nearly 2 million patients of those patients could benefit from this treatment, which is much less complex than current surgical options, says Dr. Smith.
The results of the clinical study that led to approval of the device have not yet been published. “The data presented to the FDA, however, revealed striking results when compared to other GERD treatments that have been investigated over the past 20 years,” says Dr. Smith. “The system offers effective control of GERD with limited side effects and thus far an excellent safety record.”
The implanted device is a ring of tiny magnetic titanium beads that is wrapped around the junction between the stomach and esophagus, serving as a mechanical augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle). The magnetic attraction between the beads is strong enough to keep the sphincter closed to refluxing acid, but weak enough so that food can pass through it into the stomach. The device can be implanted using minimally invasive surgery methods.
“I expect this device to be a game changer for the treatment of GERD in select patients who have failed management with drugs,” says Dr. Smith.
Kenneth R. DeVault, M.D. , chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Florida, also participated in the studies. “I have many patients who are searching for something more than medication for their reflux, but have been hesitant to undergo a traditional reflux surgery,” he says. “I think this procedure may well be a very attractive option for that group.”
Drs. Smith and DeVault were consultants to the company that developed the device and participated in the research study. Mayo Clinic licensed related technology to the company in exchange for equity.
For more information
View the Torax Medical, Inc. presentation at the January 2012 Gastroenterology and Urology Medical Devices Panel Meeting and read the FDA Executive Summary Memorandum.
Clinical trials at Mayo Clinic
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Dr. Labor Selected To Evaluate New Cataract Surgery Device
As part of our goal to offer Dallas/Fort Worth cataract patients the latest technology, Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD has agreed to be among a select group of U.S. surgeons chosen to evaluate a new device called Xpand. Officially referred to as an “iris speculum,” it was developed to improve dilation of the pupil which is necessary during all cataract procedures to remove the clouded lens.
The Xpand was invented primarily for special cases where the pupil is constricted or unusually small. Not only was it designed to expand to wider dimensions than similar devices, but also to be implanted and removed more gently to minimize post-surgery complications.
Dr. Labor was selected by Diamatrix®, inventor of the Xpand. Diamatrix® is one of modern day cataract surgery’s earliest innovators, beginning with its revolutionary Trapezoid diamond blade. Today, it is a leading manufacturer of innovative ophthalmic devices and instruments used worldwide.
“I’m honored a company like Diamatrix included me in such a small group of highly respected surgeons to evaluate the Xpand,” said Dr. Labor. “To date, other evaluations have been positive, and I’m eager to see the potential of what this new device can possibly do for our patients.”
Dr. Labor has been at the forefront of cataract surgery advancements in the U.S. and locally. In addition to Xpand, he has been specially chosen to evaluate premium lens technologies by Bausch & Lomb. He was also the first Dallas/Fort Worth eye surgeon to use the ORange (now ORA), the first technology that allows for measuring cataract surgery results during the procedure.
Childhood Vaccinations — Myths and Realities: Total Health Radio
As a parent, there is nothing we feel so strongly as the need to keep our children safe — and not knowing how to best do that can be challenging. On the topic of childhood vaccinations, there are countless articles to be found on the Web, and for every recommendation for a certain vaccine, there also seems to be a warning. This episode of Total Health Radio explores the myths and realities of childhood vaccines and presents what should be considered as you make your decision on vaccinating your kids.
Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/childhood-vaccinations-myths-and-realities-total-health-radio/
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Encephalitis in India
Seasonal encephalitis has led to 38 deaths so far from this in 2013 – this number will rise as the monsoon weather approaches and there are more mosquitoes. Although not all cases are caused by Japanese encephalitis, travellers can be vaccinated against this strain of encephailitis, which is a most serious disease. Japanese encephalitis is endemic in all countries of the southern and south-east Asia. Travellers should also make sure they sleep under nets, and ‘cover up’ when outside in the hours of dusk & darkness. A good insect repellent should be used on exposed areas of shin.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
Get in touch
Need advice? Come & get the best advice from the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
Source: http://www.globetravelhealthcentre.com/travel-advice/encephalitis-in-india.html
Study Shows ORA Can Improve Toric Lens Outcomes
Eye Consultants of Texas was the first Dallas/Fort Worth practice to use what is now the ORA System – the first intraoperative abberometer technology that provides real-time measurements of the eye during cataract surgery. On January 1, 2014, an Ophthalmology Times online article appeared about a study which showed ORA technology significantly improves refractive and visual outcomes after toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
According to the article, “Intraoperative Aberrometry Adds Value in Toric IOL Surgery”, the study was conducted by Kathryn Hatch, MD and the clinical faculty at Brown Alpert Medical School in Providence, RI. The study compared traditional toric IOL implantation on 27 eyes with toric IOL implantation on 37 eyes where ORA’s intraoperative aberrometer was used.
The article outlines various postoperative measurements taken in the study approximately two months after surgery, stating that 67% of the aberrometry group and 39% of the traditional group achieving “unaided” distance vision of 20/25 or better.
Dr. Hatch was quoted in the article as saying, “We conducted this study because to our knowledge, there is no report in the peer-reviewed literature evaluating the use of intraoperative aberrometry with toric IOLs. Use of intraoperative aberrometry to guide intraoperative decisions improves outcomes.”
Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is one of the top ORA surgeons in the U.S., and considered a leading IOL innovator. If you’re a cataract patient, or suspect you have cataracts, please call our office at 877-516-4364 to learn more. We’re located in Grapevine, convenient to all of Dallas/Fort Worth.
Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/ora-toric/
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Baltimore Ophthalmologist Takes Personal Approach To LASIK Procedures
Dr. Jay C. Groch
Baltimore, MD – LASIK surgeon Jay C. Grochmal, MD strives to serve his patients with compassionate care and a personal touch. At Grochmal Eye Center, he personally performs all LASIK laser vision correction screenings, examinations, surgeries and post-operative care. He believes that taking a hands-on, expert approach to all aspects of patient care can ultimately decrease the risk of error and enhance the final results.
According to Dr. Grochmal, LASIK is the most popular variation of excimer laser vision correction performed at Grochmal Eye Center. By reshaping the cornea (the outer window of the eye), he says light rays are able to focus more precisely on the patient’s retina, reducing or eliminating refractive errors and common vision problems. The procedure can treat and correct a number of conditions, including:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
At Grochmal Eye Center, all LASIK procedures are performed without the need for a surgical blade coming anywhere near the eye. One type of laser is used to create a corneal flap and another laser is used to reshape the cornea itself in order to better refract light, ultimately working to improve distance vision. Recent FDA studies report that 100% of 189 patients who underwent CustomVue™ refractive eye surgery reported post-operative 20/40 vision or better without contact lenses or glasses. Of those patients, 94% reported 20/20 vision, and 74% reported 20/16 vision or better.
Dr. Grochmal notes that CustomVue™ LASIK refractive eye surgery is his preferred way to perform LASIK, as this technology allows the newly reshaped cornea to be custom-tailored for each patient to such a degree that many higher orders of optical aberrations (visual distortions) are corrected. He adds that this custom-tailoring, enhanced by Wavefront™ technology that allows for a more advanced level of precision over traditional refractive eye surgery, typically results in a higher quality visual outcome.
When determining if one of his patients is a candidate for LASIK surgery, Dr. Grochmal evaluates the patient’s tear film, pupil size, corneal thickness, corneal shape, and total refractive state as well as the overall health of the patient’s eyes. Furthermore, Dr. Grochmal says he also discusses the patient’s personal expectations for the procedure to ensure that patients are informed about every step of the LASIK process – from preoperative preparation to postoperative care – and that they achieve the results they are seeking.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
Dr. Jay C. Grochmal serves on the staff of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital and travels on medical missionary trips to Third World countries with a variety of religious organizations. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland and went on to complete his residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology where he achieved the rank of Chief Resident. In addition to laser vision correction, Dr. Grochmal treats patients affected by common eye and vision conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.
This practice can be reached online at www.grochmaleye.com or www.facebook.com/grochmaleye.
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Sunday, February 23, 2014
Diabetes and Your Eye Care
Diabetic eye disease (also called “diabetic retinopathy”) 
Taking control of this issue can help you avoid serious problems- and may even save your eyesight! Here are some things you can do:
- Commit to managing your diabetes. Diabetes is a lifelong health issue which, if left uncontrolled or under-controlled, may lead to serious physical complications. A patient with diabetes must commit to controlling their condition by taking either insulin or oral diabetes medication, and by keeping their blood sugar at a normal range.
- Keep track of your blood sugar levels. With diabetic eye disease, prevention and early diagnosis is key. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels several times a day to make certain they remain within their target range. Keeping your blood sugar levels lower will help lower your risk for eye disease.
- Make sure you report any changes in vision to your doctor. It is very important for diabetics to undergo yearly eye exams. If your vision suddenly becomes hazy or blurry, this is important to mention to your eye doctor, so that any necessary treatment can start.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. In addition to diabetes, other health issues such as high blood pressure levels and high cholesterol may also increase your risk of serious eye disease. Diabetics who smoke cigarettes can also greatly increase their risk of vision loss! Therefore, it is a good idea to exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy foods, and quit smoking. For some patients, medication may also be necessary.
- Speak with your doctor. If you need help or advice on how to manage or reduce your risk for diabetic eye disease, your doctor can help you develop a personalized eye care or treatment plan.
Diabetic Eye Care in Winchester
If you’re living with diabetes, contact us today to learn about your treatment options. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We hope to hear from you soon!
Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/eye-health/diabetes-and-your-eye-care
Cleansing Ideas Needed For Any Sort Of Weapons
Rub your pistol bore together with the appropriate scale phosphor bronze remember to brush and make use of superior bore solvent – Semi Automatic Rifle. This can if previously owned intensely get rid off all natural remains and fouling. From time to time a clean is often chosen to be fabricated from normal excess hair it is. This certainty can assist this remember to brush continue to keep even more of bore solvent compound an extended time frame. A number of software applications a bristle remember to brush can for this reason be a vast improvement more than a phosphor bronze remember to brush. Using this method on the flip side, is right now commonly being used. Subsequent to cleaning out by making use of each side of repair in the Divide brass or jag. Doing this will dispose of many of the infected solvent. The break up jag is commonly used by putting an area midway and onto the divide and next revolving the repair as part of your palm within an instruction you will tense up the area not to mention style the rod available. In most cases examine the holding chamber when cleansing and when there is natural powder remains throughout the driving cone utilize a Holding chamber clean cope with utilizing a holding chamber remember to brush to clear out deposits develop. Following gas the handgun bores using a completely clean Wool mop while some liberally put to use gas as being a slow-moving and tenacious evaporating essential oil lets the pistol bore to be very located out there for extended occasions than normal. In certain cases scrub away wool mop with very hot and water. to start with if ever the mop could be very grubby. When is dried re-relax in unpolluted oils and we all encourage you continue the mop in any contemporary polythene sleeve or identical bottle.By applying a proper couple of Sna, when retaining your pistol make sure you to start with get rid of the strain among the foremost springsp hats and dried out firing the firearm. As soon as you purchase a stuffer this tends to considering the click hats into place not simply always maintain th, then aftere Could also you want to keep dirt and grime out and defend the conclusion of that barrels towards damages within you, though engine oil vapour inside of the barrelr pistol cabinets. Preceding firing the pistol for a second time one must always get rid off all track features of essential oil. Essential oil staying in the barrel Little could considerably competitor the barrel wall space brought about by hydraulic conversion process system, but the truth is.
Take out all superfluous engine oil with a repair and jag spinning the repair finished right until its fresh – rifle competitions. Make sure the holding chamber until firing and whenever there is natural powder deposits about the pushing cone eliminate it by getting a holding chamber clean. We suggest you to never strength a kind holding chamber clean in the barrel as this remember to brush could eventually originate away from each other and may also also impair the pistol. When housekeeping a gun very much the same practice regarding a shotgun excluding substitute for the divide brass jag to get an alter and jag area for your 100 % natural flannel model area. To try the diamonds jag set the jag diagonally around the area by the end and switch prior to the area has injury wholly along the jag. Unroll a little bit through the repair at if a patched jag is way too special for ones bore in diametera toned, rewind and time corresponding up until the fix disturbance size found. When washing will continue to replace the spots till the continue for repair thrown away totally completely clean. As a final point we might furnish this really good guide. Do not be lured to use a preset until you are totally positive that the blade have been excellence soil from the particular height and width of the port inside the firearm attach together with the approach metallic is correctly hard. Engraved firearm anchoring screws are extremely costly to fixing and so the inappropriate scale blade can before you know it camera outside the attach under consideration and may even destroy the pistol attach as well as surface on firearm. In a few litigation cases even trouble an individual can happen. For anybody who is unclear continuously talk to you rifle dealership for guide. Those that needs to employ a turnscrew in your own weapon you could make your that it must of fine developer not just a low-budget and badly created transfer. Should you have always dreamed of to actually correctness of weapons, you could take competing firms concentrates on or would like to assure you developing ideal results inside your line of business, sustaining you barrel cleansed plays the main consideration. Whenever a projectile is fireplace because of the barrel not alone natural powder deposits remains driving but will also contribute and copper in addition the mix of these is known as a mindblowing of managing consistency. You can think of every time this blend of waste elements foliage a movie of remains regarding on the barrels plus the barrels circumference gets to be minutely small sized every time. You could possibly say “just what exactly, it’s so smallish it’s unimportant” as well as some extent effectively. It can do turned into important even if when anyone fires and even 1,000′s of projectiles long before Successfully clean-up their barrel. You might actually say “surly there is not any definitely one around the world that fails to pristine their barrel after a couple of one hundred ore couple thousands of rounds” and that i don’t mind the expression I pre-owned was “Nicely” – plinking guide. I, you can be confident there are lots of those who thoroughly clean their pistols in spite of 20, 50 or 100 rounds butf they’re not doing the work “in the right way” then odds are among the most harmful deposits is going to be put aside. Most scrubbing chemicals put to use will take out natural and contribute fouling without using a problem, it’s which is the most challenging to clear out and that’s things which can just sustain growing on themselves leading to the most in a long-term in thus far as disturbing and looking after the future preciseness in the rifles. It’s simple to ensure the eradication If you would like maintain your weapons along with correctness, associated with the stuff is vital. Almost all people do basically consider their accomplishing this position, quite possibly they are presented by suitably intentioned neighbours or family members who do not ever extremely seemed to be educated frequently the specific operations and methods are used of these top-rated shooters.
As you will be happy to make an investment lots of money for purchasing sporting events optics, it is really similarly essential that you the ideas to stay them completely clean. Should you not build and maintain them suitably, it could possibly ge, it makes no difference which kind of sports activities optics you buyt affected. One must always keep sport activity optics fully clean in order to produce their the best standard of ability. In the present day, cost you beyond the rifle themselves. Inspite to become mark repellent and layered, lens have need of frequent cleansing steps. In addition, maintenance them on a regular basis, additionally it is vital that you know the right way of cleanup them. In particular, inhaling and exhaling around drinking glasses so they can pristine them will not be properly. Dusting is another way of holding anyone camera lenses fresh. So, regardless of whether you hold hobby optics, these will get pollutants from area, these are typically also understanding of the airborne dirt and dust and blockages which get trapped inside the lens even while they are not being used. The most popular oversight that individuals do the camera lens getting a hanky or clothing sleeve. This is simply not good enough on the subject of keep contact lenses cleansed. Consider it the lenses that enables you to see the stuff fresh and. Each time you might be coming in contact with the zoom lens layer incorrectly, that you are undoubtedly inserting significantly more small contaminants at first. You could use the zoom lens pencils easily obtainable in the market place to scrub these. Although, when using them, you should not pertain to a good deal pressure or strain or you may get a broken or damaged zoom lens for a long time – how to hunt elk.
The post Cleansing Ideas Needed For Any Sort Of Weapons appeared first on pagingdrblog.com.
Source: http://pagingdrblog.com/2014/02/14/cleansing-ideas-needed-sort-weapons/
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African American History Month: A Community Center for Watts
Watts Counseling and Center Director Bill Coggins and Annabell Ratcliff, 4, untie the bow to officially open the Watts center’s new building, 1977. LA Public Library photo
In the 1960′s, race riots broke out across the United States, from here in Washington, DC, to Los Angeles. The neighborhoods that were the center of these riots often suffered greatly, with residents facing lost jobs, property, and hope.
In 1967, Kaiser Permanente brought hope to Watts, the epicenter of the LA race riots. Led by Raymond Kay, MD, and Bill Coggins, LCSW. Coggins, an African American, canvassed the residents of Watts to understand their stories, needs, and hopes. He brought resources, including a preschool, to three generations of Watts families before his retirement in 1998.
To read the full story, check out this post on Kaiser Permanente’s Heritage Blog. To find information on the Watts Counseling & Learning Center’s work today, click here.
Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/african-american-history-month-a-community-center-for-watts/
Second Crystalens Workshop & Brunch Set for January
When: January 11, 2014, 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon
Where: Eye Consultants of Texas in Grapevine
Cost: FREE
Our first Crystalens® Workshop & Brunch held in June was such a huge success, we’re hosting a second one on January 11. Crystalens is an accommodating intraocular lens that is having a life-changing effect on patients all over the world. More commonly implanted during cataract surgery, it is also used in Clear Lens Extraction procedures to correct vision problems in younger patients – which can prevent cataracts later in life.
Have you had a Crystalens® procedure performed? Are you a Dallas/Fort Worth Optometrist managing Crystalens patients? Even if you’re just considering Crystalens, join us for this informative Workshop & Brunch in the comfort of our offices. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of how to get the most out of this amazing lens.
The event is free and will be led by Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, considered a world leader in number of Crystalens procedures performed. As a proven Crystalens authority, Dr. Labor will discuss all aspects of this lens, including the importance of what to do after surgery. In addition, he will be on hand to gladly answer any questions you might have.
Even if you’ve just been thinking about Crystalens, this could help you make a more informed decision (there’s no obligation). Please join us for this free event in the comfort of our offices at 2201 Westgate Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051. We’re conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth, just off highway 114.
Seating is limited so please RSVP today by calling: 877-516-4364
Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/crystalens-brunch/
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Second Crystalens Workshop & Brunch Set for January
When: January 11, 2014, 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon
Where: Eye Consultants of Texas in Grapevine
Cost: FREE
Our first Crystalens® Workshop & Brunch held in June was such a huge success, we’re hosting a second one on January 11. Crystalens is an accommodating intraocular lens that is having a life-changing effect on patients all over the world. More commonly implanted during cataract surgery, it is also used in Clear Lens Extraction procedures to correct vision problems in younger patients – which can prevent cataracts later in life.
Have you had a Crystalens® procedure performed? Are you a Dallas/Fort Worth Optometrist managing Crystalens patients? Even if you’re just considering Crystalens, join us for this informative Workshop & Brunch in the comfort of our offices. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of how to get the most out of this amazing lens.
The event is free and will be led by Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, considered a world leader in number of Crystalens procedures performed. As a proven Crystalens authority, Dr. Labor will discuss all aspects of this lens, including the importance of what to do after surgery. In addition, he will be on hand to gladly answer any questions you might have.
Even if you’ve just been thinking about Crystalens, this could help you make a more informed decision (there’s no obligation). Please join us for this free event in the comfort of our offices at 2201 Westgate Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051. We’re conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth, just off highway 114.
Seating is limited so please RSVP today by calling: 877-516-4364
How’s Your Heart? Understanding Your Risk
February is Heart Health Month – a great time to think about your heart and the hearts of the women you care about. This episode of Total Health Radio is about women’s heart health – and in it, we talk about how heart attack symptoms differ between men and women. Check it out.
Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/hows-your-heart-understanding-your-risk/
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Connected Care is Better Care
Dr. Robert Pearl, CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, speaks at Health Affairs briefing on Feb. 4. (Photo courtesy Health Affairs)
“Connected care” is gaining more momentum in the health care industry. Health care providers are adopting electronic health records with federal support and standard setting. Consumer electronics makers and applications developers are offering more tools and devices for consumers to track and manage their health. Patients have more options for accessing care and information, and communicating with care teams.
On February 4 in Washington, DC, Dr. Robert Pearl, CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, shared Kaiser Permanente’s experience as a leader bringing electronic tools to its 3.4 million Northern California members in a discussion sponsored by the journal Health Affairs. Here is Dr. Pearl’s article in the recent issue and a video recording of the event and slides.
Dr. Pearl shared his optimism that health care is poised to be transformed by electronic technology in ways similar to the retail, travel, and finance sectors. He also noted some barriers in the way, including a predominantly “fee-for-service” payment model that fails to incentivize non face-to-face care or investments in information systems geared to prevention and care coordination. “We can’t just lay technology on the current system,” Dr. Pearl noted. He cited new payment models such as ACOs, the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage and its “5 Stars” quality incentives, and hospital readmission penalties as all providing momentum for changing behavior of physicians and other parts of the health care system.
The reimbursement barrier was echoed by Dr. David C. Grabowski of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Grabowski described the positive impact of telemedicine to support the care of nursing home residents after hours and on weekends. Telemedicine reduced hospital admissions and inpatient days, but the savings did not accrue to the nursing homes or hospitals. There is currently no “business case” for them to invest in and provide telemedicine services that would improve outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
Dr. Pearl shared Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s ongoing journey using innovative technology to transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes and convenience. Dr. Pearl noted that Kaiser Permanente Northern California serves a “tech savvy” patient population seeking convenient, responsive care.
The Kaiser Permanente secure patient portal at kp.org along with physician web pages enable KP members to benefit directly from the integrated electronic health record, KP HealthConnect. Features available on kp.org are now going mobile, enabling patients to make appointments, refill prescriptions, e-mail their physician, check lab results, and engage in virtual care outside the office and normal office hours. The suite of tools developed in response to KP members’ needs has been embraced, with more than 1.2 million KP Northern California members signed up at the end of 2013 to use the secure site’s many features.
Video visits are another exciting and growing option available to Kaiser Permanente Northern California members. Faster internet speeds, “cloud” storage, and ubiquitous mobile phones are enabling Kaiser Permanente to continue to expand the boundaries of care delivery, communication, and member engagement. Dr. Pearl highlighted the role virtual visits are playing in Northern California for vulnerable and at-risk patients who may not be able to come to a clinician visit, or need more continuous contact for safety and monitoring.
The well-attended event sponsored by Health Affairs indicates a growing interest in Washington, DC, to address some of the regulatory and payment barriers that are slowing the digital transformation of health care delivery.
You can follow Dr. Pearl at his blog on Forbes.
Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/connected-care-is-better-care/
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