4 best types of apps for hospital use

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Administrator

The latest technology to significantly improve healthcare might not come in the form of a multi-million dollar computer system. Recent research has proven smartphone apps can be used for more than a good game of Angry Birds — in fact, they’re revolutionizing the way doctors diagnose, nurses interact and patients receive treatment.

Christina Thielst, author, healthcare administrator and founder of the blog Christina’s Considerations, says medicine is moving into a more mobile environment. “The recent proposed guidance on Mobile Health Apps issued by the FDA is likely to result in new applications and approvals,” she wrote on her blog. “So, we can expect to see more and more of approved smartphone and tablet apps — and increasing numbers of physicians and other clinicians who want to apply them to their patient care practices.”

[See also: Apple iPhone gives docs online access to drug information.]

With the ever-growing number of apps available to healthcare professionals, Thielst suggested the four best types of apps for hospital use:

1. Those that free providers from offices or workstations. According to Thielst, the most beneficial apps for physicians and nurses allow them to remain mobile. “The apps that will be most useful for physicians, nurses, and other caregivers roaming the halls will be those for accessing electronic health records,” she said. “We’re already seeing hospitals that are having apps created to access their specific records, and some EHR vendors are looking at incorporating apps [into their product] so their clients can access their records.” Electronic health records with remote-access iPhone apps include Epic Systems, whose Haiku app provides authorized users of Epic’s EHR with secure access to clinic schedules, hospital patient lists, and more; Allscripts’ Remote app, which also is available to Andriod and Blackberry users and MedPlus’ Quest Care360 Mobile, which is a secure, HIPAA-compliant application developed specifically for the iPhone.

2. Those that offer access to lab results and medical imaging. “Access to lab, EEG and EKG results are also going to be important,” said Thielst. In February of this year, the FDA cleared Mobile MIM, the first diagnostic radiology app. According to the FDA, the app has a 510(k) clearance and allows users to not only view images, but also make medical diagnoses based on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine technology, such as positron emission tomography (PET). Popular apps that allow professionals to read lab results include Normal Lab Values, which displays normal laboratory values and is compatible with iPhones, iPod touch, and iPad, and Pocket Lab Values, which provides access to more than 320 common and uncommon lab values, clinical information, and critical lab values.

[See also: iPad 2 looks even better for docs.]

3. Those that convert a smartphone into a medical device. According to Thielst, “apps that allow physicians to provide some level of assessment” are becoming extremely popular. “For example, an app that turns a smartphone into an ECG machine to detect abnormal heart rhythms or determine if a patient is experiencing a heart attack,” said Thielst. Additionally, research has shown apps that diagnose stroke patients aren’t just convenient — they’re between 94 and 100 percent accurate and are particularly useful in rural settings. Additional apps are being developed to diagnose cancer, along others like Kid Care, which was designed for consumers and helps with self-diagnosis.

4. Those that offer practice management. Apps for coding, billing, prescription refills and more are streamlining workflows and making it easier for physicians and other medical specialists alike.  For example, the popular app Hospital Rounds was designed to help professionals make rounds, finish dictations, log billing information, transmit billing information back to the office, and more. E/M Code Check, a physician-created medical documentation and coding app, helps increase practice revenue by presenting medical documentation requirements to support a specific level of coding in a clear way.

Compliments of –

http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/4-best-types-apps-hospital-use

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20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Administrator

One in seven Medicare patients in hospitals experience a medical error. But medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: In hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. They can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal.

Most errors result from problems created by today’s complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors* and patients have problems communicating. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

The best way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.

Medicines

1. Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.

2. Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits. “Brown bagging” your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.

3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.

4. When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it. If you cannot read your doctor’s handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.

5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand—both when your medicines are prescribed and when you get them:

  • What is the medicine for?
  • How am I supposed to take it and for how long?
  • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
  • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
  • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

6. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?

7. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask. Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if “four times daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose.

9. Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause. If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.

Hospital Stays

10. If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who will touch you whether they have washed their hands. Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

11. When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will follow at home. This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.

It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.

Surgery

12. If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.

Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.

13. If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need. Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

Other Steps

14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

15. Make sure that someone, such as your primary care doctor, coordinates your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital.

16. Make sure that all your doctors have your important health information. Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need.

17. Ask a family member or friend to go to appointments with you. Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later.

18. Know that “more” is not always better. It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

19. If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news. Ask how and when you will get the results.

20. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. For example, treatment options based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the Effective Health Care Web site (http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/options). Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

*The term “doctor” is used in this flier to refer to the person who helps you manage your health care.

AHRQ Publication No. 11-0089
Replaces AHRQ Publication No. 00-P038
Current as of September 2011

Internet Citation:

20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors. Patient Fact Sheet. AHRQ Publication No. 11-0089, September 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm

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Consumers rate brands on perceived healthful image | Nation’s Restaurant News

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Administrator

 

Interesting research—

Consumers rate brands on perceived healthful image

August 15, 2011 | By Bret Thorn


When it comes to healthful eating, McDonald’s scores higher with its most influential, social-media-connected patrons than Subway does with its corresponding group of customers, according to recent market research.

However, both scored well below many fast-casual and casual brands, said a four-month-long study conducted by DigitalCoCo, a branding and social analytic firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The report on consumer habits measuring healthful dining said Monday that 22 percent of McDonald’s “tastemaker” customers view the burger brand as “healthy” and “fresh,” while 13 percent of that category of Subway users perceive the sandwich chain in the same terms.

Paul Barron, the founder of DigitalCoCo, defines tastemakers as people who determine or strongly influence trends or styles. He said his company calculated those users’ influence on the social media platforms of Facebook, YouTube, Foursquare and Twitter using such criteria as the Klout analytical tool. Tastemakers have a Klout score of 40 or more, at least 500 Twitter followers and a high score on Social Insights, a DigitalCoCo social media measuring tool.

Tastemakers for each brand ate at those restaurants at least twice per month and reported on it using social media.

RELATED: Subway adds baked crispy chicken LTO to Fresh Fit menu

In the fast-casual segment, Chipotle Mexican Grill scored highest, with 67 percent of its “tastemakers” viewing it as healthy and fresh, according to their social media comments. Chipotle was followed by Panera Bread and 50-unit upstart Freshii, each with 61 percent.

Jimmy John’s Sandwiches came in fourth, at 53 percent, followed by Pizza Fusion and Red Mango, each at 52 percent.

In the casual-dining sector, Olive Garden scored best at 40 percent, followed by P.F. Chang’s at 39 percent, The Cheesecake Factory at 35 percent, and Texas Roadhouse at 31 percent.

Across all demographics and categories, the restaurants that scored highest for “healthy and fresh” among tastemakers were Chipotle Mexican Grill at 74 percent, Panera Bread at 72 percent, Corner Bakery at 65 percent, Jimmy John’s at 61 percent and Pinkberry at 52 percent.

Barron will report his findings officially on Tuesday in Portland, Ore., at the Tastemaker Forum conference.

Contact Bret Thorn at bret.thorn@penton.com.
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary

Read more: http://nrn.com/article/study-consumers-say-mcd-more-healthful-subway?ad=quick-service&utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=randyhunter02@earthlink.net&utm_content=NRN-News-NRNam%20Weekly%20Wrap-08-19-11&utm_campaign=August%2019,%202011%20-%20Weekly%20Wrap#ixzz1VtRWKqxB

Or check the link below

Or Consumers rate brands on perceived healthful image | Nation’s Restaurant News.

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How health care consumers can use urgent care centers to their advantage

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Administrator

How health care consumers can use urgent care centers to their advantage
Provided by UPMC Health Plan

Stephen Perkins, Vice president, Medical Affairs, UPMC Health Plan

Urgent care centers have been part of the health care landscape since the 1970s but only in the past decade have they begun to experience a dramatic surge in popularity.
Many reasons are behind the growth in popularity, but two stand out. First, urgent care centers deliver many services that cannot be provided in a primary care physician’s office. Second, people appreciate the fact they have access to these services outside of normal business hours and without having to make an appointment.
“Urgent care centers are not ideal for every medical situation,” says Dr. Stephen Perkins, vice president of Medical Affairs at UPMC Health Plan. “But there are times when urgent care centers have advantages that make sense for health care consumers.”
Smart Business spoke with Perkins about urgent care centers and how health care consumers can use them to their advantage.

Are there services that urgent care centers provide that may not be available in a primary care physician’s office?

Yes. These include such things as care for minor fractures and certain diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays. Other non-emergency conditions that can be treated at an urgent care center include a twisted or sprained ankle, cuts, lacerations, general wound care, animal bites and minor skin rashes. Earaches, back pain and sore throats can also be treated at urgent care centers.

If you can go to urgent care centers, why would you need to have a primary care physician?

In terms of health care, it is always preferable to have a personal physician. It is best if that physician is someone who practices in a primary care specialty and who has a holistic approach to a patient’s medical care and needs.
Use of urgent care centers is not an alternative to having a personal physician. Urgent care centers are intended to be places where patients can get needed medical services when their personal physician is not available or unable to provide the specific service.
Because urgent care centers are more convenient than hospital emergency rooms for many clinical conditions, and because the services they provide are of high quality at a lower out-of-pocket cost, they are a smart choice in many instances.

What factors could influence making use of an urgent care center?

If you determine that an urgent care makes sense, you might appreciate some of the advantages, such as the fact that most insurance companies have lists of urgent care centers where their members can receive care as a covered benefit. In addition, going to an urgent care center rather than to an emergency room for acute non-emergency care is less expensive and frees up emergency rooms for more life-threatening cases.

Can an urgent care center sometimes be a better choice than a personal physician?

Because there is no need for an appointment and urgent care centers often have more flexible hours — including nights and weekends — than most physician offices, they often make sense. However, many physicians now offer extended office hours, so it is best to find out what hours you may be seen by your physician before making any health care choices.
Urgent care centers are also often convenient for people who are traveling or are some distance from home when an emergency arises.
By using urgent care centers, patients avoid the long lines they would encounter at emergency rooms. Urgent care centers also tend to have more locations, which makes them more convenient for many.
Some urgent care centers are affiliated with existing health care delivery systems. These centers may also have an affiliation with your primary care physician and, therefore, make it easier for your primary care physician to get a report of any action taken or medication prescribed. Ideally, an urgent care center should be an extension of your primary care physician’s office.

Are all urgent care centers the same?

Urgent care centers should not be confused with convenient care clinics, many of which are located in retail pharmacies, do not have a physician on staff and generally provide lower-level health care services, such as administering flu shots. It is important to understand that being treated by a doctor who knows you is always the preferable choice for those who want the highest level of care. Receiving treatment from your doctor — or, when necessary, following your doctor’s advice to go to an urgent care center or emergency room— is often your best option.

When is it not a good idea to use an urgent care center?

Urgent care centers are not ideal for all situations. Emergencies that are potentially life-threatening are best treated in an emergency room. These would include a heart attack or severe chest pain, a major injury or burn, poisoning, severe bleeding, passing out, being unable to catch your breath, being unable to move limbs or a loss of feeling in them, or a head or spine injury.
Urgent care centers work best when used as a complement to primary care, providing service when a timely visit to a physician’s office is not available, or after regular office hours when the only other alternative would be an emergency room visit.

Dr. STEPHEN PERKINS is vice president, Medical Affairs at UPMC Health Plan. Reach him at perkinss@upmc.edu or (412) 454-7682.

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EMUrgent Care Urgent Care –Onley, Sandy Spring, MD

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Administrator

EMUrgent Care Now Open: EMUrgent Care Urgent Care center is now open in Sandy Spring, Maryland. This unique clinic situated in a historic building in downtown Sandy Spring is dedicated to providing patients’ with compassionate, comprehensive and prompt care. “We chose this particular location to provide convenient access to urgent care services for the residents of both Montgomery and Howard counties, particularly the Olney, Sandy Spring, Ashton and Silver Spring communities,” says Dr. McCalla. “Our goal with EMUrgent Care is to offer area residents access to immediate medical treatment when they can’t get an appointment quickly with their regular doctor.” The clinic provides a cost-effective alternative to the emergency room and a more convenient option than waiting for an appointment. However, the facility is not designed to treat emergency conditions such as strokes and heart attacks which require a trip to the Emergency Room. EMUrgent Care treats urgent medical needs ranging from acute illnesses, such as the flu or a stomach bug, to broken bones, cuts, rashes, minor burns and other injuries. The center also provides sports physicals, confidential drug and STD testing, insurance physicals, and more. EMUrgent Care is currently open Monday through Saturday, and for extended hours in the evenings and on weekends. All clinic visits are done on a walk-in basis with no appointments necessary. A new website for the clinic is up and running. For additional information, visit www.myemergentcare.com.

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Patient Satisfaction for Urgent Care

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Administrator
Healthpoint Patient Satisfaction
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Patient satisfaction will help you…

    • Improve patient loyalty
    • Increase referrals
    • Increase profit
    • Negotiate more effectively with other healthcare providers
    • Benchmark your practice for successful goal setting

All patients who visit your urgent care have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding their visit.  They receive an email from HealthPoint Marketing inviting them to complete an online survey.  At the end of each month, the data is tabulated and analyzed by HealthPoint and you receive an insightful and actionable report.  Ongoing monthly research details what you’re doing well, where you can improve, and what opportunities your urgent care practice has.  HealthPoint’s professional market researchers will provide a monthly consultation to discuss the results and how you can use the insights successfully in your practice.

 

For More information contact  www.healthpointmarketing.com

 

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Hello world!

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Administrator

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment