Proactive Patients Seeking Healthcare Information Prefer Surfing The Web Over Turning Pages In A Reference Book

A new study, from the University of California, Davis shows that patients prefer using the internet to obtain healthcare information over asking friends or using reference books. This study, based on a survey of over 500 people, magnified the desire of patients to be proactive in managing their health. “The Internet has become a mainstream source of information about health and other issues,” said Xinyi Hu, who co-authored the study as part of her master's thesis in communication. “Many people go online to get information when they anticipate a challenge in their life. It makes sense that they would do the same when dealing with a health issue.”

Furthermore, the study pointed out that proactive patients do not mistrust their doctors; they simply want to gain personal control over their health. "The study revealed that patients are not turning to the Internet out of any doubt; more likely, Internet users are curious information seekers who are just trying to learn as much as they can before their appointment”, said co-author Richard L. Kravitz, a UC Davis Health System professor of internal medicine and study co-author.

The basic value of PHR platform is to embrace the patient-specific clinical information quickly, accurately, reasonably, and safely. We anticipate that many other medical institutions will probably face challenges, but the proactive approach with open and constant communication between the patients and doctors provides safe information which overcomes many inevitable issues that arise timely. Proactive approach for an individual clinical data is a very new conduct. It will take time to become common with substantial progress.

Seeing as this, PHR is an easy gateway in providing personal online portal from which patients can record, track and even save their important health related information at one secure online place. They can easily manage their personal health records like demographic information, appointment history, lab-test results, payment reports, outstanding balances and claim history, available 24/7 from any Internet-ready computer. Level of trust between a doctor and a patient gets more compact since online information-seeking is higher among the patients who get all the information from internet, recent survey (2012).

Almost 70% of the study subjects reported they were planning to ask their doctor questions about the information they found on the internet, and about 40 percent said they had printed out information to take with them to discuss with their doctors. More than 50 percent of subjects said they intended to make at least one request of their doctor on the basis of Internet information, recent survey (2012).

In February 2011, there were more than 12,000 groups listed in the support category of Yahoo! Groups Health and Wellness directory. Only 9% of Americans and 37% of patients with continual disease have participated in online support groups, so the doctors need to be attentive and alert to provide the same degree of reassurance, their patients expects from them, (2012). Moreover, majority patients feel much comfortable to get any sort of online information from their doctors. This has also developed trust and confidence among the patients, who prefer online health solutions. 

Personal Health Records (PHR) 

Aetna second quarter faced 15% decline in its profits

Aetna, Inc. is an American health insurance company. It provides its customers with traditional and consumer-directed healthcare benefits with products and related services such as medical, pharmaceutical, dental, behavioral health, group life, and disability plans. Aetna is in collaboration with an ACO to improve care management and fix payment models, said Internet search.

Recently Aetna announced second-quarter 2012 results with the earnings of $452.0 million, or $1.31 per share compared to the $1.35 per share reported in the second quarter of 2011. Favorable before-tax prior-period reserve development in the second quarters of 2012 and 2011 was approximately $38 million and $188 million, respectively. Excluding the after-tax impact, operating earnings were $427.9 million and $401.5 million in the second quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and improved in 2012 mainly due to higher underwriting margins and increased membership in our Medicare business.

Summary of Aetna’s Second-Quarter 2012 Results

1. Total medical benefit ratio was 82.4 % in the second quarter 2012
2. Medical membership totaled 18.0 million members at June 30, 2012
3. Aetna now projects full-year 2012 operating earnings per share to be $5.00 to $5.10

Major reason for the 15% downfall in the second-quarter earnings was of a smaller benefit from surplus money set aside to cover earlier patient claims, said Online Business news. Aetna's overall performance is based on sustained execution on the fundamentals where memberships and revenues are rising rapidly with projecting latest medical cost trends on top.

White House proudly acclaimed Bloomfield's Cigna Corp. for its care-centric efforts

Cigna is a prominent name among health insurance companies. It is a recognized entity in providing administrative services, to approximately 80 percent of its clients, said Internet search. Cigna endures key footprints in the Phoenix, Arizona with the collaboration of a full-service staff-model HMO with satellite clinics throughout the state too. Bloomfield's Cigna Corp. care-centric efforts for all Americans were immensely prized. It is contributing to serve millions of people with advance health concerns, welfare and sense of safety. Cigna core competencies involve:

1. Health care concerns with improved strategies and services
2. Advanced well-being programs
3. Proven health records
4.  Targeting the needs of customers, clients and partners

Cigna is one of the nine organizations that U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin accepted for care-centric efforts to reduce health care disparities during a roundtable at the White House, recently. The event was done by the Department of Health and Human Services, the White House Business Council and the National Business Group on Health. Cigna's M.D. namely Christina Stasiuk accepted the Surgeon General's Medallion on behalf of Cigna and its Health Disparities Council, including council co-chair Peggy Payne and council lead Brooke Tomblin, said Internet search.

Health disparities result from multiple factors, including, communications barriers, poverty, cultural beliefs, environmental threats, medical bias, inadequate access to health care, individual and behavioral factors and even educational inequalities. This big achievement encouraged Cigna to continue their efforts more vigorously. Award was given in the credit of winning exceptional achievements that upgraded the public health service. In future, Cigna will work to remove cultural, linguistic and other barriers, connecting people to meaningful health information and studying new ways to engage people in health improvement, reflecting true commitment with diversity and enclosure.[1]

[1]http://newsroom.cigna.com/NewsReleases/cigna-honored-at-white-house-for-efforts-to-reduce-health-care-disparities.htm

                                               

New Platforms in Healthcare Technology

Health information technology is not less than a boom in the field of healthcare. Health technology significantly improves the quality of healthcare, increases patient satisfaction and safety, reduces number of medical errors, and also fortifies the interaction between patients and healthcare providers. In a 2010 survey titled Technology, medical tests 'changing the face of health care', Amy Bernstein, the report's lead author, a health scientist for the National Center for Health Statistics said that, “Technologies can be very helpful, there are newer and better technologies all the time, and they're changing the face of health care and practice patterns". To markup the value of E-Care Management, health information technology plays a vital role in improving healthcare delivery in America.

This aid has a repertoire of offerings to help patients and doctors to critically analyze more in the field of medicine. However, with the rapid increase in usage of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), the creation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and the rise of health information exchanges, the delivery of medical care became more trouble-free, study said. The following technologies are also considered to be a part of health technology, study said:

1. Drugs: e.g., antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, beta-blockers, antibiotics,
2. Biologics: gene therapies, antibodies
3. Devices: e.g., pacemakers, CT scanners
4. Diagnostic tests: e.g. DNA fecal test for colorectal cancer, genome sequencing
5. Medical and surgical procedures: e.g., psychotherapy, coronary angiography
6. Support systems: e.g., electronic patient record systems, telemedicine systems,
7. Organizational and managerial systems: e.g., cholesterol management program, billing and accounting.

All above stated paradigms are unique contribution in healthcare IT, since they can easily:

• Prevent
• Screen
• Diagnose
• Treat
• Rehabilitate 
• Assist to reduce errors

This is not the end, there's still room for improvement, says Lloyd Michener, director of the Duke Center for Community Research. "It's a call for accelerated efforts that will build partnerships between academic medical centers and public health groups in order to address some of our persistent health issues”, stated in a survey. More progress in medical technologies will endeavor better healthcare delivery with improved life expectancy and quality of life.

Web-based Healthcare solutions’ built for your practice

Recent web-based healthcare solutions’ are exclusively built for development, conversion ongoing support of healthcare information systems with a continuum of care. Millions of doctors and physicians profoundly admire advanced healthcare solutions, which has driven success in their businesses.

Web based solutions are available anytime from any corner of the world since these modules are computerized and connected with internet. This is a useful technique to overcome hectic lifestyle of doctors and patients. It improves medical outcomes with limited access of time. Now they can embrace a broad spectrum of medical applications very easily. Majority states believe that the general estimate of telehealth services in U.S. and Europe will grow from $3 billion in 2009 to nearly $8 billion by 2012.

With Healthcare Solutions you will gain:

1.  A completely Integrated, web-based solution
2. Confirmed and validated feedback
3.  An intuitive, user-friendly interface
4. An advanced database with multidisciplinary operations
5. Expert support services with relevant information

Benefits of Health care law – A Medical Revolution

Health care law is formed to provide medical facilities to those who deserve. The health care law is successively working to promote wellness programs and strategies. No cost is involved by the patient and to support community health centers.

There are even some essential healthcare benefits for women under Obamacare. The benefits includes contraceptives, breast-feeding supplies and screenings for gestational diabetes, sexually transmitted infections and domestic violence, as well as routine check-ups for breast and pelvic exams, Pap tests and prenatal care. Recent survey found that estimated 47 million women are indulged with healthcare plans with other benefits & privileges. Before the implementation of healthcare law, many women were unaware and discouraged to get basic preventive services.

Now majority insurance companies are said to practice clear terms and conditions to describe their healthcare plans in beginning of 2012. Expectedly in 2013, states will initiate online marketplaces, where you will be able to compare the perks of healthcare plans equally. And in 2014, all healthcare plans will provide at least a minimum package of services, known as “essential health benefits”. We must predominantly focus on the below listed benefits: 

• Patient services
• Emergency services
• Maternity and newborn care
• Mental health and disorder services
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative services
• Wellness programs and chronic disease management

Under the law, every state is under a certain check or observation. Healthcare law aims to govern a complete set of medical benefits and costs. Such benefits also retain the confidence of women avail medical service like free screening, pregnancy-related benefits and other supporting operations. Regardless, majority agree that to ensure quality of result, latest healthcare practices should be entertained.

Obama Care

How to achieve secure pregnancy?

With the endeavor of new and latest trends in medicine, obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob-Gyn) became safer and successful. Medical professionals are dedicated to provide care for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with up-to-date medical care. Ob-gyn provides preventive care to women with specific expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive systems. OB/GYNs pursue comprehensive knowledge to undergo unique practices with zero percent error.

Previous year, medical data revealed that 93 million people in the United States are obese, majority is of women and a considerable proportion of them are pregnant. Obesity is one of the most problematic issues during pregnancy since it increases the risk of heart diseases, cancer, heart attack, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea, Joint Problems and many other OB/GYN problems. It also increases many risks for Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Uterine Cancer, with chances of infertility and complications of pregnancy. Complications can be like:

• Fetus may be larger in size and predisposed to Diabetes
• More chance of cesarean section is there with more difficulties such as hemorrhage, infections and blood clots
• Birth control may be less successful
• Urinary incontinence directly increases as the weight increases.

It won’t be wrong to say that to control pregnancies disorders; women should follow a proper diet chart. Putting up an example, a survey done in 2011 developed a food pyramid, more easy approach “My Plate” was carried out to acknowledge healthy eating. It made the diet simpler for the Americans, half of the plate was of fruits and vegetables and the other half was of whole grains and protein. This division was done into color codes like red for fruit, green for vegetables, brown for grains and purple for protein. The basic purpose was to make the health chart easy and simple for the Americans and to reduce severe pregnancy issues. Secondly, obese women are five times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

WHAT PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD DO?

1. Eat healthfully
2. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables and eat real food
3. Stay away from junk Food
4. Always keep a healthy snack, if you feel hungry
5. Avoid carbonated drinks
6. Exercise regularly, keep moving and walk around.
7. Weigh yourself weekly, if you are losing, keep it up, If you are maintaining a healthy weight, keep it up and
8. If you are gaining, reduce the fattening food items from your diet.

New research and development is also carried to improve the quality of pregnant obese women, with minimum number of risks. 

Prefer Fresh Fruits & Vegetables during Pregnancy