In a previous newsletter, we discussed bundling introduced by Medicare which focuses on orthopedic and cardiac procedures. Through the mandatory initiative for comprehensive care for joint replacements (CJR), which became policy in 2016, some 800 hospitals are participating in the program. While some sources report the results of bundling as mixed, Medicare reports that joint [...]
For those who simply cannot do without their favorite foods, here’s a list of the things that many of us love, but our hearts wish we would avoid. Fast Food – Most of it has poor nutritional value, including plenty of fat, calories and processing. Candy – Go with a small quantity of dark chocolate [...]
In the race to bring health-related information to your digital world, Amazon is certainly not falling behind. Beginning in early March, Amazon enabled “Alexa” users to obtain answers to medical questions. According to a press release, with help from WebMD, Alexa devices will respond to medical questions with physician-reviewed, medically appropriate answers in plain, understandable [...]
The article below was published on June 18, 2017 by Employee Benefit News, written by Brian M. Kalish. Image Source: benefitnews.com Introduction Despite the uncertain future of the Affordable Care Act and pending replacement legislation, clients should continue finalizing their 2018 health and benefit offerings, contribution strategies, vendor terms, plan operations and employee [...]
The trend from volume-based to value-based medical care is intended to change the focus from individual units of care to the overall health of a patient or a patient population. In very simple terms, value-based care is intended to bring cost and quality together. For payers, it means moving from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to an [...]
The below article is from Employee Benefit News, written by Andrew Brickman, on April 11, 2017. I remember an old advertising line from a discount retailer that said, “An educated consumer is our best customer.” The discounter was promoting the idea that customers who understand the true cost and value of products are loyal and [...]
When it comes to improving the health and well-being of your employees, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to be super creative or search for that magic bullet that automatically boosts engagement and changes behavior. If only it were that easy! Like any other important business initiative, worksite wellness and health management must [...]
Often, the simplest foods are the best for your health – think fruits and veggies. This reins true with nuts as well. Among nuts, Mother Nature crafted a near perfect package of protein, healthy fat, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals when creating the walnut. Adding just one ounce (approximately 7 walnuts) to your diet may [...]
Summer is upon us and with it comes more outdoor activities, more sunscreen and, for some, more travel. What you may not expect summer to bring is the risk of the Zika virus. But, U.S. health officials warn that mosquitos carrying the virus could hit the mainland’s southern borders, starting with Florida and the Gulf [...]
While weight loss and smoking cessation are important components of wellness, there are many ways to make people healthy, happy and more productive. If your company has considered a wellness program, but has yet to jump in, you may want to test the water with a few easy-to-implement measures. Corporate Challenges – Nothing contributes to [...]
