Hospital Home Health Archives – June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
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HHAs jump into action as first line of defense against swine flu
Increased education and diligent observation of families and patients are the key steps initially taken by home health staff members to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu (swine flu) among home health patients, staff, and family members. -
Symptoms and treatment for swine flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of swine flu are the same as the symptoms for seasonal flu: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. If a person lives in an area in which swine flu has been identified, the CDC recommends a visit to the physician to determine if testing or treatment is necessary. -
Emergency plans for pandemic get live test
Although no one is happy to see a potential pandemic, the swine flu situation does give home health agencies a chance to test their emergency plans in a real-life situation, points out Phyllis Wang, president of New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP), which represents home- and community-based providers in New York. -
Outsource billing, coding to get best use of staff
The detail and precision required to code and submit claims to Medicare keeps increasing, and smaller home health agencies struggle to stay on top of continuous changes. One solution sought by many agency managers is to outsource some or all of the coding and billing activities of the agency. -
Take a proactive approach to keep your clients healthy
As the cost of health care continues to soar, employer groups and health plans are focusing on wellness programs that help people who aren't sick now change their lifestyles and avoid developing chronic diseases, such as emphysema, heart disease, or diabetes. -
Demonstration project improves outcomes for ill
A Medicare demonstration project in Florida that includes both telephonic case management and face-to-face interventÿ -
Members earn rewards for healthier lifestyles
As part of its efforts to promote healthy living and save health care dollars in the long run, Regence BlueCross BlueShield is rewarding members for adapting healthy lifestyles. -
Coaches help members make lifestyle changes
When members at Regence BlueCross Blue Shield want to lose weight, start exercising, quit smoking, manage the stress in their lives, or get a good night's sleep, help is just a phone call away.