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The concept of “fat but bit” has long been debated, but a recent study from the University of Birmingham in the UK suggests that no amount of extra weight is good for your heart. Previous studies suggested that individuals with an overweight or obese BMI but were otherwise “metabolically healthy” were not at increased risk ... New Study Dispels “Fat But Fit” Myth

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The CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) states that “Before an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) can share in any savings generated, it must demonstrate that it met the quality performance standard for that year.”* One of the quality measures within those performance standards is “ACO-3 CAHPS: Patients’ Rating of Provider”. Many factors go into ... How Can a Scale Help an ACO in the Medicare Shared Savings Program?

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The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Farzad Mostashari has said although the nation has made great strides in healthcare IT, technology is not the only element that helps meet the goals of better patient care, improving Americans’ health and lowering healthcare costs. He says “Patients need to care for themselves and become partners in ... What Can the Patient Do to Improve Their Care and Lower Healthcare Costs?

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An estimated 70% of the US population is overweight, and the US health system is inundated with patients who suffer from cardiac disease, diabetes and other medical issues caused or impacted by obesity. But physicians face the challenge of sensitively and effectively addressing obesity with their overweight patients. Using a body composition analysis scale can ... Body Composition Analysis Scales as a Helpful Tool in the Fight Against Obesity

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Medical facilities utilize a multitude of diagnostic devices such as blood pressure cuffs, scales and thermometers. Traditionally, when a patient’s vital signs are taken, the data is written in their chart. But as more facilities are implementing Electronic Medical Records, practitioners are seeing the value of EMR connected medical devices.  An EMR connected medical device ... The Benefits of Using EMR Connected Medical Devices

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Elderly patients (those older than 65 years) make up more than 40% of hospitalizations in the U.S. As the elderly population increases, this percentage will also increase, highly affecting the management of acute care facilities. Patient safety is always a concern in hospitals, but elderly patients are at a higher risk for functional decline during ... Safety for Elderly Hospitalized Patients

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In the past few years businesses have seen drastic cost increases for health insurance coverage for their employees. To help offset these costs, employers have started investigating the benefits of wellness programs. What is Included in Employer Wellness Programs? The elements of Wellness Programs vary for each employer, but the theme is to encourage employees ... Employer Wellness Programs

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On January 7, 2016 the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Released every 5 years, these guidelines contain nutritional and dietary information and recommendations to help individuals choose a healthy diet and improve their overall health. These guidelines are also ... HHS and USDA Announce 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), about 1 of 3 U.S. adults, or about 70 million people, have high blood pressure. Normal healthy blood pressure is defined as: a systolic pressure under 120 and a diastolic pressure under 80. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as: a systolic pressure of ... Tips for Lowering High Blood Pressure

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In 2015, over 700 U.S. hospitals will be penalized for high rates of hospital acquired conditions (HAC). These penalties are part of the Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program that was established as part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The program was started to give hospitals an incentive to reduce their ... Hospitals Penalized for High Rates of Infection

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Spring is here and with it comes many opportunities to nurture your health. Warmer weather and the rejuvenating spirit of the season can be motivating for improving your well-being. Here are some great activities you can incorporate into a healthy lifestyle while celebrating Spring!  Clean House – Physically and Mentally     The age-old term “Spring ... 3 Ways Springtime Can Help Renew Your Health

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Each year Medicare provides health insurance for over 50 million Americans, which equates to over $500 billion in federal spending. With such a large share of the federal budget, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to ensure beneficiaries are receiving quality care. In 2007, the CMS established the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative ... Medicare Payment Adjustments for Physician Quality Reporting System Begin in 2015

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