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Thanks for visiting the Health o meter® Professional blog! This blog is intended to be an educational resource for the healthcare community and to help create meaningful conversations about the multitude of changes occurring in the medical industry. We encourage you to share blog posts with other healthcare professionals.
Blog
July 27, 2016
The Benefits of Using EMR Connected Medical Devices
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
July 27, 2016
Safety for Elderly Hospitalized Patients
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
July 27, 2016
Employer Wellness Programs
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
January 13, 2016
HHS and USDA Announce 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
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
July 24, 2015
Tips for Lowering High Blood Pressure
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
June 12, 2015
Hospitals Penalized for High Rates of Infection
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
March 19, 2015
3 Ways Springtime Can Help Renew Your Health
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
January 22, 2015
Medicare Payment Adjustments for Physician Quality Reporting System Begin in 2015
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
November 5, 2014
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and as a healthcare company we feel it is important to share information regarding this aggressive cancer. Early detection can be a life saver for this disease and monitoring your health for symptoms is crucial. Taken from pancan.org, here are some statistics showing the seriousness of pancreatic cancer. – ... November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
September 12, 2014
Upcoming October 1st Deadline for EHR Incentive Program
Time is running out to take full advantage of the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. Providers must begin Meaningful Use of Certified Technology by October 1, 2014 to receive maximum incentives (up to $24,000) from the Medicare Program. 2014 is the last year that eligible professionals (EPs) can register to participate and begin demonstrating meaningful use ... Upcoming October 1st Deadline for EHR Incentive Program
August 8, 2014
School Wellness Policies
It’s Back to School time and one new thing parents may notice is an enhanced school wellness policy. Beginning July 1, 2014, more than 22,000 schools are now eligible to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students as part of a nationwide expansion of the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program. Established by the ... School Wellness Policies
May 23, 2014
Preventing Inpatient Falls
Every 36 seconds a patient falls in a U.S. hospital Inpatient falls cost the U.S. healthcare system over $20 billion annually Preventing inpatient falls is a high priority for Acute Care facilities. Most importantly preventing falls protects patients against injury, but it also protects the hospital’s bottom line. Injury falls can increase patient-care costs up ... Preventing Inpatient Falls