Blog

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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April 22, 2014

Managing Stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month and we are helping to promote the cause by sharing these tips for managing stress. These tips were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandlingStress/. Tips for Self Care The best ways to manage stress in hard times are through self-care: Avoid drugs and alcohol. ... Managing Stress

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April 10, 2014

The Benefits of Antimicrobial Technology in Healthcare Facilities

Patient outcomes and staff safety are top priorities for hospitals. But harmful microbes such as C. diff and MRSA make it difficult for medical facilities to protect patients and staff against cross contamination. Reducing the risk of infection and maintaining sanitary conditions is a major challenge because every surface can be a breeding ground for ... The Benefits of Antimicrobial Technology in Healthcare Facilities

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December 18, 2013

Helpful Hints to Keep Your Holiday Season Happy and Healthy

The holiday season has begun and though we enjoy the times with friends and family, the season can also bring weight gain and stress. Here are some tips to keep you healthy and end the year feeling great! Be Organized With long shopping lists, holiday traffic, and crowded stores, running errands can become very stressful. ... Helpful Hints to Keep Your Holiday Season Happy and Healthy

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November 5, 2013

Obamacare, Marketplace, Glitches…What Does It All Mean?

Obamacare, marketplace, glitches…there are a lot of buzzwords in the media that are leading many Americans to ask “Does this affect me?” or “Am I going to lose my healthcare?”. To help Americans interpret this information, here is a simple breakdown of what is currently going on with the Affordable Care Act and how it ... Obamacare, Marketplace, Glitches…What Does It All Mean?

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