HealthPoint PA

Meidcare: Ready for a Bipartisan Makeover

Intern — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:21:58 +0000

Pennsylvania’s own Representative Allyson Schwartz (D) and Representative Joe Heck (R-Nevada) have introduced a bipartisan bill that will seek to reform the way Medicare reimburses physicians. If the system is not changed, doctors are facing a 30% drop in payment, taking affect January 1, 2013. This new system will help give doctors more flexibility in treatment and increase their reimbursement. The new system will take money from savings made as a result of troop withdraws from Iraq and Afghanistan. The new system, proposed by this legislation, would remain until 2014, when healthcare reform is enacted. Find and read more about this on Kaiser Health News by clicking here.

New Study on Concussions

Intern — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:53:43 +0000

While a concussion is a serious injury regardless of age and sex, research shows affects may be more severe in female and younger athletes. Researchers believe that younger children are at risk because their brains are underdeveloped and move around more when hit hard. Women may experience more severe symptoms because of higher estrogen levels that affect blood flow to the brain. To learn more, read the full story from the New York Times here.

West Nile Virus-Carrying Mosquito Arrives Early

Intern — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:52:49 +0000

The West-Nile virus season, which typically starts in mid-June, has arrived early in the Commonwealth this year. Experts are blaming the unseasonably warm weather this year for the early start. On may third, the first mosquito carrying the West-Nile virus was found in Exeter Township, Berks County. Concerned citizens should know that many measures can be taken to avoid contracting the virus. Read more about the virus and prevention, here on Pennsylvania’s West-Nile Virus Control Program website.

Required Immunizations Deadline for School-Children Rapidly Approaching

Intern — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:01:42 +0000

While the deadline was supposed to be at the end of April, the Department of Health has decided to extend a two-week grace period. The deadline varies by school-district, determined by the exact date school starts, but most grace periods will end sometime next week. The two immunizations all school kids need to have is a second dose of the mumps vaccine and a second dose of the chicken pox vaccine. Seventh graders are required to have two additional vaccines. There are certain exemptions that can be obtained. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website by clicking here.

UPMC to Provide Free Service this Weekend

Intern — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:59:40 +0000

It seems that lately, most stories about UPMC involve the dispute they had with Highmark. However, it is important to remember that this healthcare provider’s priority remains focused and committed on the health of citizens in western Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in this brief article is informing citizens of free heart screenings that UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute will be providing to the public this Saturday. Read more details about this event, here.

New Regulations for X-Ray Machines

Intern — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:56:01 +0000

Kaiser Health News is reporting that FDA is seeking new regulations on X-Ray machines to protect children from health problems that result from radiation exposure. The amount of radiation a person is exposed to over their lifetime has a huge impact on their health. Kids are especially sensitive to radiation. The FDA is rolling out new mandates and suggesting alternative parents might want to inquire about.

Read the full story, here.

Pennsylvania Witnessing a Decline of Medical Malpractice Lawsuites

Intern — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:42:09 +0000

Here, the Philadelphia Daily News describes the effects some court decisions nearly a decade ago has had on the number of medical malpractice suites are being tried in court. See why this good for all parites including, doctors, patients, and the court system.

Rally in Harrisburg Over Proposed Medicare Cuts

Intern — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:41:26 +0000

Govoner Tom Corbett’s budget contains a proposed four percent cut to nursing home funding. Those who rely on this funding the most, both employess and residents from nursing homes across the state, came to Harrisburg to meet with legislators and hold a rally to restore their funding before the budget is finialized. Read more about their cause by viewing the full story from the TimesLeader here.

Senator Ferlow Proposes New Healthcare Legislation

Intern — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:45:20 +0000

Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Highland Park) is seeking legislation to restore a “certificate of need law.” Pennsylvania is one of 13 states that lacks such a law after it expired back 1996. Ferlo believes the law would be useful to cutting costs and providing maximum care through creating a system that would be more efficient. The legislation would establish a board of 11 members who would have the power to review and approve large expenditures made by hospitals and other health facilities. Ferlo believes that this legislation is necessary, especially in light of the recent UPMC and Highmark dispute. Go to TribLive here, to read more about the proposed bill.

Learning to Eat Healthy and Enjoy the Flavors

Intern — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:27:52 +0000

Food critic Peter Kaminsky, after making a living by eating, was told by his doctor he had put his health at serious risk. Faced with the reality that he had become prediabetic and borderline-obese, Kaminsky decided to lose weight and get healthy again. Like any food critic though, he was not about to sacrifice a morsel of flavor on his quest to shed the pounds. Read this article by the New York Times here, as they go with Kaminsky through the grocery store to learn some of his tips on losing weight, without cutting out the flavor.