PA disturbingly behind in laws protecting disabled adults

December 16th, 2008

Pennsylvania is one of only 5 states that does not have any laws protecting disabled adults, meaning many of them fall victim to abuse by caretakers and relatives.

Opposition against center for troubled youth in Norristown taking action

December 16th, 2008

In Norristown, a group of residents has banned together in opposition to a proposal by a group called Vision Quest to use a section of the Norristown State Hospital as an emergency/crisis diagnostic services center for 12-to-18-year-old youth.

“The intended use is clearly a permitted use and also a necessary function that is critical to the delivery of services required by the (state Department of Public Welfare) DPW,” said Joanne Phillips, the real estate director. “The Department of General Services is advising Vision Quest that they have fully complied with their lease agreement with the Commonwealth and we are authorizing Vision Quest to initiate occupancy of Building 12 at Norristown State Hospital.”

A 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, meeting at Hancock Fire Co., 820 W. Airy St., Norristown with Ward 1 and Ward 2 residents will include a discussion of the Vision Quest proposal.

Visit the Times-Herald for more details.

Posted on Dec 16 2008 under HealthPointPA News
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Rising Healthcare Costs See More Patients Reaching Lifetime Coverage Limits

December 15th, 2008

As healthcare costs rise, patients are more frequently reaching their lifetime coverage limits, according to a recent feature in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A Kaiser Family Foundation survey has found that more than half of all American employer-based insurance policies have caps that limit how much can be spent on any one employee throughout their lifetime. 
Now, due [...]

Rep. Quinn’s proposed bill would require that lab results are sent to patients as well

December 3rd, 2008

The “Patient Test Result Information Act,” which has at least 50 sponsors, would make it mandatory for the testing agency to send a summary of test results to the patient within 10 days of sending them to the physician, reports the Bucks County Courier Times.

Doctor/professor: Beware of “bean-counter” health care

October 23rd, 2008

The Patriot-News today features the opinion of a doctor warning Pennsylvanians about the negative consequences of “pay for performance” programs touted by some insurance companies.

Health alliance says that PA residents are responding well to online health tools, so they have upgraded their hospital data website

October 23rd, 2008

The Pennsylvanian Health Care Quality Alliance has upgraded its website, which provides Pennsylvanians with informative data about hospitals.

PA dentists now barred from dating their patients

October 21st, 2008

Dentists who find their perfect love match sitting in the patients’ chair must end the professional relationship and wait a few months before dating, according to new state regulations, reports the Associated Press.

Pre-payment for surgery: Could it become the norm?

October 20th, 2008

It already has for at least one Pittsburgh-area health system.

Thousands of businesses want smoking ban exceptions

October 20th, 2008

The Patriot-News gives some numbers on tallies related to Pennsylvania’s new smoking ban legislation.

Chambersburg Public Opinion: Conscientious objection has no place in health care

October 17th, 2008

Today, the Chambersburg Public Opinion features an editorial contending that a bill introduced by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair), which would allow health care workers to deny giving any type of care that would go against their moral or religious belief, such as dispensing birth control pills; goes against the responsibility and duty that is bestowed upon doctors and other healthcare workers.