Are you ready, boots? UnitedHealthcare and Qualcomm Inc. have integrated wearable devices from Samsung Electronics America Inc. (Fit2 Pro and Gear Sport) and Garmin International Inc. (vivosmart® 3) into UnitedHealthcare Motion™, a national wellness program that provides eligible plan participants access to activity trackers and enables them to earn more than $1,000 per year … [Read more...]
Patient Safety
It’s not only an inpatient issue More needs to be done to improve patient safety in the outpatient setting, says the American College of Physicians (ACP) in a new policy paper, Patient Safety in the Office-Based Practice Setting. “In recent years, much attention has been focused on improving patient safety in hospitals,” Jack Ende, MD, MACP, president, ACP, was quoted as … [Read more...]
PAMA: The Stage is Set
How will the new rates impact providers, distributors and manufacturers? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its final rates for the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule in November, as part of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). The new schedule – which was to become effective Jan. 1 – is an attempt to bring the rates that Medicare pays for lab … [Read more...]
A Head Start on Diabetes
Eating right, staying active, can turn the tide on prediabetes Eighty-four million people – more than one of three adults in the U.S. – have prediabetes. Nine out of 10 don’t even know they have it. It’s time to do something about it, says Ann Albright, PhD., RD, director of the Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health … [Read more...]
RepCorner: Jeff Marco
Guest on a Mountain Jeff Marco climbed Mt. Whitney in March 2012 and got about 350 feet from the top before he had to turn back. One year later, he tried again. This time he made it. That Marco – account manager for McKesson Medical-Surgical – attempted and then achieved the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the lower 48 states, is notable. The fact … [Read more...]
In with the New
By Jim Poggi Setting expectations and bringing a new lab test into the physician office lab I am excited to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with the distribution community regarding “lab”. It has been my focus throughout my entire career, and I am passionate about it. My objective with this column is to help you and the practices you serve optimize … [Read more...]
CMS Pursues Medicare Deregulation
HIDA Government Affairs Update By Linda Rouse O’Neill, Vice President, Government Affairs In its first year, the Trump Administration made several key regulatory changes at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These include rolling back the previous administration’s bundled payment program, soliciting feedback on current requirements, and taking steps … [Read more...]
Healthy reps
Genetic testing and warfarin dosing Blood thinners are often prescribed to help prevent blood clots that can lead to pulmonary embolism, heart attack and stroke. Though effective at preventing these clots, warfarin can cause life-threatening bleeds. Warfarin has led to more emergency room visits for older people over the last decade than any other medication. This is because … [Read more...]
3D Printing: What Will it Mean for You?
A revolution in manufacturing may affect the healthcare supply chain Did you catch this spring’s announcement that Adidas has partnered with 3D printing firm Carbon to unveil the Futurecraft 4D shoe? The midsoles are crafted with light and oxygen using a 3D printing process called digital light synthesis. It’s a safe bet that we will see more – and more complex – … [Read more...]