Sunday, December 29, 2013

New View Of Care Coordination To Reduce Readmissions

Readmission to a hospital setting within 30 days of discharge adversely effects public (Medicare) funded reimbursement.  Hospital providers know readmissions are no longer an accepted part of the medical practice. 

Patients consistently describe feeling incomplete.  The patient is not sure where they reside in this process.  Public funded medical programs are getting leaner, discharge expectations are occurring sooner, communication between providers seems too loose. 

The core task of care coordination is an ability to verbalize the discipline to discipline hand off during an inpatient stay or an outpatient treatment process.  Understanding discipline to discipline patient flow improves identification of gaps (evidence based) that contribute to preventable hospital readmissions.

Wisconsin's PATH ALONG App http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s                           delivers a comprehensible over view of the discipline to discipline approach to the movement of patients through the medical process.  This is the role of care assurance as it relates to the current function of patient flow through a specific hospital, medical delivery setting.  Detailed monitoring of the flow from inpatient to community recovery improves accountability. 

Looking at patient flow across disciplines moves the health care facility from trying unsuccessfully to delegate the task of accountability.   Observing actual process through the PATH ALONG model can help committees better organize solutions that meet fiscal and quality approval.

The goal is to improve patient outcomes, save the overall system money, and deliver an impressive post hospital recovery experience.  Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model remind us there is always more we can do.

WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Senior Likes Micro Fleece Texting Gloves In Wisconsin

One of our seniors explained the micro fleece texting gloves is their favorite Christmas present.  The senior was standing out in the hospital walkway reviewing the information on the  PATH ALONG App http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s

The thumb and pointer finger are formed with a silver woven fiber which conducts a small amount of electric current from the finger tips to your phone or ipads touch screen.  The tips have been structured to be conductive without scratching or damaging a touch screen.

This is labeled weather resistant technology because you can keep your hands warm while attending to your touch screen assignments.  For this senior the micro fleece texting gloves have been identified as a favorite Christmas present.

WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Monday, December 23, 2013

Wisconsin Ice Fish Without A License Weekend Jan 18 and 19

Seniors have reminded us the second year of the free ice fishing weekend is approaching.  Everyone can fish in Wisconsin waters on January 18th and 19th- 2014, without a fishing license.  This is a great way to experience your favorite lakes and catch some fish.

Seniors remind us to always ice fish with more than one person for increased safety.  Warm clothing, snacks, and warm fluids all improve the experience.  Remember snow can conceal thin ice, so fish in areas often frequented by local ice fishing families.

Seniors remind us that the amount of fish and the size limits all apply, same as they would when you fish with an active license.  Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model wish everyone a fun and safe free ice fishing weekend.

 WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Can Anklebot Help After A Stroke

Anklebot can be described as a bio scanner and walking coach device.  Robotics is mounted to a knee brace and connected to a custom designed shoe.  Electrode sensors pick up when the person begins to move their ankle on there own, and adjusts the robotics to deliver less assistance.

The anklebot is a product of The Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehab at (MIT) The Boston Mass. Institute of Technology.  The (VA) Department of Veterans Affairs Journal Of Rehabilitation Research and Development has published  an initial study involving post stroke ankle stiffness and gait function with inclusion of the anklebot.

VA Researchers Larry Forrester and staff will conduct a 2 year study to document how the anklebot can help stroke survivors improve their gait.  As a person moves the ankle, sensors trigger robotics which move the foot along the programmed trajectory.  Electrode sensors record angular displacement and torque as collected data on a computer program.  Researchers can use the data to determine ankle stiffness and (ROM) range of motion.

Researchers hope to publish scientific evidence for the ability of anklebot to improve gait velocity and forward propulsion . With the completion of this study the expectation will be the inclusion of anklebot in to the rehab regimen for the post stroke population experiencing difficulties with ambulation.  Most importantly the post stroke patient can have access to a simultaneous therapy that could help them walk better.   Home Care Path encourages readers to follow this new therapy practice as it becomes more available.

 WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Saturday, December 14, 2013

CMS Calculates 18 Percent Hospital Readmission Rate 2013

Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model were pleased with the recent hospital readmission rate data reported by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).  CMS Data Analytics reviewed 30 day all condition Medicare readmission rates.  Focusing on January 2012 to August 2013 preliminary figures indicate the Medicare readmission rate averaged less than 18 percent.

This is significant when compared to readmission data from 2007 to 2011 which reported a 19 percent Medicare hospital readmission rate.  This one percent drop is estimated to mean 130, 000.00 fewer hospital readmissions the Medicare fund needed to reimburse.

The national effort to manage hospital readmission rates is called (CMS) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid value based purchasing.  This calls on Medicare certified providers to deliver the assessed need within the appropriate level of care setting.

This means the Medicare and Medicaid fund will only reimburse a certified provider group at the amount pre -defined according to where the treatment can safely occur.  So, if your scheduled procedure has been proven to be safely done in an outpatient setting, the Health Care Center will not be reimbursed at the inpatient hospital level.

This in part is why you are seeing the construction occurring near the community hospitals.  This is adding the outpatient specialty delivery areas.  With these medical services the patient comes early has the procedure and goes home the same day.   The Medicare cost is much less for a procedure that does not include a stay in the hospital.

Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model coordinate staff who can be an extra set of arms and legs at home to help with the recovery process.  Often the assistance is temporary until the discharged outpatient can get by on their own. 

        WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Big Business of Medicaid In Wisconsin

The old saying goes - the people who need this medical care stays the same, the workers who deliver the medical care stay the same, the organizations who manage the funds stay the same, it is the names of the Federal and State Program initiatives that changes over time.

Centene Corporation (CNC) on NYSE traded at about sixty dollars per share is a comprehensive organization marketing Medicaid management solutions.  Wisconsin's Tommy Thompson the Former Health and Human Services Secretary and Former Wisconsin Governor is listed as a member of the Board of Directors.  Centene Corporation head quarters are in St. Louis Missouri.

Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation (MHS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Centene Corporation (CNC).  Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation is located in West Allis, Wisconsin. Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation (MHS) has been providing service for the Medicaid population in Wisconsin since 1984. 

Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation (MHS) successfully operates as a Medicaid Health Plan in Wisconsin managing Medicaid, BadgerCare, and SSI programs.  The Kaiser Foundation Commission on Medicaid in a survey of State Medicaid Officials determined that even States like Wisconsin who do not expand Medicaid eligibility can expect a seven percent increase in population and accompanying expense.

Centene Corporation who owns Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation who is dependent upon a stable large population of under insured participants will have a continued presence in Wisconsin.  This in part is due to the knowledge that Wisconsin's defined need will increase about seven percent annually.  The improved eligibility determination and online sign up process will facilitate faster coverage. 

The Staff of Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model would like to thank Centene Corporation and Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation for all their proactive labor that can assure Wisconsin under insured citizens will have access to needed services and the working population will continue to be paid for providing this health service.  And Tommy Thompson who is always watching out for Wisconsin.

 WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life



Friday, December 6, 2013

Wisconsin Embraces Alternative Therapy With Kwekkeboom Study

Kristine Kwekkeboom a Wisconsin Registered Nurse has organized a progressive approach to symptom management.  Funded by a National Institutes of Health Research Project Grant for 2,022,591.00 to be conducted in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin Madison. 

For approximately 4 years the study will document significant variables to better understand (evidence based) how and for who the interventions will work best .  The interventions are non invasive and support an internal locus of control.  The therapy is employed to help manage pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance.

The technology is an MP3 player, which is a hand size, portable device that stores digital audio files which are usually songs and music. The MP3 player will give the study participant immediate access to audio files recorded as relaxation, distraction, and guided imagery content.  The MP3 device delivers access to their chosen selections any time and any place the symptoms become intolerable.

The staff of Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG Model will be reviewing published study results for the purpose of employing effective interventions in to their practice.  This is a ground breaking study that includes the use of technology, the arts, and evidence based research.

 WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

  

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Dean Health Plan in Waukesha and Jefferson Counties

Dean Health Plan has a stronger presence in Waukesha and Jefferson Counties.  Dean Health Plan successfully contracted with ProHealth Care Network of Hospitals and Clinics on Monday December 2, 2013. 

ProHealth Care providers (90 Primary Care Physicians) serve Waukesha and Jefferson Counties.  Wisconsin consumers from Waukesha and Jefferson Counties who purchase insurance through Dean Health Plan can readily access in network medical providers.

The staff of Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model are glad to see Dean Health Plan increasing medical treatment options for Wisconsin consumers.

 WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life

Monday, December 2, 2013

Seniors Profit from Cyber Monday

Some of our seniors have explained how they profit from cyber Monday.  Cyber Monday is a commerce term for promoting online shopping during the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday. 

In 2005 content of online data began to contain the use of cyber Monday and the word spread quickly.  Soon  research of reviewed online transaction information demonstrated increased buying through the computer on this day.

Online sellers quickly got on board listing more items for sale, and presenting greater deals.  Some of our seniors use ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dolphins-Carved-From-Vegetable-Ivory-/370955800932  to market their collection finds to eager consumers looking for a deal.

The seniors explain there are now many point of sale systems to support the availability of online transactions between individual buyers and sellers.  The seniors suggest using multiple point of sale systems through varied selling sites to move your products in to the larger markets.

The Staff of Home Care Path and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG Model wish everyone a happy and fun Cyber Monday.

      WATCH  FOR  US

 
 

 App  http://appsmakerstore.com/appim/j6kcdet8xvwk4s


Blog  http://homecarepathseniorcare.blogspot.com/

 Home Care Path  www.homecarepath.com and the Wisconsin PATH ALONG model deliver an advanced supportive care service.  Helping seniors in the home, with clinic visits, at the hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility.  Helping seniors downsize with a move in to an adult child's home. 2013 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule an interview.  We can be there when you are working.  We accept long term care insurance.  Services can be tax deductible.  Help with resources and the transition from private payment to public funded programming.  Valuing home and human life