Managing Pain from a Broken Hip

Podcast Week 5- Managing Pain from a Broken Hip

                A broken hip is a serious injury that is often very painful. Over time the pain may cause delirium which is the temporary state of mental confusion and fluctuating consciousness resulting in high fever, intoxication, and shock. It can also cause poor sleep habits to develop and may lead to depression. Treatment options often include metal plates and screws and lots of physical rehabilitation. If pain is not controlled it can interfere with treatments and may tamper with the healing of other medical conditions. Some of the treatments are non-aspirin pain medication and electric stimulation. The elderly are at more risk of having a broken hip and the least to have successful treatment.

http://healthcare411.ahrq.gov/transcript.aspx?id=884&type=pro

Health IT Tools Help with Care and Costs

Podcast Week 4- Health IT Tools Help with Care and Costs

                More hospitals and doctors’ offices are using health information technology (health IT). Patients are happy that this technology is available for use. One of the most popular uses of health information technology is the electronic health record (EHR). All of the patients’ health data, including medical history, medicine, allergies, test results and other important information is available in one place. An electronic health record also saves time and money for the patient as well as the facility that is being utilized. There is also a virtual office visit for schools and day care centers where trained professionals can assess the patient for minor issues. Also, the Health-e-Access Telimedicine program allows for costs to be lowered by 23 percent from emergency room visits.

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Baby Boomers Trigger Major Increase in Knee Replacement Surgeries

Podcast Week 3- Baby Boomers Trigger Major Increase in Knee Replacement Surgeries

                The group that consider themselves trailblazers are the infamous Baby Boomers. These people were born between 1946 and 1964. These men and women are more likely to have knee replacement surgery than all other age groups. The surgery is common for people whose knees have been damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or due to an injury. About 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Over an extended period of time, inflammation damages cartilage that results in pain and stiffness. Arthritis after a serious knee injury or repeated stress is another reason for knee replacement surgery. Some of the things that seem to work to prevent having knee surgery are exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and pain medication.

http://healthcare411.ahrq.gov/column.aspx?id=894

Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid EHR

Podcast Week 2- Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid EHR

                Medicare and Medicaid are federal and state funded programs that provide medical care to people over 65, totally and permanently disabled, and those with end stage renal disease or those that qualify for government sustenance because they meet a certain income criteria. The electronic health record (EHR) solution program is designed to get eligible professionals to use this method and transfer from paper records. In order for Medicare to qualify for incentives, eligible professionals can install a chosen EHR solution as long as they have met the requirement for meaningful use. In order for Medicaid to get the incentive, an eligible provider must adopt, implement or upgrade certified EHR technology. The eligible professionals include Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Dentist. Some of the advantages of using the EHR solution program includes the first year filing requirement extend to 2016. If a company decides to sign a contract with a certified EHR provider, they can begin to use the EHR services.

http://itpodcast.org/blog/2011/08/17/differences-between-medicare-and-medicaid-ehr-incentive-programs/