-
-
-
-
Executive summary: The multi-million dollar award against the Tuomey Healthcare system holds important lessons regarding a hospital's business relationship with physicians. The case involved allegations of improper referrals and payment to physicians.
-
-
A study by Aetna shows that employees with a behavioral health condition return to work sooner if their claims are managed by a behavioral health clinician. Employees with a primary or secondary diagnosis of a behavioral health issue are referred to the disability behavioral health unit. The disability behavioral health clinicians identify all the physicians treating the employee and contact each of them, becoming their partner in coordinating care and getting the employee back to work. When employees with a behavioral health issue are seeing only a primary care physician, the disability behavioral health clinicians encourage them to refer patients for specialty behavioral health treatment.
-
A fall reduction system that encourages caregivers to respond early to warning signs has been proven to significantly reduce falls, according to the manufacturer.
-
Optums Field Care Advocacy program that provides services for people at risk for rehospitalization for a behavioral health condition helps decrease readmissions and extend the time that patients are able to live in the community. Field Care Advocates, who are licensed behavioral health clinicians, work with patients in person and over the phone, help them follow their treatment plan and access needed services, and coordinate care with their providers. They typically work with the patient and providers for 90 days. People with complex needs who have problems following their treatment plan are paired with peer specialists who act as health coaches and work with them for about six months.
-
A patient with influenza coughs. Viral particles fly across the room and linger in the air. A health care worker walks into the room and breathes in the invisible contaminant.
-
Depression takes a toll on nurses and other health care workers.