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USA Healthcare Spending Continues to Outstrip All Developed Economies

Despite spending almost double most developed economies per person (as a percentage of GDP), America’s healthcare system continues to operate in shambles. Spending continues to grow, reaching a staggering $3.5 trillion in 2017. This amidst tens of millions of Americans remaining uninsured, and many more millions unable to afford needed care. 

The American health system is a demonstrable demonstration of how a “free-market” health care program operates. It’s far more expensive for less coverage. Yet as a whole, America can’t seem to get a grip on a way forward. Many suffering from the ideology of anti-“socialism”, decrying any form of single payer system that would provide health coverage to all citizens. The same people are fine with trillions of dollars to the military, but struggle with “socialist” healthcare. 

The trouble with this approach is quite simple, Americans pay the most, yet the receive staggeringly less health care than any other developed nation on the face of the planet.

Continue reading USA Healthcare Spending Continues to Outstrip All Developed Economies

Who has the least health coverage – USA by State

We know that in all of the developed countries in the world, America pays the most money per capita yet receives worst coverage as a whole. Those who have healthcare coverage tend to see the doctor too many times, and those who do not have coverage never see the doctor. That has pushed America down in terms of standard of living.

Here’s an interesting grout that depicts the level of healthcare coverage by state.

Continue reading Who has the least health coverage – USA by State

Top 5 Joint Commission Non Compliance Issues

The percentage figures are for the level of non compliance. Honestly, if we included some level of IT systems there would be further non compliance. Our sense is that is another place of weakness in many organizations.

1. The hospital provides and maintains systems for extinguishing fires — 86 percent

2. The hospital manages risks associated with its utility systems — 73 percent

3. The hospital provides and maintains building features to protect individuals from the hazards of fire and smoke — 72 percent

4. The hospital reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices and supplies — 72 percent

5. The hospital established and maintains a safe, functional environment — 70 percent

For the complete list visit JC.

Fascinating Data Life Expectancy and Health Expenditure of USA v Developed Countries

And this stunning graph that should raise a few eyebrows. (What are Americans spending their tax revenues on?)

Firstly, all countries in this graph have followed an upward trajectory (life expectancy increased as health expenditure increased), but the U.S. stands out as an exception following a much flatter trajectory; gains in life expectancy from additional health spending in the U.S. were much smaller than in the other high-income countries, particularly since the mid-1980s. And secondly, the gains for all countries (except for the U.S.) were not diminishing, as in the previous graph. This suggests that there are many other factors affecting life expectancy, that are not determined by healthcare spending. Indeed, as we have pointed out before, healthcare is just one of many inputs to produce health.

Source: Esteban Ortiz-Ospina and Max Roser, Financing Healthcare, 2017. Published online at OurWorldInData.org.

Additional insight on this data and more http://www.moneyandbanking.com/commentary/2017/3/12/improving-us-healthcare-and-coverage

And some another article on negative side of upcoming Republican healthcare plan. http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2017/03/13/Why-Republican-Health-Care-Plan-Destined-Fail

Part 2 – Identities Revealed – You are what you eat

Which products are the perpetrators on the crowded shelf? The most questionable claims and safety involve weight loss products, products to improve sexual performance, and body building products. Many of these so called natural supplements have been found to contain prescription drugs or steroids. Liver and kidney function, blood pressure can be adversely affected as well as the possibility of heart attack or stroke have been linked to the use of these supplements.

Other dietary supplements have been found to contain contaminants such as pesticides, or heavy metals. FDA rules do not extend to the companies that provide the herbs or other materials that are manufactured in the US. The fine print on bottles of supplements can sometimes come with a disclaimer that the FDA has not verified the manufacturer’s claim.

Protein drinks are a billion dollar product. Claims they advance are weight loss, energy boost, building muscle, and delay of aging.

Continue reading Part 2 – Identities Revealed – You are what you eat

Caveat Emptor: To Eat or Not to Eat – dietary supplements

Let’s start this article with a riddle. What do more than 50% of Americans spend billions of dollars on yearly, and is the most popular alternative health therapy in the nation? If you answered dietary supplements instead of Disney World you are correct.

What goes on behind the shelves and shelves of products with 1000 new ones being introduced annually? As you stand there deciding you need to know who and what is involved in the behind the scenes action. Often obscured by cryptic acronyms this article will reveal their true identity and purpose.

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Joint Commission Text Messaging Orders Saga Ends

The December 2016 issue of Perspectives clarified the position on text messaging orders saying, “although its prior data privacy and security concerns had been addressed, concerns remained about transmitting text orders even when a secure text messaging system is used”, and therefore texting orders is not permitted. Specifically, TJC, with CMS’s input, found that:

Joint Commission requires organizations to have a written policy addressing the privacy of health information, and this requirement applies to the privacy of health information transmitted through text messaging.’

Part of the document.

Continue reading Joint Commission Text Messaging Orders Saga Ends

It‘s Not Just Old Age – Depression in the Elderly

The following scenario is played out with increasing regularity in the nation: An elderly person, let’s call her Edith is living alone because she has lost her husband. Due to one or more chronic conditions she has decreased independence. Maybe she can’t drive any more and needs to use a walker or wheelchair. Her condition requires a regime of prescription medications. The chronic condition causes pain. If Edith has family that can visit her they are likely very busy or may not live close enough to visit regularly. Consequently she spends a lot of time alone, and may possibly feel a loss of significance. In this scenario it would not be easy to maintain a positive outlook of the future and life itself.

Depression in the elderly is often unrecognized and undiagnosed. Yet there is a growing awareness that many life factors that the elderly must cope with in fact contribute to the likelihood of depression. Also age affects the structure of the brain. Mental and physical health affect each other. Many elderly suffer from one or more chronic conditions which can cause or worsen depression. Untreated depression can cause chronic conditions and the condition itself or it’s medical treatment can cause depression. Depression also affects treatment compliance or self management of physical conditions.

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