ProActive Partners

Do You Know About These “3 P’s”?

larryr — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:48 +0000

In a recent article of the HPSO (Healthcare Providers Service Organization) Risk Management section, Social Networking Digital Ethics were discussed for professionals dealing with “clients” and the healthcare issues.

Tips for the use of “social networks” such as: Facebook, Twitter, Blog usage by healthcare providers and insurance carriers were addressed:

Protection: Don’t post information related to a client.

Avoid use of pseudonyms or leaving out the names for others may “figure out whom you’re talking about”. (HIPAA violation)
Presenting cases at educational conferences- your presentation may end up on YouTube! (Get a signed release from your client).

Privacy: Don’t become “friends” with your clients via Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other social networks.

Make sure your privacy settings on the social network are set
If you allow your clients to follow you on Twitter or a blog, you need to recommend they use a RSS feed to maintain their privacy and protection

Policy: Establish “rules” for your clients and make sure they understand

Don’t contact me via Facebook; don’t follow me on Twitter or a blog.
Don’t text or have phone conversations when I am communicating with you.

Privacy, Protection, and Policy are the keys to digital ethics and may protect you and your license.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM

New Years Resolution: Lose Weight

larryr — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:17:14 +0000

This year you made the pledge again to lose weight. Arrh… it seems to be one you try really hard to achieve and forget.

You know the usual routine of eating in moderation, exercising, and drinking more water and other fluids. You need energy, and to get that energy you need “good carbohydrates”.

Your energy level is based on your level of blood sugar and insulin (natural) balance. Your body provides this energy via food known as “Good Carbs”. When Good Carbs are processed they provide you with a level of blood sugar that remains constant and lasts longer. These carbohydrates are found in whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

An instant “high” is from eating “Bad” carbohydrates. Bad Carbs are rapidly processed and will give you quick energy, but then you’ll become tired quickly. These may be your favorite food or an ingredient such as: white rice, potatoes, flour, and sugar.

So the best rule to follow if you want to be successful losing weight:

IF IT’S WHITE DON’T PUT IT ON YOUR PLATE!

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM

Happy Holiday Tips from the CDC

larryr — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:23:03 +0000

(sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”)

1. The first way to health, said the CDC to me. Wash hands to be safe and healthy.

2. The second way to health, said the CDC to me. Bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

3. The third way to health, said the CDC to me. Manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

4. The fourth way to health, said the CDC to me. Don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

5. The fifth way to health, said the CDC to me. BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

6. The sixth way to health, said the CDC to me. Fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

7. The seventh way to health, said the CDC to me. Get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

8. The eighth way to health, said the CDC to me. Get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

9. The ninth way to health, said the CDC to me. Monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

10. The tenth way to health, said the CDC to me. Practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

11. The eleventh way to health, said the CDC to me. Prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

12. The twelfth way to health, said the CDC to me. Eat well and get moving, prepare dinner safely, practice fire safety, monitor the children, get your vaccinations, get exams and screenings, fasten belts while driving, BE SMOKE-FREE, don’t drink and drive, manage stress, bundle up for warmth, and wash hands to be safe and healthy.

http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12ways.htm

Socio-Economic Status vs. Recovery from OJI

larryr — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:32:04 +0000

A recent study conducted by Paul Blanc, professor of Medicine at UCSF, compared the recovery of 650 hospital workers with work-related injuries.

The study reports that most injuries recovered in two years or less. They also noted that people in the lowest socio-economic group had much poorer outcomes. The study also stated that worse outcomes were evident with workers who perceived less reward and more effort on their job.

All injured workers had access to the same providers and it is noted that it was the highest level occupational healthcare. Participants all earned above minimum wage.

This study suggests that “creating work environments with appropriate rewards and less strain might contribute to better work effectiveness”.

As case managers, we need to gear our rehabilitation plan towards the needs of the workers. We need to be more proactive with return to work when we have a low wage earner with high physical demands as the motivation may be low. Return-to-work programs should be instituted to assist with reintegration, especially when the incentive is poor.

Author: Dahni Bloomfield, RN, CCM
Editor: Lisa Perry

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests? Follow these CDC tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

larryr — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 04:39:49 +0000

Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix, or pretzels. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Editor: Lisa Perry

Tips For Your Mental Health

larryr — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:46:56 +0000

The Surgeon General’s report defines good mental health. Although various cultures have differing expectations for health, many of the following characteristics are likely to be present in individuals with good mental health:

A sense of well-being and contentment
A zest for living – the ability to enjoy life, to laugh and have fun
Resiliency – being able to deal with life’s stresses and bounce back from adversity
Self-realization – participating in life to the fullest extent possible, through meaningful activities and positive relationships
Flexibility – the ability to change, grow, and experience a range of feelings, as life’s circumstances change
A sense of balance in one’s life – between solitude and sociability, work and play, sleep and wakefulness, rest and exercise, etc.
A sense of well-roundedness – with attention to mind, body, spirit, creativity, intellectual development, health, etc.
The ability to care for oneself and for others
Self-confidence and good self-esteem

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Editor: Lisa Perry

Knee Problems – An Insight on Meniscus Tears

larryr — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:50:20 +0000

A meniscus tear is a common injury that damages the rubbery cushion of the knee joint. This tissue is made of two disks, which are called the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus.

These crescent-shaped menisci (plural of meniscus) act as shock absorbers to evenly distribute weight across the knee. Meniscus tears often happen when the knee twists as the foot remains firmly planted on the ground. This type of injury often occurs during sports, such as tennis or skiing.

Tears can also occur from breakdown (degeneration) of the menisci. Degeneration is the weakening of tissue from the normal wear and tear of aging. In people older than 40, a tear may occur from an everyday movement, such as rising from a squatting position.

The main symptom of a meniscus tear is pain from swelling and damage to surrounding tissues. Pain at the inside of the knee can indicate a tear to the inner (medial) meniscus, while pain at the outer side of the affected knee may indicate a tear to the outer (lateral) meniscus.

The pattern of the tear may determine whether a tear can be repaired. Horizontal and flap tears generally require surgical removal of at least part of the meniscus.

Tears on the outside of the meniscus heal faster than those in the inside the knee.

As we work with an increased aging population of injured workers, it is imperative to understand the importance of the degenerative processes and the effects this may have on recovery time and the plan of care.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Edited By: Lisa Perry

Overview of Common Disc Surgeries – In Plain Talk

larryr — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 04:53:54 +0000

While most problems that cause back pain and sciatica can be treated successfully without surgical intervention, sometimes spine surgery is necessary. Below is a brief explanation of these common surgeries.

Discectomy – The last resort to surgery that works the best for people with really bad pain that has not responded to other treatments. The surgeon removes the material that is pressing on the nerve root or the spinal cord.

Microdiscectomy – A smaller incision is made by the surgeon and it does not cause as much tissue damage.

Percutaneous Discectomy – A special tool is inserted in a very small incision to remove the material that is pressing on the nerve. This method is not considered as effective as the Discectomy. Weinstein JN, et al. (2006).

A damaged disc is like a smashed jelly donut!

Lamina – The part of the vertebrae that forms a protective arch over the spinal cord which is very thin. Age-related changes (which start in your mid-twenties and includes the drying out and formation of cracks) in the lamina causes back pressure or back pain.

Laminiotomy – A procedure that removes part of the lamina.

Laminectomy – Removing most or all of the lamina with possible removal of the tissue that is narrowing the spinal canal.

Your water hose becoming “clogged up” due to calcium deposits is comparable to what can happen in your spinal canal, “aka” spinal stenosis.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Edited By: Lisa Perry

Healthy Eating- Foods That Keep You Hydrated While Working in the Soaring Temperatures of Summer.

larryr — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:57:57 +0000

Water – Keep your body hydrated with water. Avoid sodas and alcohol which act like a diuretic and cause dehydration. Water is the most important thing for you to consume to keep you hydrated!

Salted Peanuts – This one actually goes with the water. When you’re drinking a lot of water, if you eat a salty snack along with it, your body is more likely to hold onto the water instead of sending it straight through you. The salt will also replace any salt your body is losing through sweat.

Watermelon – Sweet, delicious and refreshing.

Oranges – These provide a lot of hydration and of course, lots of vitamin C. Orange juice replenishes your body and stabilizes your “blood sugar” levels.

Berries – Berries are fresh, sweet and delicious during the summer, and there’s nothing like some ripe strawberries, blue berries or raspberries on a hot summer day.

Hot Dogs – They are a bit unhealthy but assist with keeping a worker’s hydration level up while working. So eat a couple, especially at the end of a day or before a work shift.

Hamburgers – These are best preferably at the end of the day. You can even add some avocado and fancy cheese (instead of mayo) to turn them into gourmet hamburgers.

Yogurt – Frozen yogurt is a popular choice on a hot day. Make sure it is kept in a cooler.

Pudding – If you don’t want to bring a cooler, but want a yogurt-like treat, try bringing some prepackaged pudding.

Popsicles – These come in long or short tubes and need to be frozen. They are one of the best hot weather snacks and inexpensive.

One thing that also helps is remembering not to eat large protein-rich meals. Hydration levels are often influenced by the amount of protein in your diet so an excess intake of protein can also lead to dehydration.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Editor: Lisa Perry

Accountable Care Organizations (ACO): Medicare’s Major Paradigm Change to Control Medical Case Management? It will impact Workers Compensation too!

larryr — Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:11 +0000

The ACO primary goals are to meet standards of quality practice and putting patients first. Each patient will have the right care at the right time. Studies show that quality care costs less because coordinated care helps avoid unnecessary duplication of services and prevention of medical errors.

Medicare took action and passed the ACO Act on March 31, 2011.

An ACO refers to a group of providers and suppliers of services (e.g., hospitals, physicians, and others involved in patient care) that will work together to coordinate care for the patients they serve in Original Medicare.

The goal of an ACO is to deliver seamless, high-quality care for Medicare beneficiaries, instead of the fragmented care that often results from different providers receiving different, disconnected payments. The ACO would be a patient-centered organization where the patient and providers are partners in care decisions. Kaiser Permanente is considered an ACO.

With healthcare providers becoming acclimated and operating under the ACO, we should see overflow into our area of practice by having improved quality of care which is done correctly the first time, increased satisfaction by claimants with providers, and resulting decreasing care costs for our workers compensation files.

Author: Deborah Goza, MS, RN, COHNS, CCM
Editor: Lisa Perry