Posts Tagged ‘Chronic Condition’

Healthcare Reform and the Prevention of Chronic Illnesses

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

However you may feel about health care reform and the changes it will bring, one major outcome will be the mandatory implementation of preventative care on all policies. It is proposed that preventive care will be covered without any co pays or deductibles. Considering it is thought that half the conditions we treat in our health care system could be avoidable, the expansion of preventive screenings and vaccinations should help to bring down the number of chronic conditions that we see today.

It is estimated that 75% of our health care spending in on such chronic health conditions. If these illnesses could be treated and diagnosed in the earliest stages, the better the outcome for the patient. Plus, it would result in less financial strain on our health care system. While opponents to the bill state that “unnecessary screenings” will ultimately cost us more, you can’t argue that prevention yields a longer, healthier, and more productive life.

Health Care Reform and Preventive Care

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Though no one knows where the health care reform bills are headed, it is of utmost importance that disease prevention and health promotion are at the top of the list. If we aim to “fix” a broken system, we need to ensure that the system is designed to “fix” us as well. This will be achieved by balancing the cost of providing medical care with providing services to help avoid the need for such services in the first place.    Some concepts for prevention strategies are (notes from San Francisco Chronicle):  

  •  a yearly personalized prevention plan for Medicare patients
  • national assistance to wellness programs at the worksite
  • a vast public-private partnership to teach everybody about prevention and health promotion, including Web site tools for self-assessment and personalized prevention
  • educating patients how to reduce their risks for chronic disease
  • support for community-based prevention and health promotion (i.e. no-smoking rules, seat belt mandates, calorie counts on restaurant menus) 

 The concern lies in the fact that if these strategies are not implemented, positive and healthy life choices will not occur. By encouraging such lifestyle changes, and providing resources to help people start and maintain healthier living, the return is invaluable – healthy people, fewer chronic conditions, and an enormous reduction in the need for medical intervention.

Lack of Health Insurance Can Mean Financial Ruin

Saturday, November 7th, 2009
We all know that changes need to be made in the health insurance industry, though no one as much as someone who experienced a major illness without health coverage. For those who are nearer to retirement age, a major illness (i.e. cancer or heart disease) can mean a loss of close to half of their household assets in order to get the medical care they need. This loss is more severe for the uninsured ages 51 – 64 as they have accumulated greater assets for retirement, along with fewer options to re-establish these assets if they are lost due to an illness. The situation in these cases can mean a financial disaster.

It is vital to ensure that your assets are protected, and even more imperative that care is sought out in the case of an illness. Treating conditions earlier mean a better chance of recovery, and better quality of life. Even basic insurance can help you avoid catastrophic losses, and the added support from a Long Term Care policy will help you protect your future, and your family’s as well. Contact us today to see how we can help you protect your health and your peace of mind.

Most Adolescents Not Getting Preventive Care

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Worrisome polls show that less than 50% of adolescents are receiving recommended preventative care. It is during these years that children can discuss health concerns and learn about healthy living habits that they carry with them for their entire lives. However, at a time where preventative care and health education are vital, most are forgoing such care for reasons such as high co pays, deductibles, or lack of coverage altogether.
 
If children are getting in to see their providers for their preventative visits, concern lies in the fact that the visits are not as comprehensive as they should be. Physicians receive little compensation for these visits from insurance companies, resulting in little incentive to schedule them. One on one time is not a priority, though it should be as it creates a sense of connection between the doctor and patient from an early age.
 
We know from experience that chronic conditions can be a financial drain, so establishing good preventative care from an early age will only result in improved health for the client and a strained healthcare system. Guaranteeing these visits for our children is invaluable, and should be at the top of the list for reform. Providing co pay free preventative care visits, and reimbursing pediatricians who provide these services, will result in healthy living habits for our future leaders.

Educating the Patient With a Chronic Disease

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Once you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, the most important thing is to become self-aware and gain the ability to manage the impact that this illness will have on your life. The first step is to understand your illness. In doing so you will gain the upper hand in preventing further complications.

Most insurance carriers offer nurse lines specific to your illness and access to support groups. Such groups can be vital for both physical and emotional support, resulting in overall improved health. Subjects covered include:

• Communicating well with your family, friends, and health care providers
• Exploring the possibility of new techniques and treatment options.
• Learning ways to deal with problems such as frustration, low energy, pain management, etc.
• Utilizing exercise to maintain and improving strength and flexibility, and increase endurance
• The proper use of medications
• The role nutrition plays in your healing process 

Studies have proven that individual with chronic conditions who take an active role in their treatment plans and take proactive steps to improve their lifestyle have achieved significant advances in their healing process, and fewer hospital, emergency room, and outpatient visits.

Call us with any questions, or access your insurance carrier website to get more information on the management of chronic illnesses.


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