Chủ Nhật, 31 tháng 3, 2024

mychart.

By    03:31 // No comments

Anyone know why a mychart test result would say “see note” instead of negative or positive. it’s really stressing me out and plus it’s a weekend so i will have to wait till monday or even after to figure out my result.



https://ift.tt/MYTqWwm Submitted March 31, 2024 at 03:07AM by cracclepop https://ift.tt/MKqjdIN

Insurance plans question

By    00:31 // No comments

Hello all! I'm fairly new to the USA and I moved here last year to start a new job. My employer has two insurance options to choose from - Premera blue cross PPO and Kaiser HMO. I picked Premera when I started and so far it's been okay. 450$ deductible, 1700$ OOP max and office visit copays are 25$. Now we have open enrollment coming up (my employer does it in the middle of the year) and I've heard that Kaiser is cheaper in the long run (the plan my employer provides is no deductible, 1300$ OOP max) so I'm wondering whether to stay with Premera or to switch! I'm a relatively healthy 31F but I am looking into mental health therapy, for which I have a 25$ copay per visit with Premera. I also anticipate a pregnancy in the next few years. I've also heard a few not so good things about Kaiser. I'm in WA if it matters.

Fwiw I've hardly used my deductible because my employer has a free health clinic for employees where we can get primary care, preventative care, labs etc. So I pay zero for primary care and labs since I go there. The only time I'd have to pay is if they send me to a specialist elsewhere, or if I need to see an OB for example. The access to this clinic will stay even if I switch to the Kaiser plan.

Should I stay with Premera or switch to the Kaiser plan? Any experiences with either insurance provider?



https://ift.tt/MYTqWwm Submitted March 30, 2024 at 11:52PM by midminge https://ift.tt/RVU6hgw

Thứ Bảy, 30 tháng 3, 2024

I was denied health care insurance even though I thought qualify? 40k a year with 3 kids.

By    10:31 // No comments

Hi I’m making about 1500 every two weeks take home though sometimes it is more and sometimes it is less. This month I was sick so one of my pay checks will be half that. I am prime caregiver of 3 kids. My husband left us about a year ago and doesn’t pay or do anything besides occasionally watching the kids when I work. Doesn’t do school or sports or buy clothing.

I’m really really struggling and was extremely happy when I talked on the phone with the woman. She seemed very positive and said she was so happy to help and to expect the stuff in the mail in the next few weeks. I have been watching and today I got the letter saying I make too much and don’t qualify for any assistance.

I’m very confused and unsure how to proceed. I’m in iowa if it makes a difference. This was supposed to be a huge win for me.



https://ift.tt/MYTqWwm Submitted March 30, 2024 at 09:50AM by significantlynothing https://ift.tt/sYKVThG

Thứ Sáu, 29 tháng 3, 2024

Healthcare for college (F/23)

By    00:31 // No comments

I’m currently attending college in Florida and I’ve been given the runaround for signing up for Medicare I have out of state insurance from California. What are some options that would anyone kind enough would recommend for me. I have a care credit card so I will be using that to pay for anything medical or dental. I do not make $500 a month my job is pretty trash I’m in the works for interviewing for a different job.



https://ift.tt/8Cex2c4 Submitted March 29, 2024 at 12:04AM by International-Ant-79 https://ift.tt/sYwCxa9

Thứ Năm, 28 tháng 3, 2024

Questions for Medicare recipients

By    06:31 // No comments

Hi everyone! I am doing a group project on economic injustice in healthcare with older adults. If you have time, please answer the questions below. Thank you in advance!

  1. Have you ever experienced any gaps or limitations in Medicare coverage? If so, can you provide examples
  2. What challenges or difficulties have you faced while navigating traditional Medicare, such as understanding coverage, accessing services, or dealing with costs?
  3. How do you think Medicare could be improved to better meet the needs of beneficiaries like yourself or someone you know?
  4. Can you share specific stories about how traditional Medicare has impacted your life or the lives of people you know?


https://ift.tt/59CTrxB Submitted March 28, 2024 at 06:12AM by Independent_Way8264 https://ift.tt/SQ6LE0O

Thứ Tư, 27 tháng 3, 2024

[Crosspost] Susannah Fox, former Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and author of the MIT Press book Rebel Health, will give an AMA from 1 to 3 p.m. ET today at r/IAmA!

By    23:32 // No comments

https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1bp64ln/i_am_susannah_fox_i_wrote_a_field_guide_to_the/



https://ift.tt/59CTrxB Submitted March 27, 2024 at 11:30PM by the_mit_press https://ift.tt/7dCNuUc

NPR News: Want to stop needle phobia in adults? Make shots less painful for kids

By    15:33 // No comments
Want to stop needle phobia in adults? Make shots less painful for kids
According to the CDC, about one in four adults has a fear of needles. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. For some people, the fear of needles is strong enough that they avoid getting important treatments, vaccines or tests. That poses a serious problem for public health. Researchers have helped develop a five step plan to help prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. Guest host Tom Dreisbach talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital. Friedrichsdorf told us some of the most important research on eliminating pain has come from researchers in Canada. Learn more about their work here. This episode was inspired by the reporting of our colleague April Dembosky, a journalist at member station KQED and KFF Health News. Read her digital story here. Got another question for a doctor? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

Read more on NPR

MRSA patient

By    08:31 // No comments

wondering if someone can help me answer this question: i had a patient that was on isolation for MRSA and had a stroke recently and was on a trach. I think he has MRSA in his sputum. He was very lonely and asked me for a hug. I had full PPE and decided it was okay. But now I'm starting to get paranoid that I messed up. Will I be okay????



https://ift.tt/IAfyw6L Submitted March 27, 2024 at 07:33AM by Key-Concentrate4687 https://ift.tt/hbFS1xM

What can I do?

By    01:31 // No comments

I am in desperate need of therapy in Oregon. I missed the window at my new(ish) job to sign up for health insurance, and I make too much for OHP. I cannot afford standard therapy rates. I’m 24, do I have any options? Thank you.



https://ift.tt/IAfyw6L Submitted March 27, 2024 at 12:42AM by zachcrist https://ift.tt/OELpNsu

Thứ Ba, 26 tháng 3, 2024

Charged $1177 in the ER when they didn't even do anything?!

By    21:31 // No comments

I had to go to the emergency room at the end of February for a toothache. The pain was so severe that I couldn't sleep or see straight. I had a feeling they couldn't pull it for me, but I wanted to try.

I waited for 2 hours in pain, and was finally seen around 1am. (Mind you, I wasn't even in a room with a bed, I was in a CHAIR) The doctor spent about 5 minutes with me, looked at my tooth, tapped on it once and said "oh, yeah that looks bad" then told me to see the emergency dentist the next day. She gave me an antibiotic(that I couldn't keep down bc my stomach was empty and they wouldn't give me food)and something for pain and sent me home.

The $11 for the medicine is showing up separately.

How on earth can they justify over $1000 for this??? I understand that it was late, but that's insane!!

I'm requesting an itemized bill ASAP. Someone please help me understand how any of this can be justified.



https://ift.tt/IAfyw6L Submitted March 26, 2024 at 09:01PM by throwawayshhhb https://ift.tt/aktmj49

NPR News: In the solar eclipse's shadow, hundreds of students will launch balloons for NASA

By    06:33 // No comments
In the solar eclipse's shadow, hundreds of students will launch balloons for NASA
The eclipse on April 8 provides a unique opportunity for students across the country to conduct science. NASA is backing a nationwide project to collect data with research balloons.

Read more on NPR

Thứ Hai, 25 tháng 3, 2024

NPR News: How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students

By    16:33 // No comments
How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students
Indianapolis is one of several U.S. cities in the path of totality. For many students there, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness – and be inspired by – a total solar eclipse.

Read more on NPR

NPR News: What's it like to live in space? One astronaut says it changes her dreams

By    15:33 // No comments
What's it like to live in space? One astronaut says it changes her dreams
Few humans have had the opportunity to see Earth from space, much less live in space. We got to talk to one of these lucky people — NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara. She will soon conclude her nearly seven month stay on the International Space Station. Transmitting from space to your ears, Loral talks to host Regina G. Barber about her dreams in microgravity, and her research on the ISS: 3D-printing human heart tissue, how the human brain and body adapt to microgravity, and how space changes the immune systems of plants. Have questions you want us to send to outers pace? Email us at shortwave@npr.org!

Read more on NPR

Boost Efficiency & Revenue: 8 Reasons to Outsource RCM Services in 2024

By    14:31 // No comments

Outsource RCM: Providers who spend too much on RCM staff and processes, or who experience a high rate of claims denials, should consider outsourcing their medical billing requirements. While our experts chase down payments, you can provide the care, receive the funds, and improve your key performance indicators.

Outsource RCM makes sense

Why Healthcare Providers Are Turning to RCM Outsourcing

Approximately 61% of providers plan to outsource RCM tasks in the future. Based on 2022 State of Healthcare Performance Improvement report, nearly one-third of hospital and health system leaders (63%) have pursued at least one outsourcing solution.

In the meantime, the global RCM outsourcing market is expected to grow by 17% annually from US$23.7 billion in 2022 to US$62.4 billion by 2028.

​

https://www.allzonems.com/boost-efficiency-revenue-8-reasons-to-outsource-rcm-services-in-2024/



https://ift.tt/1Ts0VaK Submitted March 25, 2024 at 02:29PM by ABrownMBP https://ift.tt/Kiehu3Y

Chủ Nhật, 24 tháng 3, 2024

POTS patient concerned about the effects of TikTok illnesses & cyberchondria on patients’ ability to access medical care. What do you think about cyberchondria? Is there a solution?

By    03:31 // No comments

Honest question.

I’m a POTS patient with a connective tissue disorder who had to seek a lot of help to get back on track. I was exposed to a LOT of gaslighting and abuse by healthcare workers before being formally diagnosed and treated by one of the best research hospitals in the US. Frankly, it traumatized me.

I’ve also witnessed hypochondria first hand and know that it is a real issue. I feel that doctors are responding (perhaps badly) to real concerns about cyberchondria, TikTok illnesses, medication-seeking patients, drug use in patients, etc. As a social scientist, I believe that social media induced delusions are very real. I do think many people claiming to have EDS MCAS and POTS are either lying or are mislead. I’ve also witnessed someone faking an illness to solicit money online. So I’m not denying these are real issues.

But the things I experienced and I hear about gaslighting and abuse in the medical system, particularly from legitimate POTS and connective tissue patients, are sad and traumatic. Real patients are suffering from the bad behavior of other patients’ because doctors can’t tell the difference between CTDs and hypochondria. And because TikTok has made our disease famous whether or not we wanted it to.

Some patients have even died after being misdiagnosed with fictitious disorder when they really had vEDS.

I think this problem will only get worse and I’m concerned for myself and others who truly need medical care.

I know I’m out on a limb asking this but - what is the solution for cyberchondria? I’m very interested in the perspective of people who are not patients as we are obviously biased.

As healthcare workers, what do you think?

If you disbelieve a patient, can you explain why?

Tough Q: Do you really expect a generation of patients that gets everything from sex, to homework, to directions, to communication with their best friend… essentially all of their information… from phones, to not seek out medical information online?

Is there anything patients can do to advocate for better differentiation between hypochondria and legitimate illness?



https://ift.tt/2wtaQhC Submitted March 24, 2024 at 03:10AM by BobbleHead3655 https://ift.tt/9mj1kIq

Could A MHA Be Beneficial For Me?

By    01:31 // No comments

28 y/o.

I have a good, but dead end job as a public health inspector. No wife, no kids and I feel like I’ve been wasting my younger years career wise. I’m ambitious and while this is a nice, stable career there is almost no room for growth which I very much crave.

Anyways, to keep this short I won’t go into details selling why I think healthcare administration would be a good career for me, but I do have a question about starting salary.

I feel like I’ve pigeonholed myself a bit with 6 years of experience as a health inspector. I make a salary of 75K which is actually on the very high end for health inspectors.

Due to life circumstances (bills, etc) I am looking at a well respected university, but online (UNC Chapel Hill). I know that this will make networking and career opportunities tougher being online. I do live in NC so I can still participate in “career fair” related activities on campus.

Anyways, I got side tracked. My question is, is it at all realistic to start out around 75K fresh out of an MHA program? Is this unheard of? I know a lot of the numbers I’ve read have been lower than this. I don’t need or expect to jump out making more than I do now, but in order to feel like I’m not making a bad financial decision I would like to make at least around what I currently make.

Is this a realistic possibility?



https://ift.tt/2wtaQhC Submitted March 24, 2024 at 12:31AM by Professional-Yam5398 https://ift.tt/OdC2Xy1

Is there insurance or sponsors who can cover braces?

By    00:31 // No comments

So, I’m about to go across the country to study at Johns Hopkins of all places and I have the tiniest underbite on half of my mouth. Can’t describe it, but it’s not super bad, but I’ve been recommended braces. I also grind my teeth so much because of this and it’s been causing me pain for so long but we’re so dirt poor and no matter what insurance won’t cover it. Maybe it’s a dumb question but are there like sponsors I can ask to afford it or anything?

Only asking because I do club volleyball and for my grades a program covered the costs and it was 20k a year. Braces would definitely be cheaper than that. Are there programs like that?



https://ift.tt/2wtaQhC Submitted March 24, 2024 at 12:01AM by PersimmonCreative714 https://ift.tt/HgdMwX4

Thứ Bảy, 23 tháng 3, 2024

Seeking to Interview Sikhs Regarding Healthcare Experiences and Views

By    03:31 // No comments

Hi there! I’m a nursing student looking to informally interview anyone of (or formerly) Sikh faith to share their experiences and beliefs that should be taken into consideration when providing care. Despite having Sikh friends myself, I realize that there are some topics, such as organ donation, that may be slightly divisive or nuanced, which is what I’d like to discuss. I understand this is a pretty niche topic, but I’d truly appreciate insight as to how I could be a more culturally aware nurse. Thank you!



https://ift.tt/CMxJPY0 Submitted March 23, 2024 at 02:38AM by apricotage https://ift.tt/4GbfUsJ

Thứ Sáu, 22 tháng 3, 2024

Need to rant

By    00:31 // No comments

Im so frustrated. I was having extreme stomach pain and because I haven't been able to get an appointment with a Primary Care Physican (all in my area either do not call back to schedule or they are several months out) I had to go to urgent care. The doctor at urgent care is the reason I hate going to doctors in the first place. He berated me about not having a primary care physican and that I cant use urgent care for these kind of situations. When I tried explaining the issues I was having scheduling he said I should've just taken the appointment and waited. He then pushed me off to emergency. Emergency was able to say that I have a probable ulcer and gave me enough medicine to coat my stomach for 3 days of use then told me to follow up with a primary care physican. Again I explained how difficult the situation is to get an appointment and they said there was nothing they could do.

I started trying again and after 2 hours of phone calls to various offices that either dont take my insurance (despite being listed on my insurance website) or are 3 months til the next available appointment I finally have one for 2 weeks from now.

So now I have to deal with the pain of an probable ulcer for 2 weeks longer with no prescribed medication to coat my stomach and reliant on over the counter pepcid to treat this. I also got the bill for the visit to emergency which totalled 7000 dollars ( I owe 1112). I don't know what to do about this current state of healthcare in this country but this level of craziness is just insane.

​



https://ift.tt/DMg9BhK Submitted March 21, 2024 at 11:36PM by Ok_Abbreviations_11 https://ift.tt/Lh4PuEX

Thứ Năm, 21 tháng 3, 2024

Help with disputing medical bills

By    07:31 // No comments

I had to visit ER last year and they are sending a ridiculous bill, including one for ambulance which I did ask to use an Uber for since the hospital didnt have an ultrasound and they sent me to another hospital. The uber could have cost 10 bucks but the ambulance is now 3000.

Who do I call? The hospital, the ambulance or the health insurance?

What can I say to get this resolved?

Thanks so much guys



https://ift.tt/DMg9BhK Submitted March 21, 2024 at 06:36AM by bondtradercu https://ift.tt/oHvcuDW

Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 3, 2024

Bow leg issue!!

By    02:31 // No comments

I'm lean and I do have bow legs And it looks pathetic I did had since childhood but now it can be seen much wider When I stand In front of mirror , I could see mt legs are tilted like someone hit my leg so hard that it has been displaced from it position .. Scrolling through internet I found it can be treated by surgery but I don't want to do it... Ik this can be reduced with gaining leg muscles and even excersising but What kind of excises can be done to reduce it?? And how fast can I make it better.. Yeah I do have problem while walking..



https://ift.tt/ibTtcme Submitted March 20, 2024 at 02:06AM by Majestic_unknown47 https://ift.tt/AMwdsQJ

I am a food service provider for At Home Care clients. Questions in regards to the credentialing process.

By    01:31 // No comments

I have my first inquiry from a Keystone First client. Keystone first would be paying with the clients Medicare or Medicaid allotment. To be a part of the Keystone First provider network, I need to be approved as such.

I’ve already taken the steps with the NPPES and have received my verification and NPI number. Now comes the credentialing portion of the journey. I am not sure if I should attempt to do this process on my own or hire a processing company.

I was told this process would take up to 6 months for approval. Is this an accurate assessment? Is there any way to expedite this process? Is this process the same timeframe for food service as it would be for a doctors office?

Any help, information or past experience would be very helpful.



https://ift.tt/ibTtcme Submitted March 20, 2024 at 01:20AM by N0213568 https://ift.tt/MEyI3B4

Thứ Ba, 19 tháng 3, 2024

How to properly file a complaint

By    09:31 // No comments

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with various hospitals and medical systems for about 10 years now. I am currently having trouble with the office my neurologist switched to. Below is a list:

-They ghost me for weeks on end - ignore voicemails - don’t follow through on transfers - don’t have records ready when I show up for my appointments (they’re 2 hours away, it takes up a full day of travel) - the receptionists will leave me on hold for 30-60min intervals before hanging up - the receptionists will tell me different info than my doctor (told me that my X Ray was “normal,” when 3 weeks prior my neuro told me how serious of a problem I had)

I’m a very understanding person and a seasoned patient. I’m always respectful, show up for my appointments, and do my due diligence. I pay on time, have physical copies of all my records, and really just need help. I’m wondering what the most proper way is to go about expressing my concern with their company? For reference, I live in Michigan. Is there a medical licensing board/ ethics board I would be able to write something to?

I want to go about this as constructively as possible. Once I get one last referral, I’m removing myself from my neuro’s care which isn’t my first choice. I like him a lot, but the stress of working with this office is too much. Would appreciate any advice!



https://ift.tt/ibTtcme Submitted March 19, 2024 at 09:29AM by rockywhore831 https://ift.tt/SzPZAHo

CareAccess is offering Free Cholesterol Checks plus $45 for your time

By    05:31 // No comments

Was very easy - quick cash test took me less than 15 minutes. Good to know cholesterol levels

Use the link below to get your free blood cholesterol test and $45 for your time.

https://knowmylpa.careaccess.com/?mbsy_source=da27198b-e84b-4887-92f1-5a0c95ea8413&mbsy_exp=Sun%2C+16+Jun+2024+17%3A08%3A04+GMT&campaignid=59162&mbsy=6Dj2L9



https://ift.tt/ibTtcme Submitted March 19, 2024 at 04:48AM by devin-andrew https://ift.tt/T7kt4RA

Thứ Hai, 18 tháng 3, 2024

NPR News: Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. Here's why

By    17:54 // No comments
Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. Here's why
When the April 8 solar eclipse draws eyes upward, having proper solar filters and solar eclipse glasses is essential to avoid potentially permanent eye damage, doctors say.

Read more on NPR

NPR News: This Women's History Month, how physics connects two Bengali women born decades apart

By    15:33 // No comments
This Women's History Month, how physics connects two Bengali women born decades apart
When Shohini Ghose was studying physics as a kid, she heard certain names repeated over and over. "Einstein, Newton, Schrodinger ... they're all men." Shohini wanted to change that — so she decided to write a book about some of the women scientists missing from her grade school physics textbooks. It's called Her Space, Her Time: How Trailblazing Women Scientists Decoded the Hidden Universe. This episode, she talks to Short Wave host Regina G. Barber about uncovering the women physicists she admires — and how their stories have led her to reflect on her own.

Read more on NPR

Why do hospitals not allow you to sleep?

By    04:31 // No comments

When you go to the hospital you are generally sick, tired, and in need of rest. One of the most important ways your body heals is through sleep and rest. Why then, do nurses show up in frequent intervals in the middle of the night to check on things? Some of these things are pointless, like changing the trash (the trash is empty) checking vitals, and taking blood. Many of these things can be done all at once in one swoop but they break up these small tasks so that as a patient, you get woken up every few hours. Why?



https://ift.tt/GTEC4jS Submitted March 18, 2024 at 04:29AM by Shaggywizz https://ift.tt/iBlf0mg

Chủ Nhật, 17 tháng 3, 2024

Is it possible to get a hysterectomy as a young person?

By    10:31 // No comments

Hi, I know I want to be child free for the rest of my life. I also hate the pain of periods and find them a useless nuisance given that I am never going to be a mother. I am also trans, but I don’t care for bottom survey, I just don’t want my uterus. I really want to get a hysterectomy but I’ve heard of the many horror stories from women who get blown off my doctors bc they might “change their mind” etc. I swear if a doctor says that to me I might lose it on them. But I am in my 20’s and I know in America (especially the south) this is going to be a huge obstacle. Also the cost of surgeries like this in the US I can imagine is huge. Is it reasonable to fly to another country to get it done? How do I get this done without having a preexisting condition or “reason” to get this surgery done?



https://ift.tt/dWhIsUt Submitted March 17, 2024 at 10:09AM by bbbouncin https://ift.tt/04PHLgN

Thứ Bảy, 16 tháng 3, 2024

NPR News: This medieval astrolabe has both Arabic and Hebrew markings. Here's what it means

By    16:33 // No comments
This medieval astrolabe has both Arabic and Hebrew markings. Here's what it means
This discovery sheds new light on the rich history of scholarship and intellectual exchange between Muslims, Jews and Christians during a time of Muslim rule in medieval Spain.

Read more on NPR

Thứ Sáu, 15 tháng 3, 2024

Is my new job gonna effect my Medicaid

By    03:32 // No comments

Hey guys so I recently got a new job that makes me roughly 42851 a year, I currently have Medicaid but my parents, tell me to accept the insurance that my job offers because of the pay increase I’m getting I may not qualify for Medicaid anymore, is this true, thanks again



https://ift.tt/70zaiGO Submitted March 15, 2024 at 03:06AM by steven_power54 https://ift.tt/CvU4L39

Thứ Năm, 14 tháng 3, 2024

NPR News: Why a new report on child mortality is historic, encouraging — and grim

By    02:33 // No comments
Why a new report on child mortality is historic, encouraging — and grim
Child mortality has hit a historic low around the world — fewer then 5 million deaths a year. But experts believe that millions more could be saved by relatively cheap, simple interventions.

Read more on NPR

Annual physical vs Women's Wellness: Do I get both?

By    01:32 // No comments

This has always confused me and I seem unable to find a definitive answer. As a women, am I entitled to both a free annual physical and free women's wellness visit each year? Or each year do you have to pick one or the other? If I got my last women's wellness in July can I get a physical earlier this year or I have to wait?



https://ift.tt/MLZbdKJ Submitted March 14, 2024 at 01:15AM by ScarlettWindsor https://ift.tt/Ll3W8hb

Why are Quest Diagnostics locations such post-apocalyptic hellscapes?

By    00:31 // No comments

NB: I just moved to a new state, and my previous doctor of 12 years had in-house phlebotomy. I do not recall this being so terrible 12 years ago, but also I was in another state.

In my new state, the first time I needed bloodwork, my doc said "just go to any Quest location." Okay, I try calling one to find out things like hours or whether I needed an appointment, and after 45 minutes on hold, I decided just to go down there and see if I could get bloodwork.

After wandering the halls of a smallish hospital (did their map say they were IN the hospital? No.) for a while, I finally find the small, hardly marked door for the Quest lab. I walk in. There is one person sitting in a chair, and a significantly older lady (I'd say past 85 y/o) wrestling with a tablet-screen-thing. No employees at all. No signage to indicate what I should do. So I wait. Eventually I realize that the lady is having real problems with the screen. I go over and offer help. Then I offer help again, as I realize she is a monolingual Spanish speaker. I'm bilingual, so I kinda think of it as an occasional civic duty to help those who are not. So, we're looking at the screen together, and THIS is when I realize that the screen is there in lieu of a human, and this is how you're supposed to "check in." Well, my little old lady friend has no more idea what's going on than I do and has been, as far as I can tell, hitting buttons at semi-random. She had gotten the screen localized into Spanish, which, yay, win for little old lady, but based on a long history of teaching English and writing, I'm gonna say with some confidence that it wasn't her language but her literacy that was preventing her from checking in. So, I ask her all the questions orally, and fill in her answers on the screen. When she's checked in and settled, I leave, never having seen a single sign of life. I hope little old lady got her bloodwork! Note that this location is in a small US city with a HUGE low-income immigrant population. Lack of English and low literacy are two ENTIRELY predictable situations.

I go to another one in the slightly more affluent town next door. Same. No humans. One screen. I go to another one in a medium income town. Same. No humans. Just screen. No instructions on the wall. No "ring here to talk to someone."

Finally, I have found the last refuge (or greatest crime) of having high literacy, access to a car, and research skills, and find a primary care physician who DOES employ in house phlebotomy. A year of calm, cheerful, and uneventful lab tests follow. Today I went to get blood drawn and the phlebotomist was out sick, so the office suggested another Quest location. Now we're in a FOURTH city. Same post-apocalyptic hellscape?!?@#(@*$&!!

How did this come about? Why is it allowed to continue? Is there an agency or someone to report to? It's like self-checkout in the supermarket, but 1) it's not optional (one can still generally find a checkout person in the grocery) and 2) it's about health and wellbeing, not whether your can of beans scanned right and 3) MOST people are not scared of grocery stores whereas a LOT of people are scared of needles, doctors, tests, etc. A non-anxious presence to get you through the system would be GOOD for healthcare! An anonymous tablet, a blank room, and no help or recourse... why? WHY???

​



https://ift.tt/MLZbdKJ Submitted March 13, 2024 at 11:39PM by andra-moi-ennepe https://ift.tt/cTHKbiy

Thứ Tư, 13 tháng 3, 2024

When is the FSA Deadline?

By    09:32 // No comments

I thought I saw 3/15, and I am planning on working on it tomorrow, but I wasn’t sure if the time was 9am, 5pm, or midnight. It is computerized. My dad has not used this since my mom got sick in 1016 and this is the last year they are offering it. I went online and saw some were due 3/31, in which case, I would work on finding my tax papers first. I turned in my dad’s to the accountant.

Are there different deadlines for different companies. And is it really due on the 14th or end of work day or midnight. I know this is dumb, but I am trying to help him, and I am nervous about this. The company never picks up their phones. Thanks for your time.



https://ift.tt/MLZbdKJ Submitted March 13, 2024 at 08:54AM by kitzelbunks https://ift.tt/uXVcgzs

Medically worth it to be playing basketball and risking injury?

By    04:31 // No comments

I play basketball solely for fun, very often. I'm in a city 4 hours away from home. I went to college here, graduated in December, and now I'm staying since my apartment lease ends in July.

As I graduated college and I am 21, I am not able to use the college health and medicial services, my childrens health insurance plan expired. My job begins in July, so my employee health benefits won't begin now. I have no idea how my health insurance looks - I'm not sure if my dad has me on any health plan but he works for an insurance company that providess him stiuff, Kemper.

Thus, I'm not sure if it's a smart decision for me to be playing a sport every other day that puts me at risk for tearing an ankle, acl, etc. If something were to happen, I would be on my own since my parentrs are 4 hours away and can't really come by, and I usually play with completely random people in the university gym without friends who would be there for me if I was injured.

This being said, due to these factors of not possibly having a clear healthcare plan (perhaps I need to go over it on the phone with dad), being in a city far away from home and no support group, playing in a college town yet not being a current student so unable to use their healthcare facilities, is this a bad decision healthcare wise?



https://ift.tt/MLZbdKJ Submitted March 13, 2024 at 04:04AM by YKsnitch https://ift.tt/ZMc9hKa

Losing Medicaid Help.

By    02:31 // No comments

My wife and I are losing our Medicaid coverage. We are just a few dollars over the limit. Our two sons will be covered but my wife is panicking. We live paycheck to paycheck and can not afford to pay for insurance or out of pocket medical care. Any help or insight would be appreciated. We are in Virginia.



https://ift.tt/8CuYo7R Submitted March 13, 2024 at 02:02AM by BetFit2122 https://ift.tt/83ojML1

Thứ Ba, 12 tháng 3, 2024

I just found out I still have Medicaid and I definitely don’t qualify?

By    03:31 // No comments

So I’m in Kentucky and in 2022 I was laid off and applied/was approved for Medicaid. I got a job later in the same year that would have me making too much to qualify anymore and figured it would just drop off after the end of the year. I have not even looked at the Kynect (Medicaid) site since then.

I got married in 2023 and our combined income means I definitely am not even close to qualifying plus I had my own insurance at the time and opted not to join my husband’s. Now I just started a new job that has incredibly high monthly health insurance payments, like as much as if my employer didn’t sponsor insurance. After googling I saw there was a relief type program through the Kynect site I could apply for help with the monthly insurance payments. I log in and Medicaid has been autorenewing for me since 2022! The only messages to me were the 1095 document and a statement saying it had been renewed.

I have no idea how I have been renewed when I haven’t submitted any documentation since I applied in 2022 and I am SO confused as to how I still have Medicaid. Am I unintentionally doing something wrong/illegal? I’m honestly considering not opting for my new health insurance and letting the Medicaid cover me until open enrollment later this year and I can join my husband’s which is much cheaper. Will I get in trouble if I use it?



https://ift.tt/8CuYo7R Submitted March 12, 2024 at 03:30AM by HammerToTheBalls https://ift.tt/6ZC5ESF

Thứ Hai, 11 tháng 3, 2024

NPR News: 'Oppenheimer' is winning awards. Here's the science behind the atomic bomb

By    15:33 // No comments
'Oppenheimer' is winning awards. Here's the science behind the atomic bomb
Coming down from the buzz of the Oscars, we're taking a look at Christopher Nolan's award-winning film 'Oppenheimer.' It chronicles the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the first director of Los Alamos National Laboratory and the so-called "Father of the Atomic Bomb." The movie does not shy away from science — and neither do we. We talked to current scientists at Los Alamos about the past and present science of nuclear weapons like the atomic bomb. Read more about the Manhattan Project. Have other historical science or science in pop culture you want us to cover? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!

Read more on NPR

Trying to understand why Medicaid/Medicare is such a debacle (I don’t work in healthcare)

By    04:31 // No comments

Based on the conversations I have had with friends/family in healthcare, it sounds like our own government uses Medicaid reimbursements as a “bargaining chip” to try and keep healthcare costs down. Although admittedly I have limited knowledge about the entire “broken” healthcare system, it seems as though when the government uses our most vulnerable patients as bargaining chips/pawns to keep healthcare costs down, all they are really doing is bankrupting low income community hospitals thereby leading to consolidation (which apparently they’re trying to avoid but are actually causing?), as well as limiting access for these disenfranchised patients whose low income hospitals close if they cannot be bought after they go bankrupt because the govt isn’t footing the bill. Bankrupting low income community hospitals also leads to consolidation and higher prices.

For those in healthcare - if you had to boil it down to a couple primary “broken” parts of healthcare, do you think this is one of the biggest problems?

If so, why the hell can’t the govt just foot the bill so we can keep these low income hospitals opened and the tens of thousands of nurses/doctors/admins/staff employed? With all of the spending we currently do, I’m sure we can bump that 55-65% Medicaid reimbursement up to at least 90%? As a taxpayer I would happily pay for this if it meant healthcare for all ran much, much smoother.

However, the govt. not footing the bill for our most vulnerable patients is like the govt not paying rent for the office buildings they lease. Coming from the commercial real estate industry myself, we love leasing to the govt because they have the strongest credit. Why then do they dick around with paying for our most vulnerable citizens?



https://ift.tt/e3naAMs Submitted March 11, 2024 at 04:25AM by Jeffbak https://ift.tt/sdVJpFZ

Chủ Nhật, 10 tháng 3, 2024

Some thoughts on Medicaid

By    22:32 // No comments

I understand there has been a cyber hack that hasn’t enabled hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, etc. to bill a dollar for Medicaid patients over the past two weeks. Remember this is also coming at a time when the govt. is also only reimbursing 55 - 65% of Medicaid in many cases. As a long-time taxpayer, I completely understand the need for Medicaid, and I have no problem paying for it via taxes. Those who cannot afford health insurance should have adequate access. This seems to be a fairly bipartisan view.

However, how can our government expect hospitals to survive if Uncle Sam only wants to pay 55-65% of the cost to treat these underprivileged patients? Even more shockingly, how can the government just expect hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, etc. to front 100% of Medicaid for at least a 2 week period when the government’s own website gets hacked?

This is ineptitude at its finest. We constantly hear from politicians about how the “healthcare system is broken.” However, I think we know where it is broken…which starts with the government. When they can’t manage a simple website and it goes down for weeks, how can they expect these hospitals and healthcare providers to foot the entire bill? When Medicaid patients are billed, how can they expect to only pay 55%? Yes, the system is certainly broken, but it’s broken because our own government’s practices have broken it.

I understand they try to use Medicaid reimbursements as a bargaining chip, but all that really is doing is using our most vulnerable patients as pawns and collateral to avoid footing the bill - which they may not be able to even afford. When they use these poor patients as pawns, and decide not to foot the bill, low income community hospitals end up going bankrupt, thereby leading to more of the consolidation our government is apparently trying “so hard to avoid.”

As a taxpayer who does not work in the healthcare system, I think it is disgusting that our government uses these poor Medicaid patients as pawns to leverage their own interest (aka not paying bills). They say this is to drive healthcare costs down, but all it does is lead to more BK’s which in turn leads to more consolidation and higher prices for all. Yes, the system is broken but unfortunately it’s the government that’s breaking it…



https://ift.tt/e3naAMs Submitted March 10, 2024 at 10:02PM by Jeffbak https://ift.tt/S3FfGnx

Help regarding pharmacy complications?

By    10:31 // No comments

I know this isn’t the right place to post this so I’m hoping someone will guide me as to where I might ask this question. Please be nice…I’m really about to break here.

Basically, my elderly father has cancer. He lives far from me but I’m moving to be closer to him, and hopefully will be able to help him with problems like the one I’m going to ask about.

He was seeing a pain management doctor who was part of his cobbled together palliative team. This doctor was always way too busy for my dad and kept lecturing him about opioids being addictive (I should mention that my dad is stage 4 with extensive metastasis). I called and sat in on a meeting via speakerphone and only then did the doctor prescribe a small amount of opioids. He wrote him 50 5mg pills for 24 days. My dad is not opioid naive - 5mg is like Tylenol to him. Well cut to a week later and of course my dad has used all the meds and calls me, crying in pain. I’m tearing up as I write this. My dad is a Marine. He’s tough as nails. To hear him cry made me so sad. And angry. But I digress.

I called his pain doc and asked him to up his meds please. Doc didn’t like my attitude and refused saying there’s an opioid epidemic. So I called my dad’s PCP the next day (on a Saturday no less) who has been the family doc for 3 decades. He said he would take over the pain meds. He immediately sent over the same prescription but doubled the number. 100 5mg pills of oxycodone. He also prescribed him a patch (I guess he’s to wear the patch and use the pills too) I was so happy! My dad would finally not be in pain.

But, when my dad’s aide went to pick up the meds (doc said they’d be ready right away) the pharmacy said they were on hold. Unfortunately this pharmacy closes early on Saturdays so I couldn’t get to the bottom of things. They don’t open until Monday and I’m just sort of out of my mind worried for my dad. Did I do something wrong by calling his PCP? I do not blame the pharmacy at all - they are the nicest people in the world. But, I think something must have gotten lost in translation or something. Is there a reason they wouldn’t have filled his meds? Apparently they told the aide that they couldn’t dispense the meds until the original 24 days on the other prescription ran out.

Is there any documentation I can have ready for my dad when I call the pharmacy on Monday? How can I help? What did I do wrong so I don’t repeat the mistake?

Thank you for your advice and please forgive the longwindedness of this post.



https://ift.tt/e3naAMs Submitted March 10, 2024 at 10:12AM by Ill-Software-5722 https://ift.tt/jCvbPHO
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