• By Linda Barlow  |  Aug 13, 2013

    Hospitals See Early Signs of Cost-Savings through Energy Efficiency Project

    Hospitals are notorious for being energy hogs. With 24/7 operation, lots of energy-consuming equipment, and strict codes for lighting, air circulation and heating/cooling, there should be little wonder why. In fact, it’s estimated that the operation and construction of hospitals uses five percent of all the energy consumed in the…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Aug 6, 2013

    When the Health Care Blogger Becomes the Cancer Patient

    The call came the day after my 48th birthday in April. “The radiologist saw something suspicious on your mammogram from last week…an undetermined mass,” said the voice on the other end of the phone. “We’d like you to come in for an ultrasound so we can see better.” During the ultrasound…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings
  • By Linda Barlow  |  Aug 1, 2013

    Striking the Right Balance for Better Patient Outcomes

    A recent article in Health Affairs reports that ChenMed – which serves low-to-moderate income elderly patients primarily through the Medicare Advantage program – is achieving better health outcomes for Medicare-eligible seniors, including those living with five or more major and chronic health conditions.  Dozens of Chen and JenCare Neighborhood Medical Centers are helping tens of thousands of seniors…more.

  • By Paul DeMiglio  |  Jul 30, 2013

    Targeted Therapies Open Door to Improved Outcomes and Lower Costs to Treat HCV

    As we were reminded on World Hepatitis Day, early detection is critical to turning the tide of this “silent epidemic” that impacts millions. However, strategies to end the deadly effects of viral hepatitis don’t stop there. Personalized treatment is another essential tool that fuels better outcomes for patients with hepatitis C (HCV) while…more.

  • By Shawn J. Green, PhD, Co-founder, Berkeley Test  |  Jul 25, 2013

    Turning DASH Strategy into Reality for Improved Cardio Wellness Outcomes: Part II

    As part of their health & wellness program, the largest health insurer sent me a refrigerator magnet highlighting the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension Diet (DASH).  In their accompanying letter, the company stated that the refrigerator magnet is a “tool to help you manage your blood pressure.”…more.

  • By Linda Barlow  |  Jul 23, 2013

    World Hepatitis Day Spotlights Importance of Early Detection to Improve Prevention and Treatment Strategies

    This Sunday, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day, an observance that reminds us that hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) remains largely unknown as a major health threat. Approximately half a billion people worldwide and 4.4 million people in the U.S. live with chronic viral hepatitis, with one million deaths resulting…more.

  • By Linda Barlow  |  Jul 17, 2013

    Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Underscores Efforts to Identify Causes and Develop Treatments

    That’s right. Children get arthritis too. In fact, according to the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) – one of the most common childhood diseases in the country. When Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) first shows its symptoms in a child’s…more.

  • By Shawn J. Green, PhD, Co-founder, Berkeley Test  |  Jul 16, 2013

    More Patients DASH to New Solution to Reduce High Blood Pressure: Part I

    What’s the solution to reversing the tide of hypertension, the most commonly diagnosed condition in the United States?  More evidence indicates that the answer begins with the food choices we make every day. An underlying cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease, one in three American adults now experiences…more.

  • By Linda Barlow  |  Jul 10, 2013

    Are Shorter Doctor’s Office Wait Times Just a Phone Call Away?

    Nobody likes to wait, especially at the doctor’s office. No one knows for sure what will happen to wait times, which average from about 16 minutes to just over 24 minutes nationwide according to Vitals – as 30 million more Americans obtain health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. But it stands to reason…more.

    Categories: Access to Care
  • By Paul DeMiglio  |  Jul 9, 2013

    Good for Your Body and Your Budget

    Does stocking your shelves with nutritious foods always mean breaking your budget at the grocery store or local market? You probably think the answer is yes, but what we found might shock you. Dawn Undurraga, a consulting nutritionist for the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and registered dietitian, tells a different…more.

    Categories: Cost-Savings