‘Comparative effectiveness’ webinar, sponsored by PHII

The message is clear from Washington — “comparative effectiveness” has been proposed as the foundation for coverage decisions in Medicare — as the feds lead this “trickle down” to the commercial sector. The Population Health Impact Institute (PHII) has convened national experts to develop a practical, comparative-based system to help purchasers and payers evaluate the methods and results used in all kinds of population health management programs, including medical, case and disease management, benefit design, value-based purchasing and more.

The financial impact of employee absence

The total financial impact of employee absences was developed from a survey conducted online in the summer of 2008. Respondents totaled 455 organizations in all major industry segments, sizes and regions throughout the U.S. Case managers should find the information helpful as part of their role and become more aware of assisting the patient they manage to improve their health so they can return to work.

Health care experts agree on paying for results

Experts say that the current U.S. health care system is inefficient and dangerous, but insurers, providers and executives agree that a modern health system should focus on paying for results. Such a system would improve chronic illness management and care coordination, incorporate prevention strategies and health IT tools, identify and implement best practices, and reject expensive, unproven treatments.

E-Health: Tracking the trends

NPR hosted an interesting show on E-Health last week. The program overview stated that advances in information technology are leading to major changes in our health care system. The show’s host, Diane Rehm, talked to three experts and looked at some of the trends, including health-related web searches, online prescriptions, digitized medical records, and doctor’s appointments via webcam.

Economy raising stress levels, putting health at risk

The 2008 Stress in America survey found finances, jobs and the economy have significantly increased stress levels in America over the past two years, which health experts say can contribute to heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. Stress also can make people more susceptible to infections and increase inflammation that contributes to stroke, arthritis, diabetes and frailty.

Website helps seniors understand Medicare Part D

Now seniors and caregivers can find the most suitable and cost-effective Medicare Part D plan by entering their zip code and a list of medications on the Drugs.com website. Drugs.com is published by the Drugsite Trust, a privately-held trust operated by a team of pharmacists and medical writers that provides free, objective, and up-to-date drug information.