Health
Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) is increasing its involvement in social media as part of its commitment to engage the community in conversations surrounding healthcare.
PHC has established a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and will use other social media sites as they become more popular options for the communities PHC serves.
“We are responding to our members and community stakeholders,” said Jack Horn, chief executive officer of Partnership HealthPlan of California. “One of our goals has always been to be a locally responsive health plan. We never stop looking for new ways to communicate so we can get fast honest feedback on how we’re doing. As an organization, we are excited to be a part of the social media experience, but we also know that our audience will drive this. That’s what social media is all about.”
Initial plans include the use of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to provide health tips, general information about PHC, job postings, articles on medical breakthroughs, community resources and local events.
As users engage PHC, content may shift depending on the level of interest.
“Ideally we should always be speaking to our members and the community in the ways that they choose – whether that’s by phone, email, postal mail, in person or through social media,” Horn said. “Otherwise, you’re just talking at them, not with them.”
Through conversations on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other sites, PHC has found yet another way to respond immediately to members’ concerns about their health care, while still protecting individual privacy and confidentiality.
“That part is key,” Horn said. “Messages we receive about members or their healthcare are treated just as we handle phone calls into our call center – quickly, completely and confidentially.”
PHC began operating in 1994 and serves Medi-Cal recipients in 14 Northern California counties.
Additional information can be found at www.partnershiphp.org .
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With historic investments from the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Act, the National Health Service Corps has supported nearly 14,000 health care providers between 2009 and 2013, including 1,072 in California.
“Because of the Affordable Care Act, the National Health Service Corps is providing loans and scholarships to more doctors, nurses, and other health care providers, so more people get the care they need,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “National Health Service Corps clinicians are providing care to approximately 9.3 million patients across the country.”
The National Health Service Corps provides loan repayment and scholarships to health care providers who commit to practicing in the areas of the United States that need them most.
There are nearly 8,900 primary care clinicians currently providing care in the National Health Service Corps. The number of providers has increased by nearly two and half times since 2008.
In addition to Corps clinicians currently providing care, nearly 1,000 students, residents, and health providers in the National Health Service Corps pipeline are preparing to go into practice.
“More than 85 percent of National Health Service Corps providers continue to serve in high need areas two years after their service commitment is met,” said HRSA Administrator Dr. Mary K. Wakefield , Ph.D., R.N. “The Affordable Care Act’s investment in the Corps helps ensure underserved communities have access to quality health care.”
The National Health Service Corps made more than 4,500 loan repayment and scholarship awards to clinicians and students in fiscal year 2013 thanks to an investment of more than $284 million from the Affordable Care Act. Grants were also made to 32 states to support state loan repayment programs thanks to this funding.
This is part of the administration’s commitment to strengthen and diversify the nation’s workforce to meet growing demand. A new report shows that more than half of the nearly 1,000 corps scholars in the pipeline report that they are minorities. The report also includes new state-level data on awards.
For the new report, Helping Primary Care Clinicians Practice in the Communities Where They are Needed Most: National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment and Scholarships, visit http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/currentmembers/fieldstrength.pdf .
The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.
For more information about NHSC programs, please visit www.NHSC.hrsa.gov .
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UKIAH, Calif. – A new minimally invasive procedure for treating a serious medical condition known as venous reflux disease, better known as severe varicose veins has been introduced to the Advanced Wound Center (AWC) at Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC).
An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from severe and diseased varicose veins which cause pain, swellingand disfigurement.
William F. Cress, M.D., laparoscopic and general surgeon will be spearheading the program at the AWC.
Dr. Cress has nine years of experience in using this procedure called endovenous radiofrequency ablation.
“My patients are amazed at how quick the procedure is and how little discomfort they feel,” he said. “It only takes a matter of minutes to work on the diseased vein. I have found the treatment outcomes to be excellent. The procedure is successful in closing the vein, and the patients’ quality of life improves immediately.”
This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthetic, the ClosureFAST catheter is then threaded into the diseased vein through a small puncture, and radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the device to heat and seal the vein walls.
The body subsequently re-routes blood flow through healthier leg veins, restoring normal circulation, and the varicosity symptoms quickly dissipate.
Clinical studies have found the procedure more than 97 percent effective at the one year followup visit and virtually painless for most patients.
As a medical necessity, the procedure is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance plans.
“This is a great technological leap beyond alternative vein procedures,” said Gwen Matthews, chief executive officer of UVMC. “It is so gratifying to provide a patient with a resolution to a medical issue they may have struggled with for decades.”
Half of all seniors, including two-thirds of women over 60, will experience the condition at some point.
Heredity, pregnancy, obesity and careers requiring extended standing, like nursing and teaching, are the primary risk factors. Complications may include leg ulcers and dangerous blood clots.
To learn more about the minimally invasive vein procedure and other services offered at the Advanced Wound Center please call 707-467-5230 or visit www.uvmc.org/wound .
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lakeport is expanding its nutrition food program for children to include health, fitness and wellness with health practitioner and yoga therapist Michelle Marie Duguay.
Duguay has extensive study, research and professional experience with conventional, integrative and holistic medicine.
Her professional experience focuses on diet, nutrition, and health and wellness therapies such as relaxation, stress management and fitness.
She previously worked at Sutter Hospital’s Wellness Program, which closes Nov. 30, and for eight years at Stanford Hospital and Clinic’s Cancer Center.
“We’re excited to have Michelle lead movement classes at St. John’s Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. beginning Dec. 2,” said Parish Priest Fr. Leo M. Joseph, O.S.F. “Classes will be offered on a donation basis. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. She will also offer classes on diet and nutrition.”
With her education and training, Duguay helps people find healthy, fruitful lives.
“I’m honored to share all of this with the community of St. John’s Church,” she said. “Together we will support health and wellness in Lake County.”
You can read more about Duguay at http://michelleduguay.wordpress.com/about/ .
All are welcome at St. John’s Episcopal Church Sunday services at 10 a.m., 1190 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. The presence and ministry of the Episcopal Church in Lake County since 1977, St. John’s is a visible, welcoming family of Christ, resolved to deepen our relationship with God.
For further information, please call Fr. Leo at 707-349-6563 or see the St. John’s Web site www.saintjohnslakeport.org .
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