Collaboration between providers, patients, payer helps reduce gaps

A collaborative effort between Keystone Mercy Health Plan and local hospitals to provide care coordination for Medicaid members is helping reduce health care gaps and emergency department and inpatient utilization.

Holistic approach gets employees back to work

By taking a holistic approach to disability management, Aetna's Integrated Health and Disability program is getting employees on disability back to work quicker and healthier.

Asking post-acute providers for free services

When patients do not have a payer source for the post-acute services they need, you may be putting providers at risk of fraud if you work with them to provide free or voluntary services, warns Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.

Shiftwork may lead to GI upset, sick days

Rotating shifts have been associated with some serious health effects, including cancer, excessive fatigue, depression, and obesity. A recent study links another disorder to the disruption of changing schedules: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

TB: Stay vigilant as drug resistance spreads

Tuberculosis has continued to decline in the United States even as parts of the world struggle with the growing burden of multi-drug-resistant strains.

Do depression screening, or face lower productivity

If an employee is absent more often and supervisors report an impaired work performance, suspect depression.

Workers may try to hide their depression

Depression isn't typically the first complaint a worker presents to their occupational health professional. In fact, an employee is likely to conceal this from you.

Don't violate patient privacy regs for anyone

Have you ever been put into the uncomfortable position of being asked for confidential health information about an employee by a senior leader or administrator? Be ready for this "sticky situation," as it may violate patient privacy regulations, says Patricia B. Strasser, PhD, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, principal of Partners in BusinessHealth Solutions in Toledo, OH.

Know penalties for privacy reg violations

The unauthorized release of employee health information can result in civil, and sometimes criminal, liability under both federal and state laws. For example, covered individuals under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) face civil fines ranging from $100 to $25,000, depending on one's level of intent. Criminal penalties include fines ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

July 1, 2010