Posts Tagged ‘Healthcare’

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November 22nd, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services
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The new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)–otherwise known as healthcare reform–brought relief to many senior citizens for whom preventive care is so critical to their good health. PPACA brings many advantages for seniors on Medicare, one of which is annual preventive care exams. Preventive care on an annual basis means early identification of disease and greater opportunity for treatment and recovery.

Beginning in September, 2010, new Medicare insurance plans and some current plans (specific changes must be made in order for them to be qualified) will begin coverage for specific services like colonoscopy and mammography. Seniors who show evidence they need the tests, and whose doctors order them, will be able to get the services. Beginning in January 2011, other requirements fall away and the services will be available as preventive care with no copay or deductible applied.

Many elderly have been subjected to high copays and deductibles for preventive care services like colonoscopy and mammography. Some were not covered at all. Older adults have a much higher risk of developing cancer, diabetes, aging-eye disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, than the younger generations; as a result, the need for preventive services increases with age. Improved coverage means older and more vulnerable seniors will have access to preventive services starting in 2011.

Seniors and their medical professionals are now free to make appropriate choices about medical care based on the need for preventive services, not whether or not the elder can pay for the service. Many senior citizens have had to choose between food and shelter or medical care; they are on poverty level fixed incomes. They will no longer have to make this abhorrent choice, thanks to healthcare reform and affordable coverage for everyone.

November 22nd, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services
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Diagnostics is an important component of improved value chain in the Healthcare Sector, which enables accurate detection of health risks and diseases in earlier stages thereby improving treatment and disease management, while cutting subsequent health problems and their associated costs. With improving economic indicators for India, healthcare spend has also witnessed a rise. Though diagnostic tests comprise a very small percentage of the total medical expenditure, they account for 60-70% of all treatment decisions. Additionally, with the advent of molecular diagnostics, there is growing focus on diagnostics for early detection of diseases.

Industry on a fast growth track

The healthcare industry in India is growing at a rapid pace and it is poised to become one of the dominant participants of the Indian economy. According to a Yes Bank and ASSOCHAM report, the Indian health care industry is estimated to grow at 23% p.a. to USD 77 billion by 2012 from the current USD 35 billion. The sector has grown at the rate of 9.3% from the year 2000 to 2009.

Of the sum, diagnostic and pathology services would account for USD 2.5 billion in 2012, more than double its estimated current size of USD1 billion. The growth in the segment is expected to be driven by the consolidation in the industry and increasing insurance penetration among the country’s population. Healthcare facilities, inclusive of public and private hospitals, the core sector, around which the healthcare sector is centered, would continue to contribute over 70% of the total sector and touch a figure of USD 54.7 billion by 2012 The diagnostics and pathology testing market in India represents one of the most lucrative markets in the world. The market has seen a robust growth in past few years.

IVD and Molecular

The Indian In Vitro Diagnostic market is estimated to be USD 300 million as of 2008-09. The IVD market scenario has seen major development in the last 4-5 years and India should very soon catch up with the rest of the world. IVD revenue in India is primarily driven by labs contributing 65%, while hospitals contribute 35% share. The market is divided into Public & Private customers and the industry is made up of MNCs, Indian corporate and the unorganized players. Some of the big players are also entering the IVD businesses with emerging opportunities. (more…)

October 23rd, 2011  Posted at   Healthcare Services
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For hospitals attempting to fill ever increasing vacancies, they are also facing increasing challenges associated with escalating competition from other healthcare institutions for the available workforce as well as fundamental changes in hospital care. Several trends are contributing towards today’s lower staff levels, including higher acuity patients who require more intensive care and treatment, coupled with global medical staffing shortages.

A recent report conducted by AHRQ sought to investigate the relationship between nurse staffing levels and adverse patient outcomes. The findings were conclusive, replicating findings of previous studies, highlighting the direct relationship between the levels and quality of hospital staffing vacancies and a declining quality of care provided to patients, resulting in a higher incidence rate of adverse patient outcomes.

The research also noted that changes in hospital care are further complicating staffing issues, as new medical technologies and a declining average length of stay have led to an increased amount of care being provided per patient while they are in hospital. New technologies are creating a situation where medical apparatus that was previously the sole domain of hospitals and other medical organisations are now available in a private setting. This is generating a scenario where patients are being discharged earlier and receiving care at home. However, this is creating further demand on the numbers and qualities of nurses who are now expected to perform their activities in a range of private and personal environments.

With the advent of new technologies, there will be a resultant correlation in the demand for staff that are confident with, and trained in, new medical devices and apparatus. The internet has changed the way nearly everyone works and conducts business, and the healthcare industry is no exception. Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services have been, and will continue to be, positively influenced by IT and software developments. A classic example includes the electronic filing system giving immediate access to accurate patient histories and documentation. As technology affects the delivery of healthcare services, the role of hospital staff will also evolve.

The internet and Web 2.0 technologies are also starting to affect the manner in which patients access their information, as well as having an increased level of control over their own care. These technologies will undoubtedly also affect the way that medical services are delivered. How the merging of healthcare and advances in technology evolve in the future will contribute to an exciting industry and careers where hospital staff are always in high demand. (more…)

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