Longitude Health Launches New Health Program for the Web
Longitude Health Inc., a provider of Web-based health and wellness management solutions, launched an approach to assist with lowering company health care costs and raising employee satisfaction and productivity August 5.
Called the Whole Population/Whole Person, the opt-in program works with the whole employee population, including healthy people that want to stay well, people at high risk for developing chronic conditions, and those already coping with chronic diseases.
The program is designed to enable employers to support their employees with incentives, resources, physician oversight, and social health networking. The program also offers a secure and private online health portal that aids in reducing the risks for developing chronic conditions or to better manage existing chronic conditions.
"The burden on employers is even larger when you consider how scarce resources are consumed by absences, recruitment, and training driven by health-related events," said Tracy Korman, Longitude Health's president and CEO.
“Unlike traditional disease management, Longitude Health's Whole Person approach addresses the full breadth of health improvement opportunities and related co-morbidities of each engaged participant—leading to better health and financial outcomes," said Dr. Jan Swaney, co-founder and company chief medical officer. www.longitudehealth.com
American Health Information Management Association Celebrates CMS’ Decision
Ever since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced its plan of adopting ICD-10 Classification upgrades on August 15, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has been doing a happy dance to celebrate the good news.
The ICD-10 Classification upgrades are regarded as a significant step forward in the use of classification systems that reflect 21st century medical knowledge.
AHIMA is eagerly awaiting information from CMS about the rules they are requiring for the health care industry to get ICD-10 implementation rolling.
"While we wait for a final rule from CMS, there is much the health care industry can do to prepare for implementation and to enjoy the benefits of using these advanced classification systems," said Linda Kloss, AHIMA’s CEO.
"Once implemented in the United States, ICD-10 will significantly improve our nation's ability to provide information comparable to 21st century medicine and its current understanding of disease,” Kloss explained. “Moreover, ICD-10 will better allow for the measurement of quality patient care and the international exchange of public health, pandemic, research information, and information that allows for policy decisions related to health care and health care systems.” www.ahima.org, www.cms.hhs.gov
300,000 Grocery Bags Create Food for Thought
The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc, will hand out approximately 300,000 reusable, fabric shopping totes during more than 1,000 benefits fairs throughout the United States. The benefits provider hopes to demonstrate the value of group disability insurance while encouraging eco-friendly habits among U.S. workers.
The Hartford's colorful bags are dressed with the words "Rethink...Reuse...Recycle" and an illustration of a fruit basket.
"Many Americans would struggle to pay for essentials if they could not work due to an injury or illness,” said Ron Gendreau, executive vice president of The Hartford's Group Benefits Division. “Our research shows 95% of consumers would have to change their lifestyle if they lost part of their family's income for 3 to 6 months." Hartford Financial Services is a diversified financial services company that provides investment products, life insurance, and group benefits,
"With the shopping bags, we hope to get the word out that workers can protect their paycheck with disability insurance and help ensure they can pay for everyday expenses like gas and groceries even if a disability keeps them out of work,” Gendreau added. “The new educational pieces and the grocery bags reflect The Hartford's commitment to delivering simple, easy-to-understand benefits enrollment materials and programs.”
The Hartford's benefits specialists will hand out the reusable bags in September, October, and November and will be on hand to answer workers' questions and guide them through the necessary steps to help protect their family finances.
"In today's world of voluntary benefits where employees are purchasing insurance coverage through the workplace, we feel we have a responsibility to help them understand all of their options and make the best decisions for themselves,” Gendreau said. www.thehartford.com
