Employing Hospital Compliance Software to Manage JCAHO Accreditation Requirements

Accreditation is very important for organizations nowadays. Rewards and recognition are afforded to those able to reach accreditation requirements; apart from the innate benefit of making effective working systems in the organization making more clients satisfied and in turn, driving more profit for the company.

JCAHO Requirements and Benefits

The most sought after accreditation for hospitals is the JCAHO or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. JCAHO evaluations mainly check on the level of compliance of the hospitals on the quality of care and safety they provide their patients. It aims to increase the quality of care given to patients as well as ensure that patient rights are adhered to.

All hospitals vie for this type of accreditation because it is one of the requirements of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to achieve Medicaid/Medicare certification and be authorized for reimbursement. And once a hospital is JCAHO accredited, it ensures its clients with the best care and safety while the hospital who violates it receives citation for non - compliance. The noncompliance is to be rectified within the specified period of rectification to avoid revocation of the accreditation of the hospital. Hospitals are strictly evaluated on their adherence to the set standards of the commission for accreditation. The said standards are discussed in depth in The Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals (CAMH).

JCAHO Accreditation Process

However, achieving JCAHO accreditation is not easy. Most hospital administrators panic at the thought of a JCAHO evaluation especially these days that evaluations are unannounced. It also affects the medical and the rest of the staff because of the details that they would have to take into consideration.

The accreditation process involves an on-site, unannounced survey to be conducted by a survey team from the Joint Commission. It is done every after 18 to 39 months of the previous conduct of survey. The survey evaluates the actual care processes of the hospital from care, treatment and services rendered to the patients. While doing so, the staff are also informed and guided on how to initiate and establish hospital performance improvements. With all these processes, several documentation are necessary to check on the compliance of the hospital.

Managing the Accreditation Process

Documentation of hospital processes and improvements usually take a toll on the hospital staff. Without the appropriate system of doing so, the staff will either end up exhausted or the other care and safety processes will be left undocumented. To avoid such circumstance, hospitals should employ hospital compliance software to streamline and manage patient care and operational performance. The good thing is the availability of hospital accreditation software that manages not only JCAHO accreditation but as well as other accreditation agencies.

Hospital accreditation is highly beneficial not only for the organization but most specially for its clientele. Qualtrax, Inc. is the first Intranet product made available to support and maintain regulatory requirements for document and data control which has now grown into a true compliance software package.

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Hospital Tips For the Elderly

Let's face it; going to the hospital for any kind of procedure is daunting, even for the young and relatively healthy individual. But, for the older American, a hospital visit can be quite frightening and even dangerous. Older people are more susceptible to hospital borne infections and can often be a bit neglected by busy nurses and other caregivers. The following hospital tips have been compiled specifically for the older individual who is facing a hospital stay.

1. If you know you are going to be admitted to a hospital in the near future, ask a relative or close friend to visit you as much as possible, while you are in the hospital. Ask that person to be prepared to watch over you and make sure that your needs are met, should you not be able to do so, yourself.

2. Whenever possible, try to do most of the pre-admission process over the phone before the day of your surgery/treatment. That way, you can be sure that the information you are giving is correct and you will not be as nervous as you will be on the day of your admission. Be sure and tell the admissions coordinator about ALL medications you are taking (including non-prescription pills and supplements). You should also plan to bring these medications with you on the day of your surgery/treatment in their original containers. Expect that they will be taken from you and then reissued by the hospital pharmacist in conjunction with your physician. Hospitals do not allow patients to take medications on their own while under their care.

3. Make sure you bring your favorite nightclothes, a robe, slippers and some comfortable clothes to wear home after discharge. You should also bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and razor, etc. Hospitals will not provide these items to patients. Should you forget to bring any of these items, the hospital gift shop should have these items in stock at all times.

4. Do NOT bring valuable jewelry, including your watch and wedding rings. Leave these at home or with a trusted friend but don't wear them to the hospital! It is also best not to bring electric hair dryers as they may not be grounded to the hospital's standards and pose a safety issue.

5. A geriatric assessment may be done by the hospital care team for some elderly patients. There may be complex problems that could threaten their ability to live alone after certain surgeries or procedures. Usually, the physician assigned to the case will request the assessment by another physician, nurse, social worker and physical therapist. This assessment can help older patients receive all of the care they may need after they are discharged from the hospital.

6. Older patients can take much longer to recover from the effects of anesthesia than younger individuals. It is important that the patient get plenty of rest and a lot of fluids to help offset these effects. Report to a nurse or the physician if excessive dizziness, nausea or forgetfulness continues to be a problem more than 24 hours after the surgery. Also, the older patient should not be allowed to get up on their own after anesthesia without someone else to assist and evaluate their ability to get around without tripping over wires and tubes (always a hazard in the hospital),

7. Older patients can also experience more problems with IV's because their skin is much thinner and their veins tend to collapse. Any arm pain, sudden coldness, a huge bubble forming under the skin or stinging should be reported to the nurse right away as the vein may have collapsed and the fluid could be leaking under the skin.

In short, the elderly need special attention and care when admitted to the hospital. It is the responsibility of the hospital staff to make sure that the outcome is the best it can possibly be, but the reality is that the elderly need an advocate (or several) in the form of family and friends to make sure their needs are truly properly met.

Author CL Davison is a former hospital administrator with a national hospital chain and is now a business owner and writer. Please visit [http://www.med-tips.com]

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Hospital Bed Buying Guide

Purchasing a hospital bed for yourself or a loved one, can lead to a lot of confusion. And mistakes can cut a costly chunk out of your wallet. But once you know the basics, you'll be able to purchase your next hospital bed or home care bed with confidence!

First, here are the bare bones basics:


The standard size for a hospital bed mattress is 35 x 80. Be sure to purchase Twin XL sheets because standard twin sheets won't fit.
If you need extra length, an extension is available on several models.
The mattress may or may not be included...be sure to find out when you are ordering.
Bed rails may be included or they may be an add-on. Make sure to ask about them when making your purchase.
If you need to buy a mattress, there are lots of choices depending on your needs. There are standard coil springs, foam and air mattresses. Okay, so now you need to decide what type of hospital bed you need. There are 5 types to choose from:

Manual Hospital Bed:

This is a great choice if you're working on a tight budget and don't mind extra work. The extra work comes from having to manually crank the bed to make any adjustments. So if you want the manual type...be sure that the person who needs to operate the bed is physically capable.

Semi-Electric Hospital Bed:

Again, this is a good choice if your budget is tight. You can adjust the head and foot of the bed with the push of a button. And that's a nice convenience. But the height is still adjusted by a manual crank. The great part is that these beds are typically covered by Medicare for home use.

Electric Hospital Bed:

Now we're into the Cadillac of hospital beds! A fully electric hospital bed allows the patient to not only adjust her head and feet with the push of a button, but the height of the bed is just as easily controlled. The benefit here is that it makes it so much easier for patients to get in and out of the bed on their own.

Adjustable Beds:

These beds are designed to "look" more like real beds. They come in twin, full, queen and king sizes to accommodate your preference.

Specialty Hospital Beds:

These are the fancy beds you'll find in most hospitals. You'll know them when you see them, too because the price tag will be pretty hefty. But if you're purchasing for a hospital then you just have to bite the bullet!

I know, I know...it's still hard to decide isn't it? I mean, each type of hospital bed has several different manufacturers who then sell several different models of each type.

If you still have questions, your best bet it to talk to a medical equipment expert who can help you decide which type, make and model will be best for you. Whatever you do, don't spend thousands of dollars on a guess. Be sure you're getting the bed you need.

Why waste your time looking for the perfect hospital bed or home care bed? We can find the perfect one for your needs...saving you time, money and frustration!

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It Takes a Village - Hospital Staff Works Together Towards Better Health

As the average patient enters the hospital for a routine medical exam or open-heart surgery, they do not always get to meet the dozens of hospital staff working behind the scenes to make sure that they are given the best care possible in a comfortable setting.

When most people think of a hospital like Manteno hospital, they first think of doctors and nurses whom are certainly a critical part of the hospital. But what about the sheets on the bed or the well-balanced tray of food cooked and delivered to your bedside three times a day. These tasks are performed by housekeeping and kitchen staff and often go unseen during a hospital stay.

It is easy to imagine the hundreds of man hours that go into doing the laundry for an Illinois hospital on any given day, but what about the lights that illuminate the surgical suites during important surgeries or the clean white-tiled floors that allow patients to be safely moved from room to room as needed. Largely operations and maintenance staff, many of whom work late hours to ensure that everything in the hospitality is running efficiently, oversee these tasks.

If you were to look at staff at the Kankakee Illinois hospital, you would find a wide range of job positions. The hospital administration and management is always working to ensure that insurers are paid and that doctors and nurses have the necessary support and technology to give the best care possible to all.

Doctors and nurses have the closest interaction with patients, but all of the facets of a working, thriving hospital make it possible for you to receive the best of care at all times. If one person were to not complete their job then it would be nearly impossible for other workers to complete their daily duties. This is why many hospitals make every effort to acknowledge the diversity of their staff and the various ways that their hard work positively impacts the patient sitting in the waiting room ready to be admitted.

Rounding out the diverse roles and responsibilities of paid staff are the hospital volunteers. These men, women and children often come from varied backgrounds and support patients and other staff alike. Whether it is bringing some much needed humor and cheer to a post-op patient or reading to children in the hospital, these individuals recognize the fulfillment that comes from giving back within your own community.

So whether or not you are a doctor at Manteno hospital or a nurse at the Kankakee Illinois hospital [http://www.riversidehealthcare.org/locations/kankakee.html] or play a role in the administration of an Illinois hospital, Riverside Healthcare has a team of dedicated individuals working towards better health for everyone who walks through the door. At Riverside, patients can learn more about these caring individuals and the programs and services available at the Riverside hospitals across Illinois.

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Having Surgery - 7 Things You Don't Want to Take to the Hospital When You Go in For Surgery

There are some things that you are required to take to the hospital when you are having surgery, such as a photo id and your usual medications. And there are some things, such as your favorite books that you must have to make your stay while recovering after surgery a little more comfortable, and that's okay. There are some things, however, that you should never take to the hospital even if you think you can't live without them. After all... you are going to the hospital, and I promise; your doctors and nurses will not let you die from email deprivation.

Here is at list of some important "don't bring items" and why you should not take them with you to the hospital.

1. Food and Drink

Chances are good that you will be on some doctor-ordered diet for a few days after surgery. And all of your food will come from the hospital cafeteria. It's not exactly savory, but you have to eat that and that alone. Don't bother with gathering up and keeping up with your favorite foods and drinks in the hospital. Besides, you won't have a refrigerator, microwave, or can opener in your recovery room anyway.

2. Clothing

When you feel sick at home it always helps to put on your comfy flannel pajamas, wrap up in your silk robe, and walk around in your fuzzy slippers. And you know that at the hospital you will be wearing a flimsy gown that is too big and flashes your rear when you walk. You may be tempted to pack your go-to lounging around garb. But, in the hospital, you risk losing or even ruining those coveted comfort clothes. Leave them at home and look forward to wearing them when you get back.

3. Nice Linens

Let's face it, hospitals do not exactly brag about their high-thread count sheets or plush pillows. And unless the sheets on your bed are 500-thread count and the pillow under your head is made of memory foam, you just don't sleep well. You think that you would get more and better rest if you just take in some of your own linens. But don't do it. Like clothing, linens are likely to get lost or ruined while you are recovering in the hospital. If you absolutely cannot fall asleep on the hospital linens, the nurse will give you a pill for that.

4. Scented Candles or Air Freshener

Aromatherapy is effective at easing you into the right mood and frame of mind to accelerate healing. The flickering flames of candles alone can create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. And, anything would improve the sanitary yet unsettling smell of hospital rooms. However, lighting candles and fogging the room with Febreeze is not a good idea for two reasons. For one, the aroma that pleases one person may sicken another. You don't want to occupy that room that other patrons of the hospital smell from down the hall. For two, certain products that alter the air may cause complications for other recovering patients, especially ones with conditions such as asthma. You don't want to be the one responsible for contaminating their air.

5. Jewelry

Jewelry should never be taken to the hospital, and this includes your wedding set. Before surgery, you will be required to take it off, all of it. This is the time when jewelry can get lost or even stolen. If you don't believe it, read the newspaper. It's sad, but all to often jewelry gets stolen while in the hospital. Furthermore, when you are lying in a hospital bed, you do not need to nor are you expected to wear jewelry. Just save yourself the hassle of taking it off and trusting a friend to keep up with it and prevent the risk of losing it. Leave all of your jewelry at home, safe and sound.

6. Credit Cards or Cash

There is not one thing that you need to buy in the hospital. Your food, room, and maid services are included in that huge bill that they send you. Like jewelry, cash and cards are easily stolen or lost in the hospital. You don't want to leave the hospital with less cash or a stolen identity. Leave the pocketbook or wallet at home.

7. Work-Related Items

Cell phones, laptops, briefcases, and anything else related to work should be left at, well, work. At the hospital, focus on recovery. You can focus on your work at work. Stressing over work will only interfere with your rest and serenity and hinder your healing. Save the work for when you are back in tip-top shape and can really concentrate on getting those reports finished. Beleive it or not, if they are really that important, let someone else from the office do it.

So... try to leave the above items at home when you have to stay in the hospital. You really won't miss them while recuperating after your surgery, and they will be waiting for you just the same as you left them when you get home.

If you are having surgery and would like more information about how to prepare for surgery, reduce stress and heal quicker then download my free guide at http://www.PrepareForSurgeryNow.com

Mary Edison is also a health enthusiast, writer and entrepreneur. Through her websites and articles, she offers products and services that nurture and support the quality of life for all living things.

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Where Do Hospitals Get the Money in Order to Purchase Hospital Equipment?

There are several sources in which hospitals have in order to purchase the hospital equipment that they need in order to run their hospital and give their patients the most efficient and up-to-date care. Hospitals make their money and stay open due to federal and state government allocations, legislatures, insurance companies, individuals who make donations, and other employers. All of these entities contribute to the funding of the hospital and is taken care of by the hospital administrators who try to make the best and most efficient choices for the hospital itself.

Hospitals get their main source of income from the contributions and donations from companies and individual resources. They either get these monies in the form of checks or in hospital equipment or in other types of transactions. Most of these processes are very complicated in order to explain but there are several websites on the internet that explains the processes more in depth in order to get the understanding about how the whole process works. Their other main source of income is through the patients that they treat but this also can be very complicated due to the fact that there has to be a balance between the insured patients and the uninsured patients.

The more procedures that a hospital will incur will get them more money from the insurance companies while different procedures will be more lucrative than other procedures. It also even depends on the types of insurance plans that the patients have because some insurance companies pay more than others do. All of these factors have to watched and calculated in order for the hospital to have the money in their accounts in order to purchase needed hospital equipment and supplies for the hospital. Hospitals can go out of business if there are too many patients that come through their door without insurance or without a way to pay.

The general public needs to understand that the reason hospital costs are usually so high is due to the simple fact of the cost that it takes in order to run the hospital and the cost that it takes to get the patients the best and most up-to-date hospital equipment on the market today. They could be making a lot of money from their donations, insurance money and the government, but if the uninsured services and non-payment services rise about the money that they are getting, it could force the hospital into closing their doors.

Simon Harris writers about Hospital Equipment at http://www.hospital-equipment.org/

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What Does the Internet Have to Offer When it Comes to Hospital Equipment?

Many hospitals purchase their hospital equipment from local medical supply companies within their area but there are times when their staff will research and find other outlets in order to purchase from that will be more cost efficient for their hospital. There are many online retailers that the hospitals are able to take advantage of in order to purchase many of their supplies and equipment. Hospitals usually go through a purchasing process of discussions, research, and proposals before they actually put their signature on the dotted line and they have to make sure that they are getting the most up-to-date equipment as well.

The benefit that online retailers give to the medical industry when it comes to hospitals purchasing hospital equipment are the options and array of supplies that it gives. There is new technology coming out for the medical field every single day and hospitals have to be on top of this technology in order to stay with the competition that is in the business. You may think that there is no competition between hospitals and they are just there to take care of the number of people in that area but this is just not the case.

There are people who will travel far distances in order to visit a hospital that has more technology because they feel that they will get better results and their health situation will turn out a lot better. Hospitals that research the internet for better and more efficient types of hospital equipment will not only save themselves money in the long run, but will be able to acquire a new piece of equipment that their state may not have acquired yet within the local medical equipment supply companies. Every purchase that is made has to be the most advanced piece otherwise they would have to replace it soon costing them more money.

The internet allows them to view the hospital equipment that they are thinking about purchasing along with getting all of the information that they need about that specific piece of equipment. They will be able to contact the supply company so that they can discuss the purchase and the delivery of the item along with how the payment is to be made. The hospital administrators can do all of this within their own offices sitting at their desks. It saves the hospitals on hiring staff to go out and find the new technologies that are available.

Simon Harris writers about Hospital Equipment at http://www.hospital-equipment.org/

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St Johns Hospital Diet

However unbelievable this may sound, I did manage to successfully lose 9 pounds in 3 days with the help of St Johns Hospital 3 day diet. Looking and feeling much better and healthier was an instant result because of the amazing 3 day diet I experienced in St Johns Hospital. If you are a little unsure about this particular diet,

I am here to tell you not to worry as it is very safe and efficient. Amazing things can be done by going through a diet like this and to be honest with you, unlike most diets it does not even taste bad.

Hospital have a bad reputation when it comes to their food as most people tend to think that all the food served in hospital are always bland and boring with little or no taste. However, this is becoming a thing of the past. as hospital foods are becoming more and more delicious and tasty to go along with the healthy nutrition in their food as well. Overall, The food preparation and medical care in hospitals such as St Johns Hospital are improving day by day.

The St Johns 3 days hospital diet is pretty decent tasting and even though its menu does include the typical hospital food you would normally get, it does not necessarily mean it is going to taste bad.

The chemicals contained in the food are the main factor involved in St Johns 3 day hospital diet and that is the main reason why you cannot replace the food any way you like as no food substitution is allowed for this diet to be effective. The different food components mix together to form a combination to help in your weight loss. Once you are done with the St Johns 3 day hospital diet it is recommended that you do not continue the diet after day 3 and just stop because the sole purpose is to provide a motivation for you for that push you need to enhance your weight loss program. However, If you wish to go back to the St Johns 3 Day hospital diet then it is not a problem just do not do it continuously and give it a 4 day interval between each time you do the 3 day diet. Always keep in mind as well during those 4 interval break days between the hospital diets do not eat fatty and unhealthy food but just eat reasonably and healthy.

The following is the list of food items that you should consume in the St Johns 3 day hospital diet:

1st Day:

Breakfast - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, 1/2 of a grapefruit, 1 slice of toast with nothing on it, and a tablespoonful of peanut butter.

Lunch - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, 1 ounce of cheddar or 1 slice of toast with nothing on it, and 1/2 cup of tuna (plain, packed in water)

Dinner - 3 ounces of lean meat (chicken), 1 cup green beans, 1 cup of carrots, 1 small apple, and - get this now - 1 cup of vanilla ice cream (Delicious!)

2nd Day:

Breakfast - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, 1 egg, 1 slice of toast with nothing on it, and 1/2 a banana

Lunch - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, 1/2 cup of tuna or 1 cup of low fat cottage cheese, and 5 regular saltines.

Dinner - beef hot dogs (sans buns), 1 cup of broccoli, 1/2 cup of carrots or turnip greens, 1/2 banana, and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

3rd Day:

Breakfast - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, a small apple, 1 ounce of cheddar cheese (sharp or mild does not matter), and 5 regular saltine crackers with nothing on them

Lunch - A cup of plain black coffee or tea, 1 hard-boiled egg, and 1 slice of toast with nothing on it

Dinner - 1 cup plain tuna again, 1 cup cauliflower or 1 cup kidney beans, 1 cup carrots or beets, 1 cup of watermelon or cantaloupe, and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream.

For those that have been to basically any hospital the food menu looks familiar doesn't it? Think of it this way, if the hospital is serving it then it must be good for you as they will not serve food to make you even more unhealthy or sick and that is why I am a fan of St Johns 3 day hospital diet and feel safe in taking up such a diet. Trust me it works as I have gone through it. It felt amazing losing 9 pounds in just those 3 days and now with this information hopefully you can feel amazing too. It takes just 3 days! Thanks St Johns hospital diet!

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Cheap Hospitalization Insurance Rates Versus Major Medical Coverage Policy Benefits Comparison

Sure cheap hospitalization rates open ears, but major medical coverage policy benefits open eyes. No real comparison exists between cheap hospital insurance and comprehensive major medical except the rates. This is not a true policy benefits comparison. See how to rate the difference of hospitalization benefits paid when coverage is used. Since major claims are never cheap, unpaid medical bills, including outside hospital services can be a financial killer.

Listen to the television advertisement on how you can have cheap hospitalization rates of $6.00 a day, meaning only $180.00 monthly for a hospital policy. How can you beat the rates of as low as $10.00 daily for family benefits? That calculates to around $300.00 monthly. My wife pays $800.00 for her comprehensive major medical coverage with a small co-pay for prescriptions. You can see that something is wrong here. That is because you are looking at two rate pictures where the benefits comparison is in no way equal. Compare the major medical coverage as a whole apple, with the hospitalization policy as a smaller apple with a big chunk bit out.

Cheap Hospitalization Rates

First, remember that a hospitalization coverage policy means only providing some benefits for expenses that incur during a hospital stay. It is rare that outside services like seeing specialists, regular physician care, rehabilitation, and examinations like an MRI are covered. An MRI detailed scan providing x-ray views can easily cost over $1,000 alone. Other drawbacks are that benefits are set on few schedules. This means either there is no payable benefit; there is a limit for the service, or a 20% or higher co-pay for surgery and other items.

As an agent for a major insurance company specializing in medical coverage, they did not even offer a comprehensive major medical plan. So beware of the difference. Rates are based on adding up a number of benefit riders, similar to starting to build a plan after the base is established. The options that factored in the final rate were numerous. They included a maternity option, the daily room rate payable for a semi-private room, the co-payment for surgery, outpatient coverage in a matter of life and death situation, and a choice to cover outpatient surgery. If a cheap hospitalization policy was properly constructed, the rate was near the cost of major medical coverage, and it did not cover any benefits outside the hospital.

No one should ever buy hospital coverage as a gap supplemental insurance if you already have major medical, as you are only overlapping benefits. You could consider buying it as supplemental coverage if you cannot afford the cost of the higher quality comprehensive plan. However, hospital medical plans usually have a maximum cap for the total benefits that are paid for a single medical situation or over a lifetime.

Major Medical Coverage

This is medical insurance for inside and outside the hospital with very little exclusion. Some plans require that you pick from an approved list of doctors, or the insurer may insist approving your doctor's request to see a specialist before expenses are covered. There is a unique feature called catastrophic. This means the policy may have a maximum lifetime payout of $2,000,000 or higher. The purpose of accident and illness insurance is to avoid exposure to a financial risk you could never pay back.

There is another choice to hospitalization insurance, which you should check out if you do not want to pay bills the rest of your lifetime. That is where you receive all the normal comprehensive benefits of major medical after you decide on a deductible of $2,000 to $10,000. Yes, you would be responsible for the initial amount of satisfying the deductible. After that, all your benefits kick in. The price is extremely reasonable.

Under this alternative, you could have $85,000 in total charges in and out of the hospital plus rehabilitation. With the $5,000, deductible you are not ruined for life. Most hospitals would take a $100 monthly payment plan, so in 50 or so months the debt would be paid off. Under the cheap hospitalization plan with higher rates, you would be stuck with huge unpaid costs. Giving you a fair estimate on this $85,000 bill, the amount unpaid would certainly exceed $25,000.

Well published author, Don Yerke likes to concentrate on what you don't know or what no one else dares to print. Tell it like it is.

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A Listing of the Best Hospitals in Karachi

With a constant development in the field of Tourism worldwide, any location which has a good climate and competent facilities can easily reach the top league of tourist attractions. With a relatively mild and dry climate, Karachi can be one of the best tourist spots for visitors from cold countries. A beautiful beach along with finely constructed European style buildings of Karachi welcomes foreign visitors. With an average population of more than 18 millions, Karachi is considered to be the financial capital of Pakistan.

This paper lists the best hospitals available in Karachi. This includes some top hospitals providing service which is absolutely suitable for any Karachi visitor. It is for the safety of the visitor as this helps a lot in case of medical emergency which nobody knows when anybody might have to face.

The list of hospitals is as follows

Aga Khan Hospital
JPMC (Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center)
National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD)
Civil Hospital
Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD)

Various factors have been considered in selecting the above hospitals. Some of the important criteria are as follows

1. A thorough survey conducted in which the tourists to Karachi around the world have participated

2. Accessibility of the hospitals from various corners of the city

3. Sophistication of facilities a hospital has in terms of handling various health related issues

4. Availability of all medical facilities under one roof

5. Safety measures followed by hospitals

6. Certifications and awards from government and various social welfare organizations

7. Availability of services round the clock and presence of proficient doctors during every hour

It is obvious that typically visitors will be travelling to different locations at different timings. Even though the purpose of visit might be for fun or for some relaxation, the safety aspect should never be ignored. So, depending on the visitor's schedule, it is better to keep track of hospitals nearby that particular location on a particular day. Example: If any visitor visits any tourist spots near Rafique Shaheed Road, then it is better to have the address of the JPMC (Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center). So, in case of any emergency, they can easily contact the hospital staff. Similarly, Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD) is located in the center of the city which easily helps the visitor to reach the hospital from any corner of the city. However, it is advised to have the details of the hospitals nearby the location.

More specifically, the above mentioned hospitals are selected based on the ratings given to hospital management on the following aspects. The ratings have been collected from various foreign visitors who have visited Karachi.

It is strongly advised to take help from any consulting companies which provide end to end service handling all the necessary emergency needs for any visitor to Karachi. Those consultancies take care of every step right from tickets, city tour, hospital reservations (in case of anticipated medical emergency), appropriate doctor selection and many more. The list can be obtained online or from any travel agent.

Before you travel or move abroad, make sure that you and your family have quality medical insurance. Let Good Neighbor Insurance help you find the right international medical insurance for your situation.

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Hospital Pricing Specialists Will Help Keep You Competitive

There is no question that health care costs are rising rapidly. To keep in line with other hospitals, your pricing must be in line with the local market and other hospitals around your area. By comparing your prices, or hospital benchmarking, you are ensuring that your institutions pricing is accurate and up to date with area hospitals.

If you are too busy to keep track of expenses, or simply don't have the proper staff to execute hospital price comparisons, you should contact a hospital pricing specialist. You do not want to hold your institution back by not having the correct pricing for your services. It is imperative that you have side by side comparisons, and hospital pricing specialists can provide this for you.

Hospital Pricing Specialists will provide you with accurate, real time data such as inpatient hospital pricing comparisons by average hospital charges and room rates. They also provide outpatient prices by unit of service of each individual hospital. Along with inpatient and outpatient hospital prices, you are also given access to financial data that will provide you with hospital price comparisons.

Do not let your hospital be overlooked because of your pricing. Consumers are informed and will research your pricing if necessary. Consumers are looking for great services at a good price, it will not settle for less. Your institution must be able to predict the trends and forecast your pricing based on your local market. Let the professionals handle your hospital pricing reports so you can focus on your faculty and patients.

In addition to your hospital pricing reports, there is legislation pending that will affect hospitals. Now is the time to get your pricing on the mark. Hospitals need to stay in tune with their local market and surrounding areas if they want to be full fledged competitors in their fields of service.

http://www.HospitalPricingSpecialists.com

Mary M Dillio is President of LuxVine Consulting, an Administrative Consulting Company located in New York City. LuxVine provides back-end office support as well as web content, writing & design services. http://www.luxvine.com

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Hospital Stays Made Better and Healthier

Three people I know will be staying in the hospital for a few days next week. These appointments were made a couple of months in advance so there is none of those awful trips to the Emergency Room.

Interestingly, however, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a report which stated that about 2.3 million people who entered the hospital over a year's time, were re-entering after being discharged within 7 days. About one in ten of thee cases stemmed from medical or surgical complications from their stay in the hospital.

Here are two steps you can take to make your hospital stay healthier.

First, find a hospital that suits your needs.

I interviewed an obstetrician this week for an article I'm writing for a weekly paper, and he said there are good doctors in every major hospital. If a woman is pregnant it's more important for her to find a hospital where she is comfortable and is close to her family.

The hospital is where key decisions are made so it pays to take time to study the one you want to attend. You can compare hospitals at this link. This web site can give you data on the outcomes for specific medical surgeries and conditions. You can see how other patients recovered and what you can expect when the unexpected takes place.

Is your hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?
Are 70 percent of the doctors board certified physicians?
Are 60 percent of the nursing staff registered nurses?
Your second step is to investigate costs before you go to the hospital.

Contact the hospital billing department and find out what expenses you can expect for your condition. What is the room charge? What other costs are covered by the room fee and which are not? For example, if it is for an over the counter drug, bring it from home.

To save costs, stay within your network of providers and check with your insurance provider. Some plans don't cover your stay unless you clear this with them in advance. Inquire about your deductible.

When you receive your billing look for:

Miscellaneous fees
Calculation errors
Duplicate billings
Fees relating to routine care that was not performed
Question and ask
Speak with the hospital administrator if you run into problems with the billing department.
Your third step is to prepare for your hospital stay.

A month or so before your hospital stay ask your doctor if you should stop taking certain medications or nutritional supplements. Make sure you understand what the doctor's explanation is about exercise and alcohol after your stay.

If you're having surgery, meet or at least talk to your anesthesiologist before your surgery. Make sure your anesthesiologist knows about these conditions to avoid complications:

High or low blood pressure
Diabetes and Heart disease
Reflux and Hiatal hernia
Sleep apnea
Past anesthesia reactions

A few days before your surgery, pack a suitcase. Here is what you will want to

Include:

A sleep mask and ear plugs so you can rest and not be distracted.
A notebook to log in hospital activity such as treatments, medications and supplies. This will come in handy when you receive your bill and you can compare you notes.
A copy of important forms: durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, mental health power of attorney, and HIPAA medical records release forms.
Your medical information such as conditions, allergies, medications, health insurance, emergency contacts.
A portable music player: cassette, MP3, IPod.
Reading materials, games cards.
Cell phone to avoid paying hospital phone fees. Bring the charger.
Something comfortable from home such as your pillow or a robe.

When you pack, pretend you are sending you child to camp and put your name on everything.

Finally, partner with someone who can help you throughout your hospitalization. This person is your advocate. Many hospitals have cut their nursing staff and may need them to help you. Chose a person who is able to speak up for you when issues require action. If you do not have a member of your family or a friend to do this some home health care companies do have paid companions who can stay with you.

You do not have to enjoy your hospital stay but you can make sure it does not cause extra problems. 

And I invite you to find more information on successful approaches for a healthy lifestyle at http://www.upsideofaging.com Claim your free report on a specific health issues.

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6 Top Tips to Ensure That Your Hospital Has a Clean Bill of Health

Is it possible to leave a hospital with worse health than when it admitted you? Unfortunately, it can happen. In theory, hospitals should be clean as a bean. However, that is not always the case. Thus, it is important to follow some basic guidelines, in order to find the cleanest (and perhaps safest) hospital available:

1. Secure a copy of the hospital area's cleaning instructions, where you will stay.

Regardless of which part of the hospital in which you will stay, these instructions should include detailed descriptions about how personnel keep the area sparkling clean. While this may seem like overkill, remember that bacteria can kill. You are a paying customer, so you have the right to learn how the hospital cleans a certain area.

2. Determine if hospitals are certified and have retained certification

Learn if the hospital has received Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification. This is an industry standard. Receiving and maintaining this certification ensures that the hospital has been meticulous in keeping the institution sufficiently clean-for at least the past two years. This ensures that personnel are wearing hygienic clothing, such as cheap urbane scrubs, and are properly sanitizing all medical tools.

3. Ensure that the staff adheres to policies after the hospital admits you

The medical personnel should follow several cleanliness procedures. They must wash their hands with a sanitizer, prior to touching you. Stethoscopes must also undergo this process. Are personnel sanitizing instruments properly and washing their hands frequently? Observe whether the personnel are wearing hygienic clothing, such as scrubs.

Many types of bacteria in hospitals, referred to as "superbugs," have become resistant to various types of antibiotics. Thus, taking certain precautions can help to reduce the rate at which people transmit bacteria between people.

4. Learn about Medicare/Medicaid's HCAHPS results

Since March of 2008, hospitals acquiring financial refunds from Medicaid and Medicare, have been conducting HCAHPS surveys through their customers. HCAHPS refers to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. This survey includes clients' assessments in various areas, including "Cleanliness and Quietness of the Physical Environment." You can obtain results of a hospital's surveys, via the Internet.

5. Verify that the personnel are IEHA educated

IEFHA stands for International Executive Housekeepers Association. Inquire whether the cleaning personnel in the hospital have received AEHA training. This is yet another indicator that a hospital has prioritized cleaning its facilities properly.

6. Request for a tour of a hospital

When taking a tour of a hospital, ask yourself these questions:

o How do cleaning crews clean hospital rooms, and how often?

o Are carpets spotless?

o What hand-washing process does medical staff follow?

o Do breathe in an overall clean scent?

o Is there "hidden" dirt?

Do you want to stay in a clean hospital? If so, then you can follow some basic steps, to ensure that you will be in the cleanest and safest environment possible. For instance, scrubs can reduce the rates of bacterial infections. Make sure that your hospital has a clean bill of health!

Brent McNutt enjoys talking about cheap urbane scrubs and cheap landau scrubs as well as networking with healthcare professionals online.

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Hospital Pricing in a Changing Marketplace

38 states have already proposed or passed legislation requiring hospitals to publish their hospital pricing. So what does this mean for hospitals? It means that in order to stay on top of the market, they must either meet or exceed expectations with their hospital pricing. Why? Because consumers will use pricing information when choosing services.

Marketing is all about the 4 P's. Product, Price, Promotion and Place. In the past, hospital pricing has been left to only certain individuals in the process, while product, place and promotion are the only factors that have been controlled. With the media questioning hospitals and health care every day, consumers have become more enlightened when it comes to their health care. They demand answers, and when you are in the business of consumer driven healthcare, you must provide answers.

Price is such an important part of the marketing mix, and it can no longer be ignored. If you are in the position to make real decisions about hospital pricing, you need to invest some time in researching hospital price comparisons and hospital prices in your area.

Hospital pricing specialists can provide you with up to date and accurate data that will enable you to make decisions based on your competitions pricing and services. By becoming a pricing leader in your area, you are essentially becoming the hospital benchmark for all other hospitals. If your hospital has become the benchmark for all others, then it is important for you to stay on top of your pricing and services so that you do not become overshadowed by others.

Hospital pricing specialists will provide you with definitive information that will allow you to make sound decisions regarding your hospital pricing. They will give you inpatient and outpatient data, as well as financial data including over 400 different factors. Once you have become more informed about not only your own hospital pricing, but of those in your area, you are then in a position to make a decision that makes the most sense.

With constant and changing legislation regarding hospitals and their practices, you have to be honest and upfront with consumers about your pricing. Hospitals that are not afraid to discuss their pricing and strategies will gain the trust of the wavering consumer. The media and consumers will continue to ask the questions, so why not have an open dialog about your hospital prices?

http://www.HospitalPricingSpecialists.com

Mary M Dillio is President of LuxVine Consulting, an Administrative Consulting Company located in New York City. LuxVine provides back-end office support as well as web content, writing & design services. http://www.luxvine.com

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The Importance of Hospital

A hospital is an institution for health care providing patient treatment by specialised staff and equipment, and often but not always providing for longer-term patient stays. A hospital today is a centre for professional health care provided by physicians and nurses. During the Middle Ages it could serve other functions, such as almshouse for the poor, or hostel for pilgrims. The name comes from Latin hospes (host), which is also the root for the words hotel and hospitality. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as health-care-associated infections, encompass almost all clinically evident infections that do not originate from a patient's original admitting diagnosis.

Within hours after admission, a patient's flora begins to acquire characteristics of the surrounding bacterial pool. Most infections that become clinically evident after 48 hours of hospitalization are considered hospital-acquired. Infections that occur after the patient's discharge from the hospital can be considered to have a nonsocial origin if the organisms were acquired during the hospital stay. Today, hospitals are usually funded by the state, health organizations (for profit or non-profit), health insurances or charities, including direct charitable donations. In history, however, they were often founded and funded by religious orders or charitable individuals and leaders.

Similarly, modern-day hospitals are largely staffed by professional physicians, surgeons and nurses, whereas in history, this work was usually done by the founding religious orders or by volunteers. There are several kinds of hospital. The best-known is the general hospital, which is set up to deal with many kinds of disease and injury, and typically has an emergency ward to deal with immediate threats to health and the capacity to dispatch emergency medical services. A general hospital is typically the major health care facility in its region, with large numbers of beds for intensive care and long-term care, facilities for surgery and childbirth, bio assay laboratories, and so forth. Larger cities may have many different hospitals of varying sizes and facilities. One plum wall says it all: Hospital services are separate and distinct from boarding and grooming services-yet both are easily accessible to pet owners and team members.

During a candid conversation with his architect, Dr. David Gordon, medical director of VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital (formerly Arroyo Pet Care Center) in Lake Forest, Calif., mentioned he'd like to distinctly separate the hospital and medical functions and the boarding and grooming functions. Yet his idea of using a scalpel handle and blade on the outside of the building to depict that separation didn't quite seem appropriate. Some patients just come just for diagnosis and/or therapy and then leave (outpatients), others stay the nights (inpatients). Putting the patient first is a challenge that requires not just a huge change in the mindset of all the stakeholders in health care provision, but also the means by which to measure the levels of satisfaction of patients, and to discover what matters to them before, during and after their visit to any hospital. Patient quality initiatives, with their softer, experiential focus than clinical audit, with its precise and scientific methods of measurement, demand different measurement techniques.

Often, the most effective means is to adapt from the survey techniques widely practiced in social research and market research by using surveys and objective self-completion questioning techniques. Yet, without careful management, the measurement teams can drown in a sea of questionnaires. Surveys are labor intensive, so it makes sense to use software developed to handle surveys in this context too, and make the process into something that can be managed by the small teams usually given this responsibility within the hospital.

I works for http://www.recruithospitalexecutives.com as Hospital executive.

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Why Should You Choose Horse Racing Hospitality?

If you're looking for a hospitality venue, or a day out with a difference, then maybe you're considering a horse racing hospitality event.

Here's why you should.

1. A horse racing hospitality event will give you and your guests a day at the races. Whether you've never been to the races before, or are an experienced race goer, going to the races is a great day out.

2. As guests in the hospitality suite, you'll have a delicious meal and excellent service, so that your day at the races will be even more memorable.

3. You and your guest will definitely enjoy being treated like a VIP, and having access to certain restricted area of the racecourse. You're bound to enjoy the racing even more as you will be able to see better too.

4. If you're choosing horse racing hospitality to entertain some of your clients, then you'll really appreciate the relaxed environment. The only tension will be when your horse is running.

5. Maybe you're looking for something a little different to entertain your guests this time. Perhaps you're bored of golf days, or football matches at teams you don't support. Horse racing hospitality makes a change from the obvious corporate hospitality events, and is bound to impress your guests.

6. As well as corporate hospitality events, you might want to go to a horse race as part of your stag or hen weekend activity. Even if you're not a race goer, but enjoy a little flutter now and again, what could be better? As you're making the biggest gamble of your life getting married, why not have one last bet before the big day?

7. Horse racing days out are also the ideal event to celebrate a birthday party. With excellent food and drink available, and a really good atmosphere, you'll have a great time, whether it's your birthday or not.

8. Racecourse hospitality offers excellent value for money, and there will be different packages to choose from, depending on what you want from the day. If you're entertaining important clients, you might want more service and hospitality than if you're celebrating a friend's birthday.

9. You might want to book your horse racing hospitality for a certain date in the racing calendar. Why not see whether your racecourse has a festival of racing on, or a Ladies Night on that you could go to?

10. If you're passionate about racing, and want to share your knowledge and enthusiasm, then why not see if you're guests can pick a winner and enjoy the horse racing hospitality event even more too?

With many racecourses all over the country, there's bound to be one near you, so why not give racecourse hospitality a try?

If you're tempted, then why not discover more about the Horse Racing Hospitality packages available at Windsor Racecourse? With incredible food, excellent service and VIP treatment, you and your guests are bound to have a successful day you'll remember. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, or entertaining your clients, Racecourse Hospitality at Windsor Racecourse will be perfect for you. Find out more at Windsor-Racecourse.co.uk today.

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Tips on Becoming a Hospital Phlebotomist

In a hospital environment, there are many different people that are required in order to ensure that patients are able to receive prompt medical care. Each person that works in a hospital has a specific duty, which helps bring aid to those in need. For a phlebotomist, their job helps to ensure that the doctors and nurses that work in the hospital are able to devote their attention to their duty. A hospital phlebotomist plays a very important role in proper medical care, which is essential in any hospital. Here is some general information to help familiarize you with the purpose, duties and responsibilities of a hospital phlebotomist.

What is a Hospital Phlebotomist?

A hospital phlebotomist is a person that is responsible for collecting blood from patients. This includes being able to perform venipuncture, the process by which blood is extracted from a patient's veins. A phlebotomist collects the blood sample so that the doctors and nurses are able to devote their attention to other duties.

Job Duties

There are many responsibilities of a phlebotomist that are very important in proper patient care. A hospital phlebotomist must be able to make their patient feel comfortable, since the process of extracting blood can be uncomfortable for many people. In addition to this, a phlebotomist must be able to know the best way to deal with children, who are often frightened of having blood drawn. If a person has a medical condition, or is extremely obese, a phlebotomist must be able to know of different areas from which blood can be drawn.

Aside from the actual blood drawing process, a hospital phlebotomist is also responsible for making sure that each blood sample is labeled and documented properly. Since many blood samples are submitted to a laboratory for testing, proper labeling of the samples is essential. This helps to ensure that the patient is able to receive accurate results from their tests.

Quality control is also very important, since it's essential that they don't allow a sample to become contaminated. They must make sure that all of their equipment has been sanitized, and that they are able to draw blood from the patient in a sterile environment. Since contamination of the blood sample could result in inaccurate laboratory test results, the job of a phlebotomist is absolutely essential.

Certification for Hospital Phlebotomists

To become a hospital phlebotomist, the requirements may vary. Some hospitals require all of their phlebotomists to complete a set number of "on the job" training hours before they are allowed to become officially employed by the hospital. Though passing a phlebotomy certification exam isn't a national requirement (except in certain states), many hospitals like to see phlebotomist certification in potential hospital phlebotomists. It's also recommended that an aspiring hospital phlebotomist complete a training program, which helps them to develop the skills that they need to do their job correctly. If you plan to become a phlebotomist at a specific hospital, be sure to become familiar with their requirements beforehand.

Adam Davies is the creator of AMT Phlebotomy Certification, one of the only sites online currently devoted to getting certified in the field of phlebotomy. The site will teach you all you need to know about this field, including how to pass your phlebotomy certification exam, and much more.

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Being Prepared For Hospitalization

Most people would not think of undertaking a rigorous physical activity, such as running a race or playing competitive tennis, without first taking steps to prepare themselves for the stress and special stamina that the activity will require.

While we certainly don't think of going into a hospital for an extended stay as a sporting event, it actually can present many of the same physical and mental challenges as a grueling athletic event. As importantly, it's often possible to do "training" for your hospital stay to ensure that you're in the best shape to weather whatever your hospital experience and subsequent recuperation may require of you.

Of course, while there are many times when a hospital stay will be unexpected, often a patient will know well in advance that a certain procedure, such as joint replacement surgery, is in his or her future and that an extended hospital stay and subsequent recovery period will have to be faced. Because the prolonged periods of bed rest associated with many surgeries can increase your risk for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms, it makes excellent sense to take whatever steps you can before entering the hospital to ensure that your risk for these complications will be as low as possible.

Get Knowledgeable

Knowing that your are facing a serious medical procedure and hospital stay in the near future can produce a lot of stress. It's important to take whatever steps you can to minimize this stress.

Start by meeting with your physician and getting your questions answered. A smart move is to write down questions you may have about your surgery, hospital stay and subsequent recovery before that meeting. Take the time to write down the answers he or she gives you to those questions. If you find that you get nervous speaking with your physician, you might ask a family member or a friend to come with you to take notes, allowing you better to ask your questions and concentrate on the answers you are receiving.

Also make sure that you understand the procedures related to your hospital stay. They might include coming in several days early for various lab tests, or avoiding food or drink the night before the surgery. You might also talk to your doctor about whether there is a need for you to donate blood, prior to your surgery, in case it is needed during the procedure. Getting all these questions answered and clearly understood well before your hospital stay can do a great deal to lower your overall stress level.

Get In Shape

When you know you have a hospital stay in your future, talk to your physician to find out what you can do to strengthen your muscles and to promote good circulation prior to your hospitalization. The better shape you're in going into surgery, the less risk you have for complications and general health problems after the operation.

If your medical condition allows it, your physician may allow some moderate aerobic activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling, to help strengthen your muscles, lungs and circulatory systems prior to your hospital stay. He or she might also recommend calf, leg and ankle exercises, both before and after surgery, if you will be confined to a bed or chair for an extended period of time.

It is essential, however, that you discuss any exercise program with your physician before undertaking an increased level of physical activity.

Another step for a healthier and stronger you can be to change those factors that are known to compromise your health. If you are overweight, making changes for healthy weight loss (not crash dieting) is one of the smartest moves you can make. While you probably won't reach your ideal weight before your hospital stay, just losing a few pounds can help you be better prepared to face your upcoming surgery.

Similarly, if you are a smoker, now (or actually, any time) is a great time to give up the habit. You are certainly not going to be allowed to smoke while in the hospital, so use it as an excuse to begin a smoking cessation program now. Your physician can offer advice, program suggestions and even medical help to assist in stopping smoking. Most importantly, you'll be making a change that will help reduce your health risks in a variety of areas.

Be Prepared For Your Recovery Period

Before your surgery and hospital stay is the time to talk with your physician about what is going to happen after the surgery. Find out if there are any special dietary restrictions, for example, that you may have to follow during your recovery. This is also a good time to discuss any dietary needs you may currently have and whether the hospital will be able to accommodate them during your stay.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about some of the health risks associated with hospital stays and any recovery period where your mobility will be limited for some time. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and very real health risks that are associated with it through pulmonary embolisms (the blood clots that form under DVT and then move through the circulatory system into the lungs) are a risk that anyone who will be bed or chair bound for some time must face.

Ask your physician about preventive measures, such as compression stockings, external compression devices or anticoagulant therapy, that might be used to reduce your DVT risk. There may also be specific exercises that the doctor or hospital recommends to reduce DVT risk during hospitalization.

If you currently have circulatory problems with your legs, ask your doctor about the use of quality compression hosiery prior to your surgery as a means of possibly improving your condition and preventing any worsening of your condition prior to your surgery. Now is also the time to find out if you should be using support stockings

during your recovery period. You'll probably find most doctors recommend compression hosiery as a means of promoting better circulation while your ability to be physically active is restricted.

Make It a Success

No one look forward to surgery and hospital stays. But you take the time, prior to such events, to ask questions, get answers and do all you can to be in the best possible shape to face the upcoming ordeal, you greatly increase your ability to minimize your stress and maximize your chances for a successful outcome. And isn't that the best prescription for recovery?

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Hospitals in Jamaica - What Jamaican Tourists Should Know

In any country there has to be proper health care facilities to take care of the needs of its people and visitors. On the island there are numerous centers, hospitals and services, both public and private. Hospitals in Jamaica are both public and privately owned and one can be found in any of the fourteen parishes.

The Ministry of Health is the government body that is responsible for monitoring, formulating, implementing and administering policies in the health care.

This ministry has direct responsibility for all public facilities which includes the hospitals. In the earlier part of the 80's it was estimated that there were twenty-two general hospitals that were providing for both outpatient and inpatient persons.

From that total there were seven hospitals that provided specialized services which included one of each for pediatrics, maternity, cardiothoracic and tuberculosis surgery, mental disorders, physical rehabilitation, leprosy and terminal care.

The major hospitals that are publicly owned are the University Hospital at Mona, Kingston Public, Mandeville and the Cornwall Regional in Montego Bay. They are all governed by partly self-governing regional administration boards.

When you compare Jamaica to the other islands in the Commonwealth they have a ratio of beds in the hospitals that are somewhat low for the population. The last estimation was carried out in 1985 and that showed that there were 5,700 beds that were provided for in the public hospitals.

At this time also the private hospitals on the island was only six and provided 300 beds. However, based on the number of years since then this figure could be significantly higher for both the public and private institutions.

Hospitals in Jamaica all fall under four different regions, there is the South East Regional Health Authority which covers the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas. There are ten hospitals and eighty-nine health centers that fall under this network; five of the hospitals are national referral or specialist facilities.

The estimated bed capacity in this region is 2,755 and they served nearly 1.7 million persons. In addition they get referrals from the other Caribbean islands from time to time.

Next, there is the Western Regional Health Authority which encompasses the parishes of St. James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover. There are four hospitals and eighty-two health centers in this region.

They provide services for approximately 0.45 million of the population and has a bed capacity of six hundred and eleven. The Cornwall Regional is the chief of the four hospitals in this region and handles most of the serious cases.

Then we have the North East Regional Health Authority which covers the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland.

There are four hospitals with a total of four hundred and six beds and eighty-two health centers. This region serves about 0.35 million people in these health facilities.

The final area is the Southern Regional Health Authority which serves the parishes of Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Manchester.

There is the total of 536 beds in the five hospitals and ninety-four health centers. This region provide health care for almost 0.54 million people.

There is one public hospital that somewhat different in the service that it provides; this is the University Hospital of the West Indies.

They have teaching facilities and have total of 494 beds, providing services in surgery, community health, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, general and psychiatry services.

Jamaican hospitals whether public or private can take care of most health conditions that will occur on the island. The differences with the private institutions are that they are usually expensive, service oriented, small and most times associated with religious corporations.

Colin Scott is Jamaica research expert. For more information on hospitals in Jamaica and Jamaican health visit any of the links in this authors bio.

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Huntsville Hospital

The Communities of Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee, both share the services of the Huntsville Hospital, which is a very big outfit that is staffed by over six hundred and fifty doctors, over two thousand nurses and a total staff numbering over five thousand.

The Hospital is divided into three sections, with each section specializing and providing different services to its patients. The Huntsville Hospital for women and children provides specialized medical attention and services to women and children. These include and are not limited to pre-natal services, maternity services, gynecological services and pediatric services.

The Madison Medical Park is the Huntsville Hospital's outpatient facility that is staffed by doctors specializing in different fields. This may include dentists, gynecologists and obstetricians and general practitioners. Here, when you see the doctor, you get referred to the main hospital or you get a prescription and you go home. Here they deal with the everyday medical problems that we have.

Finally, the Hospital in Huntsville also staffs a seventy bed rehabilitation center. Here, people with different problems ranging from alcohol to drug abuse are admitted and they get the help that they need.

The amazing thing about the Hospital is that it is a Not for Profit organization. So you find that this is one of the few places where people go to work because it's something they want to do from their hearts. Like many hospitals in the United States, Huntsville Hospital is a teaching and training hospital that is affiliated to the University of Alabama - Birmingham School of Medicine and Family Practice, and Residency Program. On completion of their studies, medical students are attached to the hospital to do their residency there. The Hospital also serves as a primary research center for drugs, with around fifty projects that are currently ongoing.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Hospitals. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here HOSPITAL SUPPLIES If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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There Are Differences Between Medical and Psychiatric Hospitals

Going to the hospital is always stressful, whether you want to be going or not. It is a scary place full of weird things and unknown people, not even counting that you are probably not going to be at your best at this time. Most of us are familiar with what happens when you go into a medical facility. But there are still some of us who have never experienced being admitted to a hospital at all, and this article is for them.

What to expect at a medical hospital

You will go to this hospital either as an emergency or for surgery, or because you have become too ill to be cared for at home. None of those options makes for a happy camper and any of those events is frightening.

When you finish in admitting, you will be wheeled up to a nursing floor where you will be settled into a medical bed (one that goes up and down and has side rails); you will be asked to wear a hospital gown during your stay; you will be shown how to use the nurse call button and the emergency button in the bathroom; you will have your own television with a remote and you will have a telephone on your side table. You will be poked and prodded at all hours by perfect strangers. These same strangers may even have to deal with your private areas during medical procedures. They will be courteous and considerate, but they are still strangers to you.

Staff will bring you water, meals, towels, etc. You will be monitored 24 hours a day and encouraged to follow the doctors orders. You will receive your scheduled medicine as well as any extra medicine from your assigned nurse, who is available to you through the call button. You will see your doctor daily, but your care will be administered by your nurse. In this hospital, everything is controlled by your doctor and determined by written orders of your doctor.

What to expect at a psychiatric hospital

You may enter this hospital willingly or unwillingly. To be admitted against your will, you will be deemed a danger to yourself or to others by a medical professional or a mental health officer.

Once admitted, you have all of your personal belongings taken away from you to be thoroughly checked for dangerous items. You will be asked to remove all of your clothes for an full assessment and to have those clothes checked, also. There will be numerous items that you normally need and use taken away from you and locked up.

You will be shown to your room with a bed bolted to the floor. This bed does not move at all and is designed to be too heavy to move. You will discover that your room is devoid of a television, telephone, or any type of call button. Your nurse will show you the day area, where groups are held, the area where meals are served, the medication room, and the nursing station. You will also be shown how to access clean linens and towels, gowns if you need them, personal hygiene items, and since your shoes probably will have been confiscated, you will be given nonslip socks for your feet.

You will be expected to take care of yourself to the best of your abilities. You will need to go to your staff for things you need or assistance in doing your laundry. You will be expected to know your medication regime and to approach your nurse for medications on the correct schedule. You will be expected to be out of your room during the day and to attend groups.

You will see your doctor daily as well as having an assigned Social Worker to help with aftercare needs. Your nurse will be assessing your mental status and your safety status constantly. The nurse will be available to talk with you if you become agitated, frightened, or if you have a specific need or problem. The care in this hospital is provided by a team of individuals, all working with you to facilitate your return home.

How are they similar?

Both hospitals are concerned with your health. Both hospitals have doctors, nurses, and various other professionals to assist you. Both hospitals are available 24 hours a day. Both hospitals help you get better and return to your life as quickly as possible.

How are they different?

Each hospital deals with a different aspect of the total person. A medical hospital deals mainly with the physical body and its systems. A psychiatric hospital deals with not only the mental status of the patient, but also with the social and economic issues surrounding the patient. The medical model deals with treating illness, so the medical facility is focused on treating symptoms of that illness. The psychiatric hospital also will deal with illness, but the focus is more on the whole person and the circumstances surrounding that person. At a psychiatric hospital you will get illness treated, but that is not the main focus. The main focus of a psychiatric hospital is your safety and the safety of others.

The last difference to be noted here is if you become physically ill during a psychiatric hospitalization there is a chance you may need to be transferred to a medical facility because there are no IV equipment, no oxygen, no monitors, no call lights, and no place for any procedures to take place on a psychiatric unit.

In conclusion, it should be evident that there are significant differences between these two types of hospitalizations. Both can be traumatic. Both can be necessary. But the similarities end there.

As a psychiatric nurse for many years, I have seen the effects on the families of living day to day with someone who has a mental illness. These illnesses affect the patients, but also their families and in some respects even their communities. We have an obligation to watch out for others, especially those unable to do so for themselves.

For up to date information about mental health and mental health issues in the news, please visit The Mental Health Minute

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Health Care Hospitality Pays

A new trend is emerging in the healthcare Industry which has many patients and visitors smiling. Faced with improving their lagging patient satisfaction levels, many hospitals are adapting a hotel style model of hospitality, with related amenities such as valet parking, greeters, courtesy shuttles, and concierge services. While one would normally only expect to find such luxuries at the finer hotels in the world, they are now being delivered every day at more and more hospitals throughout the country. The demand is so great that several companies have chosen to fill the fast growing niche by specializing in hospitality type services specifically for the health care industry.

Not only do the services provide added convenience for patients and visitors, but they can also solve a variety of challenges related to new construction and state mandated seismic upgrade projects which many hospitals are dealing with. If you're still not convinced, Here's are some other reasons why it might pay to incorporate a few health care hospitality solutions...

Scoring Higher on Patient Surveys

Surveys have shown that hospital facilities which deliver extra amenities such as valet parking, patient concierge service and other hospitality related services score higher on patient satisfaction surveys such as HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems), a national, standardized survey of hospital patients. Patients who receive stress-relieving services such as valet parking and concierge are more likely to give favorable overall ratings to the hospital, and would be more likely to recommend the hospital to friends and family.

A Patient Safety Culture

In 2004, the Health Care Leadership Alliance, which includes the American Association of Nurse Executives and other health care executives, identified a core set of competencies for executive leaders in health care. Within the context of the core competencies, seven imperatives were identified to develop a patient safety culture and a model of proactive safety was developed which infers that everyone's job is patient safety, in all health care system transactions; this safety mission involves the entire health care team and should include everyone from the physician to the valet parking attendant. The valet and concierge services can play a vital role in the patient safety process and hospitals without these services may be missing an important element to their culture of safety initiative.

Drawing Privately Insured Patients

The AP/San Francisco Chronicle recently examined the new trend of hospitals providing extra incentives to "lure in" patients covered by private insurance, which pays higher reimbursement than government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. According to the AP/Chronicle, hospitals "are finding it pays to pump up perks" for visitors, such as cooking classes, patient concierges, internet access and valet parking. Hospital leaders say "these extra touches all have a purpose, including stress relief."

According to the AP/Chronicle, competition also plays a role in the hospitals adding extra benefits. "If a patient has a free choice to go to this hospital or that hospital, they're going to choose the one that has the better amenities". Rick Gundling, a vice president for the Health Care Financial Management Association, said that extra amenities help attract physicians, who in turn bring in more patients.

At the end of the day, every Hospital has different needs, but they can usually all agree on one thing - patient care is the priority. If that's true, then its easy to see why nearly every Hospital in the country has "Health Care Hospitality" programs at the top of their To-Do Lists.

Michael Holmstrom is the Founder and President of Signature Parking for Healthcare which provides Parking Hospitality Solutions exclusively for the Healthcare industry throughout the United States.

His firm can be reached at (800) 825-3871 or on the internet at http://www.signatureparkingforhealthcare.com and via email at info@signatureparking.com

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Apollo Hospitals in India

Hospitals within the reach of all are a reality today. There was a time when there were only few hospitals in India located only in the major cities and patients with chronic ailments required to travel far distances to get cured. A general hospital may not be equipped with all the medical facilities available today. Though a general hospital may operate even in a small town yet it is a super specialty hospital that caters to the emerging health care needs of patients. Among the hospitals in India, one general hospital that has carved a distinctive niche with a track record of curing many major diseases is Apollo Hospital. This health care destination is at the forefront of surgical facilities and medical technology with over 50 medical and surgical disciplines.

Apollo Hospital is a leading super specialty health care group operating several hospitals in the South Asian region including numerous being located in the Indian cities. No wonder the number of hospital branches it has, has deemed it the biggest hospital group in Asia and the third largest in the world. It is not only hospitals that Apollo Hospital is prominent; it is also equally high-flying in its operation of pharmacies, diagnostic clinics, medical transcription centres, nursing management colleges including medicine and third-party administration. That is again not the end of the expansion saga of Apollo Hospital. The brand, through its offshoot Apollo Health and Life Science Limited, has a chain of almost 60 branded day-to-day retail clinics across India and the Middle East. These retail clinics are functional on a franchised basis - the only successful example of health care franchised in India!

Apollo Hospital is headquartered in Chennai. The Chennai branch happens to be the first hospitals in the country to perform total knee replacement surgery.

I am Maria Daniel, health care lawyer focused on helping businesses and Hospitals weave through a variety of state and federal health care regulations and assisting them in business transactions.

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Merits of Using the Hospitals USA Website

Many websites are created every day on the internet to make life easier and a little more convenient for us. Hospitals USA is just one of those websites. Hospital USA is exactly what you think it is. It's a website that is dedicated to hospitals in the United States. It will help you locate a hospital in any state. It's important because it helps the individual find a hospital that will provide according to their needs. Basically it is a form of an online directory for hospitals in the United States.

Most people who have used the website will find that the levels of confusion are reduced when they log on to this site. This is because you can use various specifics to narrow down your search to point at whatever you are looking for. You can also find services that are offered in your state that you would have otherwise looked for elsewhere.

When using Hospitals USA, you can find hospitals that specialize in different types of medicine. For example someone looking for a hospital specializing in pediatric oncology might be fortunate to find one in their home state, maybe just a few towns away. I advise people to open up the Hospitals website. It opens up a world of information that is at your fingertips. The amazing thing is that most people don't know this information is so readily available. Browsing this site leads you to links of hospital sites that you can browse.

Hospitals USA helps you know what options are open to you. For example a newly expectant mother might want a hospital in her area that offers something like underwater birthing. She can probably find this kind of facility by initiating a search on the website. Knowledge is power; people need to spread the word about Hospitals USA. This is a toll that should be utilized by anyone with access to a computer and an internet connection.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Hospitals. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here HOSPITAL SUPPLIES If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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H1N1 in Hospitals - What You Need to Know Before You Visit Or Are Admitted

H1N1 has managed to frighten nearly everyone with its virulence. The facts that are contained in this article are compiled with the latest information released to hospitals.

If you are planning a visit to a hospital in the near future, whether to see a friend or loved one or as a patient, yourself, you should be aware that hospitals are following a pretty strict protocol during this H1N1 flu season. Many hospitals are not allowing any children to come into the hospital to visit if they are under the age of 18. Even if the hospital is not currently restricting visitors by age, you should probably leave children at home, for their own safety, as well as that of hospital workers and patients. Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the H1N1 and also seem to suffer more symptoms and much longer, than older adults. In addition, children under the age of 18 can also be carriers of the H1N1 and spread it much more rapidly than an adult would.

People who have been immunized against the H1N1 strain stand a much better chance of avoiding the flu altogether than those who opt out. While it is true that some people, especially children, can run a fever and have sore muscles for a few days after receiving the vaccine, it does NOT mean that they have the flu. It is simply a reaction to the vaccine that some people experience. If you are facing a hospital stay sometime in the near future and are generally well, you should seriously consider getting the H1N1 vaccine along with a pneumonia shot.

Hospital employees were among the first to receive the vaccine, for obvious reasons. Most nurses and those with direct patient contact have received the vaccine, so it is highly unlikely that you could catch H1N1 from contact with a hospital employee. That said, if you are a patient, you should require everyone who comes in contact with you to first wash their hands thoroughly at the sink that is located in your room. This will further minimize your chances of contracting not only the flu, but also the potentially more serious hospital-borne bacterial infections that can be spread from patient to patient via the caregiver.

If you are planning a visit or a stay at a hospital in the near future, you can call the hospital ahead of time to check and see if they have experienced a high number of admissions of people infected with H1N1. If so, and your hospital procedure is one that can be delayed, you might want to consider doing so, as an extra precaution.

There has been a lot of media attention lately by certain talk show hosts and others stating that people with young children should avoid having them vaccinated and should, instead, deliberately expose them to the H1N1 to develop "natural immunity." For the record, this is the height of irresponsibility, as the H1N1, especially in younger people, has proven to be extremely serious and often deadly. It is your decision if you do not choose to have your child vaccinated but to deliberately expose them to a potentially life-threatening disease is not something anyone should be doing, at any time. And as far as bringing children into the hospital to visit, it would be best to leave them at home during this flu season. It is just good sense.

Author CL Davison is a former hospital administrator with a national hospital chain and is now a business owner and writer. Please visit [http://www.med-tips.com]

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