WhereToFindCare.com Blog

2013-05-22T07:02:00.000-04:00

WhereToFindCare.com wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Unfortunately, illness and injury seem to strike at the most inconvenient times, like when you're out of town on vacation or holiday weekends when doctors are not in the office.

If you find yourself in need of medical care this weekend, browse these helpful links:
Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinics
Hospitals

If you need over-the-counter medication, first aid products, or to fill a prescription-- browse this link to find a pharmacy near you:
Pharmacies

Have a great weekend!
WhereToFindCare.com

(PS-Are you an urgent care, pharmacy, or doctor who will be open this holiday weekend? Let patients know your hours of operation by adding them to your listing)

Did you know that Today is World Kidney Day in Michigan?

2013-03-14T11:44:00.002-04:00

Here is Governor Rick Snyder's proclamation:

WHEREAS, more than 900,000 Michigan citizens over the age of 20 have chronic kidney disease, and an even greater number are at risk for developing the disease; and,

WHEREAS, healthy kidneys are essential for regulating our bodies by removing fluids, waste, and toxins; kidneys release hormones that help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells and strengthen our bones; and,

WHEREAS, the precise cause of kidney cancer is unknown, however the two main causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure; diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for more than 70 percent of all kidney failure cases, showing that kidney failure and disease can often be delayed or prevented; and,

WHEREAS, advances in diagnosis and procedures such as radiation and chemotherapy create opportunity for kidney cancer patients to live longer; more than 200,000 kidney cancer survivors live in the United States today; and,

WHEREAS, during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month and on World Kidney Day, I ask the citizens of Michigan to raise awareness and I encourage regular screenings of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for chronic kidney disease-if detected early, treatment is likely more effective;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2013 as Kidney Cancer Awareness Month and Thursday, March 14, 2013 as World Kidney Day in Michigan.

We applaude Governor Snyder's proclamation and invite you to use our searches below to seek screening for kidney cancer.

To find nephrologists (a doctor who specializes in the kidney) near you, click here.

To find oncologists near you, click here.

To find a dialysis center near you, click here.

Wayne County Mobile Health Unit-March 2013

2013-03-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

The Wayne County Health Department, along with local health providers, is offer a Mobile Health Unit Program on March 13th and 17th. The program offers Free Flu Shots and Free Screenings such as Dental Exams, HIV/AIDS, body mass index calculations, blood pressure screening, and cancer,cholesterol, and stroke risk assessments. Services do vary from location to location so call 313-224-0810 to inquire if the specific screening is offered on the date you can visit.

Walk ins are welcome.

Weds March 13
12pm to 4pm
Community Living Services, Inc
35425 Michigan Ave
Wayne, MI 48184

Sunday, March 17
1pm to 5pm
Marvin Miles, Pastor
International Gospel Center
375 Salliotte
Ecorse, MI 48229

Sponsors of the Wayne County Health on Wheels Program are:

Detroit Department of Health and Wellness
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
DMC-Detroit Medical Center
Garden City Hospital
Wayne County Health and Human Services
City of Detroit
Oakwood Healthcare System

Free Colonoscopies offered by Southgate Surgery Center

2013-02-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

14050 Dix Toledo Southgate, MI
734-281-0100

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Southgate Surgery Center is again offering their free colonoscopy program to support financially distressed, uninsured people, aged 50 or over, who are at high risk, experiencing symptoms or just need their regular colonoscopy screening. Apply early as availability is limited. Applications may also be picked-up in-person at Southgate Surgery Center.The candidate application package link can be found here.

About Southgate Surgery Center:
Located in Southeastern, Michigan, they are accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Centers, Medicare, and Licensed by the State of Michigan.

Patients rate highly the care at Southgate Surgery Center giving them an average score of 96.39 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the lowest and 100 being the highest. You can read more from their patients about the exceptional care provided by Southgate Surgery Center's staff and physicians.

Please feel free to share this message with others in the Michigan community. And be sure to thank Southgate Surgery Center for their efforts in providing care to those that are uninsured.

Know of a free service being offered by a physician or health center in your area? Contact us so we can help spread the word.

Sheri's diet

2013-02-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

Are you wondering what type of diet Sheri followed to lose the 104 lbs over the past year? After working with a nutritionist, she followed a 1500 calorie a day diet.

Here is an example of her daily menu.

Beverages: She only drinks water and lemon throughout the day. She gave up diet pop the day of the stroke.

Breakfast: 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1 cup skim milk and a banana.

Morning snack: Apple or Greek yogurt.

Lunch: Sliced lean turkey, tomato and Avocado on xtreme wellness tortilla wrap. Apple.

Mid day snack: handful of almonds or carrot sticks and humus.

Dinner: grilled salmon, 1 cup steamed mixed veggies and salad with balsamic dressing.

P.M. Snack: I always have a bowl of whole grain cereal and skim milk

She also stated that she does not eat anything white: Bread, pasta, or rice. No trigger foods so no cravings.

What are your questions for Sheri about her experience, diet, or exercise programs?

Haven't read Sheri's amazing story? See this blog post to learn the whole story.

I don't have time for this..Sheri's story.

2013-02-09T15:28:00.000-05:00

Have you ever ignored your doctor's advice? Hopefully you will reconsider after you read about my friend Sheri and her experience in ignoring her physician's advice.

As a busy mom of two active boys, my life completely revolved around taking care of them, their activities and needs along with those of my husband Rob and our sweet rescue puppy Maverick. Over the years our lives revolved around the boys activities. I loved being a hockey and football mom, traveling to many hockey rinks, football games and enjoying seeing each boy grow into wonderful young men.

However along the way I stopped taking care of me. I always made sure they were taken care of first. I love being a mom but along the way I lost myself. Last February it hit me that with one boy off to college and another graduating high school in a year, my life was going to change in a big way. We were going to be empty nesters and what would we do then? I had let myself go. Like my father I was an insulin dependent Diabetic, had high blood pressure and was overweight. He died at the age of 59, and I was fully aware of what could happen to me. God was listening and answered me in a huge way.

Eleven months ago on February 20,2012 , as I stood in the dining room preparing pictures for Andrews hockey banquet I could feel my blood pressure rising. I realized something was wrong with the vision in my left eye and knew I was in trouble. I kept thinking at the time that I didn’t have time for this and needed to finish the pictures. At the hospital the doctor confirmed that I had a stroke. I lost the vision in my left eye and my left side was compromised so much that it felt like I was being squeezed up and down my side. It was hard to catch my breath and I developed a droopy eye and a slight limp. The next day I went to see Dr. Switch ,an Opthamoligist and as he held my hand, he told me if I didn’t make a change now I would not be here to see the most important people in my life grow up. I have been told that for years from other Doctors , but today I listened. That day my life forever changed.

On February 24th 2012 my journey began. I joined the Trenton Athletic Club and day one as I sat on the bike, only being able to see out of one eye and limited feeling in my leg I peddled and peddled. I saw a wonderful nutritionist Kathy Wilkins from Wyandotte hospital, She gave me the tools to begin and stick to a healthy diet. I incorporated my new favorite food oatmeal into my diet as well as lean meats and fruits. I spent two months on that bike and after my vision came back I started taking classes. The instructors have been amazing. They saw me from day one and I would not be as successful as I am without them. I am taking kickboxing, pilates, piloxing, TRX training and many toning classes. I found it only takes one hour a day and with a healthy diet, it all came together. Diet and exercise, who knew it would work!! Of course I have been told this for years, but it took a stroke to finally sink in.

My boys have been the support I needed. After taking care of them for so long, they in turn have given me support, showing me different weight training and nutritional support as well as lots of hugs an encouragement. During Andrews senior football speech, he spoke of my journey and what an inspiration I am to him. There were lots of tears in that room. I felt so proud of him.

My life has changed so much in the past year. I had many test, including Cat scans, MRI’s and ultrasounds to make sure I would be fine. Watching my body change and regaining the strength I lost to the stroke has been an emotional but exciting adventure. When I tell my story to people I don’t want them to feel sorry for me, I look as having the stroke as a gift. If I would not have had it, I would not be the woman I am today. Each and every day I take time for me. The reaction from the community has been wonderful as well as heartwarming. Many do not recognize me at first, but all reach out for a huge hug as well as sometimes tears.

As of today I have lost 104 pounds. I look and feel so much younger! I have made so many new friends at the gym and have mentored many woman by sharing my story and giving them the support they need. Every day I look in the mirror and see a beautiful and self confident woman. I am nearing the 1 year anniversary of the stroke and feel truly blessed to be where I am.

Our son Robbie is 21 and has been appointed to the 124th Michigan State Police academy. Our youngest Andrew is 18 and will attend Ferris State University this fall to study criminal justice. He has chosen to follow in his brothers footsteps and aspires to become a Michigan State Trooper. He wore his brothers football number 44 and they both played hockey for Trenton High school. We could not be more proud of them both.

The song I love to work out to is Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger. It has helped me get through many hard days and I treasure it! I turned 50 last month and embrace it with everything I am. I am a strong, beautiful, empowered woman and cannot wait for my next adventure. I am amazed and grateful to the people who are interested in my journey and it has been an honor to share it. Thank you for your time.

I was encouraged to share my story with you. I am from a small town, and with the amazing support and love from so many, I am able to share my story and hopefully inspire others with my journey. I feel that I represent many mothers out there who love their families but over time start putting themselves last. I would like for my experience to be a tribute to all moms. I learned that in order to be best for my family, I needed to take time for me each and every day. It took a stroke for me to turn my life around. I just want to tell my story and if I touch just one person, it will have been worth it.

Sheri Lindsay

Interested in learning about the diet plan Sheri followed. Check out this blog post.

1 in 10 not getting sleep at night in the hospital

2013-01-25T21:33:00.001-05:00

8th grade word skills lesson

Have you ever visited a loved one in the hospital and thought, wow - this place is noisy? Or heard someone say they can't wait to get home from the hospital so they can get some rest? Well, if you have, you are not alone.

Medicare is interested in learning more about how patients view the noise level as an inpatient. They have included a question in required the satisfaction survey addressing the noise level at night.. The question is:"During this hospital stay, how often was the area around your room quiet at night?"

The national averages are:
60% responded "always", 29% said "usually", and 11% said "sometimes or never".
It is important to note that this question specifically asks for the patients perception of noise at night, and not during the day when rest is needed as well.

I'm sure there is no adjustment for patients who are given medication to sleep at night, so this statistic is more than likely to be higher in actuality than what is being measured.

During my most recent encounter at a local hospital, I noticed a lot of noise coming from linen carts, nurses talking with other nurses, and portable xray/scanner machines being transported down the hall.
I did notice we could not hear any street noise, noise from the floor above us, or from the next room.

What are your experiences with noise in the hospital?
Do you think patients are getting enough rest while in the hospital or are they better off at home to get rest and sleep?

Heading to the tanning booth? Think again

2013-01-19T17:16:00.002-05:00

A few of my family members mentioned going to the tanning booth to get a pre-vacation tan. But after seeing this video, I'm thinking it's probably not a healthy idea. While I don't want them to burn on their tropical vacation. There has to be a better way to prepare for their upcoming sunny days.

According to the video, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified the tanning booths to be in the highest cancer risk category they have and labeled them as Carcinogenic (toxic) to humans. With 68,000 new cases of melanoma (skin cancer) in the United States every year and the fatality rate at 1 in 8, you may want to consider using tanning booths. They have listed several behaviors - like using too high of a setting (or too long) for your skin type and burning your skin and not using the appropriate goggles to shield your eyes.

Do you go to a tanning booth? What precautions do you take to keep safe?

Obamacare requires physician samples requests be tracked

2012-11-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Section 6004 of the Affordable Care Act has created a new requirement that all drug manufacturers must follow? They need to track orders of pharmaceutical samples by physician and submit specific information such as trade name dosage, package size request, package orders requested versus received, and more, to the FDA annually. The timeline to submit was pushed back to 10-1-2012 due to changing of format required for the data submission.

According to the FDA The Affordable Care Act explicitly states that manufacturers and authorized distributors must submit the following information concerning drug sample distribution to FDA: (1) the identity and quantity of drug samples requested; (2) the identity and quantity of drug samples distributed; (3) the name, address, professional designation, and signature of any person who makes or signs for the request, and (4) any other category of information determined appropriate by the Secretary.

Have you received a RX sample from your physician?

Do you think physicians will start tracking who they give samples out to? Do you think they will tell the patients they are being tracked?

Does anyone know what this information is going to be used for?

If free samples are going to be a thing of the past, there will definitely be an increase in the cost of care, especially when trying a new pharmaceutical that may have a negative affect.

Here is more info:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/default.htm

Flu shot campaign to benefit USO

2012-11-08T11:50:00.001-05:00

CVS pharmacy will donate $3 to the USO for every flu shot given at CVS pharmacy and MinuteClinic during the week of Veterans Day, November 11 to November 17, up to $100,000.

The Company has pledged a minimum donation of $50,000. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families through its many morale-boosting programs and services. Last year, CVS/pharmacy donated $50,000 to the USO through its flu shot donation program.

Find your CVS on WhereToFindCare.com - enter your zip code and then CVS in the field beneath to get a list near you. Remember to come back and share your experience about getting your flu shot on WhereToFindCare.com.

http://www.wheretofindcare.com/

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/07/4967622/cvspharmacy-to-launch-flu-shot.html#storylink=cpy

Bethel Assembly in Lincoln Park, MI hosts Free Medical Clinic

2012-10-12T08:41:00.001-04:00

Downriver Care & Wellness is hosting a free medical clinic for for individuals without medical coverage tomorrow, Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM at the Bethel Assembly of God in Lincoln Park, Michigan. The church is located at 2984 Fort Street.

Hours are 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM.

Services to be offered:

Diabetes, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Information

On-site Screengins for Medical, Disability, and Additional Benefits

Vision and Glaucoma Screenings

Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)

Heart Health Screenings - Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Testing *

* Services for Adults Only

This event is sponsored by Karmanos Cancer Institute, Lincoln Park Ministerial Association, Oakwood Healthcare System, The Information Center, Fairlane Investment Advisors, and KSP Insurance

For more information please contact: Pastor John Peck Bethel Assembly of God (313) 381-6090

Downriver Care and Wellness Clinic, is a Christian organization dedicated to meeting the medical needs of those without medical coverage or resources in the Downriver and Southwest Detroit area. Seeking to demonstrate God’s love by offering primary care, health education and connection with other services. (James 5:16)

(James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Source: http://www.biblestudytools.com/james/5-16.html)
Link to the Flyer

Bowling Fundraiser to help Columbus Free Clinic

2012-10-10T19:22:00.001-04:00

Would you like to meet some celebrities and enjoy an awesome Saturday afternoon bowling for a great cause? If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area, we have just the event for you. The 4th annual fundraiser for the Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center free clinic is taking place at Columbus Square Bowling Place from 1 to 4pm this Saturday, October 14, 2012. Columbus Square Bowling Palace is at 5707 Forest Hills Blvd

Not only will you get a chance to meet celebrities Ted Williams "The Man with the Golden Voice" and former world heavyweight boxing champion James "Buster" Douglas, there will be a bake sale, a live auction and a raffle drawing for $500.

The cost to bowl is $25 a person. Participants are urged to collect as much in donations as they can, with the first $25 going toward the entry free

Those interested in participating may register online at helpinghandsfreeclinic.org or obtain a form and bring it with them to the bowling alley.

Please contact the clinic if you would like to sponsor this event or the clinic as a whole. Every $1 donated translates into $10 worth of medical care the clinic can provide. The number to call is 614-262-5094..

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2012/10/09/bowling-fundraiser-to-benefit-free-clinic.htmlhttp://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2012/10/09/bowling-fundraiser-to-benefit-free-clinic.html

Don't live in this area? Contact a free clinic in your area and ask how you can help. Here is the link to find a free clinic in your area: http://www.wheretofindcare.com/How-to-Pick-a-Free-Low-Cost-Clinic.aspx

Free Clinics in Singapore aren't free

2012-10-04T20:00:00.000-04:00

With public donations down, free clinics in Singapore have decided to raise the registration fees already in place for poor patients who visit the clinics. The fee at one clinic was raised to S$3 - up by S$1. That's a 50% increase in registration fees which could force patients to not seek care.

This is one way the center has dealt with a decline in donations over the past few years.

See the full news article here:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1228687/1/.html

Are you aware of any free clinics in the United States charging registrations fee to clinic visitors?
What are your thoughts? What should free clinics do to continue providing free care when donations are down but need is increased?

Free Dental Clinic October 5th Kokomo, Indiana

2012-10-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Need dental care in the Kokomo Indiana area and can't afford it? Dr. Ladd and his staff with the help of community businesses are hosting their 8th annual free dental clinic. The event runs 8am to 4pm with admission on a first come first served basis. Services provided will be cleaning, fillings, extractions, and more.

The event is located at their office- 2333 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo IN 46902. Here is their websie: http://www.kokomoindentist.com/

Here is a link to their local news: http://kokomoperspective.com/news/ladd-dental-offering-free-clinic/article_58b1b460-0d9f-11e2-8764-0019bb2963f4.html

How dirty are patient rooms at your hospital? Wayne County Michigan

2012-09-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

Wayne County, Michigan

Wayne County, Michigan has an estimated population of 1,802,096, so it's no surprise there are more than 14 hospitals operating in that area. What you may find surprising is that 8 of the 14 hospitals exceeded the national rate on a question related to cleanliness (or lack thereof ) of their room/bathroom during a hospital stay.

The question, posed on the HCAHPS survey, sent to a random selection of patients is:

During this hospital stay, how often were your room and bathroom kept clean? Patients choices are: Never, Sometimes, Usually, Always. The choices of sometimes/never are summed into one statistic.

The national averages are 72% said their room was always clean, 19% said usually, and 9% said that their room/bathroom was sometimes or never clean.

Here is a comparison between hospitals in Wayne County of patients who answered that their room was sometimes or never clean. Some were almost twice as high as the national average:

8 hospitals were worse than national average of 9%

Detroit Receiving Hospital 17%

St John Hospital And Medical Center 17%

St Mary Mercy Hospital 17%

Sinai-Grace Hospital 16%

Harper University Hospital 12%

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital 12%

Henry Ford Hospital 10%

Karmanos Cancer Center 10%

3 hospitals were the same as national average

Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe 9%

Oakwood Annapolis Hospital 9%

Oakwood Hospital And Medical Center 9%

3 hospitals were better than national average:

Garden City Hospital 8%

Oakwood Heritage Hospital 7%

Oakwood Southshore Medical Center 7%

Unfortunately, HCAHPS has chosen to group the answers instead of sharing the information as collected.

What has been your experience with cleanliness in the hospital you last visited?

More news you may find helpful:
Patient Videos of Dirty Hospital Rooms

Going to a hospital in DC? Don't forget your cleaning supplies

9% of hospital rooms are sometimes or never clean

Patient Videos of Dirty Hospital Rooms

2012-09-25T16:22:00.004-04:00

Have you ever been to the hospital and thought you wanted to share something with other people about the cleanliness of that room? I have. Sitting for hours in an emergency room or hospital room can be frustrating, especially when that room is less than clean. After-all, hospitals are supposed to be the pillar of clean for many good reasons including infection control.

The patients here are sharing their frustrations with dirty hospital rooms by publicly posting videos on Youtube.

August 10, 2012 TMC Lakewood Hospital in the KC Metro area

June 21, 2012 Filthy Hospital Room/Good Samaritan Hospital location- unknown

(Caution: obscenities used in video by patient described filthy conditions)

February 22, 2012 - Filthy Emergency Room in St Joseph Hospital, Bellingham, WA

Have a video clip of something health care related? Post it on youtube and send us the link here:
http://www.wheretofindcare.com/ContactUs.aspx

More news you may find helpful:

Going to a hospital in DC? Don't forget your cleaning supplies

9% of hospital rooms are sometimes or never clean

Going to a hospital in DC? Don't forget your cleaning supplies

2012-09-22T16:38:00.001-04:00

U.S. Supreme Court
Washington D.C.

According to the latest HCAHPS information publicly available, Washington DC has scored the worst when it comes to the cleanliness of patient rooms and bathrooms according to their patients. That's right, in a city where our president lives, the highest court in the land rules, and legislatures discuss, 16% of patients said that their hospital room and bathroom were sometimes or never clean during their hospital stay. This is, on average, 7% above the national average of 9% across the country.

Here are the results by hospital, remember the national average is 9%.

United Medical Center - 27% were sometimes or never clean
Howard University Hospital- 19% were sometimes or never clean
George Washington University Hospital - 17% were sometimes or never clean
Washington Hospital Center - 16% were sometimes or never clean
Geogetown University Hospital - 13% were sometimes or never clean
Providence Hospital - 13% were sometimes or never clean
Sibley Memorial - 9% were sometimes or never clean

How can this happen in the capital of the greatest country in the world? Is this acceptable in DC? Is this acceptable anywhere?

9% of hospital rooms are sometimes or never clean

2012-09-20T13:04:00.001-04:00

The HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) is a survey given to a random sample of adult patients who were an inpatient at a U.S. Hospital. One of the 27 questions is: During this hospital stay, how often were your room and bathroom kept clean? Patients are given the choices of Always, Usually, Sometimes, and Never. The results are tabulated with the choices of sometimes and never being combined. Also, the response takes into account the room and the bathroom, with no ability for the patient to distinguish between. With that said, here are the national results:

72% of patients reported that their hospital room was ALWAYS clean.
19% said that their hospital room was USUALLY clean.
9% said that their hospital room was SOMETIMES or NEVER clean.

Is this surprising? What are your thoughts are this subject? Is this helpful to know by hospital?

What would you do if you or your loved one was in a hospital room that wasn't clean?

Another laptop with PHI stolen from a car

2012-09-17T22:20:00.001-04:00

Seems like we are hearing every week a new case of a laptop being stolen with ePHI information.

Just recently reported is the theft from an employee vehicle with a backup of Cancer Care Group's 55,000 patients' information - including names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers,medical record numbers and insurance information for patients as well as simliar informaiton on the employees who work for this oncology practice. See indystar.com.

There have been 75 breaches involving 500 or more individuals investigated and closed in 2012 by the OCR "as well as the names of private practice providers who have reported breaches of unsecured protected health information to the Secretary" (based on publicly available information as of 8/30/2012). OCR stands for Office for Civil Rights, the enforcer of HIPAA violations.

See this summary of the health care providers at this link.
https://www.wheretofindcare.com/newsletters/2012DataBreaches.pdf

Donor Kidney accidentally thrown out

2012-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago it was reported that a donated kidney was discarded as medical waste on August 10th. The hospital, University of Toledo Medical Center, has suspended their kidney transplant program and an investigation by the Ohio State Health Department on behalf of CMS (Medicare) is underway. I would classify this as a sentinel event according to the Joint Commission definition because the kidney recipient did not get the intended kidney which is causing great harm to the patient.

How the donated kidney was determined to be medical waste and then discarded will be realized after the required RCA (Root Cause Analysis) is completed. The process is different for transplants that happen within the same hospital from those that must have medical transportation to a different hospital.

Most RCA's are performed by the quality director, risk manager, and others who can review the quarantined area where the error occurred, ask questions of the staff involved, and discern one or several causes of the error after careful analysis. Many RCA's use a cause and effect diagram such as the one below with each area posing questions,following by asking the question "why" 5 times or until you arrive at the root cause of the problem.

Some of the questions they will seek to answer by reviewing the conditions under which the problem, discarding a donated kidney are:

1. People: What staff are involved? Were they the staff required or was there any deviation from the type of staff that should be present? Are they experienced in kidney transplants? What staff are eligible to decide what is medical waste? Who and how many people are accountable for the successful transportation of the donated kidney to the recipient's surgical room? Were the surgeons experienced at this medical center?

2. Process: What is the documented process in the policy manual for the internal transportation of a kidney from a donor to the recipient? Was the time out process used to verify actions? Why or why not? When is medical waste to be discarded? Was the policy followed or was their deviation? What was the deviation and why was their a deviation?

3. Equipment/Materials: Were the right equipment present at the beginning of the surgery or when needed? Is the equipment easily identifiable, by color,shape,size, or other characteristic as the kidney donation container? Was something else used? What does the medical waste container look like? Are they similar in nature? Where is the medical waste container stored before transportation? How close is the medical waste container in proximity to the kidney donation container? How does the kidney donation container look when filled versus unfilled?

4. Environment: Was there a deviation in room layout? Was the atmosphere such that clear communication from all team members was encouraged? Was the time out procedure used?

This, like many sentinel or never events, is devastating to everyone involved, patients, staff, and the community. RCAs help identify the causes to help others learn so that we can avoid these preventable errors.

Public Health Departments are subject HIPAA rules

2012-08-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

According to the US Dept of Health and Human Services, if a State, county, or local health department performs functions that make it a covered entity, or otherwise meets the definition of a covered entity they must comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Some health departments operate health care clinics and thus are health care providers. If these health care providers transmit health information electronically in connection with a transaction covered in the HIPAA Transactions Rule, they are covered entities.

Some of the most sensitive PHI data is housed at local health departments. With that said, having strict guidelines, security measures, etc is paramount to serving public health.

A few months ago, Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) $1.7 million to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule. Alaska also agreed to take corrective action to improve policies and procedures to safeguard the privacy and security of its patients’ protected health information.

OCR’s investigation followed a breach report submitted by Alaska DHHS as required by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. The report indicated that a portable electronic storage device (USB hard drive) possibly was stolen from the vehicle of a DHHS computer technician potentially containing electronic protected health information (e-PHI) on or about October 12, 2009.

Over the course of the investigation, OCR found that DHHS did not have adequate policies and procedures in place to safeguard ePHI. Further, DHHS had not completed a risk analysis, implemented sufficient risk management measures, completed security training for its workforce members, implemented device and media controls, or addressed device and media encryption as required by the HIPAA Security Rule. Here is the complete ruling. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/enforcement/examples/alaska-agreement.pdf

Who doesn't have to follow the HIPAA rule?

2012-08-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

The HIPAA Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. At the same time, the Privacy Rule is balanced so that it permits the disclosure of personal health information needed for patient care and other important purposes.

The Security Rule specifies a series of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for covered entities to use to assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information.

However, many organizations that have health information about you do not have to follow these laws. Examples of organizations that do not have to follow the Privacy and Security Rules include:

life insurers,
employers,
workers compensation carriers,
many schools and school districts,
many state agencies like child protective service agencies,
many law enforcement agencies,
many municipal offices.

What Information Is Protected

Information your doctors, nurses, and other health care providers put in your medical record
Conversations your doctor has about your care or treatment with nurses and others
Information about you in your health insurer’s computer system
Billing information about you at your clinic
Most other health information about you held by those who must follow these laws

Source: Department of Health and Human Services

More Tips for moving into a nursing home

2012-08-28T09:17:00.001-04:00

Moving to a nursing home can be a very confusing time. Moving can be difficult for both the patient and the family. Below are some tips on making a smoother transition:

Bring personal items, like pictures, quilts/blankets, clocks, calendars & decorative items to make the space feel like home. Check with the nursing home to find out what is allowed. Any items you bring should be labeled with the patient's name.
Make sure glasses, hearing aids and dentures as well as their containers are labeled with the patient's name.
Extra furniture and clothing. While these items go a long way for the comfort of your loved one, space in a nursing home is limited. Consult with the nursing home before you bring these items.
Bladder control products. Products like Depends are a must-have if your loved one has loss of bladder or bowel control. Nursing homes generally supply cloth products but these can be less effective and require more clothing changes.
Have magazine and newspaper subscriptions forwarded to the nursing home.
Check with the nursing home to find out what radio and TV sizes are appropriate or if these items are already provided. If you do bring them, make sure they are labeled with the patient's name.
Phone and cable services. Consider whether the resident would benefit from having their own service and ask how they are arranged within the nursing home.

More tips can be found here.

9 Free Clinics in the Grand Rapids Area

2012-08-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

Are you low income and uninsured? There are many free clinics throughout the state of Michigan to help you with your medical, dental, and or mental health needs. In the Grand Rapids area, there are at least 9. Many free clinics do have minimum criteria to qualify for help. Please call to inquire. Typically free clinics don't accept patients with insurance as they cannot bill or services.

Here is the link to Grand Rapids Michigan Free Clinics.

Are you a free clinic in the United States offering free/reduced medical, dental, and or mental health services? Register your center today and add your information.

13 Free Clinics in San Francisco

2012-08-22T19:10:00.001-04:00

Are you low income and uninsured? There are many free clinics throughout the state of California to help you with your medical, dental, and or mental health needs. In the San Francisco area, there are at least 13. Many free clinics do have minimum criteria to qualify for help. Please call to inquire. Typically free clinics don't accept patients with insurance as they cannot bill or services.

Here is the link to San Francisco Free Clinics.

Are you a free clinic in the United States offering free/reduced medical, dental, and or mental health services? Register your center today and add your information.