Global Healthcare - Selecting the Right Medical Tourism Agent

Global healthcare dates back centuries to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians travelling to hot mineral springs to obtain their healing benefits. Today global healthcare, or medical tourism is done through medical tourism agents (also known as facilitators). It has become very popular due to the higher level of care received, better recovery and deep discounts over U.S. healthcare.

For Americans, medical tourism is a new concept and many stumbling into it have no idea where to start when it comes to selecting a medical tourism agent. This medical tourism guide will give you a good idea of what you should look for when selecting a medical tourism agent or agency.

Company Size: How big is the company? Is the company real? The problem with finding a company online is you never know what is behind the company. There have been countless occasions when the businesses street address points to a house.

Time in business: Ask how long your medical tourism agency has been in business. It is also good to ask how they got their start. When you find a destination you like, it is a good idea to call the hospital and see if they know who the company is that you are booking through.

Network: How big is the network? When you need a heart stint do you want a network with 1 heart hospital or a network with all the very best heart hospitals the world has to offer? When it comes to your health make sure you are searching from the best hospitals. Global healthcare isn't global healthcare if it only extends to 3 or 4 countries.

Services: What services are included by the company? Do they pick you up at the hotel and airport? Is there a follow up? Do your medical records go directly to the doctor?

Quality of hospitals: Quality should be your greatest concern. There are world-class hospitals that surpass the quality and level of care in the United States. Hospital accreditations are a good place to start.

Member base: Are you travelling alone or with the power of members? There are companies that are membership based. This gives you far greater advantage when travelling, including no mark-ups on your procedure.

Communications: Are there transparent lines of communication between you, the doctor and the international patient coordinator? When it comes to your health, nothing should stand between you and your provider.

Money Transfer: I highly highly highly do not recommend travelling with cash or using credit cards to pay for your procedure. Carrying a large amount of cash puts you at risk, and credit card charges in foreign countries can be extremely high (as much as 18%). Always make sure you are paying the hospital directly.

Testimonials: Testimonials and references are always a must. This will put you at ease when it comes to seeing a new doctor. You can ask the company or the doctor directly for references.

This is just a guide to selecting your medical tourism company. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your medical tourism agent and your doctor.
About this Author

I'm always happy to answer any questions when it comes to global healthcare. Please feel free to contact me. If you are new to medical tourism I will encourage you to start your search at http://medicaltourismconnection.com

Author: Tom Jung
Position: Manager of Field Operations, Curatio Global
Contact: tom.jung@curatioglobal.com

Medicare Enrollment Tips

When enrolling in Medicare there are many things to consider. It is not like a switch is flipped and all of a sudden you have medical coverage. There is a lot of paperwork to fill out and you will still be required to pay some expenses. There are Medicare patient advocate groups that can assist you. But here are a few thing you can do yourself to make the transition easier.

First and foremost there are tons of resources both online and off to help educate you about Medicare and navigating its huge bureaucracy. The process of getting enrolled in Medicare and utilizing the insurance can be complicate and frustrating but is well worth it once it is taken care of. By taking some time to do some research before you run into problems will take away a lot of stress and anxiety that many people experience.

It is very important to take the time and understand what your needs are from Medicare. Not everything is covered under original Medicare and you may need supplemental insurance. Many people are often surprised how much extra they will need to take out of their own pocket to get the coverage they need. But on the flip side you don't want to be paying for things that you don't use. By taking full stock of what your needs are now and what they may be in the future along with your options and financial resources you can get the care you need.

There are many changes that are occurring to Medicare and it is very important for you to understand what they are. If you are currently have health insurance and are going over to Medicare there are other changes that may occur. Can you still go to the same doctor? Are the co-pays the same? What will be the costs of medications? Make sure to fully understand what may change when you start to utilize your Medicare services. Cost of medications may actually go up. So take some time and understand the real costs for you that these changes may incur.

Having medical coverage is one of the most important things in our daily life. Especially as we get older. It can also be one of the most trying and dreadful tasks to deal with. By following these very simple steps you can not only have health coverage but the proper coverage at the right price. In the event the task is to daunting to handle, utilize a Medicare patient advocate service.

Medicare Supplemental Providers

Seniors all around the world can look forward to having the comfort of Medicare on their side when it comes to healthcare needs. When you reach the age of 65, you are eligible to enroll in the governmental system known as Medicare. While this program will only cover 80% of approved medical expenses, many find that it is well worth it. Contrary to popular belief, the other 20% left uncovered does not have to be out-of-pocket. There are other healthcare plans available to act as secondary coverage that go along with your Medicare insurance.

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plans are available to those enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. These plans work with Medicare to help cover the 20% that is not covered with just traditional Medicare alone. Medicare Supplement plans are essential to those who may want to avoid paying thousands of dollars more than necessary for their healthcare coverage. Not being enrolled in a plan of this type can lead to having to pay a lot more than you should out of your own pocket.

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans are standardized across the many states that recognize them. What this means is that whether you purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan G from one insurance company or another, the plan name and benefits will be the same. However, even though they are uniform in nature, insurance companies do not all charge the same for their plans as they are competing for your business. In fact, premiums are commonly based on a number of important factors. A few of the major aspects that play a role in how much you will pay for your insurance are:

Zip Code: Contrary to popular belief, the exact zip code in which you reside matters.

Age: Your age at the time you apply for a policy also plays a role in your premium. Obviously, the older you are, the higher your monthly payments would likely be.

Health Status: If you currently have a serious illness, it is probably safe to assume that you will require many doctor visits and health bills.

Gender: Believe it or not, there are some illnesses that people of one gender or another are more susceptible to contracting.

Tobacco Use: Those who smoke are likely to be at a higher risk for cancer among other serious diseases.

While there are many Medicare Supplemental providers available, it is important to take care when deciding which plan and insurance carrier is best for you.

Tips For Starting a Home Healthcare Business

The aging population growth and the preference of many older people to remain in their homes around familiar surroundings is one reason why home health care businesses will be growing in the years to come. Starting a home health care business requires research on the industry as well as state and local regulations, but it can be a financially rewarding business.

Below are several steps that have to be thoroughly researched and explored, but if done correctly will help you when starting a home health care business:

   1. Review local home health care business regulations - each state will have rules and regulations regarding starting home health care businesses. Check with the local state department to determine which agency handles those regulations and request information. This is important to ensure that the business is meeting licensing and regulatory requirements from the first day of operations.

   2. Determine services provided - researching the types of home care services to be provided can help determine if there is a need for those services. Research other local home care agencies to determine the services being offered. Developing a special niche of services will set the home business apart from the competitors, such as offering medical services if the competition only provides non-medical care.

   3. Decide on the type of business entity - the business can be a sole proprietor, corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership. It is best to consult with an attorney and tax accountant about which entity works best relative to tax liability, payroll, sales tax, worker's compensation and business liability.

   4. Obtain a business license - each business must have an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government. This number is easily obtained online, or by calling the IRS, and does not cost money. This number is like the business' social security number for tax and liability purposes. Protect the number the same as a social security number.

   5. Determine hours of business operation - will the home health care agency operation around-the-clock, or only specific hours of the day? This is where understanding the competition in the area can help with developing a niche that differentiates the business from competitors. If most home health care companies only provide daytime services, offering nighttime services can mean getting more business from customers who require evening or overnight care.

   6. Develop employee requirements and job descriptions - if offering non-medical services only, the skills required by employees will be different than a home health care business that offers medical services. Finding quality, dependable employees can be a major part of operating a home health care business. Contact local CNA (certified nursing assistant) schools, as well as nursing or other health care training schools to determine availability of competent graduates on an on-going basis. Marketing a skilled, trained staff will solidify the reputation of the business. Developing long-term relationships with training schools and agencies will generate a supply of available qualified, licensed staff. All staff should be required to pass federal criminal background checks and random drug testing.

   7. Obtain liability insurance - it is very important to have full liability insurance when operating a home health care business. Consult a licensed insurance agency to make sure that the insurance protects the owner, employees, and business from liability.

   8. Apply for Medicaid and Medicare acceptance, as well as private insurance - many insurance companies are paying for home care services in lieu of expensive hospital or nursing home care. Applying and meeting the guidelines of all insurers will result in a wider range of eligible patients, as well as a reliable stream of income.

   9. Determine minimum start-up costs, and work with local business start-up agencies to develop a business plan that will result in obtaining loans and funding for starting a home health care business. A business plan is not only for submitting to banks for funding, but will also serve as the guiding principles for the home health care business.

Facts About Medicare

Medicare is a federally funded insurance program that was established in 1964. The following groups of people may be eligible to receive benefits:

• People who are at least 65 years old
• People under 65 who have specific disabilities
• People of all ages who have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis

Individuals who are still working at 65 should enroll in Medicare Part A in order to receive benefits for expenses not covered by private insurance. A variety of private plans, called Medigap, that were designed to cover temporary gaps in benefits or supplement uncovered benefits are available to meet specific needs.

Medicare is divided into four categories and pays some of the costs for each of the following needs:

• Part A - in-patient hospital care, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, home health care
• Part B - out-patient hospital care, visits to doctors' office, home health care; some expenses not covered by Part A
• Part C - certain kinds of preventive care; also called Medicare Advantage Plans
• Part D - prescription drugs from companies approved by Medicare; help with prescriptions; possibly lowers prices of prescription drugs; also called Medicare prescription drug coverage

Although the Medicare system cannot be easily summarized in one short description, there are a few basic facts that make the research go a little more smoothly:

1. Medicare and Medicaid are two entirely different programs. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is administered by the state and helps to pay for specific needs of people with low incomes. Some people, however, meet the requirements for both programs.

2. Medicare's preventive services are designed to prevent illnesses from occurring or from worsening. These services may include information, screenings, vaccinations, and tests that help to maintain healthy lifestyles. Patients who have had Part B for 12 months qualify for a yearly "wellness" visit.

3. Medicare-approved private insurance companies provide coverage for Medicare C and D. These plans may involve additional costs.

4. Physicians are required to file claims for patients covered under Original Medicare. Doctors are not required to file claims for patients who have Medicare Advantage because medical providers receive small payments monthly from these insurance companies.

5. Medicare does not usually pay for custodial care provided by nursing homes. However, patients who qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for these services.

Negotiating the benefits and yearly changes of health insurance can be time-consuming and confusing. For detailed information and answers to specific questions, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare.
About this Author

Joann Carlisle is a writer who enjoys sharing her knowledge and advice with readers. For more on health care, Finance Dad offers readers tips for ways to cut health care costs.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can occur suddenly or over time, and may interfere with cognition vis a vis reduced mental clarity and physical performance. Studies show that dehydration symptoms can range from mild to fatal, and you may not even know you're dehydrated! On the other end of the spectrum, in 1995, 600 people reportedly died during a summer heat wave in Chicago. So, when in high temperatures, be sure to hydrate properly and take time out in cool areas to help prevent the cumulative adverse impact of heat exposure. If there is no air conditioning for you to cool off in, find a shady area and stay hydrated as much as possible.

Research shows that dehydration can result from many internal or external causes, and not necessarily from hot temperatures. For instance, exercise, medical conditions, medications, inflammation, diabetes, alcohol consumption, etc., may be causes or conditions which contribute to dehydration. If dehydration becomes severe, reduced blood flow to the brain and body, may leave you in a state of confusion and weakness. So, its important to learn and be aware of dehydration signs and symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health, when you are becoming dehydrated, you may have increased thirst, dry mouth, cessation of tear production by the eyes, cessation of sweating, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, and lightheadedness (especially when standing), which may manifest in heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, CALL YOUR DOCTOR and get some help.

So let's talk about hydration. While its important to drink several glasses of water a day, sometimes water is not enough to balance out the electrolytes in your body. According to leading American sports and fitness scientist, Dr. John Heiss, mental and physical performance is strongly related to the body's biochemical reactions to certain salt balances (electrolytes). It has been very hot in Los Angeles this week, and I noted this issue addressed with a few of my students who came off of a basketball court and took measures to properly replenish their electrolytes. They seemed ready to play another round - and once refreshed, seemed impervious to the heat!

I've personally found that when my electrolytes are replenished, I am aware of enhanced mental clarity and improved physical performance. As a Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) survivor, I can also tell you that although the cognitive and physical after-effects of chemo-therapy have been challenging, nutritional enhancements definitely have boosted my energy and cognitive performance.

PS. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing when outside in the heat. Do drink plenty of water and carry a personal fan or mister to cool yourself!
About this Author

Too often many sports drinks have sugar or caffeine; however, Hydrate, a new bio-available electrolyte supplement, comes in tiny stick pack can fit in a pocket! This Stevia-sweetened alternative sports drink is only 15 calories. It quickly replaces lost salts and minerals, and adds C and B vitamins to sustain energy. Use it at workouts and outdoor events where sweating, activity, and heat stress cause fluid loss. All the best! Visit http://www.myhydrate.com

http://www.myhydrate.com

Health Prevention As a Priority

On June 6, 2006, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and the richest man in the world, announced that he would scale back his work at Microsoft and allocate more time to the charitable foundation he co-founded with his wife Melinda.

Ten days later, Warren Buffett, the second wealthiest man in the world publicly announced he was handing over his fortune to the Bill Gates & Melinda Gates Foundation, which primarily focuses on improving global health.

The largest philanthropic foundation in the world had its beginnings and doubled to more than $60 billion.

Why would the wealthiest men in the world have such passion for one cause?

One reason for their dedication and philanthropic endeavor was they were saddened to find out that 3 million children die of diseases that are absolutely preventable. In addition, they share in their concern about the inequalities between people living in different parts of the world.

Bill Gates addressed the World Health Assembly, a part of the World Health Organization, and stated the following:

    "I first learned about these tragic health inequalities some years ago when I was reading an article about diseases in the developing world. It showed that more than half a million children die every year from "rotavirus." I thought, "Rotavirus?"-I've never even heard of it. How could I never have heard of something that kills half a million children every year!?" Melinda and I had assumed that if there were vaccines and treatments that could save lives, governments would be doing everything they could to get them to the people who needed them. But they weren't. We couldn't escape the brutal conclusion that in--our world today-some lives are seen as worth saving and others are not. We said to ourselves: "This can't be true. But if it is, it deserves to be the priority of our giving."


Bill and Melinda Gates found global health.

Why should you care about global health?

First, health is a common experience for all humans.

It doesn't matter what social, economic, or cultural differences we may have that set us apart from each other. Every human being knows what it is like to be sick, or care for family members or friends who are ill or injured, and to mourn loss of someone we love. This is common among us. This should inspire compassion within us.

Second, Bill and Melinda Gates and physician, activist, and anthropologist, Paul Farmer make it clear that human beings have a fundamental right to health. Water, shelter, and food are human needs. If good health is a human need and right then millions of people around the world do not have access to basic health care because of where they were born, how much money their family make, or other circumstances that may be beyond their control.

If health is a human right, then regardless of the conditions that made them vulnerable to disability, illness, or premature death, people should have access to basic health care and prevention from preventable diseases.

Finally, globalization is constantly changing our economic and social makeup, as well as how we experience health. Our health and well-being is connected to everyone else. Our personal health practices like eating nutritious food, frequent hand-washing, exercise and getting vaccinations have the potential of keeping you, your family, and your co-workers health. However, infectious diseases like West Nile virus can fly over borders by birds that carry the influenza virus. In addition, insects are imported on leafs of lettuce and bananas. This complex means and spread of disease requires that we think beyond our households and local communities to the reality of global levels.

The world is becoming more interconnected. Modern transportation allows infectious diseases to cross over our borders. Good sanitation practices and enforcement of environmental laws geared toward keeping our food products safe is vital to our health and well-being.

The more educated and informed we are; how well we respond to safety hazards and infectious disease the healthier we become. Examine your values and consider what choices you make that may impact other people's lives. Consider taking a view on how you can become more involved in creating solutions to health problems.

You can make a difference in the lives of millions across the globe by becoming more involved in helping to form a healthier world.
About this Author

Learn more about living a healthier life. Visit the following link and you'll be taken to a website with more valuable information from George Zapo

Benefits Of BloodBorne Pathogens Online Training

If you anticipate facing contact with human blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids in your job, it is imperative to complete BBP training. Training helps you get adequate knowledge on how BBP are transmitted from one person to another, how to prevent or reduce exposure to human blood and other infectious materials and steps to be taken if you are exposed.

BloodBorne Pathogens Training- Why Is It So Important?

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention estimated that around 380,000 workers in health care institutions were injured by sharp instruments like needles and infected with bloodborne pathogens.

Around 200,000 employers in other industries were also infected with these harmful microorganisms. Providing proper training to people who are at risk of exposure to blood and body fluids can help reduce the risk of developing a disease and transmitting infection. You can learn a lot of useful aspects by opting for BBP training-

• You can learn how to wash your hands thoroughly after they are exposed to blood or other potentially harmful materials.

• You will learn the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be taught on when to wear gloves, gowns, footwear and face shields.

• Training helps you understand how to clean potentially contaminated surfaces thoroughly.

• You will be taught about the modes of bloodborne pathogens transmission and how to protect yourself against them.

• Training covers various topics related to bloodborne pathogens. You can learn what bloodborne pathogens are and how to identify them. You can learn the techniques to deal with them properly, so that you can protect yourself against the risk of infection and continue to provide first aid and care.

• Training helps you understand the emergency procedures that should be followed when there is exposure to blood and body fluids.

• It also teaches you how to dispose contaminated items that will release pathogens safely.

Benefits of receiving bloodborne pathogens training online

• As the online training is interactive, you can learn everything about pathogens, preventative measures and post exposure procedures easily and quickly.

• You can learn at your own pace as the training is accessible 24/7.

• As the course duration is just one or two hours, there is no necessity to take leave from your job to attend online pathogens training. You can complete the course at any time convenient to you.

• Online training can be opted for by those who wish to update their knowledge in this field or by those who are taking first aid training for the first time.

• You will get a course completion certificate at the end of training.

Bloodborne pathogens training is thus a necessity for anyone who anticipates coming in contact with human blood and other infectious fluids while performing the tasks assigned to them. It is mandatory to complete the training program for certain jobs at medical facilities. Opting for training online will equip you with sufficient knowledge and skills to protect yourself against dangerous bloodborne pathogens.
About this Author

For more information, please visit our blood borne pathogens website.