31 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Tours Health Care Facilities in Southern Illinois

By Kara Beach
Highlights New Law Benefiting Rural Hospitals; Celebrates Nursing Home Reforms

BENTON - August 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today toured several health care facilities in southern Illinois to highlight a new law that will benefit critical access hospitals, especially in rural parts of the state, and nursing home reforms.

"It is critical that all Illinoisans have access to the medical care they need to live healthy lives. It is also very important that our most vulnerable citizens are kept safe when receiving care at a hospital or nursing home," said Governor Quinn. "We must continue to do everything we can, including enacting good legislation, to improve our health care system."

The Governor's first stop was Franklin Hospital, a critical access hospital in Benton, where he met with hospital administrators and local legislators to tour the facility. During his visit, Governor Quinn stressed the importance of newly signed legislation that will make sure citizens in rural parts of the state have access to medical care.

Governor Quinn recently signed House Bill 5765, sponsored by Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), which will go into effect on Jan. 11, 2011. The new law particularly benefits smaller rural hospitals, including those that are located throughout southern Illinois where many critical access hospitals are often several miles away from the nearest medical facility and serve large areas of the state. The new law requires critical access hospitals to be reimbursed for outpatient Medicaid services based on cost.

Governor Quinn also today toured the McLeansboro Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, a 43-bed skilled nursing home facility in McLeansboro. During his visit, the Governor highlighted a landmark new law signed in July that transforms Illinois' system of long-term care for frail older adults and persons with disabilities.

The new law remakes the system of admission to nursing homes, ensuring that only those in need of 24-hour skilled care are admitted. The law also strengthens the screening process to prevent residents with violent criminal histories from being placed with vulnerable, older adults.

Senate Bill 326, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), resulted from strong collaboration between state agencies, members of the Illinois General Assembly, advocates, home and community based service providers, residents and the nursing home profession, led by Governor Quinn's Nursing Home Safety Task Force.

As part of his weekend tour of health care facilities in southern Illinois, Governor Quinn will also visit the Phoenix Foundation of Southern Illinois in Carmi later today to make an announcement that will improve access to medical care for residents living in or around White County.

###
30 Aug 2010

ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY DEDICATES $11.5 MILLION HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION CENTER

By Jane Kettering
DAVENPORT, Iowa?On Thursday, Aug. 26, St. Ambrose University dedicated its new $11.5 million Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis, located on the southeast corner of Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, Davenport. Sen. Chuck Grassley was on hand to participate in the ceremony. Grassley, along with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Rep. Bruce Braley, were instrumental in securing $1.6 million of congressionally directed funding for the facility.

"We are honored that Senator Grassley is with us on this exciting day," said Sister Joan Lescinski, president and CEO of St. Ambrose. "As a result of the wonderful collaboration with Genesis Health System and the generosity of many, this state-of-the-art facility will help prepare even more highly qualified health care professionals to serve our community. And in these challenging economic times, I am also pleased that the construction of this new facility has also provided jobs for fellow Quad Citians."

Construction of the facility, which houses the university's academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy, provided 200 jobs and fueled an estimated $20 million impact on the local economy.

Doug Cropper, president and CEO of Genesis Health System said, "The new St. Ambrose Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis is an investment in the Quad Cities community. We believe in supporting the education of healthcare professionals who will deliver the highest level of patient care."

Along with its Health Services Foundation, Genesis Health System provided more than $3 million in support for the project including the donation of land and site work.

The completion of the center marks an era of major capital projects to support the university's commitment to academic excellence. St. Ambrose has a long history of meeting the community's health care needs by providing quality education with nationally accredited academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program offers one of only 28 orthopedic physical therapy clinical residency programs in the nation. Considered a "Best Career" according to a 2009 U.S. News & World Report, recent DPT graduates achieved a 100 percent employment and licensure pass rate.
The Master of Occupational Therapy degree program is the only master's level program in the state of Iowa and recent OT graduates report a 100 percent employment rate. The OT program's assistive technology lab?the only one of its kind in the state?serves disabled Quad Cities residents with individualized equipment and home environment adaptations. Faculty and student assistive technology inventions have consistently won national awards.
The Nursing Department offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing degree program and one for Registered Nurses (RNs) who can complete their degree while employed, as well as a master of science in nursing administration. Responding to the community's critical need for highly qualified nursing professionals, approximately 75 percent of St. Ambrose nursing graduates remain and practice in the Quad Cities area.
For more information, go to www.sau.edu.

- end -
26 Aug 2010

More Than $2 Million to Iowa

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - August 25, 2010 - Senator Chuck Grassley said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded four grants totaling $1,868,364 and one cooperative agreement totaling $237,597 to Iowa medical facilities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will distribute the money as shown below.

  • St. Ambrose University in Davenport will receive a $594,000 grant for health care and other facilities from the Division of Grants Management Operations

  • Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines will receive a $495,000 grant for health care and other facilities from the Division of Grants Management Operations· Mercy Foundation in Des Moines will receive a $495,000 grant for health care and other facilities from the Division of Grants Management Operations

  • The University of Iowa in Iowa City will receive a $284,364 grant for pharmacology, physiology, and biological chemistry research from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences

  • The University of Iowa in Iowa City will enter into a $237,597 cooperative agreement for human genome research with the National Human Genome Research Institute

Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.

-30-

23 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Emergency Medical Care in Illinois

By Andrew Mason
Law Ensures High Quality Advanced Critical Care Transportation

CHICAGO - August 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to ensure the highest quality of emergency medical transportation for Illinoisans who are critically ill. The new law will establish minimum standards for ambulance services that provide advanced critical care transportation.

"When critically ill patients are being transported to receive the care they need, we must do everything possible to ensure they receive the highest quality of care," said Governor Quinn. "This new law will ensure that the staffs in advanced critical care ambulances are properly educated, trained and licensed."

Under the new law, the Illinois Department of Public Health will establish standards to ensure that those who provide advanced critical care transport have the advanced staffing and equipment needed to properly care for critically ill patients. The standards will include staffing, licensure, education, medical equipment, vehicle standards, and treatment and transport protocols.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will also have the ability to license "reserve" ambulances. This makes it possible for ambulance providers to quickly replace any ambulances taken out of service, and continue to provide emergency medical care. The law also allows IDPH to continue to administer the Illinois' emergency medical technician (EMT) exam, instead of requiring EMTs to take the more expensive national exam.

House Bill 5183 was sponsored by Rep. Donald L. Moffitt (R-Gilsen) and Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.

"This law will ensure that people are given the best care possible by trained emergency medical staff when critical care ambulance transport is needed," said Rep. Moffitt.

This legislation further amends the Emergency Medical Service Systems Act to authorize IDPH to suspend, revoke or refuse to issue or renew the license of an emergency medical service professional who has been convicted, pled guilty or pled no-contest to certain felonies. Currently, IDPH can only revoke the license of a felon if the crime was committed while the person was providing emergency medical services.

"I'm thankful that the Governor signed this important law that will ensure the safety and well-being of critically ill patients," said Sen. Koehler.

###
23 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Enrollment Open for Illinois' Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

By Rick Martin

Encourages Residents Who Have Been Denied Health Insurance to Apply Online or Over the Phone

CHICAGO - August 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that enrollment for the Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (IPXP) will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Aug. 20. The federally-funded plan will provide coverage for thousands of Illinois residents who have been denied health coverage due to preexisting conditions. Residents can apply online at Insurance.Illinois.gov/IPXP and over the phone at (877) 210-9167. Coverage through the plan will begin Sept. 1.

"I encourage everyone to go out tonight and talk to their families, friends and neighbors who may have a pre-existing medical condition and make sure they call or go online to apply for this important program," said Governor Quinn. "The Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will give uninsured residents throughout Illinois the health care they need."

The federal health reform law, known as the Affordable Care Act, prohibits insurers from basing coverage or pricing decisions on a person's health status starting Jan. 1, 2014.

To provide transitional coverage until 2014 for people who are currently uninsured with pre-existing conditions, the Affordable Care Act appropriates $5 billion to fund temporary high-risk pools in every state. Illinois' share is an estimated $196 million which, in addition to premiums paid by enrollees, will be used to operate the IPXP. The federal government will pay claims and administrative expenses. The program will incur no expense to the state and will cover approximately 5,000 uninsured Illinoisans.

The plan will provide enrollees with comprehensive health care benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care and prescription drugs. The plan will offer a preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance product with a $2,000 annual deductible, 80/20 percent cost sharing, and a maximum major medical out-of-pocket annual cost of $2,350. For prescription benefits, the cost sharing will also be 80/20 percent and the maximum out-of-pocket cost will be $1,600 per year.

"The Affordable Care Act's protection from discrimination based on health status cannot come soon enough for individuals and families who have been denied coverage," said Michael T. McRaith, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. "The transitional coverage provided by the federally-funded IPXP is an important step as we move toward an Illinois health insurance marketplace with improved performance, accountability and transparency."

Hard copies of the IPXP application will also be available at the Department of Insurance offices in Chicago and Springfield. For more information visit Insurance.Illinois.gov/IPXP or call (877) 210-9167.

A study conducted last year showed that medical bills are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy, linked to more than 60 percent of bankruptcies.

###

16 Aug 2010

Knowing when grief needs treatment, from Harvard Medical School

By Raquel Schott

BOSTON?It's normal for to the death of a close friend or family member to bring sadness, mood changes, or trouble sleeping and eating. For some people, though, grief and bereavement can evolve into clinical depression, according to Coping with Grief & Loss: A guide to healing, a newly updated report from Harvard Health Publications.

While most people pass through grief or bereavement without professional help, it's important to seek a helping hand if troubling or long-lasting symptoms of depression begin to interfere with daily life. Talk with your doctor or a mental health professional if you have suicidal thoughts or experience any of these other symptoms of bereavement-related depression:

  • persistent feelings of worthlessness, which is generally felt with depression but not with healthy grief
  • ongoing guilt
  • marked mental and physical sluggishness
  • persistent trouble functioning
  • hallucinations, other than occasionally thinking you hear or see the deceased.

Small studies suggest that psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both may ease symptoms of depression associated with grief.

Sometimes people feel so mired in grief that months or even years go by with little or no let-up. This may be a sign of complicated grief, a term mental health professionals use when grieving proves especially difficult. Complicated grief combines features of depression with those of post-traumatic stress disorder. Among adults who suffer a significant loss, about one in 11 experiences complicated grief. Symptoms include

  • intrusive, upsetting memories, thoughts, and images of the deceased
  • constant, painful yearning for the deceased
  • an inability to accept the reality of the death
  • frequent nightmares
  • detachment from others
  • desperate loneliness and helplessness, anger, and bitterness
  • thoughts of suicide and wanting to die.

Other reasons to seek professional help include drug abuse, increased use of tobacco or alcohol, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, experiencing uncontrollable anxiety, and failing to feel somewhat better after a year has passed. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think you may have complicated grief or depression related to grief or bereavement.

This updated Special Health Report also covers these topics:

  • The health effects of grief
  • A guide to grieving at different stages in life
  • Practical coping strategies

Coping with Grief & Loss is available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications (www.health.harvard.edu), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. Order it online at www.health.harvard.edu/GLor by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

16 Aug 2010

Red Root Hot Yoga Now Open in Davenport

By Cole Morrow
New hot yoga studio opens in Davenport, Iowa.
Located at 2660 E 53 St #4 Davenport, Iowa
Studio owners, Cole and Nicole Morrow
563-468-7751
www.redroothotyoga.com
Email: berooted@redroothotyoga.com

  • Safe and convenient Location provided with ample parking in front of studio.
  • Open 7 days a week with classes starting at 6:00 AM and as late as 7:30PM. 2-4 classes scheduled per day.
  • Certified instruction and owner is registered with The Yoga Alliance, an international organization that sets the educational standards for yoga instructors and teachers.

"This is a professional hot yoga studio," said Cole. "We use silent, permanently wall mounted radiant heaters to warm the body and surrounding objects. Energy efficient Radiant heat differs from furnace heat, as they do not blow hot air on the practitioner. The heat is equally distributed to each student. We also use fresh air ventilation and humidity control." said Cole

3 levels of classes are scheduled to meet the desires of people new to yoga, as well as the experienced student.  Level 1-2, with temps from 80-85F. This class is geared toward new yoga students. RRHY(Red Root Hot Yoga) 100-110F, for the people that like it hot and slow, and Power flow yoga 85F. " I took all my experiences with hot yoga studios and instruction styles, and put it right here in the Quad Cities. Detailed instruction of postures and proper alignment is provided. Each class is like a yoga workshop" said Cole

The studio has been constructed using holistic thinking. From the fully recyclable yoga floor and mold resistant wall board, to the organic body wash, towels and soaps. " we believe wholeheartedly in taking care of ones mind, body, and spirit to obtain optimal health." said Nicole. " Join us in a non competitive environment. Where you can step away from the everyday stresses of life, gain self confidence, and build both physical, and mental strength." said Nicole.

The studio provides both mens and women's restrooms equipped with showers. High quality mat and towel rental is also provided. "I use only the best quality yoga gear at this studio. I want the people of the Quad Cities to enjoy all that yoga has to offer, with out having to worry about slips and falls. Take some time out for yourself, and come experience all the best that Red Root Hot Yoga has to offer." said Cole.

The Red Root Hot Yoga Studio has made accommodations for people with disabilities. Handicapped people are encouraged to start their own yoga practice here."Just because your in a wheel chair, does not mean you cant practice yoga. There is a space here for you" said Cole.

People interested in taking a class at Red Root Hot Yoga can sign up online via the website, and drop ins are welcome any time. Children are welcome to come to class, accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Any other questions or comments can be directed to Cole Morrow on the web, or by phone. "You can call me anytime with your questions or comments. I am available for you." said Cole

Your first class is always free!

###

10 Aug 2010

CDC Director Thomas Frieden to tour Scott County Health Department

By Lenore Alonso
WHAT:  CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH will meet with Scott County Health Department Director Larry Barker and Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton to discuss how local health and CDC health priorities align, and to tour the Scott County Health Department facilities.

WHERE:  Scott County Administrative Center, Scott County Health Department, 600 West 4th Street, 4th Floor Conference Room, Davenport, IA

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 1:15pm to 1:45pm

For more information call the Scott County Health Department at 563-326-8618 or visit
www.scottcountyiowa.com/health.

09 Aug 2010

Professional Organization formed to support Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturists in the state of Iowa

By Alice Sptizner Claussen
July 2010, Iowa City, Iowa: The Iowa Association of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture (IAOMA) is the newly formed professional, non-profit organization supporting and promoting Licensed Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine practitioners throughout the state of Iowa. IAOMA is dedicated to educating and raising public awareness regarding the health benefits of Oriental Medicine. In addition IAOMA is committed to creating a community for licensed acupuncturists and fostering a professional and informative rapport with the broader healthcare community both in Iowa and nationally. Licensed
Acupuncturists and others who share our mission of a bright future for Oriental Medicine in the state of Iowa are welcome to become members of IAOMA.

For more information about our mission or membership, visit the IAOMA website: www.IAOMA.org or contact Alice Spitzner Claussen at 319.887.6992.

02 Aug 2010

Braley Announces New Medicare Payments for Iowa Hospitals

By Caitlin Legacki

Iowa will receive additional $12.5 million, more than 46 other states

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley announced today the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies (CMS) handed down a rule delivering new Medicare payments for Iowa hospitals. The funding was secured by Braley with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Administration officials during late night negotiations before the final health care vote. Under the rule announced today, Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements, or 8.3 percent of the available funds. Only New York and Virginia will receive more money as part of these negotiations.

"The announcement of these funds is a big step in the right direction to finally rewarding Iowa's doctors for the care they provide," Braley said.  "For decades, Iowa's doctors have been punished for no reason other than geography. The new CMS rule announced today is the first step toward ending harmful geographic disparities and reforming our Medicare system so it finally rewards quality of care instead of the quantity of procedures performed. We still have a lot of work to do and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Sebelius to ensure we fully implement all the provisions she guaranteed during the late-night health care negotiations."

Braley negotiated a compromise adding language to the health care reform bill that provides an immediate $800 million to address geographic disparities for both doctors and hospitals, as well as written guarantees from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for further action to reform Medicare reimbursement rates that do not qualify for reconciliation under the Byrd Rule. The Senate bill previously only provided a Medicare reimbursement fix for doctors.

The House reconciliation package maintained automatic implementation of a value index as part of the reimbursement structures for doctors, beginning in 2015.  This language was secured in the Senate bill with the help of Harkin and is based on Braley's Medicare Payment Improvement Act, introduced in June 2009. Under the fixes secured in the Senate bill and House reconciliation package, Iowa doctors will see five percent increases in current Medicare reimbursement rates in both 2010 and 2011.

# # #

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.