Healthcare Policy Blogs

Here are some of the top blogs related healthcare policy. Includes interesting blogs on legislation and law as well.

1. Health Commentary with Dr. Mike Magee: Get an inside look at healthcare, and insightful commentary on public policy.
2. The Future of Aging Blog: An interesting look at the aging population, and policy related to this future.
3. Health Blog: This is a great policy and commentary blog looking at health policy and the costs associated with healthcare.
4. Each Patient Counts: This blog from the Massachusetts Medical Society address policy issues related to healthcare.
5. Disease Management Care Blog: This blog addresses policy issues related to disease management.
6. HHS Health Beat: News and policy information and commentary on healthcare from the U.S. government.
7. Health Care Law Blog: Looks at legal issues, policy and provides commentary on healthcare costs.
8. Health Beat: This blog is written by Maggie Mahar and addresses issues related to healthcare policy.
9. John Goodman’s Health Policy Blog: Get insight on health policy and learn what is happening.
10. Retired Doc’s Thoughts: Learn about health policy from one who has lived it.
11. Doctor Pundit: This doctor blogs about healthcare policy and more.

Healthcare Costs and Reform Blogs

These blogs deal a great deal with the cost of healthcare and the need for reform. Interesting discussions, and helpful insights.

12. A Healthy Blog: This blog looks at reigning in healthcare costs and providing health services for all.
13. PNHP’s Official Blog: This is a blog from the organization Physicians for a National Health Program, and their look at reigning in costs and providing reform for the current system.
14. Health Care Renewal: Addresses how it is possible to reduce costs and reform the healthcare industry.
15. Guaranteed Healthcare Blog: This blog, from the California Nurses Association, is about the costs of insurance, and about the savings that might result from a single payer system.
16. Health Care Cost Monitor: This blog keeps track of issues affecting cost in healthcare.
17. DB’s Medical Rants: This blog addresses health care reform, and looks at health care in general, as well as pays attention to cost and payment issues.
18. The Alan Katz Health Care Reform Blog: Looks at healthcare reform, and provides commentary on possible cost controls and changes.
19. Health Care RX: The Washington Post provides a look into healthcare reform, and addresses cost control and other issues.
20. Campaign for an American Solution: This is a healthcare reform blog that looks at costs, and tries to come with viable solutions to current problems.
21. Health Care Can’t Wait: Another blog on health reform and costs, this time from the AFL-CIO.

Health and Business Blogs

In many cases, costs and policy are linked to the business aspects of healthcare. Here are some blogs about the intersection of health and business.

22. Healthcare Economist: Get an inside look at the economy of healthcare, and the business of of the health industry.
23. Wall Street Journal Health Blog: Addresses healthcare and the health industry from the perspective of the most well-known business publication.
24. Health Business Blog: This is about the business and cost issues that are a reality in the healthcare industry.
25. The Business of Aging: Looks at the business issues and opportunities surrounding the aging population.
26. Senior Care Notes: Another business blog focused on providing information and resources related to the business of caring for the health of the aging population.
27. The Health Care Blog: Looks at the health industry and the healthcare system.
28. Medical Practice Business Blog: Learn about the ins and outs of business practices for those who are interested in the business side of medicine.
29. Health Care Industry Buzz: BNET offers a look into the latest headlines from the healthcare industry, including information on business, costs and policy.
30. Health Care Policy and Market Review: Looks at the marketplace in terms of healthcare, and offers policy insights.

International Health Policy Blogs

Healthcare isn’t just an issue here at home. These international health policy blogs look at what is going on around the world in terms of reform and costs.

31. Global Health Report: Tackles health issues and policy on a global scale.
32. World Health Care Blog: Addresses healthcare reform around the world, and happenings in global health policy.
33. IH-Blog: This international health blog looks at issues in areas of greatest concern.
34. Global Health Policy: The Center for Global Development addresses issues related to international health policy.
35. Health Impact Assessment Blog: Looks at HIA and how it affects global health policy.
36. The International Medical Marketplace: Comments on different developments around the world related to the medical marketplace and policies.
37. Smart Global Health: Looks at global health solutions and questions of policy.
38. Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report: Get updates and information on the latest health policy happenings from around the world.
39. Blog 4 Global Health: Addresses policy and cost issues that surround healthcare around the world.
40. Karen Grepin’s Global Health Blog: Get an inside look at what is going on in healthcare around the world, and commentary on possible solutions.

Blog Posts and Articles on Healthcare Costs and Policy

There are many blogs that host articles on healthcare costs and policy. Here are some blog posts and articles that can provide a little more insight what is going on.

41. U.S. Health Care Costs: This is a category of blog posts from Economix, a blog from The New York Times. Learn more about health costs and policy in the U.S.
42. Greg Mankiw’s Blog: Features a post on physician income and healthcare costs. It’s an interesting comparison of what others make, and the costs of healthcare.
43. NGM Blog Central: National Geographic Magazine offers a look at the cost of healthcare in other countries, as compared to the U.S., with an interesting graphic.
44. Shots: NPR’s health blog looks at the rising costs affecting states and consumers throughout the U.S.
45. DailyFinance: An interesting post on the expected jump in healthcare costs, and an overview of policy moves to try and counteract the effects.
46. The Huffington Post: Dr. Dennis Gottfried shares his thoughts on some ways to reign in healthcare costs as part of policy reform.
47. Blog for Iowa: An interesting article on the idea of a voucher plan for Medicare as part of health care reform and cost control.
48. The White House Blog: Officials at the White House offer insight into health care costs and the status quo.
49. Room for Debate: Offers a variety of opinions and ideas related to healthcare policy and to controlling rising healthcare costs.
50. James Pethokoukis Political Risk: An interesting view about healthcare reform and policy with an analysis of China’s concerns about how reform costs could impact the deficit.

1. Wound care management: Tablet PCs outfitted with cameras can help accurately measure wounds and capture a record of the progress of wound healing, helping doctors get a better picture of whether treatments are having the desired effect.
2. Monitor vitals: There are now mobile vital signs monitors, but they aren’t exactly PCs. However, there are some PCs that can be used to monitor vital signs, making it possible to coordinate vitals with health records.
3. Patient tracking: It is possible to keep better track of patients with tablet PCs. Doctors and nurses that use them get automatic updates when patients are moved, or when they have new needs. This can be done through RFID readers that scan barcodes at patient beds.
4. Accurate prescriptions: Instead of trying to decipher doctor scrawl, it is possible for doctors to electronically use tablet PCs to select prescriptions and more accurately and legibly prepare scripts.
5. Faster prescription fulfillment: Wireless capabilities on tablet PCs can streamline the entire prescription process by sending orders quickly. This can be to outside pharmacies, or to the in-hospital pharmacy.
6. Medication management: Not only are tablet PCs used to keep track of which medications a patient is taking, and to write prescriptions that are easy to read, but better medication management is seen with tablet PCs. How much has been taken, and in what doses, can be managed on the go.
7. Drug interactions: It is easy to get instant access to drug interactions, as well as record the type of reaction a patient is having to a prescription.
8. Diagnosis help: Sometimes a doctor or surgeon needs to consult notes and references when making a diagnosis. With a tablet PC, it is quick and easy to access information that can help with a timely and accurate diagnosis.
9. Treatment plans: It is possible to use a tablet PC to quickly create a treatment plan, and then track progress of the intended regimen.
10. Medical alerts: With a tablet PC, it is possible to receive medical alerts quickly. Different alarms can be used in the hospital rooms, and send signals to the PC, alerting doctors or nurses to a problem — and what it is.
11. Immediate entry of medical data: In many cases, greater error can be introduced into the health records system when charts are written, and then copied, and then entered into the computer later. With mobile computing, tablet PCs make it possible for immediate entry, reducing errors in some cases.
12. Health information in real time: Tablet PCs are used for looking up real time health information that can be of use.
13. Lab results: Instead of waiting for lab results, they can be sent instantly to a doctor or nurse with a tablet PC, providing instant access to results.
14. Imaging: In addition to receiving lab results, it is also possible to receive imaging. Doctors, nurses and specialists can have x-rays and other images sent to the tablet PC, and they can easily be referred to when speaking with patients.
15. Access to medical case studies: Tablet PCs, especially those that can get online, can provide helpful access to medical case studies that can help doctors and nurses better treat patients.
16. Patient access to data: Tablet PCs can make it easy for patients to get access to their own data. Since it is entered in at that point, there are no waits for records to be updated. And doctors can pull up data quickly for patient perusal.
17. Rich media to prepare patients: It is possible to use rich media functions in tablet PCs to prepare patients for procedures, and let them see what is going to happen, and show them what they need to do to prepare. It leads to a more prepared patient.
18. Shift changes: Instead of having to go to a specific station for shift changes, it is possible to simply pass a tablet PC off, signing out and then having the new recipient sign in. This streamlines the process, and helps shift changes move more smoothly.
19. Transmission of patient data: New shifts find it easier to keep up with what has been happening with patients, since the information is right there in their hands. No need to constant flip through pages on charts when you have the patient data easy to see in your hands.
20. Sharing records with others: Frequently, physicians need to share data with colleagues, especially if there is a team treating one person. Tablet PCs make it easy to send data between doctors and nurses, as well as take and send images so that those off site can have a look at the situation.
21. Billing: Healthcare billing is streamlined with help from tablet PCs. This allows you to capture billing costs immediately, and can reduce some errors.
22. Electronic auditing: It is also possible to use tablet PCs when auditing financial transactions, or other transactions. It is a mobile way to record information and compare it.
23. Inventory control: Hospitals can use tablet PCs equipped with RFID to keep tabs on inventory. From utensils to drugs to scrubs and gloves, it is possible to keep better track of certain items of inventory.
24. Speech capture: Many tablet PCs have microphones and recording capabilities. This makes it easier for doctors to record their diagnoses, without another device, and the information can be transcribed later.
25. Family interaction with patients: Sometimes, family members can’t come directly to the hospital for some reason or another. In such cases, it can be useful for tablet PCs to provide a way for patients to interact with their family and friends. Hospital visits this way can help cheer up patients.

There are many different theories out there surrounding what the recession does do out health. Some say that the effects are positive, forcing us into better lifestyle decisions. Others insist that the effects are negative, creating a situation of deteriorating health. Most likely, the truth is somewhere in the middle, and dependent on individual factors. Here are 25 ways that the experts say the Great Recession is affecting our health:

Poor Health

Some believe that the Great Recession has had mostly negative impacts on our health. Here are some of the ways that a recession can negatively impact health:

1. Depression: More people experience depression when a recession is on, due to the stresses involved. This can be especially prevalent in primary breadwinners who have lost their jobs.
2. Substance abuse: Along with depression can come substance abuse. Many people try to medicate themselves in order to take away some of the sting of their troubles. Even prescription drug abuse rises during the depression.
3. Relationships: A healthy lifestyle includes good relationships. The pressures of a recession can lead to strained relationships and increased fighting, eroding the overall quality of health.
4. Junk food: Since junk food is often cheaper than many healthy foods, and since people feel bad during a recession and want greasy comfort food, some are putting on the pounds. The access to more junk can cause problems that come with obesity and an unhealthy diet.
5. Less exercise: In some cases, gym memberships are being affected by the recession. These are expensive. When financially ailing families have to cut costs, the gym membership is likely the first to go.
6. Stress: Increased stress can strain the body. While stress can be good in small amounts, constant stress can lead to faster aging and even create other health problems.
7. Remaining in dangerous relationships: During a recession, the divorce rate goes down — it’s too expensive and no one can afford it. However, for some relationships that are emotionally or physically dangerous, this can be a bad thing, leaving partners exposed to the health risks of remaining in a bad relationship.
8. Homelessness: Those who lose their homes and have nowhere to go feel the health stresses associated with homelessness. This can mean a number of things that can be damaging to physical and emotional health.
9. Putting off doctor visits: Many people have health problems, but they put off doctor visits to avoid co-pays stressing finances. In many cases, people have lost their insurance coverage through work. This results in even more expensive health care, and an increased likelihood that health problems will worsen since they are not addressed early on.
10. Lack of sleep: Many people stay up worrying about their situation during a recession. This can lead to tiredness, and other physical health issues that are related to sleep. Additionally, tiredness can lead to increased car accidents and fatalities.
11. Overwork: Many workers are afraid of losing their jobs, so they work longer hours for the same pay. Unfortunately, this overwork can result in decreased physical and mental health as workers get less sleep, and less time to emotionally recharge with their families.
12. Headaches: All of these issues can lead to headaches and migraines. Indeed, many doctors report that they are seeing increases in patients that are seeking help for headaches.
13. Heart attack: One of the things that can trigger a heart attack is great stress. Stessers related to the recession, combined with poor diet habits, can actually trigger heart attacks.
14. Immune system: All of the above factors can have an effect on the general immune system. This can result in increased incidence of flu and cold and other illnesses.
15. Suicide: During a recession, death by suicide increases, often due to desperation and hopelessness. In some cases, murder-suicide is a major problem.

Good Health

Even though there are a lot of negative ways the recession can impact your health, it can also help your health — if you choose to direct your efforts in specific ways. Here are some positive health practices that can come out of the recession:

16. Home cooking: Instead of eating out, more people are cooking at home to save money. These meals are often healthier than what you would get at a restaurant.
17. Gardening: To save money, many are growing some of their own food. This means more fruits and vegetables in the diet — which is healthier.
18. Reduced smoking: Interestingly, smoking rates go down during a recession. This might have to do with how expensive cigarettes are, or could have other reasons.
19. Physical activity: While some people exercise less, others exercise more. Some actually go to the gym more, and others use physical activity as a way to naturally release stress.
20. More time with family: In some cases, for those who look for silver linings, the recession can mean more family time. This is especially true if families decide to stop shopping as much to save money, and instead look for more quality activities.
21. Increased simplicity: Some are using the recession as a way to re-connect with the simpler pleasures of life, spending less and looking for ways to be content in life. This can lead to lower stress levels.
22. Learning to cut back: Finances can cause a great deal of stress, but the recession is forcing many to revisit their finances. The savings rate is up, and people are working to improve their finances, ultimately leading to less stress down the road.
23. More sleep: Some people, instead of staying awake and worrying, are getting more sleep. In many cases this is the result of not having a job, since worries about losing it are no longer prevalent, and some have more time for sleep.
24. Volunteering: There are health benefits associated with volunteering, including less stress and a general feeling of well-being. As a result of having more time, more people are discovering the benefits of volunteering.
25. Lower mortality rate: In some cases, the health changes associated with recession are leading to lower mortality rates and increased life expectancy.

This course is very helpful for trained clinical supervisors and managers like nurses, physical therapists, physician or any person related to health care who wish to increase his/her knowledge and learning. In case, if you are going for the MHA course then as a educational background, there should be at least possession of three years undergraduate degree and professional experience in health care. As an awareness factor before getting admission into MHA course, you should also look out for reasonable option for the prospective career like competent planner, general and financial mangers, etc.

Apart from initial level background the next you need to pick out the right MHA course for you from a number of Degrees offered with various curriculums by different universities. The MHA degree that you would pick out more or less would be depending upon your current role in healthcare industry and degree hold by you. Apart from the career prospect under MHA your selection of degree for a particular stream should be based upon the salary you would earn in the healthcare industry after occupying that degree.

Next important issue, which should be paid out the best attention by you while selecting the course, is accreditation to it provided by the Medical Council of the respective region.  You should prior cross check the list of colleges, where you are planning to take admission for accreditation from the responsible authorities. This will help you to have proof of the credibility of the institution.

Another important issue about the program you are following for the MHA degree is to check out online availability and presence of the course as how fast they responds out to your queries and problems. Next, you need to concentrate on facilities provided at the college, especially, technical infrastructure and lab facilities.   And in the last, but the most important is the financial aspect of the MHA degree as how much would be burden of the course fee on your pocket  and which is the program that you can afford easily.

Xray technician
Foundations like flying doctors that incorporate nurses, doctors, surgeons and all, pay more.  Flying doctors deal with extreme cases that include bone density tests, dental implants, mammograms, and frequent  x ray diagnosis. Once you have the licensing, money would start flowing from all directions.

Personal trainer
Joining training clubs to teach physical therapy pays more. When you studied Kinesiology, which includes anatomy, motor learning, and bio metrics you can be paid more than you think. Some people can lift too much weight much to end up with body injuries. Because you are able to advice people who get worse by lifting weight, you’ll be rewarded highly. After a state licensing exam, you can move headlong into this treatment program. Is that not a positive outlet to help you earn more?

Respiratory therapist
The lucrative medical industry has many job openings on respiratory therapist sections. With a respiratory training course, degree or a PHD, many opportunities can come your way. Like, nursing or laboratory technician, respiratory therapists are highly on demand and you might even start working while still at school. You may want to consider respiratory therapist job if you want to make more money. Also known as cardiopulmonary therapy, respiratory therapists usually operate life support machines and they mainly deal with lungs and heart. Payment depends with the location of your hospital. Whether you have an experience of many years or you are fresh from college, both of you would continue earning subtle amount of money the same way.
Flavor chemist
Sometimes there are plenty of options when it comes to making the choice between a well paying and a bad paying job. If you have chemistry background, and pharmaceutical or energy industry are not your cup of tea, the food industry is at your doorstep. By mixing chemicals to come up with various tastes and smell of foods, you are able to huge amount of dollars annually. With limited experience, you are able to earn so much.

Family doctor
If health care plan is your friend then here is the place that will make you more money than you expected. Apart from being healers, doctors absolutely reward themselves with more pay whenever they treat families. Family physicians are paid more than the ones who work in general hospitals. And the pay is even good in cases where the patient comes from wealthy or prominent family.

However, salary would depend on various factors.  Hospital setting has an influence on what you earn. From part time to full time, in house or out patient, or day shift to night shift, salary payment is absolutely different and huge. Well, consider health care jobs if you want more pay.

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree is designed to offer a graduate level training for the professionals who are planning to pursue a career in health administration or the ones that are presently employed. The Master of Health Administration program is also designed for the trained clinical supervisors and managers for example nurses, physical therapists and physician or other professionals in the same field who are looking for the management education to either advance their careers or to enhance their knowledge and skills of the business of health. The health care field is also known to be one of the best paying occupations which gains the most new jobs world wide.

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree programs are put in order to provide the students with essential skills and knowledge that are needed for the senior managerial and planning work in the health services. This programs have several objectives such as; they help in developing the graduates who are competent planners, competent general and financial managers, knowledgeable about society, competent in quantitative skills, law and ethics among others. In most cases the applicants of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree are expected to have a minimum of three year undergraduate degree and have the professional experience in health care.