Study finds wide variation in embargo periods blocking patient access to imaging

PARCA eNews – May 4, 2021 – In a US News & World Report telephone survey of 83 hospitals conducted between 2019 and 2020, over 90% of hospitals offer online patient portal to access medical imaging, however the amount of delay or the embargo period for access varied greatly.

The purpose of such embargoes is to allow clinicians an opportunity to first receive, review and discuss with the radiologist, however, there is no standardized length for such embargo periods. The survey results were published May 4, 2021 in the journal Radiology. (published site)

Acupuncture: Myth or Miracle?

For 360 Back and Spine Center

People who suffer chronic neck or back pain sometimes find themselves willing to try anything for relief. When medication or physical therapy fails to provide the relief they are seeking it is natural to turn to alternative medical treatments, some of them may be helpful, others are little more useful than snake oil. (published site)

6 Things Your Surgeon Should Know Before Surgery

For 360 Back and Spine Center

Surgery is always a serious procedure and no less so when it involves your spine. If you have been referred to a spine surgeon there are several things you can do to prepare for that initial consultation with him or her to ensure the best possible outcome.

During the consultation, you can ask questions to get a better understanding of the diagnosis, treatment options, important preparation instructions, and the recovery process. It is important to understand all the details before choosing surgery as the treatment option for your condition. (published site)

Sleep & the Immune System: What Every Person Should Know

For Flowmentum

Can lack of sleep make you more susceptible to getting sick? The answer is yes. Sleep plays a vital role in your overall health and well being. While getting more sleep may not prevent you from getting sick, not getting enough quality sleep may negatively impact your immune system and make you more susceptible to viruses that cause the common cold or flu. (published site)

MedTech2020 Kicks Off Virtual Conference Initiative for MedTech Momentum and Strategic Partners

“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.” – Napoleon Hill.

Around the end of 2019 MedTech Momentum was approached by one of our strategic partners, Commenda Capital, about developing and ultimately co-hosting a conference highlighting trends in Medical Technology as we approach a new decade. We had a shared goal of presenting a vision for the future.

Our event took shape and had a name: MedTech2020 – Visualizing Tomorrow Today. (published site)

Ten Point Crisis Communications Plan Checklist

For MedTech Momentum

March 24, 2020 – When a crisis arises, the communications team should follow the plan and first understand the situation, develop the messages and identify the appropriate messenger or messengers.  One way to ensure everyone on the communications team is able to stay on the same page, Cision the global communications and public relations company offers a practical 10-point Crisis Communications checklist to use in support of your plan: (published site)

Planning Communications For A Crisis

Ensuring your company’s reputation during an emergency

For MedTech Momentum

March 19, 2020 – Whether communications is your primary responsibility or it is just one of the many hats you wear as principal in a small startup, having a crisis communications plan is essential for limiting the negative effects of a crisis on your business and ensuring long-term preservation of your reputation. (published site)

Is Healthcare Recession Proof?

Industry shifts since last recession likely to change how a downturn affects healthcare

For MedTech Momentum

March 13, 2020 – Healthcare is often touted as a defensive position to hold compared to some other industries in times of economic recession, but is it really? At least intuitively it would seem that way. After all, people get sick regardless of what the economy is doing, however, getting sick and getting healthcare are not the same thing.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Cancels March 25 Annual Meeting

For MedTech Momentum
AAOS joins growing list of healthcare meeting cancellations

ORLANDO, Fla., March 10, 2020 – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) announced today that is cancelling its AAOS 2020 Annual Meeting that had been scheduled March 24 – 28, 2020 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). (published site)

Aging and The Prostate: What Every Man Should Know

For Flowmentum

As a man, you know you have one, but until you reach a certain age you probably never think about your prostate. That’s because when other parts of the body stop growing by the age of 25, the prostate is likely to gradually enlarge, beginning around age 40. And eventually, this prostate enlargement can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom. (published site)

Optimal Protection for Your Staff Treating Airborne Infectious Diseases

For Max-Air Systems

Highest level of safety, comfort, convenience and personal care for HCP

DATE February 4, 2020 - Irvine, CA - Although the route of transmission remains to be defined for the 2019-20 coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending similar precautions for healthcare workers as it does for other coronaviruses such as, MERS and SARS that have multiple routes of transmission.

According to a nursing guide from the University of Massachusetts, infection control may include contact, droplet and airborne precautions, which cover exposure to the virus via direct and indirect contact with an infected person, transmission through sneezing or coughing, or infectious particles so small they remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. (published site)

Coronavirus Outbreak Puts Emphasis on Infection Prevention and Control Measures

For Max Air Systems

Portions of this post have been updated by the client

DATE February 2, 2020- Irvine, CA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. (published site)

Liver cancer rates on the rise

Rising obesity may be contributing
to a rise in liver cancer ratesFo

For Cancer Digest

Liver cancer death rates have increased by around 50% in the last decade and have tripled since records began, according to the latest calculations* by Cancer Research UK.

There were 3,200 liver cancer deaths in the UK in 2007, and the mortality rate has steadily climbed since then with 5,700 deaths due to the disease in 2017, researchers at Cancer Research UK say. 

Is The SI Joint A Pain Generator That Can Be Addressed By Fusion?

For Omnia Medical

Often overlooked in a diagnostic workup for lower back pain, the sacroiliac joints are estimated to be the pain generator in 15% to 25% of patients1.

Causes
Causes of sacroiliac (SI) joint pain range from trauma to ankylosing spondylitis. Other causes include mechanical stress, prior spinal fusion, pregnancy, gout, obesity, and aging. Once a SI joint is identified as a pain generator, the question turns to treatment options. (published site)

Telemedicine Policies Advance Unevenly State-By-State

For Percuvision

November, 06 2019

While the technology to deliver telehealth is poised for widespread implementation, as outlined in a previous blog, a number of barriers remain, most significantly barriers to provider incentives, cross-state licensure and reimbursement. (published site)

Realizing The Promise Of Telemedicine

For Percuvision

The idea of doctors making house calls has been a persistent idyllic dream that resonates with many people’s desire to return to simpler times when the town’s doctor knew everyone.

While such times are never going to return, at least part of the promise of telehealth, or telemedicine is that patients can receive care from the comfort of their own homes. No more driving through traffic or over long distances, parking and waiting rooms, just a click of the mouse at the appointed time and your doctor appears on screen. (published site)

Home And Clinic Models Expanding Telemedicine Services

For Percuvision
October, 23 2019

Ready or not, the use of telehealth or telemedicine is growing at exponential rates, and who and how it is being used may be surprising.

An analysis of claims data by Fair Health released as a white paper in July 2019 showed that from 2014 to 2018, usage of non-hospital-based provider-to-patient telehealth grew more rapidly in urban areas increasing 1,227 percent compared to 897 percent in rural areas. (published site)

Implementing Telemedicine In Urology: An Overview Of Benefits And Barriers

For Percuvision
October, 16 2019

The American College of Physicians surveyed its members about telemedicine last October 2018 and again in January 2019. They asked a random sample of 1,449 members younger than 65, a range of questions surrounding five categories of remote healthcare: (published site)

Telemedicine Filling Gaps, Specialist Shortages

For Percuvision

October, 09 2019

The dream for many telehealth startups a decade ago was to create a virtual clinic, download an app, see a board-certified doctor in minutes for a video consult, and finish the visit with a prescription already routed to the patient’s pharmacy. No more scheduling appointments weeks in advance, nor more driving, parking and waiting. (published site)

Barriers To Telemedicine In America

For Percuvision
October, 02 2019

Bringing telehealth to rural America has long been heralded as the way to increase healthcare access for millions of people living in remote areas. One early feasibility telehealth study was done in 1977 comparing color television, black and white television and hands-free telephones to deliver healthcare. (published site)