Group Health Cooperative and Providence Health Care announce new name and brand for CareUnity, an accountable care organization

SPOKANE, Wash., July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Group Health Cooperative and Providence Health Care have announced a new name and brand for their jointly-owned accountable care organization (ACO). Called CareUnity, the new name and brand identity expresses the vision of both organizations— collaborating to deliver care that is in the best interest of the community.

Group Health and Providence formed an ACO in 2012, a group of health care providers in the Spokane area who have committed to deliver coordinated and affordable care across the care continuum, while accepting accountability for the clinical and financial outcomes and overall health status of the patients they serve. 

CareUnity works directly with health carriers and self-funded employers to understand their health care objectives around access, quality, cost and patient experience—and then designs a coordinated care option that will drive improvement to those targets. 

"We believe the name CareUnity truly represents the commitment of our two organizations to provide care in a more collaborative way," says Elaine Couture, chief executive of Providence Health Care in Eastern Washington and chair of the CareUnity Board of Directors. "To offer a better patient experience and make care more affordable, we must change the way providers communicate, coordinate, share financial risk and empower patients. CareUnity focuses on adhering to established, evidence-based guidelines and finding care pathways and processes that are proven to provide the best health outcomes for patients."

CareUnity is the region's most comprehensive ACO, offering the full continuum of care – from health education and prevention, physician visits, hospitalization, rehabilitation therapy and home health services to end-of-life care.

CareUnity includes health care providers from Group Health Physicians, Providence Medical Group and Columbia Medical Associates in Spokane. Pivotal to the success of the coordinated physician group are nearly 200 primary care providers who serve as the medical home for patients throughout the region. These primary care providers help to ensure that patient care is coordinated across the entire health system—specialists, urgent care centers and hospitals, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital and Holy Family Hospital. Altogether, CareUnity is the largest ACO in the region, with access to nearly 700 physicians and advanced practitioners.

CareUnity currently coordinates care for more than 50,000 patients in Spokane who seek care from providers with Providence Medical Group, Group Health Physicians and Columbia Medical Associates.  While many ACOs are designed to serve only Medicare populations, CareUnity and its providers have value-based contracts with Medicaid, Medicare and commercial purchasers.

"CareUnity is committed to finding local solutions to fix our broken health system by creating a patient-centered ACO to care more effectively for residents of our community and the surrounding region," says Kelly Stanford, vice president of Eastern and Central Washington for Group Health Cooperative and president of CareUnity. "By drawing on the strengths and capabilities of both organizations and through new models of payment to providers, CareUnity is achieving three goals – enhanced patient health, an improved patient care experience, and more affordable care."

About Group HealthGroup Health is one of the nation's leading nonprofit health systems, recognized for its consumer-governed cooperative origins and innovative solutions for improving care. Established in 1947, Group Health Cooperative, together with its subsidiaries Group Health Options, Inc. and KPS Health Plans, provides health coverage to more than 601,000 residents of Washington state and North Idaho. More than 420,000 members receive care from Group Health Physicians medical group at Group Health Medical Center locations across the Puget Sound region and Spokane. Group Health advances health in the community through its medical education, charitable foundation, and nationally recognized research institute. For more information, visit www.ghc.org.  

About Providence Health Care Providence Health Care is the Eastern Washington region of Providence Health & Services, a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing for the needs of the communities it serves – especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. The health system, which affiliated with Swedish Health Services in 2012, employs more than 65,000 people across five states – Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon and Washington. In Eastern Washington, the Providence Health Care network of services includes Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital and Providence Holy Family Hospital– both nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah; and a full continuum of services including home health, assisted living, adult day health, skilled nursing care, and PAML medical laboratories.  Providence Medical Group of Eastern Washington includes more than 500 physicians and advanced practitioners (physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners).  Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists and medical specialists. For more information, visit www.phc.org. 




SOURCE Providence Health Care

A House Call Doctor Keeps Things Cool as Temperatures Increase

Hot, dry and dangerous conditions will keep many people home this summer, and with House Call Doctor Los Angeles, you can stay happy and healthy while remaining indoors.

 

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With House Call Doctor Los Angeles, patients receive exceptional care from a skilled physician who treats every patient like family – right down to home visits when patients are feeling less than their best. While it's true that on call doctors mostly disappeared decades ago, the fact is that in our modern, fast-paced society, the personal, convenient care they offer is more important than ever. That's why board certified internist Dr. Michael Farzam provides patients with urgent and medical concierge care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from their own homes. During the summer months, when the hazards of sweltering heat and UV rays from direct sunlight are at their most prominent, this comes as a great comfort to a great many of the acclaimed doctor's patients.

For those looking for relief from this year's unprecedented hot and dry conditions, the weather predictions for this summer in L.A. aren't likely to be welcome. Average highs for July and August in the region have historically been in the upper 80s, and this year could see temps rising far higher than that. The area's traditionally sweltering September heat waves could also be even more extreme than usual. The seemingly inescapable heat during these times can lead to quick exhaustion and heightened anxiety, making even short trips seem like a challenge. That's why one's home can seem like the only haven from these uncomfortable – and potentially dangerous – conditions. Of course, when you're feeling ill, the hot weather often feels all-the-more oppressive. That's why House Call Doctor Los Angeles is such an important resource.

In Southern California, a temperate, agreeable climate is the norm, but in the summer, the qualities that make the region so popular can lead to air quality issues, and high exposure to UV rays that can cause eye damage, premature aging and skin cancers. By utilizing House Call Doctor Los Angeles, you can avoid exposing yourself to the elements while also helping alleviate the problem by reducing your carbon footprint. When you choose to have Dr. Farzam visit you at your residence, you avoid spending the equivalent of 3 to 4 car trips to a traditional doctor's office as well as to and from the pharmacy. The eco-conscious practice also goes out of its way to cut down on consumption of electricity, gas, water and other natural resources.

No matter what your ailment may be, a speedy, effective recovery is always supported by bed rest and reduced stress. This summer, avoid the anxiety and risks that are at their worst in the summer months by trusting your health to House Call Doctor Los Angeles. For further information on how Dr. Farzam and his outstanding medical team provide care to their patients, please call 310-849-7991 or visit
www.housecalldoctorla.com. 
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SOURCE House Call Doctor Los Angeles

Interested in a Job in Healthcare?

Healthcare careers are the fastest-growing job market, and as the baby boomers age, the job market is positioned to grow exponentially.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to benefit from the growing need for health care workers!

Click here to learn more about how to secure a job in the healthcare industry.

Medtech College Receives Six "Stevies" at 2014 American Business Awards(SM) Gala

School is Recipient of Three Prestigious Gold & Two Silver Stevies Among Its Six Awards 

ATLANTA, June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtech College received three Gold and two Silver "Stevies" among its six 2014 American Business Awards^SM (The Stevies) at the ABA's traditional awards banquet in Chicago on June 13.

Medtech College was named a Gold Stevie winner in the "Company of the Year," "Management Team of the Year," and "Executive of the Year" categories; Silver for "Marketing Executive of the Year" and "Human Resources Team of the Year;" and is a Bronze winner in "Marketing Team of the Year."
"We are elated to have been named a winner in every category Medtech College entered and are extremely gratified to have been recognized with three Gold and two Silver awards for our significant achievements. This certainly is a special day for Medtech and all our Associates who are so dedicated to helping students succeed and create new futures for themselves," said Medtech President Bobby Reese.
"These awards are confirmation of the hard work members of our Medtech team put into the school every day as well as their commitment to excellence in everything they do," Reese added.
More than 3,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted in a wide range of categories. Some 150 members of 10 specialized judging committees determined the final Stevie Award placements from among all the winners.
The American Business Awards are the nation's premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.
About Medtech
A prominent healthcare education and continuing professional development brand, Medtech is a nationally accredited post-secondary network of colleges and institutes with the goal of advancing healthcare career training. Working hand-in-hand with students to provide an exceptional learning environment incorporating comprehensive classroom instruction and personalized hands-on experience, Medtech helps them create an extraordinary new future for themselves. Medtech also provides continuing education solutions for healthcare professionals who need professional re-certification, updated healthcare training or professional development to enhance their existing healthcare careers. Medtech won two Best in Biz Awards in 2013, was recognized as one of Achievers' 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in 2013 and 2012, named one of the nation's best places to work by Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™, and was previously honored in five categories of the 2012 American Business Awards^SM ("The Stevies").
Medtech prepares students for in-demand healthcare careers at campuses in the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts and Virginia, including the Radians College nursing campus in Washington, D.C. and National Medical Education & Training Center in Massachusetts. Program offerings vary by campus; certain Medtech campuses offer nursing training. Visit www.Medtech.edu to learn more about Medtech education opportunities.
For useful consumer information, please visit us at www.medtech.edu/consumerinfo.
SOURCE Medtech College
CONTACT: Jeff Bray, (954) 964-9098/jbray@oandgpr.com

 

CMU to offer flexible, affordable, high-quality nursing degree program online

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado Mesa University (CMU) today announced it will begin offering its flexible, affordable, high-quality Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree program online beginning this summer. Applications for the program are currently being accepted.

"Making our RN-BSN program available online is part of our broader effort to help working professionals manage their lives and their educational pursuits successfully," said CMU President Tim Foster.  "We look forward to welcoming a new segment of students to CMU as we expand our footprint in Colorado and throughout the West." 

The flexibility that CMU's online RN-BSN program provides enables students to pursue the advanced training required for leadership positions and increased earning potential while balancing life, work, and family obligations.

The fully online program, which can be completed in as few as 14 months, will provide a foundation for excellence in professional nursing practice and is designed to prepare graduates who have met state licensure requirements to practice as a professional nurse, pursue graduate education, and assume leadership roles.
Guided by its commitment to access and affordability, CMU has priced the upper division RN-BSN courses at $9,295, making it one of the most affordable programs that a working RN can access for BSN completion in the state of Colorado. 

The program integrates nursing theory, practice, and science, while providing students with deeper insight into contemporary issues like gerontology, informatics, and the emerging role of nursing in community-based care.  Students will develop the ability to become more holistic caregivers, while gaining the education necessary to meet the increasing need for quality healthcare in society today.

Increased access to CMU's program comes amidst growing national and regional focus on the ability of existing programs and educational systems to produce the number of additional nurses with the appropriate levels of education likely to be needed in the future.  The need for additional nurses with baccalaureate degrees is especially pronounced in Colorado, and CMU's flexible, affordable online offering is well-positioned to address it.

Courses will be taught by CMU's dedicated and accessible faculty.  The RN-BSN program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CMU has chosen Academic Partnerships (AP), one of the largest representatives of public universities' online learning in the United States and around the world, to help convert the program into an online format, recruit students and support student retention efforts. 

CMU's new online RN-BSN program will begin in August 2014.  Click here to apply or learn more.

About Colorado Mesa University A comprehensive university located in the center of western Colorado, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, Colorado Mesa serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center in western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national and international importance. Founded in 1925, it's a dynamic university enrolling almost 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.  For more information, visit www.coloradomesa.edu.