Health Insurance - Medical Underwriting - How to Make the Process Easier

By Sean L Johnson 

If there is one thing that people hate to do, it is to shop for health insurance. The truth is that when people think of looking for medical insurance, the first thing that comes to mind is hours and hours of sitting on the phone. They also think of having to deal with brokers or agents who are trying to sell them certain plans. On top of this all is the endless paperwork that people expect from their insurance plans. Yes, the truth is that health insurance can be incredibly difficult to deal with, especially if you are not insured through your employer. Most people dread going through the medical underwriting process, in which a specialist looks at your medical history and develops rates.
The first thing you have to understand about health insurance and the medical underwriting process is that the insurance business is a business, which means that there are certain steps that they must take to assure that they are making the best decisions for their company. You may not want to hear this, and you may not even feel that this is right, but this is the way the business is run. In other words, instead of getting angry or upset about it, your first step should be to make the process of getting insurance as easy as possible.
If you think about the medical insurance process, as well as pains such as medical underwriting, and decide that there is no way to make these processes easy, then you are giving up too soon. What you need to do is make sure first of all that you are using the internet for your research. There is no longer any reason to go to the broker or agent office and sit there and wait. You can do all of the research you need from the comfort of your home. The truth of the matter is that you will probably get better results to.
What you also need to know is that you can make the medical underwriting process easier for yourself by getting free quotes online. What you need to do is first gather the necessary information, such as your income, your expenses, and your medical history, and then you need to get your free quote. It's important that you are prepared and that you have accurate information. Then you will be ready to get your free quote. As a matter of fact, you can start right now.
If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you save up to 50% on your health insurance monthly premium.

Sean L Johnson is a journalist for Health Insurance Buyer a referral service that refers consumers to the insurance carriers that can best fit their wants and needs. Get a free reduce quote today, you can save up to 50% on medical insurance.

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Do You Need Expat Medical Insurance?

By W Kenneth Vandiver 

If you are living outside of the U.S. then the answer is simple, yes you do. Whatever country you are living in, without a good Expat Medical Insurance plan, you will not have the U.S. style medical coverage you are accustomed to.
Many countries today have some sort of state sponsored medical plan but without your own medical insurance you will not get the kind of service and coverage you will want. There is a Global Medical Insurance plan that could be just what you're looking for, it's ideal for Expatriates. This expat medical insurance plan provides the U.S. style medical benefits you are accustomed to.
This particular expat medical insurance plan has been available for awhile but it has recently been enhanced. Here are the highlights of this newly enhanced Expat Global Medical Insurance plan.
You can custom build this GMI plan especially for your own needs. It provides Flexible Worldwide Coverage to meet your needs and is backed by the Comprehensive World-Class Services that you expect from a good insurer. From routine care to complex case management to emergency medical situations, the company is there with their support services. Regardless of your location, these programs provide you with prompt access to invaluable international services and resources.
The insurer has introduced a New Medical Concierge Program. It is an unequalled service that provides you with personalized assistance in locating the best provider for your specific needs, while saving you out-of-pocket and medical expenses. The program has been designed to provide critical information on provider ratings, treatment outcome and cost of care prior to receiving medical treatment. Flexible Worldwide Coverage - GMI can adapt to your needs so you can easily design the benefits package tailored to your needs.
The GMI program offers 4 benefit options, each with specialized coverages.
The options are Silver, Gold (new), Gold Plus (originally Gold) and Platinum. Gold plan option - Gold offers the same level of benefits for the first 36 months of coverage as the Gold Plus plan option. Certain benefits will then be reduced beginning the first day of the 37th month (renewal year 3) from the original effective date. This plan option offers significant savings over the Gold Plus plan option. In addition, GMI can adapt to your budget. You can choose from 2 areas of coverage, 7 deductible options and 4 premium modes.
Optional riders available, including the Maternity rider (Silver, Gold, Gold Plus) that includes coverage for new born care & congenital disorders ($250,000 for the first 31 days), many plans on the market exclude this. There is also the Global Term Life Insurance (including AD&D) option and Optional Daily Indemnity. On the Platinum plan you have 2 more Options available, Terrorism Rider and the Sports Rider for Adventure sports. Underwriting options include a new Flexible Underwriting Option with which you may be able to obtain coverage when you have been declined by other companies.
For a nominal administration fee, coverage is extended for a pre-existing condition following 24 months of continuous coverage during which you are symptom free, advice or treatment free for a particular condition.
Thank you for your time and I hope you read more of my articles in the future.

Ken Vandiver is the owner of a number of Travel Insurance and Global Medical Insurance websites.
For further information please visit our website Global Medical Coverage.

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How to Effectively Make Use of Medical Ratings

By A Aaronson 

Medical ratings are geared towards helping consumers to find doctors and medical facilities that are well suited to their health needs. However with all of the information out there it can be frustrating and downright stressful to zero in on the medical professionals that can do the most good for you.
What then is a regular person to do? The first thing you must do before anything else is to be clear about what exactly it is you are searching for. Ask yourself a variety of questions to narrow your focus. Are you looking for a doctor or a particular type of medical facility? Are you looking for a professional who works in general medicine or something else, such as dermatology, gynecology, or podiatry? How much money do you have to work with and what will your health insurance policy cover? It is essential that you come up with a general guideline or outline of what you require before you can research medical ratings.
Before looking in professional channels for medical ratings ask family members, friends and co-workers for recommendations about physicians and medical specialties. It never hurts to hear the personal side of the experiences of other people.
There are a plethora of online sources for medical ratings. If you give yourself plenty of time and can be patient you will find plenty of websites that are valuable in your search. The information will not be the same on every website which is why it helps to visit a selection of sites. Some of the ratings are based on what consumers and former patients have to say while other sites use more sophisticated methods in determining the rating system. As you review each of the points at your sites of choice keep the piece of paper where you outlined your needs close by so you can refer to it as you go about your search. This helps to keep you on track with what is most important to you.
State medical boards are an excellent source of ratings. Speak to someone in the organization in your area for information and recommendations. They can provide more in-depth information about whether a doctor or medical establishment in question has ever had any complaints lodged against them and how the situation was resolved. The more you know about the medical practitioner or healthcare facility the more informed a decision you can make.
Once you are armed with adequate information it is time for you to do your own legwork. Take the medical ratings you have and then go with your own gut instinct. Take a look at the healthcare locations you are contemplating. As far as doctors are concerned there are some that will permit you to schedule a free consultation. Take advantage of that and then you can assess first hand whether the practitioner is a good fit for you or not.
In order to demystify ratings of a medical nature and take much of the work out of it you need to employ a variety of steps that we have described above. Look for a medical professional that you are comfortable with who makes you feel at ease!

Finding good medical ratings does not have to be tough, as long as you know where to go to find them: http://www.angieslist.com/

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The Top 7 Mistakes People Make When Looking For Self Help Depression Information

By Dr Janelle Sinclair 

Many people struggle with finding a successful self help depression method and it's not surprising because 1) the most effective depression treatment is different for each person and 2) there is a lot of incomplete information available on this subject. To assist you in finding an effective treatment for depression this article will discuss the top 7 mistakes that are commonly made when looking for self help strategies. Make sure you don't make the same mistakes.
1) Only looking at the emotional causes of depression: It's well known that depression can be triggered by traumatic events, and therapy for depression often centers on dealing with emotions. One of the big mistakes people make however is not acknowledging or investigating the physical causes of depression. There are over 20 different physical imbalances that can cause depression including hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and exposure to certain toxins.
2) Treating the symptom not the cause: Another major mistake that is made when trying to cure depression is treating the symptom and not the cause. This oversight is not only made by depression sufferers who are trying to help themselves, but it is also made by many professionals too.
An example of treating the symptom and not the cause is a woman that has intensive counseling to help work through her unresolved emotions, when her depression is actually caused by a hormonal imbalance brought on by menopause. The best type of treatment for her would be a herb or hormonal medication that treats the hormonal deficiency.
3) Patient individuality is forgotten: One-size-fits-all treatments are often the norm for depression sufferers. Generally most people with depression are offered antidepressant medications and/or counseling.
As we've learnt depression can have many causes, so therefore it is logical that there should be a number of different treatments for depression depending on its cause. Each person should be treated in an individual manner. For example, a person that is suffering with depression because of an omega 3 deficiency should be treated with an omega 3 supplement, whereas someone that has depression because of a food allergy would benefit from a restricted diet.
4) Randomly trialing supplements or therapies: A lot of people make the mistake of searching the internet and trialing any free approach that is offered. The problem with this strategy is that it is time consuming, random and at the end of it you can't know the quality or completeness of the information that you've received. In addition, although you've only received free information, it can be expensive trialing dozens of random supplements, not to mention the wasted time and the increased period of your life you have had to endure depression. In many cases it is worthwhile paying for a systematic approach from an expert that not only reduces the time it takes to find an effective treatment, but also limits the number of supplements, diets or therapies that you need to trial.
5) Taking the right supplement or medication but the wrong dose: Even if you've randomly found a supplement or medication that treats the real cause of your depression, it's possible that you're not taking the right dose. This is another problem with depression self help. Many people just take the 'dose' of the supplement as is listed on the label of the supplement bottle they have bought. This is such a tragedy because with some supplements those with depression need 10 times the amount of the nutrient than the general population. Don't make the same mistake, because it means that the supplement won't be able to lift your depression. Make sure that the advice you get is specific to depression, and comes from an expert in the field.
6) Using another depression sufferer's strategy: Maybe you know someone that has come through the other side of depression, who has found a therapy or supplement that has been an absolute God-send for them. Should you trial what has worked for them? This is another mistake many people make. They trial an approach that isn't specific for them. The other problem is that if this method doesn't work for you, what alternatives do you have?The key here is to find a method that takes individuality into consideration and that provides many different options.For example, if you've decided to investigate the physical cause of your depression, go with an approach that investigates all of the 20 potential biochemical imbalances.
7) People give up because they think they've tried everything: The seventh and most unfortunate mistake people with depression make is that they give up because they think they've tried everything. When someone has spent years and thousands of dollars in their search for an effective treatment it is difficult to not loose hope. By understanding the 6 mistakes above which will ensure that the approach you choice is specific for you, investigates the cause of your depression, and provides correct information regarding doses of supplements and hormonal medications, your journey will be easier. You'll be better equipped; it will reduce your time and effort, and increase your success to finding an effective treatment for your depression.

This information was brought to you by Dr Janelle Sinclair, biochemist, medical researcher, and natural health practitioner. To find out what biochemical imbalances may be causing your depression visit http://www.breakingfreefromdepression.com and download your free depression report. By finding out the cause of your depression, you can find the best treatment for you. Dr Sinclair also hosts a weekly blog which discusses the physical causes of depression which are so often overlooked. To read her blog on the "Seven powerful self help questions" visit http://www.breakingfreefromdepression.com/free-depression-self-help-questions.

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How to Find Medical Insurance For the Self-Employed

By Tom Carolan 

Self-employed individuals are one of the most significant groups of uninsured people out there. It is a well-known fact that in Georgia, as well as throughout the country, those who are self-employed are often without medical insurance. In fact, it is lack of benefits such as medical insurance that prevents many people from taking the leap to work for themselves. However, many of those people would change their mind if they actually knew how inexpensive it can be to get your own medical insurance coverage. In some cases it may even be less costly than group insurance premiums. Get the facts on individual coverage for you quickly and easily online.
Free online quote tools make it very efficient to shop around for prices on the different medical insurance options available for self-employed individuals or anyone who is without insurance. You simply input your zip code to start and then answer a short list of questions about your medical history and other relevant information. In no time you will have a variety of medical insurance quotes from insurance companies which serve your part of Georgia. It makes comparing prices and plans easy and time-efficient.
By learning as much as possible about Georgia medical insurance you should be able to save yourself a significant amount on your premiums. Opt for a POS plan instead of a PPO, because even though PPOs give you the greatest amount of freedom in your healthcare options, you pay more for this freedom. A POS plan still gives you lots of choice but saves you money. Look for plans that offer money-saving perks like a Health Savings Account, so you can pay for healthcare costs with your pre-tax earnings. Discount cards are another thing you should look for when choosing the insurer to go with. These cards are considered "free perks" but can save you tremendously on various healthcare expenses that you would otherwise have to pay full-price for.
After you have weighed the pros and cons of various health insurance companies and have limited your choices down, it is time to get in contact with them individually. Call up an agent at each of the companies you are considering using and ask for additional discounts. There are often ways to reduce your premium that are specific to each insurer and are not addressed by online quote tools. You may be able to save money by paying for the policy upfront. There may also be discounts if you take out another type of policy, like life insurance, with the same company. You may also be able to knock off a few dollars a month by raising out-of-pocket limits, deductibles and the portion of the co-insurance that you pay for.
Remember that the cost of your self-employed individual medical insurance is an eligible business expense. This allows you to lower your taxable income by the amount you pay out in medical insurance premiums each year.
Follow these tips, learn as much as possible about medical insurance and shop around for the best price. By doing so, you will find the best possible Georgia medical insurance plan for your needs, at a reasonable price too.

BestHealthcareRates.com has helped thousands of individuals, families & businesses find affordable medical insurance. BestHealthcareRates.com is Rated A+ by The Better Business Bureau. For more information on GeorgiaMedical insurance for the self employed visit, BestHealthcareRates.com today!

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Most Affordable Medical Insurance Deal - How to Apply Correctly For Your Desired Health Insurance

By Iyke Phelim 

It is important that people understand their medical needs. This can be done easily by visiting a professional medical personnel periodically. Having a good knowledge of your medical needs will make you search correctly for the insurance plan that suits your need. Do not buy a medical cover plan just because it is cheap and your can conveniently afford it. Your health is a very important issue if you desire to live a happy and active life.
Are you searching for top quality health cover consultation that is free of charge? If you need this service then browse the internet and get reliable websites that offer this service. There are a lot of companies online providing this service; some are agents while the others can be called brokers.
It is not a wise idea to get quotes from only one health cover provider; look for more and study the difference in the packages they offer. At this point, you will likely get an affordable plan that fits your salary.
There are many experts of health insurance and they are ready to offer you quality information that will help you get your desired health cover deal. You will easily connect with leading medical insurance companies nationwide if you use the internet when researching for your medical cover need. At this point, it becomes easier for you to compare rates from similar cover packages and choose your most affordable cover deal.
You can only enjoy great services from leading companies and their agent. This service should be free!
Make sure you understand the fine prints on the contract documents before you sign and purchase them. It will be wise if you understand the contract very well before signing. If you have doubts about any part of the deal from the medical cover providers, ask a legal professional to explain that part clearly for you. Your first step is to compare free quotes online.
Where To Get Free Professional Consultation From Reliable Health Insurance Providers Online?

Here Are My Favorites: AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE / CHEAP HEALTH PLAN ONLINE
Free Quotes From Leading Health Insurance Companies. Service Available In All States In The United States! By Iyke Phelim. Quality Service Providers. Insurance. Free Quotes. Finance.

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Professional Medical Transcription Services

By Rajeev R 

These days, there has been an increase in the number of companies providing professional medical transcription services to meet the requirements of various healthcare facilities.
MT deals with the process of transferring or converting the recorded dictation of healthcare professionals and physicians into written text. Medical transcription services are advantageous in that healthcare providers can find more time to dedicate to patient care and other core activities.
Speedy and Affordable Transcription Services
MT companies offer fast, accurate and economical medical transcription services in various fields of medicine including cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, gastroenterology, radiology, chiropractic, podiatry and internal medicine. All services are HIPAA compliant to ensure protection of confidential healthcare information. Apart from these, MT companies:
* Maintain logs of medical procedures
* Verify accuracy of patient information
* Distribute and collect dictation and transcribed reports
* Guarantee quality assured documentation
* Collect, tabulate and generate reports based on statistical data
These firms transcribe a range of medical reports including operative reports, SOAP notes, physicians' references, entire medical history, diagnostic reports, discharge summaries and more.
Professional Medical Transcriptionists Guarantee Excellent Benefits
To provide error-free transcription service, transcription companies utilize the services of highly skilled and experienced professionals, who are responsible for documenting patient medical records. For the proper transcription of dictations and secure file transfer, these companies utilize hi-tech services. Dictations are accepted through digital recorders and toll free number.
The MT companies guarantee:
* HIPAA compliance
* HL7 transcription interface
* AAMT guideline 65 character line billing
* 3 level quality check
* Browser based file transfer
* 99% accuracy and efficiency level
* Cost-effectiveness
* Accessibility
* Rapid turnaround time
* Flexibility
Entrust Your Transcription Services to the Right Provider
Choosing the right professional MT company is important to ensure accuracy and perfection. It would therefore be worthwhile to spend some time comparing the various service providers, the price structure and services offered to make the right choice.

MTS Transcription Services (MTS) is one of the foremost medical transcription companies providing reliable and professional medical transcription services to Clinics and Group Practices throughout the United States and Canada.

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Medical Transcription Industry Publications and Professional Journals

By Christopher L. Dunn 

For those contemplating entry into the medical transcription career field and experienced transcription practitioners alike, there are a number of outstanding publications dedicated to the career field. These publications contain insightful articles about the profession and serve to keep the community up to date on trends affecting the industry. If you are serious about your career you should make it a practice to subscribe to a few of these publications to stay abreast of changes in the industry. They also offer a great opportunity to network and become aware of job postings and opportunities. Some of the best publications include the following:
Plexus is a bi-monthly publication of AHDI, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. It's readership includes medical transcriptionists, healthcare documentation and medical records professionals, business owners, MT employers, and others with an interest in the medical transcription profession. More information can be found at ahdionline.org.
Health Data Matrix is another solid bi-monthly publication offered by AHDI. It is focused specifically on the business and technology aspects of the healthcare documentation industry. Information is available at ahdionline.org.
Vitals is, according to AHDI, "a weekly e-newsletter designed to keep AHDI members and subscribers informed about news and trends in the industry and the strategic direction and initiatives of the association". Information is available at ahdionline.org.
Advance for Health Information Professionals is a bi-monthly publication offered free of charge to health information professionals. Information can be obtained at health-information.advanceweb.com.
For The Record, is an informative publication for health information professionals. Information can be obtained at fortherecordmag.com.
Journal of the American Health Information Management Association (Journal of AHIMA), is the official publication of AHIMA. Subscription information is available at the AHIMA website ahima.org.
Journal of Healthcare Information Management, According to HIMSS, "JHIM is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal edited specifically for healthcare information and management systems professionals." For more information go to: himss.org/asp/publications_jhim.asp.

Christopher L. Dunn has been active in operating and training aspects of the medical transcription industry for the past 17 years.
For more information on a home based career in medical transcription please visit more of the authors websites:
http://www.medical-transcription-from-home.com
http://www.medical-transcription-school.com

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Free Emergency Medical Forms - Why Pay

By Francisco Javia 

So your packed up for your vacation and heading out on the road and you have everything that you think that you need all taken care of. Hey! Wait a minute! What about your emergency medical forms? Do you have yours filled out and in the glove box?
Don't Leave Home Without One
What about one for your purse too? Then again, do you even know what an emergency medical form is and what it would be used for? Of course it would be used in some type of emergency, or it wouldn't have "emergency" in its name but what type of emergency?
Stop and Think About it
Well, it would have to be a medical emergency, or it wouldn't have the word "medical in the title either but what type of medical emergency? Besides, if you are involved in some type of medical emergency couldn't you just tell the doctors what to do?
Can We Chat a Minute?
The fact, is that during a medical emergency you may not be able to communicate. Maybe you have suffered a serious head injury or maybe you are so messed up that all you can do is freak out. What if your arm is severed and your face is all messed up? Would you make a good communicator then?
Are You Allergic to Creamed Spinach?
Heck no! you wouldn't and the doctors would need to know all kinds of information. Are you allergic to any medications? Are you allergic to any foods? They will also need your permission to perform medical procedures on you as well.
Are You Sure You Can Pay for a New Arm?
Another thing you might like them to know is that you have medical insurance, if you do in deed have it. This way they will know that they will in fact be paid for their services and are more likely to spend more time with you and treat you like a paying client rather then a charity case. Just look online and you will find free emergency medical forms that you can print out.

Written by Francisco Javia. Let's talk more about Emergency medical forms and patient contact information at my website.

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What Are the Differences Between Medical Coding and Billing?

By J.J. Yong 

Medical coding and billing are two of the most popular medical professionals which are highly sought by medical centers, hospitals, dental clinics, Medicare, insurance companies with good knowledge in medical anatomy, medical terminology as well as on medical physiology. They need to be proficient in using the computers and keep themselves posted with the latest updates in the medical industry at all time.
Under many circumstances, people found themselves confused over the role and responsibilities of a medical coding versus a medical billing. In actual fact, it is not difficult to differentiate them if you understand their key expertise and skill-sets.
Here are some of the major characteristics of a medical coder and medical biller to share with all of you,
A. Medical billers are medical professionals whom are responsible for issuing the complaint to the insurance companies, Medicare, Medical specialist center, and also to the patients at times on behalf of their clients. Most of this information is managed electronically by using electronic devices and computers.
- They are very detailed oriented and highly cautious personnel when performing their tasks. They need to make sure the correct amount of claims are entered and sent to the correct Insurance companies or Medicare centers at any one time. Any misses or overlook will cause unnecessary delays and issues to the insurers and the Insurance companies especially in cases where the insurer cannot get his entitled coverage on the insurance claims because of the carelessness and ignorance of the medical billers.
- Medical billers help the doctors and nurses to maintain a high quality of patients' records, and ensuring that they are rightfully being reimbursed with the insured coverage.
- A medical biller need to understand the multiple different types of insurance plans thoroughly. At the same time, they should also be having sound knowledge on the governing laws abide for all types of Insurance policy.
- A medical biller is capable to interpret the medical coding to ensure that all insurance forms are filled out properly and correctly with no mistakes at all.
- In the United States, the job prospect for a medical biller is extremely attractive and it is anticipated to be in good demand with an annual growth of at least 5% till 2016.
B. While medical coding specialist is responsible for translating and arranging the contents of the medical documentation in proper sequence by turning them into a kind of formal standardized procedure with defined medical codes for necessary diagnosis and study of any patients' medical records.
- The medical coding specialists work very closely with the doctors and nurses as well as other health-care providers in ensuring the great integrity and accuracy of the medical translation to enable the appropriate claiming and billing process to be taken place for all patients.
- A Medical coder should be skillful in math and calculation, possess excellent reading and writing skills as well as good key-boarding skills. Normally they have strong analytical capability and exceptional communication skills which facilitate their coordination with other functional teams as well as with their counterparts and customers.
- To be a professional medical coding specialist, one is required to obtain on-going education in order to remain competent in the market over the run long.

For more information about medical billing class online and medical billing coding career, visit MedicalBillingAndCodingTips.com.

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Mysteries of the Medicine Cabinet - How and When to Properly Dispose of Old Medication

By Andrew V Eriksen 

Medicine cabinets tend to bring out the packrat in most of us. Once we've gone to the trouble and expense of a doctor's appointment or a trip to the pharmacy, we find it hard to part with anything remaining in the bottle when we feel better.
Is there anything wrong with keeping those three Hydrocodone tablets left over from your root canal last year? How about the cough syrup your daughter's pediatrician prescribed this winter? Even if you don't need it, how should you dispose of it? Dealing with it seems like so much trouble, we'd rather just close the door and forget it.
Location, Location, Location
Real estate isn't the only business where location matters. Whether you're dealing with prescription or over-the-counter medication, storage location is important. According to Heidi Kallivayalil, PharmD., Ambulatory and In-Hospital Practitioner, one of the worst places to store medications is the bathroom medicine cabinet. The steam and humidity from the sink and shower produce moisture that can seep in and cause drugs to degrade.
Unless special storage instructions are given, medications should be kept in a cool, dry place. Consider using the linen closet or a kitchen cabinet that's located away from the stove and sink. You should also avoid storing medications in the refrigerator unless instructions specifically say so. Refrigerated air is too damp for most medications. If refrigeration is required, placing the bottle in an opaque plastic container on a high shelf helps to keep it out-of-sight.
A cabinet or box with a lock on it is a good idea for homes that have young children or teenagers. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 64 percent of kids between the age of 12 and 17 who have abused pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives, typically without their knowledge. Even over-the-counter and non-narcotic medication can be dangerous when mixed or in the hands of children. Locking up medication doesn't mean we don't trust our kids; it's just one more way of keeping them safe.
Also, be sure to store medication in the original container with the name and expiration date on the label. "Some medication can be affected by light," says Kallivayalil, "that's why prescription medication comes in amber-colored bottles." Resist the urge to transfer pills to a smaller bottle or to combine even the same medication into one bottle. If you end up with multiple medications in the same container, they can be difficult to identify and risky to take.
Ann Greene, a pharmacist at O'Steen's Pharmacy in Jacksonville, says she is occasionally asked to play detective by identifying medication that has been transferred from a prescription bottle to a daily or weekly pill reminder case. "Usually, it's a family member that transfers the pills," says Greene. "When you're dealing with generic medications, the color is sometimes changed. Clients will be used to taking a pink pill and then the color is changed to orange. We note this on the bottle, but if a pill has been transferred to another container, it can cause confusion. I have seen cases where it leads to double dosing. The client actually takes the pill in the reminder case and also the familiar pink pill from the bottle."
Take or Toss?
Most of us have ended up with small amounts of medication left over from various illnesses. When this happens, it's a good idea to get rid of it. Although most expired drugs aren't necessarily harmful, they can lose their potency. It may be tempting to hang on to them to avoid a future trip to the doctor, but there are reasons why you shouldn't.
Unless medication is prescribed on an as needed basis (which is common for pain killers and other medications needed intermittently) it's important to take every dose. Not doing so can lead to complications. For instance, small doses of antibiotics may not destroy an infection, and eventually could cause bacteria to develop a resistance to that particular antibiotic, making it difficult to treat in the future. Dosage amounts are different for every medication, so it's important to follow instructions closely.
Parents occasionally give medication prescribed for one child to another child. Sharing may be a good thing most of the time, but in this case it isn't recommended. Even if children have the same illness, that doesn't necessarily mean they should be given the same medication or the same dosage. Drug allergies are common, particularly with antibiotics. It's best to let your physician determine what medication is appropriate for each illness.
Is This Still Good?
The shelf-life is the period of time the manufacturer has determined to be the safest and most effective for that particular medication. All medications should have an expiration date. Most prescription bottles have the date typed clearly on the label. Over-the-counter medications sometimes have the date stamped on the outside box. If you remove the tube or bottle from the box, check for a date. If you don't see one, be sure to write the expiration date on the container with a permanent marker.
Many prescription medications expire one year from the date they were filled, but don't just assume. According to Kallivayalil, some medications expire more quickly than others. Liquid medications often have a shorter shelf-life, some as little as 14 days.
Even supplies like adhesive bandages and hydrogen peroxide come with expiration dates. For example, Vaseline® recommends keeping their products, like petroleum jelly and moisturizers, at room temperature for up to two years.
A Closer Look
Always make sure to examine medication before taking it. Even if you've used the same prescription every night for the past decade, it pays to be alert. Take time to double check the name and appearance of the medication.
Be aware of anything that doesn't look right. Capsules that are stuck together or pills that have changed color could indicate moisture has seeped into the container and they should be tossed. The same goes for any medication that is crumbled, has spots or has changed in consistency or appearance.
Leaving medication in the car can also lead to problems, especially during the summer months in Florida. "Most medication should be kept at room temperature and is stable up to about 78 degrees," says Greene. Higher temperatures can be damaging, "If capsules are left in the glove compartment on a warm day, temperatures can climb high enough to actually melt them." When that happens, most pharmacies are willing to exchange the damaged medication but only at the patient's expense.
Safe Disposal
Pouring old medications down the drain or flushing them in the toilet used to be an acceptable way to dispose of them. In Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health both advise against it. What's the big deal? This method of disposal leads to a risk of contamination of Florida's drinking water and water bodies. Most wastewater treatment systems aren't equipped to remove medications, which means they will eventually make their way into water sources. It's unlikely such small traces are enough to be harmful to humans, but the Florida DEP says research has shown there can be an effect on aquatic organisms like fish and frogs.
According to Eulinda Smith, spokesperson for the Florida DEP, there are a number of steps you can take to protect both humans and animals from risk when disposing of medications:
Pills and Capsules
A)Keep medication in its original container with the prescription name. This helps to identify it if it is accidentally ingested by a person or animal.
B)Mark out your name and the prescription number before tossing.
C)Add a small amount of liquid such as water or soda to the bottle to help dissolve medication.
D)Tape the lid securely with duct tape or packing tape.
E)Place the taped bottle inside a coffee can or opaque plastic container like an empty laundry detergent bottle. Tape the lid on the outer container, too.
F)Hide the container in the trash...don't recycle it.
Liquid medications
A)Add cat litter or dirt to the remaining liquid. Anything that makes the liquid less palatable to animals or humans, such as cayenne pepper, could also be used.
B)Follow the same instructions for taping the lid and placing in an outer container.
If you come across other non-medication items while cleaning out your medicine cabinet, don't just assume it's okay to toss them in your regular trash either. Certain items such as thermometers also have specific disposal requirements. Mercury filled thermometers should be taken to a hazardous waste facility and digital thermometers containing a button cell battery should be recycled in the same manner as other batteries.
Once you've organized your home medications and supplies, an occasional check is all that's necessary. Dispose of left-over prescription medications as soon as you're finished with them, and periodically check the expiration date on over-the-counter medicines. Maintaining proper storage and disposal procedures will help to keep your family and the environment safe.

Medicine Cabinets tend to bring out the packrat in most of us. Once we've gone to the trouble and expense of a doctor's appointment or a trip to the pharmacy, we find it hard to part with anything remaining in the bottle when we feel better. For details visit http://www.healthsourcemag.com.

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Why Americans Are Traveling to Mexico For Medical Care

By Paulo Yberri 

Everyone in America is talking about healthcare reform, skyrocketing medical costs, and the increasing inability of average Americans to afford even the most fundamental medical and dental care due to unreasonably high costs. The news is full of statistics: 45 million people are without health insurance, and that figure is increasing every month as unemployment soars. Another 45 million are 'under insured' -that is, with out-of-pocket costs and deductibles so high that they are unable to afford doctor and hospital fees when the need arises. More than 110 million are currently without dental insurance and unable to get the care they need. Yet even the uninsured have another option. In response to rising healthcare costs at home, more U.S. citizens have gone abroad to take advantage of the excellent doctors and dentists available through medical tourism to Mexico.
Convenient, significantly less expensive, and featuring the same or a better quality of care, sophistication of treatment, and breadth of medical services as the U.S., Mexico's state-of-the-art private hospitals make medical tourism to Mexico an ideal solution for anyone struggling with the high cost of medical expenses in America. Medical travel connects patients with new, modern facilities located in upscale residential and international business districts. There are a number of prominent Mexican hospitals in cities such as Tijuana, Monterrey, Juarez, Mexicali, Guadalajara, and Mexico City regularly working with medical travelers from all parts of the globe to treat all types of medical issues. For example, Mexico hospitals host American and Canadian patients for orthopedic, spinal, cardiology, cosmetic, and weight loss surgery and dental procedures on a daily basis.
Cost Is The Major Issue
Medical travel to Mexico is more popular than ever before, but traveling to Mexico for treatment is not a new idea. Residents of the southern states have long taken advantage of the inexpensive health care across the border, with many taking advantage of medical travel on a monthly basis. Currently, nearly one million Californians make regular use of the Mexican health care system, crossing the border for check-ups, prescriptions, family dentistry, and surgeries of all types. Some 1.5 million Americans have taken the further step of retiring to Mexico, taking advantage of the lower cost of living, temperate climate, and access to affordable health care. For as little as $250 a year, Americans who move to Mexico are able to receive medical care with no deductibles, low cost x-rays, eyeglasses, dental work, and free prescription medicines.
In its report, "Medical Tourism: Consumers In Search of Value," the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions estimates about 5 million Americans traveled abroad for medical care in 2009. Researchers expect this number to grow substantially, rising to over 20 million within ten years. Medical tourism destinations vary, but for Americans Mexico is the ideal solution. In Mexico, Americans can get the same quality and standards of care for less than half the cost of the same procedure stateside - often working with surgeons who have train and practice in the US, and work closely with American medical device manufacturers. For some procedures, the difference in cost is even greater, costing only a third of the American price in Mexico. The tens of thousands of patients who come to Mexico each year know how significant those savings are, even after factoring in travel costs.
Lack Of Insurance Increases The Demand For Low-Cost Healthcare
Sadly, many Americans do not have adequate health insurance to cover the high costs of necessary medical care. With record job losses and a continuing economic recession, Americans continue to lose employer-sponsored medical insurance at an unprecedented rate, forcing them into expensive COBRA payments of up to $12,000 per year, and declaring medical bankruptcies at a rate of 2 million per year. Frustrated with the broken American health care system, more Americans than ever before are discovering that they can receive the same high quality medical care and identical prescription drugs at a much lower cost in Mexico than they can get domestically. According to research by the U.S. Medical Tourism Association, the vast majority of U.S. patients who have taken advantage of medical travel to Mexico rate their experience as equivalent and even superior to U.S. hospitals and doctors.
Savvy employers in Texas, California, and South Carolina are joining this trend, taking the step of investing in Mexican health care programs for their employees frequently at one-fifth the cost of American health coverage. These plans are significantly less expensive for employers as compared to traditional American medical insurance programs. Employees also save on deductibles and out-of-pocket costs as well as on prescription medication costs. The fact that most hospital medical travel packages include such extras as travel coordination services, lab work, and hotel stay makes medical tourism to Mexico, even more appealing.
Convenience And Travel Options
Residents of Arizona, California, and Texas have long crossed the border to major Mexico cities such as Tijuana, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Juarez for sophisticated medical care in state-of-the-art hospitals, most less than five years old. Nearly half of all American citizens live within driving distance of the major Mexico hospitals regularly serving medical travelers. For everyone else, there are frequent and inexpensive flights to the major destinations for medical tourism in Mexico, making it easy to get quality, affordable health care just a short car ride or flight away.
Without doubt, medical tourism to Mexico has done more than any other industry to put high quality medical care within financial reach for all American citizens. Mexico hospitals are responding by teaming with experienced medical tourism facilitators, hotels, resorts, and airlines to create discounted travel and lodging options for Americans coming to Mexico for their medical care. These complete packages ensure that American patients get access to the best possible medical teams, but are also able to enjoy a stress-free recovery period. A good medical tourism facilitator will handle everything, allowing the patient to focus on the most important part of treatment: your recovery. With a comprehensive company and the right hospital, medical tourism to Mexico, is a great choice for any American.

Paulo Yberri writes for Angeles Health International, a medical travel agency specializing in medical tourism, Mexico. AHI is your passport to best in class Mexico hospitals.

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How to Get Personal Injury Medical, Surgical and Hospital Financing

By Paul Sherman 

No-Risk Personal Injury Medical, Surgical Care and Hospital Financing
Most of the personal injury (including auto accidents) lawsuit plaintiffs, do not realize that they can qualify for easy non-recourse Personal Injury Medical, Surgical and Hospital Financing. With the help of Medical and Surgery cash financing, they can take care of their immediate medical care, surgical treatment and hospital stay needs. Best part is, they pay back only if they win the lawsuit.
What Is Personal Injury Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing or Funding?
Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing is a new and unique form of personal injury lawsuit funding or financing. Medical, Surgery and Hospital financing gives personal injury lawsuit plaintiffs the financial means to pay their medical provider, while the advance financing provider assumes the risk of repayment. Medical and Surgery Financing provider takes all the risk associated with advancing cash on lawsuit case and medical care and surgical treatment.
Personal Injury Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing are not a loan in true sense.Loans are always repayable. But the Medical and Surgery Financing does not have to be paid back unless the lawsuit case is won or settled. This is non-recourse cash advance, which you pay back to Medical and Surgery funding company only if you win or settle the case. If plaintiff loses the lawsuit he or she does not pay back to Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing Company.
Who is Eligible for Personal Injury Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing Loan?
If you were injured in an accident and have filed a personal injury law suit with the help of an attorney, but unfortunately you are not able to get timely and quality medical and surgical care because of lack of insurance coverage or the adequate means to pay for, than you may be eligible for Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing.
Virtually all personal injuries are considered for medical, surgery and hospital financing.
Thousands of Americans are injured daily in auto accidents or other kind of accidents in America. We have the best health care system in the world. But Americans without health insurance coverage at some time during 2007 totaled about 18% of the total population. We are living in truly interesting times. These statistics are frightening, but are true.
As you know, every day many victims of personal injuries are desperately in need of timely and quality medical and surgical care but they do not have health insurance or the adequate means to pay for medical treatment, surgical operations and hospital stays. Being injured is unfortunate. And getting injured and having no proper or adequate insurance is devastating. Not knowing where to turn, who to trust and what to do about your medical, surgery and hospital bills is frustrating?
Auto accidents and other personal injuries cause the loss of time, property, health and even life. No matter what the specific cause or result, an injury can turn a normal life into a prolonged struggle for you and your family. In times of distress and when the plaintiffs are seriously injured, they need immediate and quality medical and surgical care and treatment and hospitalization.
Solution: Personal Injury Medical, Surgery and Hospital Financing.
If you have money, you can get things and do things. The practical value of money is at maximum, if you have it at the time you need it most.
The Process to Secure Medical and Surgery Financing or Funding:
1. There is no upfront fee or any monthly fee to apply for Medical and Surgery financing or funding.
2. No credit or bad credit is alright. No employment requirement is required. Approval of Medical and Surgery funding is based on the strength of lawsuit and not on financial status. Underwriters review claim on its merits alone.
3. Underwriters review the documentation supporting injury and lawsuit. They speak with plaintiff and his or her attorney to help understand the lawsuit, and the medical care and surgical treatment needed.
4. If approved the check is sent to medical provider of plaintiff directly to cover medical, surgery care and hospital expenses.
5. You only pay back only if you win or settle the lawsuit! If you lose the lawsuit case, you pay nothing. You owe nothing!
Medical and Surgery Financing has made quality medical care accessible to personal injury lawsuit plaintiffs. In addition, Medical and Surgery Financing cash advance may be a very important tool when the insurance carrier of defendant, makes a low ball offer for lawsuit settlement. You can then use a Medical and Surgery Financing cash advance as a financial tool to say no to the low ball offer and have the financial strength to wait for a higher and fairer settlement.

About the Author:
Paul Sherman, The Lawsuit Money Man, is a Legal Funding Consultant at Easy Lawsuit Funding. Visit our website: easylawsuitfunding.com to get additional useful knowledge and information about surgery financing and make an educated decision to apply for your medical financing or surgical care financing today!

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Medical Transcription Introduction

By Christopher L. Dunn 

Introduction to Medical Transcription
Medical Transcription is the process of converting voice dictation (typically either cassette or digital format) into a permanent written record utilizing word processing equipment and software.
Each day in hospitals all over the country, thousands of patients are admitted and discharged. Examinations are conducted, procedures are performed and recommendations are made. It is not uncommon for multiple physicians to be involved in a simple procedure for a single patient. Radiologists, Pathologists, Anesthesiologists, Surgeons, and a host of other medical specialists must all coordinate their efforts to ensure that patient care is both adequate and appropriate.
Underpinning all of these activities is a complex web of medical and patient information. Each patient-related activity and procedure must be meticulously documented and then added to the patient's permanent record. Physicians and medical record handlers alike must be extremely careful to ensure that detailed patient identification information accompanies each procedure and examination report to avert potentially disastrous mix-ups. Over time, all of this information accumulates in a centralized medical records repository where it serves as a critical resource for patient care - facilitating accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments. Indeed, timely patient care often hinges on the ability of Radiology, Pathology, and other specialty departments to quickly conduct their examinations and report their findings.
Evolution and History of Medical Transcription
In the past, patient medical charts consisted of a series of abbreviated handwritten notes that were funneled into the patient's file for interpretation by the primary physician responsible for diagnosing ailments and prescribing treatment. Ultimately, this hodge-podge of handwritten notes and typed reports was consolidated into a single patient file and physically stored along with thousands of other patient records in a wall of filing cabinets in the medical records department.
Whenever the need arose to review the records of a specific patient, the patient's file would be retrieved from the filing cabinet and delivered to the requesting physician. To enhance this manual process, many medical record documents were produced in duplicate or triplicate by means of carbon copy.
In recent years things have changed considerably. Walls of filing cabinets have given way to desktop computers connected to powerful mainframe systems where patient records are prepared and archived digitally. This digital format allows for immediate remote retrieval by any physician who is authorized to review the patient information. Reports are stored electronically and printed selectively as the need arises.
While the transition from a paper based to an electronic format will take years to complete, considerable progress has been made. Handwritten reports are largely a thing of the past. Verbal dictation is now by far the most common method for documenting and reporting the results of examinations and procedures. Physicians generally use either a cassette based voice dictation system or a digital voice dictation system to record their findings. Dictating reports verbally not only allows physicians to be more thorough in their reporting, it also saves them a great deal of time. The Wall Street Journal recently reported the results of a study conducted by the Association of Legal Administrators suggesting that verbal dictation is the fastest way to create a document. The study states that "a 245-word document takes 9.34 minutes to create with an electronic dictaphone, compared with 16.46 minutes on a personal computer and 16.49 minutes by hand." (WSJ, Tuesday, October 22, 1996, page A1, column 5). Given the salaries of most physicians, the cumulative productivity savings associated with these technological enhancements is considerable.
The process of converting voice dictation to a typewritten format is known as transcription. Traditionally a staff of skilled medical transcriptionists working in the medical records department of the hospital has accomplished the work of transcribing medical records. In the early years of medical transcription it was not uncommon for very large hospitals to have staffs of 40 or 50 medical transcriptionists working one or more shifts. A transcription supervisor, who in turn reported to the Medical Records Director, generally oversaw these transcriptionists.
The Medical Transcription Outsourcing Trend
Increasingly, traditional hospitals are coming under competitive attack by more efficient managed care organizations. In an effort to remain competitive, many hospitals have turned to outsourcing as a means of cutting costs. Many of the processes that were previously performed internally are now being contracted out to third parties. Medical transcription is no exception. The outsourcing of transcription and other functions relieves hospitals of the administrative headaches and overhead burdens associated with internal production and allows them to focus their attention on improving service and lowering costs.
This new competitive climate has driven many hospitals out of business. Those organizations that have survived have done so by becoming more efficient and cost-conscious. There is considerable evidence to suggest that contracting out medical transcription is a much less costly alternative to producing reports internally. Most savvy healthcare providers today understand this and are responding appropriately. The significant cost-cutting pressures which continue to drive the industry toward consolidation, managed care and capitation virtually guarantee that the outsourcing trend will not only continue but accelerate in coming years.
This proliferation of outsourcing agreements has spawned a new generation of small medical transcription companies intent on carving out a piece of the pie. Interestingly, in spite of its rapid growth, the medical transcription industry is still considered a cottage industry. While there are a few truly national players, the industry is at this point still dominated by the hundreds of small local transcription companies located wherever hospitals are found.
Opportunities in Medical Transcription
The outlook for quality medical transcriptionists have never been greater. Lucrative opportunities abound today in hospitals, clinics, HMO's, and in the hundreds of Medical Transcription contracting companies located throughout the country.
The timing is excellent for anyone interested in entering this exciting and lucrative field. Like any career move, success will require patience and perseverance, but the opportunity to enter the medical transcription market has never been greater than it is today.
Benefits of a Medical Transcription Career
The demand for Medical Transcriptionists is very great. There is currently a shortage of qualified Medical Transcriptionists - and demographic trends suggest that the outlook will continue to be favorable for some time to come. Good Medical Transcriptionists typically have no problem obtaining and maintaining employment. Consider the following benefits of becoming a professional Medical Transcriptionist:

• In-demand Profession
• Excellent Income Potential
• Flexible Hours
• Growth Industry
• Exceptional Home Based Career Opportunities
• Potential to get your own Clients and Build a Lucrative Business

Basic Qualifications for a Career in Medical TranscriptionMedical Transcription is a highly skilled profession. It requires an attention to detail and an ability to recognize and understand technical terminology. Good typing skills are a must. Typically an accurate typing speed of 50-70 words per minute is a prerequisite for most positions. Obviously the faster you type the more money you will be able to make as most pay is on a production basis.
Spelling and grammar skills are also vitally important. On-line dictionaries and spell checks are always available to assist you, but they should not be relied upon completely. You should feel relatively well grounded in spelling and grammar before you decide to enter this field.
Most of the skill that you will acquire as a transcriptionist will come over time. Experience is the great teacher. Prior to gaining hands on experience, it is usually wise to go through a formal course to gain a foundation of knowledge and practical experience.
Getting Started in Medical Transcription
Medical Transcription is a very specialized field and requires extensive training. Once trained, however, the demand is very great. One of the most difficult parts of breaking into this lucrative industry is receiving the requisite training. Your income potential will typically be determined by your skill level. And skill level will be a function of training and experience. Unfortunately, you will find that most employers will be reluctant to hire inexperienced individuals. The learning curve can be quite steep and it will be difficult to find an employer that is willing to invest the time and money necessary to train a person.
There are a number of opportunities to receive the in-depth training necessary to become a proficient Medical Transcriptionist. Many Technical Schools have full-time programs designed to provide a basic level of proficiency. The drawbacks with these programs is that they tend to be expensive and they generally require a full-time commitment - which involves quitting a job and foregoing income during the course of study.
An alternative to these full-time classroom training programs is the online Home Study Course. Home study certainly requires a more disciplined attitude, but the cost / benefits as well as the ability to work at your own pace and in your own home are appealing. With an online Home Study Course there is no need to quit your present job - until you have achieved a basic skill level and are ready to begin your new career.
Indeed, it is often possible to begin your first Medical Transcription job on a part time basis in the evenings following completion of the home study course while maintaining your present employment. This "earn while you learn" approach is a good way to develop additional proficiency while still retaining the safety net of a full time job.

Christopher L. Dunn has been active in operating and training aspects of the medical transcription industry for the past 17 years.
For more information on a home based career in medical transcription please visit more of the authors websites:
http://www.medical-transcription-school.com
http://www.at-home-medical-transcription.com

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Medical Terminology - First Step on a New Career Path

By Donna Swanson 

In these days of economic uncertainty, career change is a hot button issue. As baby boomers retire and leave the work force, employers are concerned about the shortage of skilled workers. In addition, corporate cost cutting, off-shoring, layoffs, and forced career changes leave many workers with difficult choices. Gone are the days of one job and one employer for life. Following a career path today can mean maneuvering many twists and turns, setbacks, side roads, and blind alleys. Where is the roadmap to a new career that provides enrichment, stability and growth potential?
One of the best ways to ease some of the uncertainty and increase your marketability quotient is to broaden your skill set. Since continuing education is often required to maintain licenses and certifications, make those education hours do double duty. The right training can mean more opportunities in your current field, and serve as a stepping stone to a new career. But which industries offer the best chance for job stability and advancement?
It is predicted that expanding healthcare and healthcare-related industries will require many additional skilled workers in the coming decade. According to Forbes Magazine, "As well-heeled baby boomers age, look to the health care industry... (B)etween 2004 and 2014, seven of the 10 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. will be in health care." In addition to careers directly involved in patient care, demand for support professionals such as medical records and health information technicians, therapists, counselors, and medical transcriptionists will increase.
A basic requirement for entry into almost any healthcare-related career is a command of medical terminology. The ability to recognize, understand, spell, and pronounce basic medical terms, identify medical abbreviations, and decipher unfamiliar words using roots, suffixes and prefixes is a necessary tool to perform well in any medical setting. Medical terminology courses are widely available in online, home study and instructor-led formats. Because medical technology advances rapidly, medical terminology evolves to keep pace. To stay on top of new terminology, consider taking the course again if you've taken it in the past.
The Department of Labor database lists seven nontraditional careers that require medical terminology:
Medical Transcriptionists - To understand and accurately transcribe dictated reports, medical transcriptionists must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. They also must be able to translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms.
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians - In addition to general education, coursework requirements for medical records and health information technicians includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health information, health data standards, coding and abstraction of data, statistics, database management, quality improvement methods, and computer science.
Surgical Technologists - Surgical technologists receive their training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and the military. In 2006, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized more than 400 accredited training programs. Programs last from 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Programs provide classroom education and supervised clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Other topics covered include the care and safety of patients during surgery, sterile techniques, and surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment. Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists.
Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides - There were 126 accredited occupational therapist assistant programs in 2007. The first year of study typically involves an introduction to health care, basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. In the second year, courses are more rigorous and usually include occupational therapist courses in areas such as mental health, adult physical disabilities, gerontology, and pediatrics. Students also must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork in a clinic or community setting.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians - The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits most formal training programs for the field. The committee accredited more than 600 radiography programs in 2007. The programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.
Medical Assistants - Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They also study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs, and accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians' offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Court Reporters - Candidates for first level court reporting certification - the CVR - must pass a written test of spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, legal and medical terminology and three 5-minute dictation and transcription examinations that test for speed, accuracy, and silence.
In addition to these fields, many other professionals can benefit from an understanding of medical terminology. Lawyers, paralegals, legal secretaries and other legal professionals handling cases involving medical-related issues are better able to litigate these cases when they understand the terminology involved. Health insurance professionals, as well as those working in medical billing and coding positions also benefit from a working knowledge of medical terminology.
Many agencies require certification in medical terminology for pharmacy technicians. Professionals and technicians of biology, dentistry, hospital administration and many others must properly utilize medical terminology to communicate with patients, staff, customers and colleagues. Therapists, technicians, counselors and home health care providers can improve communication, increase the quality of care to patients, and reduce oversights and liability issues with a clear understanding of medical terminology.
A course in medical terminology is a widely accessible means to broaden your skill set, boost your marketability, and increase opportunities for advancement in your current career while helping you map a route to exciting work in the healthcare industry. Doubling the value of your time and education leads to better employment that will enrich your life.

This article was authored by Donna Swanson. Donna is a Registered Nurse and the CE Program Developer for Corexcel, a company specializing in online continuing education and workplace training. For more information about Corexcel and the training materials they offer, visit http://www.corexcel.com

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Medical Billing Training - How To Find The Best Low Cost Medical Billing Training For You

By Helen Hecker 

If you're seriously considering a work-at-home business or career in medical billing and coding and signing up for a medical billing training program, I'm going to shortcut your research here. I have included some of the best tips to help you find the best low cost program for you.
There are so many different paths you can take. You can sign up online or attend an on-campus college or university. And you can go to work in a health clinic setting or start your own home based medical billing and medical coding business. In any case you'll want to learn using electronic medical billing software.
There are medical billing training and coding online certificate programs that are designed to help students fill positions for medical coding and billing professionals or set business at home. Highly skilled medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand. Recently there has been a rapid rise in medical tests, treatments, and procedures that are increasingly being scrutinized by the many health insurance companies, various regulators, courts, and also consumers.
Patient information must be entered properly using medical billing software into computer databases to fully comply with the new federal legislation that requires the use of well-kept electronic patient records. And health care clinics and other facilities are having a hard time attracting good, qualified workers; this is mostly because they don't have in-house formal training programs and enough resources to give on-the-job training for medical coders.
What is medical billing and medical coding? Medical billing is actually a subspecialty of medical coding. There are programs available that offer just billing training but you want to consider a training program that gives you both billing and coding in one training program because coding is really the first step in the process of electronic medical billing.
Usually a billing and coding training program takes about one or two years to finish. It's good to note there is certification for several levels. This gives coders a chance to show off their skills and get higher salaries. It also includes courses on terminology that are used in insurance billing, besides other important relevant medical terms including terminology for diagnosis and procedures.
You'll find that some of the schools offer online courses and good self-study formats, important if you plan to study part-time or while you are holding down another job.
Some universities offer associate degrees in Health Information Management. Their medical coding and billing courses help prepare students for jobs managing patient information and insurance claims. You will learn electronic medical billing and coding software, medical terminology, and how healthcare clinics and facilities work. These courses can prepare you for taking the Certified Coding exams where required.
For example one college offers a 29 week master certificate program that includes ICD-9 and CPT-4 coding. Students take courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical ethics and law. The courses also include training on complying with the new Healthcare Insurance, Portability and Accountability Act. This college offers classroom training and students can participate in an externship program where they can practice their newly learned billing and coding skills.
There are many online programs as well. Make sure to compare them all carefully before you choose. Read over any contracts fully to fully understand the financial obligations -what it's going to cost, etc. Also what happens if you don't like the program or want to quit. Have someone else read over this contract with you. I can't emphasize this enough that you must know what you're getting into and can handle it financially. You don't want any surprises down the line.
Medical billers are necessary members of any medical office team whether they work on site or work from home. It requires knowledge, flexibility, knowledge and skill every time a patient has received any medical attention because a claim must be coded, billed, and processed.
If you're considering a medical billing career it offers wonderful challenges, rewarding experiences, and excellent pay. It's also good to have clerical and good organizational and people skills. Any high school courses you've had in math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers and office skills will help.
Besides career seekers, thousands of home-based entrepreneurs are starting businesses in medical billing and coding, and also medical transcription. These tips should help shorten your research. There is much to be learned about on-campus or online medical billing training before you commit. If you need help with financing there is money set aside by the federal government to help with online degree programs and is worth checking out.

For info on choosing the best medical billing training and finding the best medical billing business online courses, college, work at home and financing go to http://www.MedicalBillingTrainingInfo.com a nurse's website for tips including medical billing schools.

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Medical Tourism Top Destinations

By Radha Kishan 

The countries which are generally preferred over all other countries in the world for medical tourism destinations generally provides a wide array of medical facilities in a low cost packages. As the experts believe that the medical tourism destinations will have a positive impact on the economy of these distinctive countries and benefits the traders and patients alike. The medical tourism destination phenomenon may also encourage the foreign investors who hold an interest in those countries.
You have the best of medical services and attendance in these countries with reasonable prices. Some of the hospitals in these countries tie ups with various recreational facilities to provide the patient the best of all the time. According to your budged you can pay to hospitals which arrange the best available treatment package for you. If you want any other luxurious treatment the hospital of these medical tourism destinations will also provide you with this .Such as five star services with a round a clock nurse what is more do you need in your medical tourism destination it is the best you can get in these destinations.
The best of the medical tourism destination is Belgium. This country has doctors specializing in various medical fields such as surgery of heart, health services, cosmetic surgery, and surgery of knees, orthopedic surgery, and transplant of kidney and in care of teeth also called dental care. You will get to have the best of your treatment in Belgium according to your budged with pleasure and amusement. This just you need in your medical tourism destination.
The top 5 of the medical tourism destination which provides the most attractive opportunities for patients and investors for there a medical tour is as follows. These medical tourism countries are being selected on there quality and affordability of care as well as openness to foreign investment.
1. Panama
2. Brazil
3. Malaysia
4. Costa Rica
5. India
While some people took the options of only those medical destinations which offer low cost treatment, but these are the countries where you will get your medical treatment with relax and peace of mind. These are the top medical treatment destinations where you will find the best doctors and surgeons for you treatment. You will get to have a great time in the superb beauty of these countries which is considered to help the patient to recover and hell quickly. It should also be noted that the medical staff in these countries are largely and highly English speaking so the conflict of the language do not pose a major obstacle for the foreign patients in visiting these countries for there medical treatment.
There are some goals of each of these countries on which these countries are working. For example Panama represents a wide range of opportunities for real estate investments and as well as investment in the medical tourism industries. And goal of Brazil is to become one of the most dominating economies in the world in terms of medical tourism and this favorable for the foreign investments. Malaysia is doing progress in medical tourism by leaps and bounds. Malaysian medical tourism has grown from 75,210patients to 296,687patients from 2001 to 2006 which bring about a total revenue of $59 in the country through this act. Malaysia attracts foreign medical tourists and investors alike for its favorable exchange rate, political and economic stability and due to high rate of literacy. Costa Rica like Panama has become a popular medical destination for the foreign peoples due to its High-Quality medical facilities.
Most of the patients come across to Costa Rica on there medical tour for its low costs of dental work and plastic surgery. The countries political stability, high educations levels and its policies for free trade among medical tour have also attracted the foreign investors. While India, arguably has the lowest and the highest quality of medical facilities available for medical tourism. According the report of the world travel and tourism council India was ranked as one of the top ten emerging destinations due to its highly skilled and equipped doctors and hospitals.

Radha Kishan is currently advertising for Medical Tourism website at http://www.medtourismreview.com and his own webpage based on medical tourism By Radha Kishan.

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Medical Billing Training - The Money's Only Good If You've Had The Right Medical Billing Training

By Neil Day 

Advances in medical technology have brought an explosion of demand in the medical industry which not only patients but doctors face. This demand is for individuals with medical billing training and knowledge. These individuals handle everything pertaining to medical office operations, including billing and coding, processing insurance forms, and using medical software.
There over 1.2 million medical specialists in the United States, according to the American Medical Association. In fact, this profession is listed as one of the fastest growing professions in allied health. Because of this, place ads for such a position are sprouting regularly on the Internet and the classified ads section of your local newspaper. But something's lacking. Whoever's running those ads make the job sound too easy to be true. Do they even require you to have undergone medical billing training?
Contrary to what you might have heard or read, medical billing is not an easy job. Yes, the money is good but only if you have the right medical billing training to help you handle all your responsibilities. The scope of medical billing training is broad, including knowledge in medical terminology, billing and accounts receivable management, claims, claims processing, and so on. Such skills can only be acquired if you have had the correct training.
What are the typical tasks of an administrative medical specialist?
The administrative medical specialist has specific tasks which they will be engaging in. First is receiving, making, and documenting telephone calls. Not only does an administrative medical specialist need medical billing training, but he or she also needs training in typical office work. As stated before, medical billing embraces a wider scope than what you were led to believe from the ads you have read.
Administrative medical specialists may also handle the scheduling of appointments and registration of patient information. This is a vital part of the job and a vital step of the insurance claims process. The administrative medical specialist will have to have medical billing training in order to know how to convert the medical record of a patient into a billing record, using a complex set of codes of procedure.
Administrative medical specialists perform insurance verification, pre-authorization and referral tasks. Knowledge of how insurance works is especially important and one you can learn more about through medical billing training.
Preparing patient charts and maintenance of medical records is yet another responsibility of an administrative medical specialist. So is preparing and posting transactions on day sheets, charge tickets and patient accounts; coding and billing of insurance claims; collection patient payments and performing collection activities; and performing accounts payable, payroll and banking tasks.
Medical billing IS a rewarding job but can also seem quite complex. Given the nature of the work involved with patient management, office administration and the vast amounts of money that are involved with various insurances, it is easy to see just why it is important that the correct medical billing training has been undertaken.

Medical billing training is a must if you want a career in this fast growing part of the business sector of the health care industry. Want to be part of a thriving and rewarding medical billing team? Do you have the qualities required to start your own medical billing business from home? For the #1 resource online for latest information, news and advice on all aspects of medical billing services ... visit the medical billing site today!

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The Medical Assistant Career

By Groshan Fabiola 

One of the Fastest Growing Professions
There are myriad reasons for you to focus your efforts towards building a career as a medical assistant! Although the medical assistant profession can be very challenging, involving a lot of dedication and responsibility, it also brings many financial and personal satisfactions. Undoubtedly, medical assistants have always been considered to be major components of the healthcare industry, fulfilling a set of vital roles in the medical offices. As a medical assistant, you have the opportunity to offer a very important service to the community, by participating actively in the ongoing process of patients' care and by channeling your efforts towards improving the patients' health.
Unlike other professions in the medical field, the medical assistant profession involves a lot of interaction and communication, both with the monitored patients and with other members of the medical staff. Thus, besides being the main healthcare provider for patients, as a medical assistant you also have the opportunity to offer patients a lot of moral support. Due to its eclectic nature and the pronounced level of interaction with people, the medical assistant profession is considered to be a very demanding profession, requiring a wide range of practical and theoretical skills, good decision making abilities, good communication skills and nevertheless, a lot of talent!
Although a career as a medical assistant can be very challenging, it also brings a lot of satisfaction! Apart from the noble and altruistic nature of the profession which allows practitioners to offer an important service to the community, ensuring the well-being of patients, the medical assistant profession is also very lucrative and financially stable. While an inexperienced medical assistant may at first earn an annual $20,000 salary, fully qualified medical assistants may eventually earn more than $40, 000 a year.
Due to the ongoing development and expansion of the healthcare industry, the request for medical assistants is very acute in present and it is expected to further grow in the coming years, thus rendering the medical assistant career stable and secure on professional level. In addition, well-trained medical assistants have very good prospects for promotion in the medical field, being able to qualify for various administrative occupations or become medical technology professionals.
In order to fulfill your dream of becoming a qualified medical assistant, it is very important not to neglect your professional training. Keep in mind that proper medical assistant training is crucial for becoming certified and acquiring important credentials in a short period of time. At first, medical assistant training focuses on familiarizing you with the basics, later helping you to further expand your knowledge and overall practical skills required.
The best thing to do in order to ensure a secure career in the field is to attend a high quality medical assistant training program at a highly recognized medical assistant school. By attending to a good medical assistant school, you will be able to polish your skills as a medical assistant and become a true professional in your branch. The medical assistant training you will receive in a highly recognized medical assistant school will greatly increase your chances of obtaining your desired certifications and accreditations from the first try, allowing you to build the scaffolds of a promising career in no time!
There are various medical assistant schools out there, each of them offering different advantages and disadvantages. The trick to finding the most appropriate medical assistant school for you is to carefully decide upon the level of professional medical assistant training you wish to achieve and to analyze the resources you benefit from; you should know exactly how much time, money and effort you are willing to invest in your medical assistant training long before you start attending to the courses of a certain medical assistant school. For instance, although they may offer similar credentials, some medical assistant schools have the advantage of allowing students to graduate sooner than others.
In order to find out exactly what to expect from a certain kind of medical assistant training offered by a given medical assistant school, it is very important to do a little research before choosing the most appropriate educational program for you. After you have decided upon a medical assistant training program, you should maintain your motivation levels high and work hard to achieve your pre-established goals. While some training programs may be better than others, and some medical assistant schools may be more popular than others, in the end the success of your medical assistant career is direct proportional with your motivation, dedication and not to mention, talent!

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