Blog
Top 6 U.S. Universities that Offer Health Science Course
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences helps in preparing the students to have rewarding professional jobs in the healthcare industry. A lot of professionals choose this degree to achieve a management or administration position in the fast-growing healthcare sector. Graduates of Health Science course get employment opportunities in hospitals, public health agencies, insurance companies, community organizations, research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, and more. However, besides from choosing this degree, one may consider getting into the top universities that offer health science degree. Below are the top schools you want to enroll in when you decided to be in the healthcare industry and check the career opportunities you can get from it: Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois Northwestern University is offering courses designed for practicing healthcare professionals or graduates of advanced medical degree programs. Its Institute for Public Health and Medicine trains the student in sound research techniques and also in how to secure grants for research funding. In 2015, it ranked 13th in U.S. News & World Report's list of best national universities. University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri This university has a School of Health Professions that offers an online Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, which is designed for students interested in a non-clinical occupation within the field of healthcare. Graduates of this course may opt to enter non-clinical careers such as pharmaceutical sales, wellness coordination, medical equipment sales, and healthcare advocacy. University of Washington in Seattle, Washington The University of Washington has a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Services programs. In addition, it is offering a number of public health certificates. It's Master of Science in Health Services program is designed as a research-oriented course of study that includes subjects in community health, health disparities or other specialties. On the other hand, the university’s Ph.D. program provides training in healthcare policy and systems, interdisciplinary coursework, and extensive research in a specialty area. Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey The university is offering core courses in health science as well as specialization in a particular concentration. Students can choose from the following: include aging, allied dental education, diagnostic imaging technologies, health advocacy, management, education, and psychiatric rehabilitation. The jobs they can get for the health science degree are the following: dental assistant, diagnostic sonographer, medical secretary and pharmaceutical technician. Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona The programs offered in this university are designed for working professionals and/or students who have already earned an associate’s in applied science. It offers a broad-based, practical curriculum experience which students can use to find managerial employment in the vast healthcare industry like Medical Radiology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Histology Technology. Arizona State University is also offering health-related degrees such as Global Health, Health Education and Promotion, Global Health, Community Health, and more. University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota The university's health sciences program is designed for online learning community with constant discussions with other students and professors as well. It also offers a customizable program that will help in suiting to their career aspirations. There are six concentrations for the health science degree: pre-professional studies, healthcare studies, healthcare advancement studies, undergraduate clinical informatics, undergraduate public health or undergraduate research. The health science degrees not only introduce key concepts to the students but prepare them for additional career requirements. Keep in mind that this degree is ideal for students who are planning to pursue careers in pharmacy, nursing, medical technology, counseling, and other professions related to patient treatment and care. Students with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences will be qualified and competent for a wide range of career pathways in the healthcare industry. Read More: The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions Are Oncology Clinical Studies Facing Challenges? Patient Portal Development Company Addresses Technology Shortcomings That Limits Interoperability
READ MOREDetails
Close Look at Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros and Cons
There’s no dearth of options for those mulling a new roof installation. Choosing the correct roof for your home is imperative to ensure that you get full functionality and lifespan. The final decision should be taken after considering different factors such as the owner’s location, the roof’s weight, and the cost, warranty, and lifetime of the product. This blog post discusses, five popular roofing options for homeowners taking time to look at their advantages and shortcomings: 1. Asphalt shingles Asphalt shingles are unarguably the most common roofing option for homeowners in US, all thanks to their affordable nature and ease of installation. Moreover, many roofers also follow the practice of reinforcing shingles with organic materials or fiberglass, which has a positive impact on their durability and moisture resistance. Pros Asphalt shingles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. They are easily available and the most economical roofing option available on the market. Cons Asphalt has a short lifespan when compared to other materials, and also incapable of providing proper insulation. Best suited house styles: Traditional sub-urban houses Cost: The cost of installing asphalt shingles can be anywhere between $70 to $120/sq.ft. and they can last for 20-25 years with proper maintenance. 2. Clay and concrete tiles The use of clay adds to the roof’s texture and elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Clay and concrete tiles are heavy roofing materials and should be installed by professionals to avoid accidents and damage to property. Pros Clay and concrete tiles are highly durable and fire-resistant. They are also known for their energy efficiency. Installing a concrete roof can, therefore, help you lower energy costs. Cons Both clay and concrete are heavier than other roofing materials and usually require additional framing to function smoothly. The materials are also expensive and you may have to shell out a considerable amount of money to install clay/concrete tiles. Best suited house styles: Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes. Cost: Prices fluctuate in the range of $300-$500/sq.ft. Concrete tiles have a lifespan of 40-50 years provided you follow maintenance schedules without fail. 3. Metal roof Metal roofs are available in two types, panels, and shingles. Some of the common metals used by roofers who specialize in metal roofing are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. If you’re considering a metal roof, it is advisable that you first consult your provider on the type of metal you should use after considering all the important factors. Read also: Avoid these 4 Mistakes during Multi Family Housing Renovation Pros Metal roofs are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and also offer better protection against solar radiation. They are also long-lasting and recyclable. Cons Installing a metal roof can be a costly decision and you may have to shell out anywhere between $100-$800/sq.ft. to install a metal roof. Best suited house styles: bungalows, cabins, and contemporary and cottage-style homes. Effective life: With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-75 years. 4. Slate Opting for a slate roof is a prudent decision if you need to avail a variety of designing options. Slate roofing comes in different colors like black, green, grey, red, and purple. It lends a touch of style and elegance to your roofing. Pros Slate roofs are durable and equipped with fire-resistance properties. You can also recycle slate to reduce costs and save the environment. Cons Apart from being expensive, slate is also heavy, making any plans for a DIY approach strongly inadvisable. Moreover, the quality of the materials can vary if you plan to use imported slate. Cost: $600/sq.ft. And above. The effective life of slate roofs can extend up to 100 years and more. 5. Wood shingles and shake Wood shingles are handmade and available in attractive shades of gray. When opting for wood roofing make sure the material is class a certified and includes shingles with a fire-resistant coating. Pros The use of wood shingles lends a rough yet artistic look to your roof. The shingles are made from natural materials like cedar, and redwood and are environment-friendly. Cons There are high chances of the roof sustaining significant damage when exposed to moisture, high temperatures, and rainfall. Moreover, fire codes in some states may prohibit the use of these materials. Best suited house styles: Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes. Cost: $100-$150/ sq.ft. You can expect the roofing to last around 25-30 years. The blog discusses five popular roofing choices available to homeowners. You should, however, not limit yourself to these choices. Consider exploring other options before making a final decision. Consult your contractor and ask them to share their thoughts on your choice. You must also factor-in the maintenance costs and schedules associated with each option before you.
READ MOREDetails
Handy Tools for Outdoor Photography
Whether you’re planning to explore wildlife in a nature preserve or you simply want to capture seasonal changes in your local park, no outdoor photography adventure should be undertaken without proper equipment. Outdoor conditions are unpredictable and your expensive equipment is sensitive, therefore you cannot be too prepared. Here is the list of handy tools you shouldn’t forget when venturing in nature. Here re Handy Tools for Outdoor Photography: 1. Cleaning Making sure that your lens and sensor are clean, especially when taking photos outdoors, should go without saying. Tiny dust spots, smudges, or even hair can make your carefully planned shoot less perfect, and using the software in post-editing can only do so much. To avoid this potential disaster, be sure to always carry a brush with fine bristles and a blower. These won’t take much space and can prove essential in ensuring clear and sharp photography. 2. Tripod Tripod is an indispensable piece of equipment for shooting outdoor sceneries since you never know when you will have to use long exposures. Capturing clouds and bird flocks early in the morning or tree silhouettes in dusk can be quite demanding if you forget your tripod. Be sure to pick a tripod of an appropriate height, and take into consideration that ground most likely won’t be flat. 3. Lens Be prepared to spend some money on a quality long lens. They are considered mandatory by many professional photographers, especially if your ambition is to capture wildlife. Something around 400 mm is a minimum. However, taking into account the crop-factor of certain cameras, you may find that the 300 mm lens will suit your needs equally well. Read the reviews of different lenses before buying one. 4. Backpack Planning an outdoor shooting should most certainly include a good camera backpack. Keep in mind several things when choosing a backpack. First and foremost, it needs to contain enough space for your equipment, especially the long lens we’ve already mentioned. Secondly, it must be sturdy and keep your equipment safe from different kinds of weather conditions. Lastly, you should seriously consider a backpack that is comfortable to wear, bearing in mind you will probably spend a lot of time walking. 5. Lights Lights in the form of a torch or a headlamp are standard tools for any outdoor activity. Nonetheless, many people get too preoccupied with camera equipment that they simply overlook something as simple as a torch. The best way to go is to get a small LED torch since it is ideal for lighting up even far objects. Most of the new torches can be easily recharged using the USB cable, and have various modes for illuminating farther and closer objects. Another solution is to pack a headlamp. For some, it is a more practical solution. It leaves your hands free, which can prove useful, both in taking pictures and walking on rough terrain at night. 6. Binoculars Finally, your outdoor kit wouldn’t be complete without a pair of binoculars. After you have chosen your ideal location, you may proceed to scan for a spot that captures your imagination. Although you can do this with your camera, it may prove impractical. When it comes to choosing specific binoculars, always factor in the waterproofing. You never know how fast the weather can change, and waterproof binoculars are a safe investment, even though this can increase the price a bit. Another important thing is the magnification. The two most common ones are 8X and 10X, the latter being usually a bit larger. This choice rests solely on your preference, but if you tend to travel light, you may instead consider getting a monocular. It is much lighter and does not occupy a lot of space in your camera backpack. To conclude, outdoor photography should be carefully planned. This does not comprise solely camera equipment, but other tools that are part of any outdoor experience, such as a backpack, a torch, or binoculars. Always waterproof your equipment, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and be careful in your search for a sublime outdoor shot. Read also: 10 Must-Haves for Travel Photography 5 Handy Survival Tools to Invest On 5 Essential Tips For The Traveling Photographer
READ MOREDetails
Virtual reality and gaming technology innovation in 2017
The idea of Virtual Reality was 1st created by Stanley G. Weinbaum in his short story Pygmalion’s Spectacles; the idea of artificial reality has been considered the Holy Grail for investors and tech enthusiasts alike. Virtual reality (VR) typically mentions to computer technologies that use software to generate realistic pictures, audios, and other sensations that replicate a real environment (or create an imaginary setting), and emulate a user's physical presence in this environment, by enabling the user to interact with this space and any objects represented therein creating specialized display screens or projectors and other devices. VR has been described as a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, built using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by the activity of the body or as an immersive, interactive experience created by a computer. It's been a long journey for virtual reality since it has come, and 2017 will likely be its biggest step forward. This would be the year that virtual reality goes mainstream, In 2016 we noticed the launching of few technologies from Oculus/Facebook, HTC/Valve, Sony, and Microsoft (although its HoloLens is technically augmented reality)and we are sure to listen more about the technology than ever before with big product. Here in the following few latest trends in the tech world to keep an eye on as 2017 unfolds.VR rises to supremacy and will start to affect major change in certain verticals: This year’s E3, the gaming world’s annual marquee show, was virtual reality’s big opportunity to brighten. Two high-end headsets — the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive — are in the market already, although they equipped only for a small market. PlayStation VR already launched the medium to potentially tens of millions of PlayStation 4 owners. Oculus is bringing significantly more attractive headset.2017 is going to be the best time for a blitz of good VR news — or a worse time to get bad news.2017 is looking forward as a gaming innovative year. There are many online games such as online roulette games that will use virtual reality to make the game experience more real. - Gaming - Virtual Tours - 360 Degrees Cinema - Sports Streaming - Education - Retail - Visualizations & Simulations PLAYSTATION VR: Sony took away the sight of the pre-show at E3, declaring incredibly exciting-sounding lists It’s not the costliest tethered headset, and it runs off a popular console. If anyone wants to make VR mainstream, it’s Sony. Sony’s headset has the benefit of being pleasant and so simple to clear, but going on a lower-capable machine in a slightly lower resolution, its virtual worlds can feel dentated and muddy in comparison to the Vive and Rift’s. The most exciting thing about the platform isn’t any specific game; it’s just watching a huge console maker support virtual reality, even if the initial results aren't thrilling. And Sony’s more powerful upcoming "Neo" console could turn everything look and feel better, although that won’t help people who don’t want to buy a new console alongside their headset. OCULUS RIFT: Oculus is Sony’s PC-based competitor and it has a totally different problem. It came to market with a lot of titles considering the new Touch controllers, and they’re some of the best looking games in VR — they’re simultaneously elegant and productive, from the thriller Wilson’s Heart to a motion-based version of Crytek’s rock climbing title The Climb. Oculus has also firmed temporary exclusive rights to things like the virtual reality version of Superhot, a critically popular stop-motion shooter. HTC VIVE: HTC set up a booth to display Vive’s mixed-reality tech, and the company was providing private demos of games like its World War II shooting gallery Front Defense. But it was most insight at Bethesda Softworks’ booth, which hosted Vive experiences based on Fallout 4 and Doom. Fallout 4, which is going to be a full VR game, would need significant modification to offer a good experience, and it’s not clear that Bethesda is prepared to invest in that. It’s true that the most interesting games being launched right now are for the HTC Vive, be it standalone titles or "VR additions" to ones already sold on Steam, but if Touch does well, most of those games would be simple to adapt for Rift. Meanwhile, Oculus is snapping up as many exclusives as it can. Read More: What Is An Airsoft Gun? Essential Tips To Choose The Perfect Bowling Ball Best IPhone Spy Apps Without Jail Breaking Racing Games And Accidents; Is There A Link?
READ MOREDetails
The Disturbing Trend of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions
Americans with a chronic medical condition know just how difficult it is to navigate the challenges of our healthcare system. These patients pay huge medical costs, experience a diminished quality of life and, in some cases, run the risk of developing even more chronic conditions. They also represent about half of the adult population in the United States. But as bleak as things are when you suffer from a single, long-lasting sickness, the challenges are compounded exponentially when you develop a second, third, or even more chronic conditions. This growing subset of patients - those suffering from two or more chronic conditions – now accounts for over one quarter of all Americans, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Most Common Medical Conditions Chronic conditions last for a year or more, require ongoing medical attention and often limit a person’s day-to-day activities. Chronic conditions include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, human immunodeficiency virus infection, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and obesity, to name only a few. Read also: An Overview of Schizophrenia 6 Imbalances in Body Hampering Weight Loss Efforts Other non-physical conditions can also fall into this category -- those like developmental disabilities, mental illness, and cognitive impairment. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse or substance addiction may cause more chronic conditions, or be considered chronic conditions themselves. Read More: Tackle Your Shredding This Family Day An Expensive and Common Problem About two-thirds of healthcare costs in the United States and over 90 percent of Medicare spending go toward people with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). In addition to the approximately 27 percent of Americans with MCC, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that around three-quarters of those over 65 have MCC. Many people with MCC have more than just two chronic conditions. Over seven percent of men and over 10 percent of women in the U.S. have five or more chronic medical conditions. With every additional condition, come steep rises in costs, treatments, doctor visits, and prescription medications, per the DHHS. When Riskier, Costlier, Less Effective Treatment is a Part of Life If you have MCC, or if you know someone who does, then you might already be familiar with the incredible challenges that come with having two or more serious illnesses. Insurance will be costlier, as will the out-of-pocket costs you pay. Of course, you’ll also be paying even more than those with a single chronic condition, because you will likely be seeing more doctors to receive the treatment you need. You will probably need to take several prescription medications for your medical conditions. It is the increased number of doctor visits to multiple doctors and the many medications needed for management of MCC that open patients up to inadequate healthcare. Patients with MCC rely heavily on specialists, and it is likely that a specialist who is treating a patient for one of their chronic illnesses won’t have the skills or training necessary to provide care that addresses the other chronic illnesses the patient suffers from. This leads to a disjointed, uncoordinated and costly system in which patients are more likely to suffer from medical error, receive conflicting medical advice and experience adverse drug reactions. Patients so often find that they are handed off from one doctor to another, with little to no oversight to coordinate the many treatments, tests, and medicines they take. Read More: Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement The Deficiency Before It’s Too Late Addressing the MCC Problem Reducing the direct and indirect costs to patients requires an ambitious rethinking of our approach to healthcare that addresses the unique needs of MCC patients. We need federal and state programs that engage patients to better coordinate their care and provide education to those suffering from several medical conditions. We need doctors that are better trained in handling a wide range of medical needs, as opposed to the specialization trend among doctors that have become the norm in the last several decades. Prevention is also key to lessening the number of MCC patients in the United States. This means education, raising awareness and public health initiatives that serve to stop the development of these illnesses before they start. Patients with MCC can easily get disillusioned with the obstacles they encounter when they enter the convoluted, expensive system that they depend on for treatment. The odds are good that many of you have first-hand experience with the failings of our current system in dealing with multiple, chronic medical conditions. Judging from the statistics, most of us will also encounter these shortcomings at some point in our lives. Mark Evans is a Missouri trial attorney and partner at the Bley & Evans law firm. Read More: The Relationship Between Oral Health And General Health Top 6 U.S. Universities That Offer Health Science Course Dore Aesthetics: Proven And Safe Acne Treatment
READ MOREDetails
Avoid these 4 Mistakes during Multi Family Housing Renovation
Given the volatile nature of the economy, the demand for affordable housing has increased by leaps and bounds. Consequently, multifamily housing investors are facing stiff competition. Multifamily housing investors are not leaving a stone unturned to turn a profit from their existing or newly acquired rental properties. Many of them are undertaking occupied property renovation programs to gain a competitive edge. Renovating a rental property not only adds value to the existing property but also plays a key role in influencing renter’s willingness to rent more for the property. That being said, when investing in any construction or renovation of occupied property, it is important to come up with a plan that helps you realize seizable returns from your investment. This blog post lists four common mistakes that multifamily housing investors/owners must avoid to make the most out of occupied property renovation program. Read on! Going for the Cheapest Bid Once you have decided to get your multi-family rental property renovated, the first thing you need to do is to approach several contractors and ask for their renovation quotes. Though the cheapest bid may sound enticing to many, choosing it may cost heavy on your pocket in the long run. A contractor may not be efficient in getting the job done or may cut corners and use poor quality material during the job. That being said, straight away going for an expensive bid is not a sensible decision either. To pull off a great deal, you must contact at least two to three contractors and get written estimates from each. Ensure there is no hidden cost involved in the project. Hiring the Wrong People Renovating a rental property is a complex process, and therefore, requires professional assistance. Before embarking on the renovation project, the professional contractor conducts due diligence to help control cost and eliminate potential obstacles down the lane. Nonetheless, as a property owner, you should not overlook the little details about the people you are hiring. There have been instances of fraudulent renovation practices in the past, which is why it is important to hire a reputable contractor and ask for their certification or record of their previous work. Bossing Around Though many housing contractors work in collaboration with property owners to provide customized renovation services, many property owners are in a habit of poking their nose in every step of the project. Making changes every now and then in the middle of the project can delay the renovation project, thereby stalling the rentability of the units. Always remember that you have chosen an experienced contractor with a record of successful projects in the past. It is important to let your contractor do what they think is best for your business. Having said that, it is also important to keep a check on what is being done so far and what is about to be done to complete the project. Setting Unrealistic Budget Budget plays an important role in the completion of your rental property renovation project. Before hiring professional multifamily, it is important to have contingent fund ready to meet unprecedented needs in the middle of the project. In projects as big as multifamily housing renovation, it is likely that you may want to spend a little extra to add value to your project. That’s when having a contingency budget in place ensures seamless renovation. Read also: Home Decor is an Art Itself – Things To Know Wrapping up A properly planned and executed multi-family housing program not only helps you gain a competitive edge, but also helps you achieve your ROI goals. Always hire a reputable contractor, known to provide quality services. Go through their work portfolio to get an idea of their previous work. Lastly, ensure that there are no hidden fees involved in the project, before you sign on the dotted line. Read More: Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm 6 Expert Tips For Finding The Right Home To Buy What Makes A Strong Foundation For Your Home
READ MOREDetails
5 Things You Can Do With a Sports Management Degree
If you’re thinking about going into a sports management program for your undergraduate study, you may be on the path to an exciting and unique field. While not everyone who completes this type of program ends up going into actual sports management, there are plenty of opportunities for those with an interest in this career. When it’s time to select your undergraduate major, sports management may be the right choice for you. 5 Things You Can Do With a Sports Management Degree Here are five different possibilities for those who major in sports management. 1. Coaching a Team One of the biggest draws of a sports management program is its ability to prepare future sports coaches. Those who are looking to make a career out of coaching a professional or collegiate team can get a wealth of resources about being a better coach through an academic sports management program. Learning on a college campus also gives students access to a variety of potential coaching situations with a large number of sports teams. Read also: Catch Each Of Your Sporting Events Awarded By Soccer Trophies 2. Leading an Organization Next, sports management may be a great choice for those interested in becoming the leaders of the industry. Many different organizations have a need for knowledgeable people who have a sense about the business aspect of a team. This field has seen a surge in the number of women who are becoming power players across the field by holding various sports leadership positions. Some sports marketing articles have finally started to focus on the growing influence of women in sports. 3. Working in a Related Field Another path for some graduates with a sports management major is a related field. One of the most natural fits for sports management graduates is in healthcare. Healthcare informatics is a growing field that could be a great fit for someone with a background in sports and physiology. For further expertise in this industry, obtain your mshi degree from Adelphi University online. Additionally, many people with a sports management background end up in teaching, usually in the subjects of Physical Education or Health. Read also: How to Choose the Right Golf Club Set For Beginners 4. Managing a Facility One possibility for this degree is to become a manager of a sports or health club facility. The most common type of facility is a fitness club. Other, more specific types of sports clubs are beginning to open up around the country. There are also many different kinds of national franchise concepts in sports or fitness that are starting to become more popular each year. 5. Counseling Athletes Finally, sports management degree holders can also opt to work with individual athletes. Professional or collegiate athletes may need helpful mentors to assist them in making better choices for their careers in sports. Sports management professionals may work as sports agents or other consultants that work to develop financial packages and contracts for athletes around the world. For many individuals, this can be a fascinating and lucrative field to get into. Conclusion: If you have your eye on sports management as a possible major for your college career, know that there may be plenty of options for you upon graduation. That way, you can continue to make fitness, sports, and health a priority in your life and your career.
READ MOREDetails
Have You Heard of Upcoding? It’s a Big Part of Medical Fraud
What does the term “medical fraud” conjure up in your mind? Do you picture a questionable-looking character going door to door, soliciting personal information of Medicare beneficiaries? Maybe you see a fake doctor administering tests to unsuspecting patients in a dingy medical facility. Sure, these exaggerated caricatures aren’t out of the realm of possibility, but it’s often the case that fraud in the healthcare industry is much subtler, to the point that it can occur to almost anyone without their knowledge. It even happens in the sleekest looking medical facilities, and it can be perpetrated by professionals that one would seldom suspect of being a fraudster. One of the most “subtle” and common forms of medical fraud has a name that belies its simplicity. It’s called upcoding, and while that might sound like a boring, complicated system, it’s quite easy for a medical professional to do. Upcoding is the practice of billing for services other than those provided. It some cases, it’s essentially just overbilling, and it’s one of the easiest ways for a provider to earn a little extra money without risking being noticed by the authorities or by patients. Before we look at just how prevalent this practice is, it’s important to understand that virtually every medical service has a code to which it is associated. These codes are very specific, and a provider lists the code of the service they provided their patient either to the patient themselves or to the insurance company that will pay for the service. When a doctor is guilty of upcoding, it means that they provided a different code than the one representing the service that was provided. While some forms of upcoding are blatant, and could easily be spotted by someone who simply took the time to notice, others are so slight that they would go undetected unless someone was paying close attention. For example: You see your doctor for a checkup. You schedule your appointment, sit patiently in the waiting room, see your doctor for about 10 minutes, pay your co-pay and you go home. Meanwhile, your doctor has billed you for pretty much exactly what transpired during your visit, with one major exception. Instead of billing you for the 10 minutes he spent with you, he bills you for a much longer period of time. You likely never looked at your bill, and it would be difficult for an insurance provider to say that he didn’t spend that extra 20 minutes in your presence. These face-to-face interactions are some of the easiest for a doctor’s office to “fudge” the numbers ever so slightly in a way that is difficult for anyone to dispute. When time or, more specifically, face-to-face interactions are the services being billed for, it leaves a much larger margin for error or, in this case, for fraud. In addition to face-to-face time, upcoding can also occur when services billed are simply inflated versions of the service provided, whether that be a test or a treatment of a patient. In these cases, even some of the most medically savvy or attention-detailed patients might not catch the fact that they paid for something that doesn’t reflect what they received. Upcoding is so common, in part, because it is so easy to do without getting caught. Investigators are always on the lookout for upcoding as one of the first signs of a fraudulent medical provider. For the aforementioned reasons, it’s not always easy to discover upcoding without the cooperation of someone who is familiar with the services and billing practices of a facility. This is one of the reasons that whistle blowers are so important to the process, and it’s also one of the reasons that whistle blowers are often employees of the company or facility that has committed fraud. And that’s the simple story of one the grossest and most widespread forms of medical fraud in the United States. While we don’t know exactly how much money is taken from programs like Medicare because of upcoding, investigators suspect that it is very significant and it is common. So, pay attention the next time you look at your medical bill. The chances are good that your facility was completely justified in the amount that you were charged, but there is also a slight chance that there is something there that is just a little off - and that slight difference might be part of a larger system that defrauds patients and costs taxpayers vast sums of money. Bert Louthian is a whistleblower attorney in South Carolina who focuses on helping those who have been wronged, or who have witnessed wrongdoing to come forward to report fraud. He can be reached by calling or visiting his website -thewhistleblowerlawyer.com Read Also: Types Of Stethoscopes How Can A Cardiologist Save Your Life? Are Oncology Clinical Studies Facing Challenges? Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement The Deficiency Before It’s Too Late The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions
READ MOREDetails
How Real Estate Factors into Business Decisions
People tend to think of real estate in a very direct, narrow sense. We factor our rent into our monthly budgets and see property taxes as only a small slice of the larger bill we pay every year. We rarely think about the fact that real estate and housing costs have incredible ripple effects that dictate the success and failure of several industries. Consider the housing bubble in the United States and how it eventually prompted the greatest economic setback since the Great Depression. The woes of the housing market permeated into virtually every other facet of the American economy, and they had a gigantic impact on the lives of so many people who felt the pinch in ways that seemingly had little to do with housing. For business owners, real estate is a much bigger piece of the economic pie than they might initially assume. Though there is little we can do to influence the policies of banks who give out loans or the real estate prices in our markets, we can look at how real estate factors into our bottom lines. Factoring Real Estate Costs into Your Budget The first consideration you should make is how property costs will directly impact your budget. A business owner might decide that they are best served to own the property they’re using, or they might find that perhaps their interests are best met by a rental space. Whatever solution you’ve decided is best for your business, don’t forget to factor in the costs of property tax, insurance requirements or legal expenses that you might encounter and how those costs could add to your initial estimates. Remember that buying a property, especially if you’re building or renovating a commercial space, comes with many costs. You will carry the responsibility for repairs and maintenance, for example. You’ll need to determine whether your business can sustain these costs, and you’ll need to leave room in your budget for unforeseen circumstances. Your Location Will Also Affect Employees If you are poised to hire workers, you will also need to consider how your real estate choices might impact them. If you are relocating, will you be able to offer your employees compensation for relocating with you? If you are hiring new employees, will they have to travel to reach your business? The size of your workforce will also dictate the size of your workplace. Remember that if your business will be adding more employees in the near future, you will need to accommodate those workers. Using Real Estate as a Barometer If you’re starting, expanding or relocating a business, you might be able to determine what location is most advantageous by looking at real estate prices in your new location. There are many things to consider. Is the area you’re looking at booming, or is it stagnant? If an area is showing signs of growth, can you afford the costs of a property in a competitive real estate market? How much does your business really depend on being located in a prime area of your community? Being Realistic in Your Expectations Just like any other decision you’ll be making as a business owner, you’ll need a healthy dose of realism when you are factoring in how real estate will impact your bottom line. Is it reasonable to buy a big, plush location in the most booming part of a city, or is your business model best served by renting a space and keeping costs down until you know how much income you will be generating? In the beginning stages in the life of a business, it is best to cut any expenses that are not absolutely essential to the operation of your company. Find out how many expenses you’ll be facing that you might not currently be factored into the equation, and look at all of your options before making a decision. Real estate impacts our lives in many ways, some of which might be out of our control. But so many of the decisions that business owners make can be based on predictable costs that we might fail to overlook in the excitement of beginning or expanding a business. Be cautious, realistic and thorough when determining the role property will play in your operations. Rebekah Damen Lusk a partner at the Maryland law firm Thienel & Lusk, LLC Attorneys at Law. Her practice includes civil litigation, business, employment, landlord/tenant, real estate, family, equine and animal law. Read More: DC Metro Area Real Estate Update What Makes A Strong Foundation For Your Home Buying Your First Home In St. Louis Why You Must Embrace Green Home Technologies?
READ MOREDetails
How to Maintain WordPress Website for Free?
WordPress is Awesome! Creating a WordPress website and maintaining a website are two different things. It is very important to keep your internet presence up to date and in good condition. However, maintaining WordPress website can be a tedious task. It is important to be updated with the latest version of WordPress so that it remains safe and secure. There are so many things that can affect your website. It can be anything from losing your website data to hacking your website due to security loopholes. Neglecting a basic to maintain WordPress website regularly can have many consequences like: -Increasing website load time -Bad User Experience - Declining Search engine Rankings Regular maintenance of a website is necessary in order to generate business from it. In this post, we will discuss upon few tips for maintaining WordPress website without any technical assistance. WordPress Updates Keeping your WordPress website updated is really important. Make sure you take a full backup of your site when you update WordPress website. A Newer version of the update includes new features, code updates, security fixes and many more thing. In fact, failure to update is one of the most common reasons why WordPress sites get hacked. Read More: The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses 4 WordPress Plugins To Make Your Blog More Powerful Optimize Website for Better Speed Website loading time is very important. If your website takes too much time to load user will leave the website very quickly. From an SEO perspective Google loves fast loading sites. High-Resolution images can slow down your website loading time. You can use plugins like WP Smash to boost your site loading time by optimizing your images. Similarly, the database can be optimized with plugins like WP clean up. Secure Your WordPress Website Most of the new businesses and bloggers don't give much importance to WordPress Website security. To maintain WordPress Website , you must keep it secure to prevent any hacking attacks. Plugins like ButtleProof security and Limit Login Attempt can help you to keep your site safe. Limit login attempts plugin will limit the login attempt and block the IP of the computer system from which password hacking tries comes. Manage User Account Effectively WordPress website can have multiple users managing the site. You need to make sure other accounts and their passwords are secure enough. Due to the carelessness of the users sometimes it becomes vulnerable to attacks. Make sure your users don’t use “admin” username for your WP account. Try unique username with the lengthy and difficult to break the password. You can also change the URL of your admin panel or login page. Remove Unused Plugins WordPress plugins are a great way to extend website functionality. Using many plugins can affect your website’s performance & security. You only need to keep the plugins that are used on the website and remove the unnecessary plugins. Update Your Portfolio Your website is a virtual catalog for your business. It is really important to keep updating the website. The portfolio is one of the most important pages on the website. You might have done amazing work for your client and it is equally important to showcase it to your website visitor in order to attract new leads & business. Conclusion Maintaining a WordPress website isn’t too hard. With a little effort, you can manage your WordPress website. You might not need an expert every time you want to update or manage the site. What’s more important than seeing your website load faster and search ranking rising quickly? It is worth a little effort to maintain your website. Many WordPress Development Services Companies are available to help you with the WordPress website. Read also: Top Torrent Sites For Games Download 7 Reasons Why You Should Be Using A CDN With WordPress WordPress Developer: Job Profile And Key Responsibilities
READ MOREDetails