Concern about Access to Care
In a recent survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, more than half of 1,000 American consumers (55%) believe that if Congress passes universal health care, that it will not ensure equal access to care because of capacity constraints, particularly in emergency rooms. A significant number of people, however, would be open to the idea of shared doctor appointments, online physician consultations, worksite clinics, and other alternative ways of receiving medical care.
PricewaterhouseCoopers' research reveals that universal coverage could swamp the health system unless simultaneous steps are taken to create innovative, new care delivery models that will expand access to care without adding costs to the system.
Per capita visits to the emergency departments are already at an all-time high, reflected in over-crowded emergency rooms, ambulance diversions and long waits. The reasons are varied and include shortage of physicians, lack of access to specialists, Medicaid reimbursement disincentives, high costs for the underinsured, poor coordination among practitioners, growing consumer demand and inefficiencies through the system. Many people are frustrated with the long waits to see their doctor. One in 10 said they've had to wait three months or longer for an appointment.
Massachusetts, which has the lowest rates of uninsured residents (three percent) has one of the highest per capita utilization rates of hospital emergency rooms in the country. In addition, Massachusetts has the highest number of physicians per capita but has been plagued by a severe physician shortages since introducing near-universal coverage in 2006.
Employee Wellness Programs 
During the economic downturn of 2001, businesses across the United States cut employee wellness programs to help reduce operating expenses. Although businesses saved money on wellness services, they experienced a spike in the usage of health benefits and higher medical related expenses. Many employers learned a valuable lesson from 2001; wellness programs can make a significant difference in the morale, productivity, performance and overall health of employees and their dependents. Now, eight years later, as American businesses experience another economic slowdown, most employers are hesitant to get rid of their wellness programs and abandon this popular benefit. Instead they are trimming costs by limiting expenditures and reducing the number of expensive incentives.
While most employers have limited cash resources to reward employee contributions, they can support employees in other ways through educational wellness programs with incentives to encourage lifestyle and behavioral changes.
With difficult economic issues upon us, many people are relieving stress through eating more as well as not exercising as much. Currently, 73% of Americans are considered overweight. According to RTI International, a scientific research company, employers pay an additional $460 to $2500 per obese worker for medical expenses, not including lost productivity and absenteeism. To counter the problem, employers are providing more wellness education programs to encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, and rewarding those who meet the weight-loss and exercise goals. These incentives include reductions in health insurance premiums, coupons for exercise classes, gift cards to area businesses or cash.
Financial stress is leading more people to smoke more and fewer are making the choice to quit. Approximately, 77% of current smokers report increasing the number of cigarettes smoked, and they are delaying decisions to quit smoking. Employees who smoke cost businesses approximately $75 billion each year in medical expenses and another $80 billion annually for lost worker productivity. Smokers are absent from work about 50% more often than nonsmokers. They are also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. In addition, those employees who take four 10 minute smoking breaks a day actually work one month less each year than non-smokers do. Obviously, businesses that help employees quit smoking find it is a worthwhile investment. Implementing a smoking-cessation program costs on average $50 per employee each year. Businesses save about $1,400 for every employee who becomes a non-smoker.
The economic situation is causing many employers to reduce funding for employees' insurance benefits. They are choosing plans with higher deductibles and lower premiums, which causes employees to pay more out of pocket for insurance coverage. Employees are struggling with limited financial resources and many may decide to only fund their medical insurance and drop all other benefit options including dental and eye care. Health care professionals are concerned that these choices may result in poor oral and vision health practices by employees. One thing is true; it is cheaper to pay for preventive care than to pay for problems that arise due to neglect.
MEDICAL NEWS 
COULD IT BE CANCER?
What are the symptoms of cancer?
In its early stages, cancer usually has no symptoms, but eventually a malignant tumor will grow large enough to be detected. As it continues to grow, it may press on nerves and produce pain, penetrate blood vessels and cause bleeding, or interfere with the function of a body organ or system.
The Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
To remember the seven early warning signs of cancer as designated by the American Cancer Society, think of the word CAUTION:
C hange in bowel or bladder habits.
A sore that does not heal.
U nusual bleeding or discharge.
T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.
I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.
O bvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore.
N agging cough or hoarseness.
The following symptoms may also signal the presence of some form of cancer:
- Persistent headaches
- Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
- Chronic pain in bones
- Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
- Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent
- Repeated instances of infection
Call Your Doctor About Cancer If:
You develop symptoms that may signal cancer, are not clearly linked to another cause, and persist for more than two weeks. You should schedule a medical examination. If the cause of your symptoms is cancer, early diagnosis and treatment will offer a better chance of cure.
This newsletter is not intended to give medical advice. If you are experiencing physical symptoms, you need to consult with a physician.
