UPMC has created a real-time electronic reporting system that provides information to Pennsylvania's immunization registry. They are doing this as part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Meaningful Use Program.
According to the programs page, the program provides incentive payments to professionals, hospitals and critical access hospitals as they adopt or implement use of medical records technology to improve health care for those on Medicare or Medicaid. UPMC would be entitled to federal dollars for the amount of Medicare or Medicaid patients that receive care but this system will be applied to all of their patients.
Frank Caniglia, Chief of the Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization System says there are other systems similarly providing information to the state's system which has been in place since 2000. Eight million people of all ages are currently registered, usually as they receive vaccinations. UPMC is the largest of the systems currently providing electronic data to the state.
He called it a good thing for public health.
Showing posts with label Pa Dept. of Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pa Dept. of Health. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Department of Health Reaches Out to Problem Gamblers
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board along with the Department of Health, Revenue and Agriculture is sponsoring “Problem Gambling Awareness Week” which aims to reach out to individuals who may not realize they have a gambling problem.
The board wants people to understand that while the public should enjoy the state’s casinos and lottery games, it can be a slippery slope for many gamblers. They believe the worst part for many gamblers is that they don’t realize they have a problem and therefore, don’t seek help, often at the cost of relationships, finances, and personal anguish.
In January the board launched a statewide campaign for a help website and the state's gambling addiction hotline takes calls 24 hours a day according to the Department of Health.
Robin Rothermel, director of the Health Department’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, says the counseling service has a financial aspect.
“The majority of these individuals by the time they’re seeking service have destroyed themselves financially,” Rothermel says. “We do a lot of work with credit counselors and financial planning and those types of things to individuals back on their feet as well.”
The department of health has joined in the cause to raise awareness of problem gambling because gambling can be as much of a health issue as excessive drinking or smoking.
“Individuals who smoke gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t. Individuals who are chronic users of alcohol gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t,” Rothermel says. “We know that the public health issues are all intertwined so that why we feel it’s addressed by the health department.”
For those seeking help, the department of health encourages people to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2112 or by accessing the new website www.paproblemgambling.com.
The board wants people to understand that while the public should enjoy the state’s casinos and lottery games, it can be a slippery slope for many gamblers. They believe the worst part for many gamblers is that they don’t realize they have a problem and therefore, don’t seek help, often at the cost of relationships, finances, and personal anguish.
In January the board launched a statewide campaign for a help website and the state's gambling addiction hotline takes calls 24 hours a day according to the Department of Health.
Robin Rothermel, director of the Health Department’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, says the counseling service has a financial aspect.
“The majority of these individuals by the time they’re seeking service have destroyed themselves financially,” Rothermel says. “We do a lot of work with credit counselors and financial planning and those types of things to individuals back on their feet as well.”
The department of health has joined in the cause to raise awareness of problem gambling because gambling can be as much of a health issue as excessive drinking or smoking.
“Individuals who smoke gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t. Individuals who are chronic users of alcohol gamble at a significantly higher rate than those who don’t,” Rothermel says. “We know that the public health issues are all intertwined so that why we feel it’s addressed by the health department.”
For those seeking help, the department of health encourages people to call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2112 or by accessing the new website www.paproblemgambling.com.
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Help for Gambling Addicts
Gambling addicts and their families now have a new resource for support. The Pennsylvania Department of Health unveiled a new website designed to provide help to people struggling with compulsive gambling. The site includes resources such as information about local Gamblers' Anonymous meetings, a list of warning signs, frequently asked questions, and information for families.
Robin Rothermel, Director of the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs with the Department of Public Health, says the website is part of an effort to link services who provide help with those that need it. "We felt it was a good time, we had a fairly solid provider network in place. And it was a good time to put some more resources out there, making those resources known and available to individuals."
Rothermel says one of most helpful resources on the site is a ZIP code look-up feature where compulsive gamblers can search for assistance in their area.
Robin Rothermel, Director of the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs with the Department of Public Health, says the website is part of an effort to link services who provide help with those that need it. "We felt it was a good time, we had a fairly solid provider network in place. And it was a good time to put some more resources out there, making those resources known and available to individuals."
Rothermel says one of most helpful resources on the site is a ZIP code look-up feature where compulsive gamblers can search for assistance in their area.
Compulsive gamblers looking to stop can also add their names to the state's Self-Exclusion List. Once on the list gaming facilities in the state must deny a person of all gaming privileges and cannot issue them a player's club membership.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
As Flu Season Begins, State Encourages Vaccine
It’s flu season again, and after the first casualty to the virus in Pennsylvania, state residents are encouraged to protect themselves and others by getting a flu shot.
The State Department of Health Acting Secretary Michael Huff has confirmed a 45-year-old man from Lehigh County as Pennsylvania’s first reported flu-related death of the 2010-11 flu season.
“This individual was confirmed to have 2009 H1N1, which we know is beginning to circulate."
Huff says this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine provides protection against 2009 H1N1, as well as two other strains of flu, A/H3N2 and influenza B which are circulating in Pennsylvania.
“If there’s any good news in this, the good news is that both of those types of Influenza are covered in this year’s flu preparation,” Huff says. “Every year with the exception of last year there are three strains in the influenza vaccine.”
It is estimated that more than 36,000 Americans, and around 1,000 Pennsylvanian’s, die from flu-related complications yearly.
Huff says that it’s important to keep common work areas clean, along with frequently washing your hands, especially after sneezing or coughing. Most important however, is getting a flu shot, to protect both your and your family.
“An influenza vaccine, a flu shot, is the most important and effective way to protect not only your health, but the health of your loved ones.”
For those already infected with the flu, Huff advises staying home from work and avoiding contact with the healthy until you are fever-free, in order to prevent spreading.
The State Department of Health Acting Secretary Michael Huff has confirmed a 45-year-old man from Lehigh County as Pennsylvania’s first reported flu-related death of the 2010-11 flu season.
“This individual was confirmed to have 2009 H1N1, which we know is beginning to circulate."
Huff says this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine provides protection against 2009 H1N1, as well as two other strains of flu, A/H3N2 and influenza B which are circulating in Pennsylvania.
“If there’s any good news in this, the good news is that both of those types of Influenza are covered in this year’s flu preparation,” Huff says. “Every year with the exception of last year there are three strains in the influenza vaccine.”
It is estimated that more than 36,000 Americans, and around 1,000 Pennsylvanian’s, die from flu-related complications yearly.
Huff says that it’s important to keep common work areas clean, along with frequently washing your hands, especially after sneezing or coughing. Most important however, is getting a flu shot, to protect both your and your family.
“An influenza vaccine, a flu shot, is the most important and effective way to protect not only your health, but the health of your loved ones.”
For those already infected with the flu, Huff advises staying home from work and avoiding contact with the healthy until you are fever-free, in order to prevent spreading.
Friday, June 25, 2010
PA Hospitals Cause Fewer Infections in 2009
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health released a report yesterday that found declining infection rates in hospitals in the state.
The report says in 2009, 25,914 people were infected while in hospitals in Pennsylvania – that’s a 12.5% drop from 2008.
President of the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative Karen Wolk Feinstein says the Department of Health will audit that information to check for any reporting errors or omissions from hospitals.
Wolk Feinstein says one of the most common hospital contaminations is a central line bloodstream infection -- that’s when a catheter infects an important artery or vein, resulting in a 20% mortality rate. She says central line infections have been reduced by 68% in southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals.
Wolk Feinstein says Medicare and many private insurers have stopped paying for medical bills caused by hospital infections.
“With this kind of public reporting, with Department of Health sanctions, with financial disincentives, we are closing the door on the fact that for a while, you actually got rewarded as a provider for these infections and you got larger payments.”
She says hospital visits without infections averaged about $35,000 in Pennsylvania, but patients and their insurers would usually pay a bill closer to $192,000 if the person was infected. She says now that insurers have stopped covering these costs, hospitals have incentive to put effort into infection control.
The report says in 2009, 25,914 people were infected while in hospitals in Pennsylvania – that’s a 12.5% drop from 2008.
President of the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative Karen Wolk Feinstein says the Department of Health will audit that information to check for any reporting errors or omissions from hospitals.
Wolk Feinstein says one of the most common hospital contaminations is a central line bloodstream infection -- that’s when a catheter infects an important artery or vein, resulting in a 20% mortality rate. She says central line infections have been reduced by 68% in southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals.
Wolk Feinstein says Medicare and many private insurers have stopped paying for medical bills caused by hospital infections.
“With this kind of public reporting, with Department of Health sanctions, with financial disincentives, we are closing the door on the fact that for a while, you actually got rewarded as a provider for these infections and you got larger payments.”
She says hospital visits without infections averaged about $35,000 in Pennsylvania, but patients and their insurers would usually pay a bill closer to $192,000 if the person was infected. She says now that insurers have stopped covering these costs, hospitals have incentive to put effort into infection control.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
UPMC Transplant Program Resolves Paperwork Violations
Hospital officials say state inspectors have revisited UPMC's Presbyterian Shadyside transplant programs and have determined that violations of federal documentation rules have been corrected. UPMC spokeswoman Kristin Beaver says on June 14 the Pennsylvania Department of Health "re-surveyed UPMC's transplant programs and they informed our staff that seven of our programs have been re-certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the next three years."
A March inspection discovered "serious" violations and at the time UPMC said the paperwork problems were easily remedied. Inspectors never suggested that there was any danger to patients. However, if the health system had no corrected the problems within 6 months, it could have been denied Medicare reimbursements for transplants. Beaver says they expect to receive official notification of re-certification within a few weeks.
A March inspection discovered "serious" violations and at the time UPMC said the paperwork problems were easily remedied. Inspectors never suggested that there was any danger to patients. However, if the health system had no corrected the problems within 6 months, it could have been denied Medicare reimbursements for transplants. Beaver says they expect to receive official notification of re-certification within a few weeks.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
3 out of 4 Kids In PA are Immunized
Every year at this time health officials across Pennsylvania and the country try to convince parents to get their children vaccinated. During this National Infant Immunization Week, the Pennsylvania Health Department is urging parents to protect their children by getting them immunized. Health Secretary Everette James says several vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise. In 2009, 439 pertussis cases were reported, up from 342 in 2004. There were 11 cases of mumps, up from four cases and 13 measles cases were reported up from zero during the same five-year span. James says vaccines are a cost-effective public tool....
"They not only prevent disease in people who receive them, but also protect those who come in contact with unvaccinated individuals including those who are too young to be vaccinated or individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.”
Heather Stafford is the Director of Immunizations for the Health Department. She says as of the 2008 survey, 77% of children in the state had their appropriate vaccinations by 35 months of age. She says parents should talk with their health care provider to ensure infants are up-to-date on their immunizations and an immunization schedule is available on their web site.
However, some parents believe that the immunizations themselves carry some risk.
"They not only prevent disease in people who receive them, but also protect those who come in contact with unvaccinated individuals including those who are too young to be vaccinated or individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.”
Heather Stafford is the Director of Immunizations for the Health Department. She says as of the 2008 survey, 77% of children in the state had their appropriate vaccinations by 35 months of age. She says parents should talk with their health care provider to ensure infants are up-to-date on their immunizations and an immunization schedule is available on their web site.
However, some parents believe that the immunizations themselves carry some risk.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Some PA Residents to Get Free H1N1 Vaccine
After weeks of delays, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering free clinics to provide H1N1 vaccines to high-risk groups.
Those groups are pregnant women, people under 24 years old, medical and health care personnel, people who care for children younger than six months, and anyone aged 25-64 years with a serious medical condition.
Department of Health Spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman says this is a crucial time for vaccinations, because the H1N1 threat is far from over.
“It’s important that people, particularly those in the recommended groups, continue to get vaccinated against H1N1,” says Kriedeman. “We also anticipate there will be a third wave of this pandemic, so we don’t want people to get complacent.”
Vaccines can be found in the injection and nasal spray form at eighteen sites across the state. Anyone who wants vaccination must download and complete a consent form online at < www.h1n1PA.com >.
Southwestern Pennsylvania sites for H1N1 vaccination:
• Richland Township Fire Department
1321 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown PA, 15904
(Cambria, Somerset, and Indiana Counties)
• Mon Valley State Health Center
Eastgate 11, Monessen PA, 15062
(Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties)
• Butler County State Health Center
100 Brugh Avenue [Suite 201], Butler PA, 16001
(Butler, Armstrong, and Beaver Counties)
Allegheny County H1N1 vaccination sites:
• Chartiers Valley High School
50 Thoms Run Road, Collier
• McKeesport High School
1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport
• North Allegheny High School
10375 Perry Highway, McCandless
• Schenley High School
129 Denniston Avenue, East Liberty
Those groups are pregnant women, people under 24 years old, medical and health care personnel, people who care for children younger than six months, and anyone aged 25-64 years with a serious medical condition.
Department of Health Spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman says this is a crucial time for vaccinations, because the H1N1 threat is far from over.
“It’s important that people, particularly those in the recommended groups, continue to get vaccinated against H1N1,” says Kriedeman. “We also anticipate there will be a third wave of this pandemic, so we don’t want people to get complacent.”
Vaccines can be found in the injection and nasal spray form at eighteen sites across the state. Anyone who wants vaccination must download and complete a consent form online at < www.h1n1PA.com >.
Southwestern Pennsylvania sites for H1N1 vaccination:
• Richland Township Fire Department
1321 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown PA, 15904
(Cambria, Somerset, and Indiana Counties)
• Mon Valley State Health Center
Eastgate 11, Monessen PA, 15062
(Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties)
• Butler County State Health Center
100 Brugh Avenue [Suite 201], Butler PA, 16001
(Butler, Armstrong, and Beaver Counties)
Allegheny County H1N1 vaccination sites:
• Chartiers Valley High School
50 Thoms Run Road, Collier
• McKeesport High School
1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport
• North Allegheny High School
10375 Perry Highway, McCandless
• Schenley High School
129 Denniston Avenue, East Liberty
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Swine Flu Cases Rise, More Vaccine Coming
State Health Department officials say the amount of H1N1 cases across the state has increased exponentially over the past few weeks, and the doses of vaccine arriving in Pennsylvania are beginning to rise.
Since early September, the number of Pennsylvanians diagnosed with influenza has gone from a few hundred to just under four thousand. That rate has skyrocketed in the past two weeks, especially. Acting Physician General Dr. Stephen Ostroff says officials expected the number to go up in the fall, but he’s “especially surprised” at how quickly it’s risen.
Ostroff says the majority of the cases are school-aged children and teenagers.
"This continues to be very much a wave of influenza that affects the very young. About 70 to 75 percent of all of the cases we’ve been seeing are in individuals between the ages of 5 and 24 years of age."
Ostroff says to date, Pennsylvania officials have distributed around 820-thousand vaccines. The commonwealth is expected to receive four to five hundred thousand doses next week and a few hundred thousand doses per week over the coming months.
Deputy Health Secretary Michael Huff says H1N1 vaccines will be distributed on a priority basis over the coming months.
"What we’re trying to do is target those individuals that are in the greatest need. Those people that, again, complications, hospitalizations, those that care for the other sick and individuals in the hospitals."
Though at that rate, the Health Department won’t be able to meet the requested amount of 7 million doses until early winter.
Since early September, the number of Pennsylvanians diagnosed with influenza has gone from a few hundred to just under four thousand. That rate has skyrocketed in the past two weeks, especially. Acting Physician General Dr. Stephen Ostroff says officials expected the number to go up in the fall, but he’s “especially surprised” at how quickly it’s risen.
Ostroff says the majority of the cases are school-aged children and teenagers.
"This continues to be very much a wave of influenza that affects the very young. About 70 to 75 percent of all of the cases we’ve been seeing are in individuals between the ages of 5 and 24 years of age."
Ostroff says to date, Pennsylvania officials have distributed around 820-thousand vaccines. The commonwealth is expected to receive four to five hundred thousand doses next week and a few hundred thousand doses per week over the coming months.
Deputy Health Secretary Michael Huff says H1N1 vaccines will be distributed on a priority basis over the coming months.
"What we’re trying to do is target those individuals that are in the greatest need. Those people that, again, complications, hospitalizations, those that care for the other sick and individuals in the hospitals."
Though at that rate, the Health Department won’t be able to meet the requested amount of 7 million doses until early winter.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Health Department Offers Free Smoke Alarms
Free smoke alarms are now available to all Allegheny County residents, thanks to an Allegheny County Health Department giveaway. Special priority will be given to elderly and disabled people, as well as citizens of 17 specific neighborhoods where fire rates are higher than the county average. These neighborhoods are Braddock, Duquesne, Etna, Forward, Homestead, McKeesport, North Braddock, Versailles, Wilkinsburg, Allentown, Beltzhoover, Carrick, Hazelwood, Homewood, Lincoln-Lemington and Perry South. Health Department spokesman Guillermo Cole says all recipients will get a smoke alarm for every level of their home, a free installation and a fire safety education session. Cole says smoke alarms reduce the chance of death in a fire by about half. The smoke alarm giveaway is an annual event made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Health Department Offers Free Nicotine Patches
Starting February 2nd, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be giving in-state smokers free nicotine patches while supplies last. Health Dept. spokeswoman Brandi Hunter-Davenport says the supply of patches are expected to last about a month. Those interested should call 1-800-784-8669, where they will answer a series of questions determining what strength and type of patches they should receive; in addition, participants must set their own quit date. Each package contains a four-week supply of patches. The give away comes as a follow up to "Determined to Quit Week," Jan. 25-31, in which smokers can learn about the resources the Health Dept. has to offer those who are quitting. Additional information and quitting resources can be found at the department's website.
Friday, January 16, 2009
County STD Reports bring Good News
The Pennsylvania Department of Health saw an increased number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, in 2007. However, preliminary reports from 2008 within Allegheny County show either decreasing or more slowly increasing rates in these diseases.
County Health Department Spokesperson Guillermo Cole says it's extremely important that sexually active people get checked, even if they are not showing signs of symptoms. He says because gonorrhea and chlamydia are often asymptomatic, many people may have it and not know it. Cole says the efforts to contain and control the spread of syphilis is paying off, with a number of 36 reported cases in 2008, down from the record high of 71 reported cases in Allegheny County in 2006. He says chlamydia cases rose by 5 percent from 2007 to 2008, a much smaller jump than 20 percent in 2006-2007 reports. Also, preliminary numbers show that gonorrhea cases may have leveled off in 2008, but it is too soon to tell because final numbers are not yet in.
Cole says two-thirds of cases are in teens and young adults, from ages 18 to 24. It's important to note that multiple sexual partners and/or unprotected sex increases risk of disease. The County STD Clinic located in Oakland and is open Monday through Friday. They take walk-in appointments, stay confidential, and everything is free of charge. For more information, call (412) 687-ACHD.
County Health Department Spokesperson Guillermo Cole says it's extremely important that sexually active people get checked, even if they are not showing signs of symptoms. He says because gonorrhea and chlamydia are often asymptomatic, many people may have it and not know it. Cole says the efforts to contain and control the spread of syphilis is paying off, with a number of 36 reported cases in 2008, down from the record high of 71 reported cases in Allegheny County in 2006. He says chlamydia cases rose by 5 percent from 2007 to 2008, a much smaller jump than 20 percent in 2006-2007 reports. Also, preliminary numbers show that gonorrhea cases may have leveled off in 2008, but it is too soon to tell because final numbers are not yet in.
Cole says two-thirds of cases are in teens and young adults, from ages 18 to 24. It's important to note that multiple sexual partners and/or unprotected sex increases risk of disease. The County STD Clinic located in Oakland and is open Monday through Friday. They take walk-in appointments, stay confidential, and everything is free of charge. For more information, call (412) 687-ACHD.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PA applies for abstinence only funds
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is applying for $1.7 million in federal grants for abstinence-only sex education. In the past the Rendell administration has not applied for the grants partially because the administration does not think anything short of a comprehensive sex education is adequate. Health Dept. spokesperson Claudine Battisti says this does not represent a shift in policy. She says the state is still not spending any of its money on abstinence only education it is only serving as a conduit for the federal dollars. The federal grants require a 43-percent match and the applicant will have to provide those funds without state assistance. Battisti says the department wants to be fair to schools and community groups that want to emphasize only avoiding sex before marriage.
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