Although official definitions were released more than 4 years ago by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), there still doesn’t seem to be consensus in the Healthcare IT industry regarding the differences between EMR and EHR.

The essential difference between EMR and EHR lies in how electronic information will be used or shared – within the confines of a single provider practice or will it be shared across a wide range of different providers, such as specialists’ offices, labs, insurance providers and government agencies? An EMR is limited to storing and managing information for a patient usually related only to the care being provided by a single organization. On the other hand, an EHR provides information for a patient from multiple sources and is focused on the overall health information of a patient, which means that such information is ‘interoperable’.

Interoperability features of the EHR provide authorized means to its users to access and share patient information across organizational boundaries, enabling a holistic view of patient’s health at the point of care. While both EMRs and EHRs provide similar benefits (cost savings through improved workflow and paper reduction, improved delivery of care accuracy), EMRs provide those benefits only within a specific boundary. EHRs, because they are shared across various mediums, increase the efficiency of patient care and improve patient outcomes, disseminate information rapidly between care providers, help with research efforts, and cut costs throughout the entire system more promptly and reliably.

With fully functional EHRs, all members of the team have instant access to the latest information allowing for more coordinated, patient-centered care. The clinician’s notes from the patient’s hospital stay can help inform the discharge instructions and follow-up care and enable the patient to move from one care setting to another more smoothly. Patients can log on to their own records and see the trend of the lab results over the last year, which can help them take their medications and keep up with the lifestyle changes that have improved the numbers.

In addition, the Meaningful Use incentive is the first step toward standardizing some of these best practices for existing and new EMR/EHR solutions. All certified EHRs are required to support these standards as part of the certification requirements. However, most certified EHR implementations today do not leverage these features and align more with the definition of EMR.

So, yes, the difference between EMR and EHR is just one alphabet, but in that one alphabet there is a world of difference.…

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“Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful and days I don’t, and when I don’t, I do something about it.”  Cheryl Tiegs, O Magazine, May 2004
US actress & model

 There is no magic wand which will help get rid of all imperfections immediately, but you can improve your skin a lot using somo knowledge. First of all the principle of fighting age signs is to choose the right target. There are two huge weak points – slow skin cell regeneration and thickening of the top skin layer. Let me explain how the skin works. Our skin looks as key lime pie does.The top layer, called the epidermis, isn’t very thick. The epidermis is what is actually visible. At the bottom of this layer sits basal cells. They lay in the nourishing intercellular “soup” delivered to them by our capillary system. Every living creature produces some sort of solution through metabolism which flushes away the sewage under the skin – lymphatic system.  These are live cells which divide all the time, letting one cell to travel up to the surface and the other one remains for future reproduction. The cell’s journey to the skins surface takes approximately 28 days. These cells, which are filled with intercellular fluid, undergo some drastic changes while getting further and further from home. The cell changes from a living one to a dead one with a hard shell – keranocite.These hard flat cells are the very top protective layer of our skin. Eventually they fall off and are washed away during our usual skin care routine. As the cell travels its shape changes from a puffy square to a hard flat appearance. When you look at the skin through a microscope you can see the distinctive layers of different shaped cells. Normally these layers have a certain thickness according to the time needed for the cell to pass each changing stage. With age this process changes and the layers of the cells are no longer even. The bottom layers of living cells gets thinner and the top layer of dead cells gets thicker.This abnormality causes the aged look of our skin. Thick top layers begin to fold which we see as wrinkles. The middle layer of our skin-pie is the dermis. This layer is much thicker because it houses all capillaries, the lymphatic system, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, nerves and others. This layer is reinforced with collagen and elastin fibers. The cells which are responsible for this fiber production are  called fibroblasts. The production cycle of the collagen fiber is about 15 days (T1/2). Everyone has heard about collagen and how important it is for our skin. The main function of collagen is to create a strong, flexible frame which is the “floor” for the upper layer. When it is firm and stretched flat is gives a young, smooth appearance to our skin. But unfortunately with age the collagen production drops.Not only …

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Spending for treatment in the state of California has doubles since the year 2000 when voters passed Proposition 36, a policy that seeks

alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders. The prison population has decreased from 27 percent to 21 percent and taxpayers have been

able to save hundreds of millions of dollars by investing their money in treatment programs instead of paying for prison terms which do not

solve offenders addiction problems. The rate of imprisonment for drug possession offenses has decreased by more the 34 percent and residents

support the movement because it is helping save lives instead of destroying them. Narconon’s premier facility Narconon Arrowhead located in

Oklahoma  has been delivering drug education lectures across the nation since 2000 in an attempt to stop addiction before it starts through

education.

SACPA – Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 ( Prop.36) became an effective law on July 1, 2001.  The intent of the program is to

allow first and second time non-violent drug offenders who use, possess, or transport illegal drugs to receive treatment instead of being

incarcerated. The SACPA program was designed to firstly preserve jail and prison cells for violent and serious offenders. Secondly, to

enhance public safety by reducing drug related crime and thirdly to improve public health by reducing drug abuse through proven and effective

treatments. Eligible offenders may receive up to one year of treatment and six months of after care through state licensed and certified

programs.

Helping offenders who struggle with addiction problems is a much better way of ensuring that society as a whole gains success instead of

repeated failures. Drug addiction continues to be a major concern in the Los Angeles area as well as the nation but, with programs like

Proposition 36  and continued community support more and more people are getting the help they need. There are thousands of treatment types

outpatient being one of the most commonly used due to it’s flexibility which enables an individual to continue to live their lives at home

and at work but, it’s not for everyone. Most addicts will find that they need more in-depth treatment. Long term inpatient programs that  

cover all the barriers of addiction: physical, mental and emotional aspects are normally the less expensive in the long run and give the

addict life long recover.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and are searching for outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles, call Narconon

Arrowhead today. Narconon Arrowhead is one of the world’s largest and most effective inpatient drug rehabilitation and education programs

with a success rate of over 70% of those who graduate. Narconon Arrowhead offers free addiction counseling, free assessments, and referrals

to the residents in Los Angeles. To locate a Los Angeles inpatient alcohol rehab or find out information about alcohol/drug abuse prevention

contact Narconon by calling 1-800-468-6933 or visit our website at <a  

rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:ga(‘send’, ‘pageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link/1022818’);” href=”http://www.stopaddiction.com/index.php/Metro/Los-Angeles-Area-Drug-Rehab/index.html”

title=”www.stopaddiction.com”>www.stopaddiction.com</a>…

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Every so often, an oil company experiences an environmental catastrophe of disastrous proportions.  As evidenced by the recent Gulf oil spill, the Exxon Valdez oil spill and countless other eco-disasters, these occurrences are a tragic occupational hazard of the energy industry. In theory, they should not be a surprise — anymore than an earthquake in California would be a shocker. Of course, a big enough tremor in Los Angeles will generate nationwide news coverage.  The question from a brand marketing standpoint is simple: is there anything oil companies can do, given the probability of an oil spill?

In order to answer this question, it is helpful to back up and look at the consumers’ view of the industry.  When it comes to the consumer, oil companies have a unique advantage over, say, a perfume company. This is that the oil companies offer a necessity. Everyone needs oil; perfume is a luxury.  

From a branding and marketing standpoint, this advantage actually has negative connotations.  The oil companies are really big and really profitable — even when the economy is in the proverbial toilet.  In the deep recession year of 2009, when almost everyone was suffering financially, the oil companies made billions of dollars in profits.  A 2006 FTC study of gas price manipulation found that the record increases in gasoline prices were “not substantially attributable to higher costs.”  It seems the oil companies always take advantage of their financial opportunities with no regard to consumer goodwill.  These companies are often viewed as monopolistic, money-grubbing, price-gouging, predatory goliaths.  In a 2008 Harris poll of 20 major industries, only the tobacco industry had a lower rating than the oil companies on the topic of how good or bad a job they perform in serving the needs of consumers.  

You could say, from a branding perspective, energy companies are already starting off on the wrong foot. After all, what is there to love about an oil company?  Do you trust them?  Do you have any affinity to any oil company?  Do they do anything for you as a person?  Do they make you feel good in any way? This makes it all the more difficult for an oil company to perform branding and marketing tactics that prepare for the worst.  The energy industry has to rank among the worst PR and branding industries.  We know all about the 1989 Exxon Valdez nightmare which was widely considered the worst corporate PR fiasco of all time.  But what has the industry done to counter its image since then?  

One could argue they actually have made some positive strides.  Let’s take the current Gulf oil spill.  BP has a real disaster on its hands, and they have clearly learned a lesson from Exxon’s PR disaster.  The CEO of Exxon was nowhere to be found until six days after the Valdez disaster. When he finally did appear, it was only to hold a press conference to deny responsibility to disclose the plan to clean up the mess.  He …

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It is very important to have a healthy mind. People with healthy mind also have a healthy body. Mind and body are both interdependent. Mind has complete control over the body and so it is very vital to keep your mind fit and healthy. People with a healthy mind will always contribute positively to the society. It lets you have more self-confidence and happiness. Here are few tips to have a healthy mind.

1.      Keep yourself busy with hobbies or home / office work. As it is said in a very old saying – Ideal brain is a devil’s workshop. The hobbies or the work will not only keep the person preoccupied but help in self-development also.

2.      Go for a walk in the morning before starting your day’s work. The fresh morning air will vitalize your brain with positive thoughts. Also you can do breathing yoga exercise for the same benefit.

3.      Whether it is your hobby, housework or office work – Try to enjoy whatever you are doing and try to put in your 100% in it. You will have complete peace of mind and concentration to do better work.

4.      Try not to have ill feelings towards others. Always have a positive approach towards everyone. Though you may not like the person for some personal or professional reasons, you have to be more liberal in thoughts for the person’s fault or shortcoming. A very forgiving and tolerant way of thinking helps to give you peace of mind and a good night’s sleep. Always remember that you are not a perfect human being and so even others tolerate you and forgive you for the same and so even we need to do the same with others.

5.      Be happy with whatever you have. Don’t worry with what other have got. If you worry about what others have then you will never be happy and if you are not happy, your mind will not be healthy. If your mind does not have a buoyant spirit then you will physically be unfit. Always remember that what you have got others doesn’t have and keep your self-happy.

6.      When you get up in the morning just tell yourself – ” I will be happy today”. Don’t spoil your today with the burden of yesterday. Keep doing your work and today will take care of your tomorrow.

7.      Last but not the least. We need to have a good night’s sleep to have a good day and perform well.

Though such small things but we find it extremely difficult to follow it. We have to put in a more conscious effort to improve ourselves to have a happy and a healthy mind for a healthy body.…

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Would you believe you have a one in five chance of having parasites? Parasites are more common than you, and the majority of physicians out there, realize. Studies show it is quite possible that the majority of gastrointestinal complaints are a result of undiagnosed, unrecognized parasitic infections.

In a report of the American college of gastroenterology, Doctors said that among 197 consecutive patients with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, over half were found to have Giardia Lambia, a microscopic organism introduced to water supplies by animals via mountain streams and by human sewage entering public water supplies. Symptoms included diarrhea, stomach bloating, chronic fatigue, food intolerance, stomach pain and constipation.

Martin Lee, Ph.D., biochemist, microbiologist and director of the Great Smokies Laboratory in North Carolina, conducted a study on the presence of parasites in very sick people. In one group of lower income immigrants, 70 percent were found to be infected. More surprising, when he examined a group of more well to do Americans, he found 20 percent had parasites. The centers for Disease Control in Atlanta got the same results in their tests. What does this mean? In the past we took certain comfort in the belief that parasites occurred mostly in Third World countries and that in our sterile, government-inspected industrialized society, we were immune.

The fact is, we can have parasites and not have symptoms, and we can get them a lot easier than we ever realized.

Do you swim in the summer? Certain parasites are not killed by chlorine and all it takes is an undetected or neglected pool filter to infect many people. In 1990 a La Times article reported on the case of a child infected with cryptosporidium who infected others through the local swimming pool. The pool managers treated the water with chemicals, not realizing that because one of the three pool filters was not working their efforts were in vain. The parasite infected swimmers for about a month before the broken filter was discovered (los Angeles Times, September 23, 1990.

California recommends that public pools be inspected three times a year. In one-report health officials estimated that 44 percent of the pools in Los Angeles County had not been inspected for three of more years.

The tapeworm Diphyllobothrium latum can cause pernicious anemia because it blocks vitamin B12 from being absorbed in the intestine. Blood loss from hookworm, trichuris and chistosoma infections may cause in iron-deficiency anemia. Ascaris lumbricoides infection may reduce fat absorption and interfere with the absorption of vitamin A, compromising eyesight.

Because parasites cause the cilia in the intestine to become flattened and basically ineffective, any nutrients, including the B vitamins and many minerals, cannot be absorbed into the body.  This catch-22 causes deficiencies, which impair the immune system resulting in secondary health problems that cannot be traced to the parasite.

The first step is to cleanse the intestinal tract. Scour the health food stores for supplements that contain good sources of fiber, like psylium and hyssop, combined with …

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In February 2009, the National News reported that, the Sheraton Delfina located in Santa Monica, California started using acid water instead of chemicals to clean their hotel rooms. The acid water is electrolyzed with low-voltage electricity creating a powerful and non-toxic cleaning agent. The water ions are converted into sodium hydroxide; which becomes hypochlorous acid and is another name for acid water. Acid water degreases and cleans like a detergent. The switch to acid water created more than $3,500 a month in savings, for the hotel, in cleaning chemicals; and provided an unquantifiable savings in their staff’s health. The maids no longer have to deal with harsh fumes and peeling skin much of which was caused by the chemicals. A house keeper with the hotel, Flor Corona said, “I didn’t believe in it at first because it didn’t have foam or any scent. But I can tell you it works. My rooms are clean.”

Upon testing many scientists assert that acid water is powerful enough to kill anthrax spores, without harming people or the environment. Professor Hen Con Hung, a professor of food-science at the University of Georgia- Griffin, who has been researching electrolyzed water for more than a decade said, “It (acid water) is ten times more effective in killing bacteria and it’s safe for humans and pets.”

The news, however, failed to mention that the machines which are capable of producing this disinfecting acid water; as well as, antioxidant rich drinking water have been used in Asia for nearly four decades. This is great news for chemically sensitive people as well as people who are concerned for their health. These machines, known as water ionizers in the U.S. can be attached to your kitchen faucet or connected underneath the sink for a less cluttered look.

When tap water is run through a water ionizer, it comes into contact with electrolytic plates and is transformed into alkaline ionized water; by a process called “electrolysis”.  First the water travels through a charcoal filter where toxins and other contaminants are removed from the water. When filtered water then goes through the electrolysis chamber the water molecule becomes smaller and better able to penetrate the body’s cells. Alkaline ionized water contains negatively charged hydroxyl ions; the negative electrical charge also gives the water antioxidant characteristics which, helps in eliminating toxins from the body. Alkaline ionized water is more hydrating than any other drinking water due to its unique crystal structure. It has a higher pH level (alkalinity) than normal tap or bottled water (usually acidic) so the alkaline water helps the body maintain a more neutral pH level in the body. Alkaline Ionized Water also brings more oxygen to the human brain and the body’s cells enabling us to think better, sleep better and have higher energy levels. A by-product of the machine’s production of Alkaline Ionized Water is the acid water which is separated at the time of electrolysis. The acid water is highly oxidative and therefore acidic; however acid water …

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