This doesn't highlight alternative care directly, but does give hope for the market share preventive care is taking. Keep on keepin' on!
From 10 (an 1/2) to watch, December 2009 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine:
#8: Health and Wellness
Healthcare reform, aging baby boomers, more emphasis on preventive care -- all of these things and more are fueling growth in health and wellness businesses. Healthcare and social assistance topped the industry growth charts this year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with second quarter revenue of $452.5 billion, up 3 percent from the previous quarter.
Home care was the No. 1 growing industry from 2004 to 2009, averaging yearly increases of more than 7 percent, according to IbisWorld. In-home care already employs a staggering 1.33 million people, and revenue is expected to grow beyond $72 billion by 2011.
And whatever form the government's healthcare act finally takes, it is likely to boost the number of consumers for health services.
Preventive care continues to thrive too. In fact, people are more likely to go to the gym during a down economy, according to a recent survey by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. Total health club industry revenue last year topped $19 billion, the association reports.
Boomer Fitness, based in San Carlos, Calif., is capitalizing on that generation's obsession with staying healthy and youthful.
"Our generation isn't about sitting around and getting old," says founder Arleen Cauchi. "We're about being active, enjoying life." - K.O.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
PEBB covers NDs but not their services...?!?
The Public Employee Benefits Board has become a "self-insured" employer and is using Providence to administer its plan. Under the new plan NDs are covered (as they have been) but the actual services that Providence will pay for have been severely limited. Despite recent gains in the legislature through SB 327 which gained full prescription rights for NDs, they have decided they will not pay for any prescriptions written by NDs, even though they have the same basic education as MDs and DOs. It appears that all the plan will pay for is talking to the doctor, though that is subject to a test of "medical necessity." If you have PEBB insurance coverage, don't plan on getting your naturopathic care covered, but do contract your insurance provider to express you disappointment.
The actual handbook reads as follows:
Effective January 1st, coverage for naturopathic services will exclude the following things:
- Prescription of pharmaceuticals (whether prescription or over-the-counter) and surgery or invasive therapeutic procedures
- Immunizations, vaccinations, injectables, and intravenous infusions (does not include venipuncture for the purpose of obtaining blood samples for laboratory studies)
- Topical and oral drugs, pharmaceuticals, intravenous administered treatments, minor surgery.
- Vaccines or vaccination services, homeopathic products, botanical medicine products
- Dietary and nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, herbals and herbal products, injectable supplements and injection services, or other similar products
- Natural childbirth services
The actual handbook reads as follows:
Effective January 1st, coverage for naturopathic services will exclude the following things:
- Prescription of pharmaceuticals (whether prescription or over-the-counter) and surgery or invasive therapeutic procedures
- Immunizations, vaccinations, injectables, and intravenous infusions (does not include venipuncture for the purpose of obtaining blood samples for laboratory studies)
- Topical and oral drugs, pharmaceuticals, intravenous administered treatments, minor surgery.
- Vaccines or vaccination services, homeopathic products, botanical medicine products
- Dietary and nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, herbals and herbal products, injectable supplements and injection services, or other similar products
- Natural childbirth services
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
OBNE Meeting, Sept 28, 2009
The Board Recently wrapped up their most recent meeting on Sept 28, 2009. The next meeting will be December 7th. They usually wrap up the Executive (closed) session about 10 am, sometimes later.
All board members were present.
I. The Non-ND Investigations: These descriptions are based on my own notes and do NOT represent the facts on the record with the OBNE nor any official communication from OBNE. Also, the chair of the board speaks rather quickly and I am sure I missed some information. Contact the board for exact minutes if you need them.
N09-05-12N Mollo: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A gentleman in Grants Pass was suspected of practicing naturopathic medicine without a license at "New Hope for Health." He was found via a listing which described him as an MD, a listing he did not know existed. Mr. Mollo was formerly licensed in California after attending a school who's accreditation is not accepted by the OBNE. He was also part of the licensing era that allowed NDs to use the term Dr. even w/o the standard ND education, and was grandfathered into the new system which requires this education. The key part of the decision was whether or not he was diagnosing his clients. The OBNE investigator determined that he is not diagnosing but only selling supplements to old patients and perhaps doing some "nutritional counseling" which is not practicing naturopathic medicine.
N08-089-22N Casey: "A routine problem"
Casey is a woman who in the Portland area who failed to pass her ND boards but practices under her LMT license. She is listed as a Dr. on her website and Clackamas County referred the case to OBNE. Investigation continues.
N09-09-10N Hurliman: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A patient of an unlicensed ND was referred to a dentist for removal of his/her amalgam fillings. The "ND" practiced in Las Vegas over 10 years ago where a license is not required, and had heavy metal testing done for this patient. She is now retired but still in contact with the patient. "ND" vehemently denies telling her patient to have his/her fillings removed. Only one old listing is intact.
N06-06-05N Delphini: Update
Civil Penalty was assessed for practicing veterinary medicine. Notices were sent by OBNE, the Vet Board, and the Medical Board (for acupuncture). Case has been sent to collections, Delhpini has moved to Texas, though the board suspects she'll try to come back.
N09-09-19N Chamberlain: Initiated investigation
Health Co-op is providing cancer treatment without a license.
II. ND Investigations: Names nor case description is given.
N09-08-16: Dismissed
N09-06-13: Dismissed
N09-05-10: Discipline Notice Sent
III. Administrative Rule Changes
850-030-0195, 850-033-0230, 850-040-0210, Increase in CE hours, Adopted with minor revisions.
850-30-035, Fee increase to cover prescription monitoring authority, $25/licensee. ADOPTED
860-0225 and 850-060-0226 - Formulary amendments, proposed rule making initiated. Final rules to be adopted at the December meeting.
IV. Miscellaneous
a. Natural Childbirth Discussion tabled for next meeting
b. Sharon Fuchs brought a complaint and general concern for out-of-hospital deliveries. She believes that VBACs should never be done out of hospital because of the risk of uterine rupture, and that even minor risk patients should not be able to do out-of-hospital deliveries. She is also looking for clear transport guidelines for midwives' patients.
C. Sarah Ohgushi will be joining the board in December
d. For those who had issues with getting their fingerprints through the background check process, the board is initiating a temporary license process that will allow certain applicants to get through. Call the board for more information about your case.
e. Bee venom therapy is not an ND licensed process if administered by bees and not by injection.
All board members were present.
I. The Non-ND Investigations: These descriptions are based on my own notes and do NOT represent the facts on the record with the OBNE nor any official communication from OBNE. Also, the chair of the board speaks rather quickly and I am sure I missed some information. Contact the board for exact minutes if you need them.
N09-05-12N Mollo: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A gentleman in Grants Pass was suspected of practicing naturopathic medicine without a license at "New Hope for Health." He was found via a listing which described him as an MD, a listing he did not know existed. Mr. Mollo was formerly licensed in California after attending a school who's accreditation is not accepted by the OBNE. He was also part of the licensing era that allowed NDs to use the term Dr. even w/o the standard ND education, and was grandfathered into the new system which requires this education. The key part of the decision was whether or not he was diagnosing his clients. The OBNE investigator determined that he is not diagnosing but only selling supplements to old patients and perhaps doing some "nutritional counseling" which is not practicing naturopathic medicine.
N08-089-22N Casey: "A routine problem"
Casey is a woman who in the Portland area who failed to pass her ND boards but practices under her LMT license. She is listed as a Dr. on her website and Clackamas County referred the case to OBNE. Investigation continues.
N09-09-10N Hurliman: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A patient of an unlicensed ND was referred to a dentist for removal of his/her amalgam fillings. The "ND" practiced in Las Vegas over 10 years ago where a license is not required, and had heavy metal testing done for this patient. She is now retired but still in contact with the patient. "ND" vehemently denies telling her patient to have his/her fillings removed. Only one old listing is intact.
N06-06-05N Delphini: Update
Civil Penalty was assessed for practicing veterinary medicine. Notices were sent by OBNE, the Vet Board, and the Medical Board (for acupuncture). Case has been sent to collections, Delhpini has moved to Texas, though the board suspects she'll try to come back.
N09-09-19N Chamberlain: Initiated investigation
Health Co-op is providing cancer treatment without a license.
II. ND Investigations: Names nor case description is given.
N09-08-16: Dismissed
N09-06-13: Dismissed
N09-05-10: Discipline Notice Sent
III. Administrative Rule Changes
850-030-0195, 850-033-0230, 850-040-0210, Increase in CE hours, Adopted with minor revisions.
850-30-035, Fee increase to cover prescription monitoring authority, $25/licensee. ADOPTED
860-0225 and 850-060-0226 - Formulary amendments, proposed rule making initiated. Final rules to be adopted at the December meeting.
IV. Miscellaneous
a. Natural Childbirth Discussion tabled for next meeting
b. Sharon Fuchs brought a complaint and general concern for out-of-hospital deliveries. She believes that VBACs should never be done out of hospital because of the risk of uterine rupture, and that even minor risk patients should not be able to do out-of-hospital deliveries. She is also looking for clear transport guidelines for midwives' patients.
C. Sarah Ohgushi will be joining the board in December
d. For those who had issues with getting their fingerprints through the background check process, the board is initiating a temporary license process that will allow certain applicants to get through. Call the board for more information about your case.
e. Bee venom therapy is not an ND licensed process if administered by bees and not by injection.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A word from the AANP regarding NDs and Health Care Reform
News From The Office
A Naturopathic Remedy For Health Care Reform
By Karen Howard
With the health care debate at a fever pitch, there is no time like the present for our naturopathic community to unite in voice and action. I am often asked what one person, one doctor, one professional organization can do to impact this Beowulf of an epic legislative battle.
My answer is thus. Stay alert, stay positioned, be nimble in your views and your response. There is no doubt that enactment of insurance reform is treating a symptom of this disease-based system. And yet, you often remind me that alleviating symptoms is often required in order to get to the underlying cause of illness. Here are some key data points for the journey to passage:
In order to keep the government running, Congress must either complete work on 8 more appropriations bills or enact a Continuing Resolution by September 30.
In the Senate, two massive bills from the Senate HELP Committee and the Finance Committee must be finalized and reconciled. Add in three more bills from the House. Time is running out for this year’s session.
The Governors have much at stake. Negotiations around the inevitable expansion of Medicaid beneficiaries, and state costs, the implication for existing state mandates and the inclusion of licensed providers (including NDs), not to mention a new push for Governor’s to enact Tort Reform legislation are critical to passage.
The process for passage, and the ability for the Democrats to maintain the right number of votes, will result in some amazing and complicated parliamentary process and voter confusion.
Inclusion of NDs in any final bill hinges on Senator Ted Kennedy’s replacement, Senator Tom Harkin the new Chair of the Senate HELP Committee and strong advocate for our issues. Sen. Harkin is still working to include ALL licensed providers in whatever the program becomes.
AANP is advocating daily (write your Member of Congress today), updating regularly (click here to find out the latest on our federal legislative efforts [member's only page]), and pursuing every option to expansion of naturopathic medicine through loan repayment programs, student scholarship opportunities, the future “technical amendment” opportunities that will rapidly appear. Congress has initiated a process for achieving wellness.
I ask that you support that process today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes to make the system whole. Our grandchildren’s grandchildren are depending on us.
A Naturopathic Remedy For Health Care Reform
By Karen Howard
With the health care debate at a fever pitch, there is no time like the present for our naturopathic community to unite in voice and action. I am often asked what one person, one doctor, one professional organization can do to impact this Beowulf of an epic legislative battle.
My answer is thus. Stay alert, stay positioned, be nimble in your views and your response. There is no doubt that enactment of insurance reform is treating a symptom of this disease-based system. And yet, you often remind me that alleviating symptoms is often required in order to get to the underlying cause of illness. Here are some key data points for the journey to passage:
In order to keep the government running, Congress must either complete work on 8 more appropriations bills or enact a Continuing Resolution by September 30.
In the Senate, two massive bills from the Senate HELP Committee and the Finance Committee must be finalized and reconciled. Add in three more bills from the House. Time is running out for this year’s session.
The Governors have much at stake. Negotiations around the inevitable expansion of Medicaid beneficiaries, and state costs, the implication for existing state mandates and the inclusion of licensed providers (including NDs), not to mention a new push for Governor’s to enact Tort Reform legislation are critical to passage.
The process for passage, and the ability for the Democrats to maintain the right number of votes, will result in some amazing and complicated parliamentary process and voter confusion.
Inclusion of NDs in any final bill hinges on Senator Ted Kennedy’s replacement, Senator Tom Harkin the new Chair of the Senate HELP Committee and strong advocate for our issues. Sen. Harkin is still working to include ALL licensed providers in whatever the program becomes.
AANP is advocating daily (write your Member of Congress today), updating regularly (click here to find out the latest on our federal legislative efforts [member's only page]), and pursuing every option to expansion of naturopathic medicine through loan repayment programs, student scholarship opportunities, the future “technical amendment” opportunities that will rapidly appear. Congress has initiated a process for achieving wellness.
I ask that you support that process today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes to make the system whole. Our grandchildren’s grandchildren are depending on us.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Senator Monnes-Anderson reminds NDs to make sure they're at the health reform table, or they may go hungry.
First of all, congratulations to NCNM for opening the largest natural medicine clinic in Portland; you can read all about it here. It was a lovely opening and the speakers were inspiring, however none so much as Senator Monnes-Anderson who was a champion for the ND Formulary Bill (SB 327) this past session and even continues her efforts post-session.
Two statements by the Senator really spoke to me. First, she reminded NDs that the only way her profession, nursing, has been able to achieve the political clout it maintains is by joining together and supporting their professional organizations and lobbyists. Political power is not gained by simply doing a good job, it requires you to "play the game." My mother used to tell me I had to learn to play the game and I hated the idea of that, but I think she may be right, especially in some circumstances. NDs, you need to support and join the OANP and you need to keep up with the political workings of your profession. Your long-term success depends on it.
Second, she admonished NDs that the landscape of health care is changing dramatically as our nation, Congress and Obama pushes for reform. Change is coming in a big way. NDs stand to become THE source of primary care physicians, but if NDs are not at this "table," they will be sent to bed hungry. There will not be another opportunity quite like this one and it needs to be capitalized on if NDs are going to have a place in our health care system.
For some this is not why they got into medicine, and when your medicine has been invalidated or worse for generations, it is daunting to put yourself out there and demand parity in the system. Shake it off and buck up buttercup, it's now or never! Get in touch with Laura Farr at the OANP and ask how you can help. Get in touch with the AANP and ask how you can help. Now is the time. Our nation needs you and they just don't know it yet.
See you on the front lines!
Two statements by the Senator really spoke to me. First, she reminded NDs that the only way her profession, nursing, has been able to achieve the political clout it maintains is by joining together and supporting their professional organizations and lobbyists. Political power is not gained by simply doing a good job, it requires you to "play the game." My mother used to tell me I had to learn to play the game and I hated the idea of that, but I think she may be right, especially in some circumstances. NDs, you need to support and join the OANP and you need to keep up with the political workings of your profession. Your long-term success depends on it.
Second, she admonished NDs that the landscape of health care is changing dramatically as our nation, Congress and Obama pushes for reform. Change is coming in a big way. NDs stand to become THE source of primary care physicians, but if NDs are not at this "table," they will be sent to bed hungry. There will not be another opportunity quite like this one and it needs to be capitalized on if NDs are going to have a place in our health care system.
For some this is not why they got into medicine, and when your medicine has been invalidated or worse for generations, it is daunting to put yourself out there and demand parity in the system. Shake it off and buck up buttercup, it's now or never! Get in touch with Laura Farr at the OANP and ask how you can help. Get in touch with the AANP and ask how you can help. Now is the time. Our nation needs you and they just don't know it yet.
See you on the front lines!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Looking for free advice?
Check out the Portland Small Business Fair this Saturday, Sept 19th, from 8:45am till 4:30pm at the convention center.
A list of the workshops can be found at: http://www.portlandonline.com/smallbusinessfair/
I'll be attending for ideas and networking... see you there!
A list of the workshops can be found at: http://www.portlandonline.com/smallbusinessfair/
I'll be attending for ideas and networking... see you there!
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