A Virginia court is considering a lawsuit involving reference-based pricing (RBP) and balance billing. The case, Glenn Dennis v. Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County, appears to be the first balance billing case to go to trial and could determine how courts decide these disputes in the future.

If your organization uses RBP, rather than a negotiated contract, your employees may run into problems with balance billing. Contact us for more information today. Read More

Workplace stress affects 80 percent of Americans, negatively affecting performance and turnover. Knowing the warnings signs of stress can help combat its effects.

Here are four indicators of stress:

1. Trouble sleeping

2. Anxiousness

3. Getting snippy with others

4. Having stomach or back pain

Speak with us to learn more about the employee stress-reduction materials we offer. Read More

Anxiety disorders affect over 57 million adults in America—more than 26 percent of the U.S. population.

About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders commonly occur in conjunction with other mental or physical illnesses, last at least six months and can get worse without treatment. There are six types of anxiety disorders: panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, specific phobia and generalized anxiety disorder.

Panic Disorder

This condition affects about 6 million U.S. adults and is twice as common in women. It is characterized by sudden attacks of terror—known as panic attacks—which are usually accompanied by a pounding heart, sweating, dizziness and/or weakness. During these attacks, sufferers may flush or feel chilled, their hands may tingle or feel numb and nausea or chest pain may occur. Panic attacks usually produce a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom or a fear of losing control. They can occur at any time—even during sleep. About one-third of people who experience panic attacks become so fearful that they refuse to leave home. When the condition progresses this far, it is called agoraphobia—a fear of open spaces. Read More

Preventive care, including regular doctor visits, is important for everyone. There are certain tests and screenings that are specific to men and their needs. Consider incorporating these four screenings, tests and exams into your life to promote good health and prevent the onset of certain conditions.

1. Prostate cancer screening—Men over the age of 50 should have a yearly digital rectal exam and prostate screening test.
2. Testicular cancer screening—All teenage and adult males should have a testicular exam every time they visit the doctor for a physical exam.
3. Colorectal cancer screening—Men should have a colorectal screening to detect cancerous cells and growths in the inside wall of the colon after the age of 50.
4. Skin cancer screening—Older men are twice as likely as women to develop melanoma and men, in general, are two to three times more likely to get non-melanoma basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers than women are. A skin exam by a dermatologist or other health professional should be part of a routine checkup.

Please speak with your doctor about what other health screenings would be beneficial for you and your health. Read More