Health Care

How MedjetAssist is different than travel insurance

John Gobbels, the Chief Operating Officer/Vice President and transport expert for MedjetAssist, the premier global air-medical transport membership program for travelers including college students once again joins eHealth Radio and the Travel Health Care Information Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest John Gobbels discuss the following:What is MedjetAssist, and how is it different from travel insurance?Without a Medjet membership, what is the average cost range that travelers face when transported from across the globe to their hometown hospital?Can you briefly describe the various types of memberships that Medjet offers, and what is the price range?When it comes to transports, what are the different kinds of medical emergencies or mishaps that Medjet has serviced?With this month and next month being graduation season, how can college graduates benefit from a Medjet membership if they’re planning to take a big trip over the next few months? Would a short-term membership be appropriate? And for families traveling with kids in tow this summer, what is the best type of Medjet membership they should invest in?
Duration: 9:04
John Gobbels brings over 23 years of pre-hospital and hospital service and management experience to his role as vice president and COO of MedjetAssist. Since joining the premier medical evacuation membership program in 2006 as director of transport operations, Mr. Gobbels has been responsible for complete oversight of all transport and repatriation operations.


Before moving from his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Medjet’s headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Gobbels spent 13 years with STAT MedEvac, the air ambulance arm of the renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). During his tenure, he played integral roles in almost all aspects of the program, from base operations to communications and clinical operations.
For six years Mr. Gobbels served as clinical director of STAT MedEvac, overseeing compliance with the Commission on Air-Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), as well as the continuing education requirements for all clinical staff. Previously, he was a flight nurse and paramedic. Mr. Gobbels began his career with UPMC in 1991 as a critical care nurse.
Mr. Gobbels holds a Masters degree in Management and Information Technology from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA., as well as multiple degrees in health care.

Web Site: medjetassist.com
Facebook: facebook.com/medjetassist
Twitter: @MedjetAssist

BeClose, an in-home caregiving technology provider

Liddy Manson, President of BeClose, an in-home caregiving technology provider joins eHealth Radio and the Senior Care and Technology Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Liddy Manson discuss the following:What led you to start BeClose?How is BeClose different from other products on the market? Can you give us one or two real world examples of how BeClose is making a difference in people's lives? Many people get easily intimidated or overwhelmed by technology.  Can you suggest a few easy, simple ways that people can begin to bring technology into their lives, especially seniors? Can you talk a little bit about the changing healthcare landscape and how you think technology will play a role in that in the future?
Duration: 12:55
Liddy Manson is President of BeClose and a nationally recognized voice on Aging in America, speaking frequently on the topic across the country and blogging regularly at Huffington Post and other outlets. Her mission is to transform the experience of aging at home into one that is safe, affordable, and collaborative with families. She has over 20 years of experience working with premier technology and information brands.
Before joining BeClose, she served as CEO of DigitalSports, a web service providing detailed information and coverage of high school sports throughout the country. Prior to DigitalSports, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of Freewebs Inc., an early-stage social publishing company. Previously, Liddy spent nine years as Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Products at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, the online subsidiary of The Washington Post Company.
Liddy holds an MBA and Certificate in Public Management from Stanford University and a BA in Music from Yale University. Liddy is not only the President of BeClose, but was also the company's first customer, using a BeClose system to care for her 85 year old mother.

Web Site: www.beclose.com
Facebook: facebook.com/beclosedotcomTwitter: @beclosedotcomPinterest: pinterest.com/beclose

Apptomics, helping patients better manage chronic neurological diseases

Dr. Georgia Mitsi, Founder and CEO of Apptomics, a digital health company that is developing tools to help patients better manage chronic neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s Epilepsy, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care & Technology Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Georgia Mitsi discuss the following:Sometimes companies are started due to a personal crisis or fundamental underlying capability. What promoted the formation of Apptomics?What kinds of patients can benefit from Apptomics technology?How do the tools that Apptomics is developing help patients with chronic diseases better manage their care?Are these tools just for patients?What is your vision for the company and how it can help patients?
Duration: 12:30
Apptomics LLC, is a digital health firm developing mobile applications and wearable sensors for neurological conditions. These conditions are characterized by complexity, poorly served by difficult access to care, long spans between visits, and ultimately limited data on which to base treatment decisions. Apptomics’s products offer a support system for patients and caregivers in between consultations allowing for active management of their condition and supporting the clinical decision-making with data. Our products allow personalized drug adjustments as needed and focus on other aspects such as exercise, diet, depression etc. They could lead to improved health outcomes and decreased costs. Our apps will be clinically validated and FDA approved where applicable. Collaborations with distinguished academic institutions will add credibility and strategic partnerships will support future growth and drive customer adoption.
Apptomics was founded in 2012 as a company specializing in transforming the current patient-physician interaction with the power of scientifically-designed and validated mobile applications. We are passionate about developing easy tools to empower patients and transform the traditional way of caring for chronic neurological conditions.
The company is led by Dr. Georgia Mitsi who has degrees in pharmacoepidemiology (PhD) and business (MBA). She is responsible for the vision and the strategy of Apptomics by leading the executive team to further disrupt traditional healthcare approaches. Dedicated wholeheartedly to patients, Apptomics is committed to improving their quality of life and health outcomes through scientifically valid mobile applications. The company has a strong scientific advisory board of leaders in neurological disorders.

Web Site: www.apptomics.comFacebook: facebook.com/ApptomicsTwitter: @apptomics

Doctors Express Narberth, part of one of the nation’s largest networks of urgent care facilities

Jim Raporte, Operations Director for Doctors Express Narberth, which is part of one of the nation’s largest networks of urgent care facilities joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care Channel. Jim and a management team recently opened a center in the suburbs just outside of Philadelphia and discusses how urgent care is changing the healthcare landscape.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Jim Raporte discuss the following:How does an urgent care center like Doctors Express Narberth revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered to a patient?What types of conditions is Doctors Express Narberth capable of treating?I noticed your location positions your center close to a number of area hospitals. Did you choose this location to try and cut back on emergency room crowds?How does your center benefit from the Affordable Care Act?Can urgent care serve as a suitable replacement for primary care?
Duration: 8:31
Doctors Express Urgent Care Center in Narberth is open every day with extended hours. No appointments are needed, and they accept most insurance plans. Doctors Express Urgent Care in Narberth treats a wide variety of issues such as cuts and bruises, sore throats, fractures, and every-thing in between. Their Walk In Clinic allows you to get hospital quality care without having to sit in an emergency room for hours, and when you can't meet with your primary doctor.
They have on-site lab tests, x-rays, and prescriptions, with no appointments needed to get care. They're a state-of-the-art urgent and express care center with professional medical staff on-site every day.

Web Site: www.doctorsexpress.com/Narberth
Facebook: facebook.com/Doctors-Express-Narberth
Twitter: @DRXNarberth

How healthPerx can benefit you and employers with Jeff Marks

Jeff Marks, CEO at healthPERX, a telehealth solutions provider again joins eHealth Radio and the Telemedicine and Health Care Channels. Jeff has spent 30 years in the health and wellness industries in various capacities. He discusses telehealth and its benefits for you and the employer.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Jeff Marks discuss the following:What exactly is telehealth?Who are the doctors and what can they treat by phone?How does it actually work? What if I was sick right now?What kind of success have you seen?How can it benefit employers?What makes your program different from others?
Duration: 10:24
About Jeff Marks, MPH, CWPM
Jeff Marks is the founder and CEO of healthPERX and has extensive knowledge in the health and wellness industries. He has more than 30 years of experience developing new strategies to promote wellness and manage health care costs for corporations, insurance companies, Governors’ Councils, fitness centers and more.
Marks completed his undergraduate work at Emory University and finished graduate school from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Hospital Administration.
About healthPERXhealthPERX is a telehealth benefits program that also provides other non-insurance health and lifestyle benefits for businesses and consumers. The core telehealth program provides individuals with convenient, 24/7 access to licensed, board-certified doctors and pediatricians, via mobile app, telephone and online.
What differentiates healthPERX from other programs is that there are no medical consultation fees and they provide a comprehensive program to drive utilization. healthPERX offers businesses an innovative solution to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, promote consumerism and decrease overall healthcare costs.
Other optional non-insurance healthPERX services include dental, vision, health advocacy, counseling (EAP), travel assistance, fitness and more. Packages can be custom designed to fit their clients’ needs.

Web Site: www.Hperx.com
Twitter: @healthPERX

Acoustic Compression Therapy, treating excess amounts of scar tissue at Injury Health Center

Dr. Ryan Imhoff, Physician Administrator at the Injury Health Center where they us a state-of-the-art piece of equipment called Acoustic Compression Therapy (ACT) or WellWave that improves range of motion and treats complications related to excess amounts of scar tissue joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care Channel.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Ryan Imhoff discuss the following:For the benefit of our listeners, please give us an overview about Injury Health Center and the services you and your colleagues provide.In terms of improving range of motion and treating complications related to excess amounts of scar tissue, Injury Health Center also has a state-of-the-art piece of equipment called Acoustic Compression Therapy (ACT) or WellWave. Tell us about this therapy, and candidates who may benefit from treatment.Injury Health Center has several clinics in Florida. What are some of the benefits - for prospective patients - that distinguish Injury Health Center from conventional chiropractic offices?Share with us some examples of patient successes, where you and/or your colleagues have been able to make a marked improvement in quality of life for those under your care.What additional information would you like to share with listeners about Injury Health Center?
Duration: 9:27
Dr. Ryan Imhoff earned his chiropractic degree from the Palmer Chiropractic College of Florida in Port, Orange where he graduated Cum Laude. While at Palmer Chiropractic College Dr. Imhoff took many different electives to help better serve his patients. These include Activator, Thompson, Grastin and Flexion Distraction. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
Upon graduation from Palmer Dr. Imhoff was given the opportunity to join the Injury Health Center team in 2007. He is now the physician administrator and oversees all five clinic doctors.
About Injury Health Center
Injury Health Center strives to deliver excellence in quality health care by listening to, and discussing the concerns of, each patient as an individual. This approach allows the Center to create a much-needed, trusted doctor-patient relationship. In addition to being leaders in the treatment of neck and back pain, Injury Health Center excels in wellness care for each patient and their family. The Center takes pride in getting to know every patient, and develops a unique treatment plan based on that person's needs.

Web Site: injuryhealthcenter.com

Dr. Shirely Pang, prescribing the BioniCare System as an option for patients with osteoarthritis

Dr. Shirely Pang, Rheumatology Physician for St. Jude Heritage Medical Group, who treats those living with osteoarthritis and has been prescribing a non-invasive, non-drug treatment option known as the BioniCare System joins eHealth Radio and the Health News, Health Care and Pain Management Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Shirely Pang discuss the following:How do you describe the BioniCare System?How long have you been prescribing the BioniCare System?What type of patients have been a fit for the BioniCare System?What happens when you have a patient that needs a knee replacement or appears to, would you offer the Bionicare System as an option or how do you handle that?How effective has the device been for the patients you have prescribed it to? How long before patients see improvement in the function of their knee?How does BioniCare compare to other treatments for osteoarthritis?
Dr. Pang received training and attended Medical school at University of California, Los Angeles.  Her internship and residency was completed at Harbor - UCLA and attended a fellowship program at University of California, San Francisco.
She has a strong interest in taking care of patients with joint problems, in particular Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. She believes that although there are many interesting drugs that are being looked at, learning more about non-narcotic and non-invasive treatments is an essential part of medicine.
For many years Dr. Pang was a competitive figure skater so she knows the damage that physical activities can have on ones joints. Now, Dr. Pang keeps active by taking walks and hikes because she knows the importance of movement for her joints.
Dr. Pang has a true passion for her patients. She chose to practice Rheumatology so she could help individuals with wide range of disabilities and help them get back to a healthy way of life. For Dr. Pang, it is very rewarding to be able to offer the latest research and advancements, and improve patients’ health and quality of life.

Web Site: www.bionicare.com

Itelagen's UroWorx, exhibited at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting in May

John O’Keefe, CEO of ITelagen, the “One-Stop Shop” for IT and EHR infrastructure, all for a flat monthly subscription fee once again joins eHealth Radio and the HealthCare and Technology Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest John O’Keefe discuss the following:We understand that you will be a first time exhibitor at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting this year.  What is the significance of your participation this year? How does UroWorx fit as a product amongst your current support and services?What is the benefit gained here from your best estimate?What is the Cost efficiencies for providers?How about Data security, touch on what one could expect?Maybe some of our listeners can plan ahead to meet and speak with you.  What days will you be attending and do you have a Booth #?
Duration: 9:54
As ITelagen’s founder and lead visionary, Mr. O'Keefe brings over 13 years of technology and help desk automation experience to the company. Mr. O’Keefe began his career as a technical analyst for one of New York’s leading technology groups. It was here that he provided strategic marketing advice to companies such as Novell, Intel and IBM, assisting them with new product offerings and positioning. In 1996, responding to his vision of help desk support automation, Mr. O'Keefe founded Fine Point Technologies where he served as CEO/CTO for 9 years and designed help desk automation systems for the world’s leading service providers including Verizon, Earthlink and Telmex. Mr. O’Keefe defied the dot-com odds and grew the company past the post dot-com era to a profitable organization with offices and customer’s worldwide.
Again in 2005, leveraging his expertise in help desk support automation technologies, Mr. O’Keefe exited Fine Point Technologies and founded ITelagen, a flat-rate IT service that leverages support automation to prevent problems before they can occur.
Having three patents-pending in various support automation technologies, Mr. O’Keefe has been featured on CNN, CNET and in numerous magazines and is recognized as an industry leader in help desk automation. Mr. O'Keefe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a New York State licensed EIT. He serves as the Chairman on ITelagen’s Board of Directors and an advisor to the Board of Fine Point Technologies, Inc.

Web Site: www.itelagen.com
Facebook: facebook.com/itelagen
Twitter: @itelagen

CodeBaby, a global customer engagement company

Dennis McGuire, CEO of CodeBaby, a global customer engagement company that creates decision support tools and interactive, 3D intelligent virtual assistants to deliver educational and innovative solutions for healthcare, insurance, and employee benefits companies again joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care and Technology Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dennis McGuire discuss the following:Did the federal healthcare enrollment issues impact private or state exchange enrollment why or why not?  You mentioned research that you undertake to improve the effectiveness of the intelligent virtual assistants and the user experience. Can you expand on that and have you conducted recent studies demonstrating acceptance?Speaking of unique needs and the concept of personalization, how do you approach that for the individual users?You mentioned integration from any data source; can you give some examples of that and how does this help individual users?You briefly mentioned the use of a static 2D avatar on a smartphone vs. using a 3D interactive avatar on a tablet or other device. Please expand on that and apart from the avatar what other differences are necessary for customer interaction on a tablet?
Duration: 13:40
Dennis McGuire possesses over 25 years of experience developing
innovative solutions for marketing, sales, and customer care
organizations across multiple industries.
His recent career history includes serving as VP of Star B2B, a
start-up venture within the Omnicom family of agencies, where he was
responsible for strategy development and operational execution, EVP at
Protocol Marketing where he headed the company’s B2B agency services
group, and founding partner and President of Saligent Inc., which was
acquired by Protocol Marketing in 2000.
In addition to his accomplishments in the agency and high-tech
space, Dennis has experience within the CRM and customer contact center
industries where he gained expertise in multi-channel marketing,
resource optimization, revenue growth, customer lifetime value
optimization, and strategic account management.
His combined career tracks give him a unique perspective on the
rapidly growing customer experience management marketplace and the
importance of improving the online self-service experience across all
industries in order to maintain and increase brand loyalty and revenue
growth.
He is consistently sought for insight on the trends, benefits, and uses of virtual assistants within the healthcare, self-service, and eCommerce space by major publications and analysts such as Employee Benefit News, MedCity News, CRM Magazine, Forrester Research, Gartner Research, and IDC among others.
Although originally from the Midwest, Dennis has been a Colorado
new native for over 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his
horses, fly fishing, and competing in field trials with his Labrador
retrievers. And yes, he occasionally hits the slopes.

Links: www.codebaby.com

Los Angeles Jewish Home, the leading provider of comprehensive senior healthcare in-residence services

Molly Forrest, CEO & President of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, a leading provider of comprehensive senior healthcare in-residence services in the U.S joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care and News Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Molly Forrest discuss the following:Tell us a little about Los Angeles Jewish Home and your role there.What are the senior services that are in most demand and why?How has your view of providing senior services changed with the expected explosion in seniors due to the baby boomers aging and the extended life span for both men and women? How do you educate caregivers about dealing with those they care for especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s?The Jewish Home has transformed into a senior healthcare system, serving more seniors in their homes than in-residence.  What are the advantages to staying safely at home?  What programs and services does the Home provide to enable seniors to live safely at home?What is your prediction for senior care between now and 2020?What is your advice for children of a parent or parents who may need assistance from the Jewish Home?
Duration: 18:30
Molly Forrest joined the Jewish Home as CEO-president in 1996, and has led the Home through the most ambitious expansion in its history, while overseeing a broad diversified development of Jewish Home programs and services for today’s seniors.
Combining a potent blend of vision and pragmatism, Molly is working to ensure the Home meets the needs of our aging society and the budgetary challenges current times present.
In the 1970’s Molly worked in two governmental positions in Oregon.  In Lane County she supervised the state’s second largest senior nutritional program, providing meals in 16 locations county-wide with home-delivered meals as needed.   Her second position worked with area not-for-profit and for-profit developers of senior/handicapped affordable or subsidized housing assisting in project design and securing HUD or FHA financing.  Her work experience includes direct and corporate administration of skilled nursing and residential care facilities and private consulting for senior living.
Upon joining the Jewish Home, a leading provider of comprehensive senior healthcare in-residence services, Molly led in emphasizing that Home programs should create an environment which would support and build bodies, engage minds and encourage emotional and spiritual expression.
Under her leadership, the Home has opened:Goldenberg Ziman Special Care – for those afflicted by dementiaJoyce Eisenberg Keefer Medical Center – an acute psychiatric hospital with skilled nursing bedsFountainview at Eisenberg Village – the Home’s first Continuing Care Retirement Community for independent seniors with support if neededSkirball Hospice – for support of patients and families in the most vulnerable days of lifeAnnenberg School of Nursing – for the education and clinical training of students for state nurse licensing examinations and nursing aide certification testingLA Center for Palliative Care – to assist those who live with multiple chronic conditions and/or suffer continuing painBrandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC), a specialty managed care insurance plan targeted to assure the most frail, medically complex seniors can safely live at home with the BCSC medical and supportive services provided either on-site in a day-treatment center or delivered in-home; federally, this is known as a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)Care Transitions – a CMS Innovative award-project focused on seniors who are discharged home from area hospitals who receive JHA coordinated care at home to stabilize their health and minimize or avoid return to the acute hospital 
Currently, Molly is overseeing the development of Fountainview at the Gonda Healthy Aging Westside Campus and the Hirsch Family Campus, the first new Jewish Home campuses in over a generation. The Gonda Campus will be the first physical presence of the LA Jewish Home outside of the San Fernando Valley in nearly 50 years.
A graduate of Oregon State University, Molly is active in a variety of community organizations including director positions for boards of LeadingAge CA, Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS), the UCLA Anna & Harry Borun Center for Gerontological Research, Geriatric Education and Research Organization (GERO) and Membership nationally of LeadingAge PEAK Leadership Advisory Council, CEMO Roundtable, California State University Northridge (CSUN) Professional Health Care Advisory Council.
She is a recipient of the Jewish Communal Professionals of Southern California Allan J. Kassin Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal Health Care Leadership Award, and the Jewish Free Loan Association Ben & Anne Werber Communal Service Award. Molly is a frequent guest speaker regarding senior living and care-giving issues for healthcare, eldercare, and nonprofit organizations.

Web Site: www.jha.org
Facebook: facebook.com/LosAngelesJewishHome
Twitter: @LAJewishHome