Developing Communication Skills – How It Leads To Success
8:47 PM
A human being starts learning this art right from the time in his/her mother’s womb. The constant kicks, coos and cries of the baby communicates the specific needs of the child. As the person grows old, various different forms of communication start gaining ground in his/her life. He/She starts learning to communicate effectively with other individuals and eventually this skill becomes a major determining factor of the course that the individuals’ life takes.
The common understanding about communication is that it is referred to as the proficiency level of an individual with regard to his/her verbal and written abilities in a particular language that facilitates easy interaction with other individuals with similar aptitude. This aspect of the persons’ abilities is paid a lot of attention by the employers all over the world as nobody would want to employ an individual who cannot express his thoughts in words and actions. Nowadays, many corporate houses conduct intensive communication skills building workshops in their organizations to enhance their human resource value. No organization worth the abilities of its leaders can tolerate a business environment wherein the employees’ lack of communication skills results in depleting goodwill levels of both the clients and the shareholders. Many training academies specializing in imparting communication skills for a handsome fee have also sprung up over a period of time.
As it is with every field, there are some purists in the corporate sector also who are of the view that an individuals communication skills cannot be said to be directly proportional to the success he/she has had in his/her career. However, the importance of communication skills cannot be simply overlooked in a business organization. No organization would want loosing significant business because of lack of communication with the prospective clients. To elaborate further on the importance of communication skills in a business environment, please refer the following benefits that can be had if communication skills of employees are used to organizations’ advantage:
Good communication skills facilitate easy and effective flow of information in an organization. It being a two-way process, if given enough importance results in overall development of the organization. If a leader is incapable of communicating with his/her subordinates, he/she will never be able to encourage or motivate them to meet the organizational objectives. In such case the overall productivity of the organization will also start declining.
The leaders’ communication skills also hold the organization in good stead when such leaders have to represent their organization on public platforms. If lacking in good communication skills, a leader can significantly damage the company’s public relation efforts. Good communicational skills also come handy while trying to develop good rapport with peers via emails, over the phone or public gatherings.
Effective communication skills also play a significant role in the development of confidence levels and self-esteem in the individuals. Hence, with all the points discussed above, it can be safely concluded that the level of communication skills of a person is directly proportional to his/her success in any endeavor.
The common understanding about communication is that it is referred to as the proficiency level of an individual with regard to his/her verbal and written abilities in a particular language that facilitates easy interaction with other individuals with similar aptitude. This aspect of the persons’ abilities is paid a lot of attention by the employers all over the world as nobody would want to employ an individual who cannot express his thoughts in words and actions. Nowadays, many corporate houses conduct intensive communication skills building workshops in their organizations to enhance their human resource value. No organization worth the abilities of its leaders can tolerate a business environment wherein the employees’ lack of communication skills results in depleting goodwill levels of both the clients and the shareholders. Many training academies specializing in imparting communication skills for a handsome fee have also sprung up over a period of time.
As it is with every field, there are some purists in the corporate sector also who are of the view that an individuals communication skills cannot be said to be directly proportional to the success he/she has had in his/her career. However, the importance of communication skills cannot be simply overlooked in a business organization. No organization would want loosing significant business because of lack of communication with the prospective clients. To elaborate further on the importance of communication skills in a business environment, please refer the following benefits that can be had if communication skills of employees are used to organizations’ advantage:
Good communication skills facilitate easy and effective flow of information in an organization. It being a two-way process, if given enough importance results in overall development of the organization. If a leader is incapable of communicating with his/her subordinates, he/she will never be able to encourage or motivate them to meet the organizational objectives. In such case the overall productivity of the organization will also start declining.
The leaders’ communication skills also hold the organization in good stead when such leaders have to represent their organization on public platforms. If lacking in good communication skills, a leader can significantly damage the company’s public relation efforts. Good communicational skills also come handy while trying to develop good rapport with peers via emails, over the phone or public gatherings.
Effective communication skills also play a significant role in the development of confidence levels and self-esteem in the individuals. Hence, with all the points discussed above, it can be safely concluded that the level of communication skills of a person is directly proportional to his/her success in any endeavor.
Top 5 Hi-Tech Car Technologies
8:46 PM
Car technologies play a vital role in modern cars. An assortment of new technologies has entered the market to ensure high levels of comfort, convenience, and enjoyment when it comes to driving a car.
Here are the top 5 high-tech car technologies:
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless signal that enables the driver to connect its mobile phone with the car’s audio system. In the modern cars, this new technology is fitted in most of the luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, and Fiat. It is gradually taking the place of being a standard feature in Indian cars.
The system automatically links mobile phones to the hand-free system and allows the user to enjoy its favourite music tracks when behind the wheel. It also makes it possible to make and receive calls using the contacts saved in the mobile’s phone book without physically holding the phone. This advanced technology ensures best of entertainment and facilitates a safe drive on all journeys.
Navigation System
Car navigation system is a satellite navigation system that uses a GPS (global positioning system) navigation device that helps the driver to locate the position of its car on the city map. The system works on the installed sensors and satellites using which signals are exchanged with the car’s control unit.
The system helps the driver to locate its destination and get the best possible route to reach there. When the drive feeds the desired or targeted location in the car navigation system, the computer immediately displays the optimal route. It also displays the locations of various places like petrol pumps, supermarkets, restaurants, or ATMs that the driver may need on its way to the targeted destination. This technology is found on many cars plying on Indian roads including the models from Fiat, Mercedes, and BMW.
Night View Assist
Night View Assist is one of the most advanced technologies in all of the Mercedes-Benz cars. The technology works on an inbuilt infrared camera that takes a clear picture of the road ahead. The instrumentation of the car displays the picture taken by the infrared camera so that the driver can be well aware of any obstacles ahead on the road. It displays clear images of all the objects including human, animals, big stones, and split cargo on the road ahead. With the displayed information the driver can be well prepared in advance and enjoy a safer ride.
iPod Connection
iPod connections are mini-jacks are fitted in many of the modern day cars to ensure best of in-car entertainment for car owners. The introduction of iPod in cars is actually a huge leap forward for car technologies.
Through the iPod connections a user can connect all MP3 players to the jack and enjoy his or her favourite tracks when behind the wheel. With this introduction user can also navigate through tracks saved in the MP3 player using steering wheel mounted controls. iPod connectors are available in many cars including that from GM, Fiat, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Blue & Me Technology
Blue & Me is one of the most advanced technologies that has spark a new revolution in car entertainment segment. It is designed by Fiat Auto and Microsoft and is gradually changing the way car owners communicate and enjoy music behind the wheel.
With this technology the user can make and receive phone calls using voice commands and also enjoy his or her favourite music tracks. If the mobile phone receives any message the system will read out the message for the user. So, without moving hands from the steering wheel, the user can easily communicate with anyone throughout the drive and listen to it will also listen to music. The system is user-friendly and the controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
Here are the top 5 high-tech car technologies:
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless signal that enables the driver to connect its mobile phone with the car’s audio system. In the modern cars, this new technology is fitted in most of the luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, and Fiat. It is gradually taking the place of being a standard feature in Indian cars.
The system automatically links mobile phones to the hand-free system and allows the user to enjoy its favourite music tracks when behind the wheel. It also makes it possible to make and receive calls using the contacts saved in the mobile’s phone book without physically holding the phone. This advanced technology ensures best of entertainment and facilitates a safe drive on all journeys.
Navigation System
Car navigation system is a satellite navigation system that uses a GPS (global positioning system) navigation device that helps the driver to locate the position of its car on the city map. The system works on the installed sensors and satellites using which signals are exchanged with the car’s control unit.
The system helps the driver to locate its destination and get the best possible route to reach there. When the drive feeds the desired or targeted location in the car navigation system, the computer immediately displays the optimal route. It also displays the locations of various places like petrol pumps, supermarkets, restaurants, or ATMs that the driver may need on its way to the targeted destination. This technology is found on many cars plying on Indian roads including the models from Fiat, Mercedes, and BMW.
Night View Assist
Night View Assist is one of the most advanced technologies in all of the Mercedes-Benz cars. The technology works on an inbuilt infrared camera that takes a clear picture of the road ahead. The instrumentation of the car displays the picture taken by the infrared camera so that the driver can be well aware of any obstacles ahead on the road. It displays clear images of all the objects including human, animals, big stones, and split cargo on the road ahead. With the displayed information the driver can be well prepared in advance and enjoy a safer ride.
iPod Connection
iPod connections are mini-jacks are fitted in many of the modern day cars to ensure best of in-car entertainment for car owners. The introduction of iPod in cars is actually a huge leap forward for car technologies.
Through the iPod connections a user can connect all MP3 players to the jack and enjoy his or her favourite tracks when behind the wheel. With this introduction user can also navigate through tracks saved in the MP3 player using steering wheel mounted controls. iPod connectors are available in many cars including that from GM, Fiat, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Blue & Me Technology
Blue & Me is one of the most advanced technologies that has spark a new revolution in car entertainment segment. It is designed by Fiat Auto and Microsoft and is gradually changing the way car owners communicate and enjoy music behind the wheel.
With this technology the user can make and receive phone calls using voice commands and also enjoy his or her favourite music tracks. If the mobile phone receives any message the system will read out the message for the user. So, without moving hands from the steering wheel, the user can easily communicate with anyone throughout the drive and listen to it will also listen to music. The system is user-friendly and the controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
The New Ford Technology
8:40 PM
Ford Motors is not only creating the most modern hybrid vehicles but they are also working on the best in safety features for those vehicles. There is a new array of “active” crash-avoidance technologies that will be introduced into this year by driving prototypes into large, car-shaped balloons to help customers avoid real accidents. Engineers at the Dearborn Development Center use these balloons to test the company’s new adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support technology. The consumer is demanding that some technology be created that can help avoid sudden unexpected hazards due to cruise control failure or brake support failures. This is just a couple of the many new safety features that are being checked and corrected for the consumers.
Ford Motors plans on introducing the system on the 2010 Ford Taurus, available in the fall 2009, while Lincoln is announcing the new system will be offered on the 2010 MKS, adding to the Lincoln flagship sedan’s long list of available technology. One of the many newer technologies is the parallel parking active park assist that makes it easier for the consumer to park without touching the steering wheel. Along with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support to warn drivers of possible hazards in front of them and assist them in reacting earlier Ford Motors believes this will improve sales for the newer vehicles. Ford Motors is using radar in order to monitor the area in front of the vehicle which should help to drastically reduce major accidents by the careful driver.
The newer safety features developed by the Ford Motors Technology division are things that other automakers will want to take a good look at and perhaps they too will install similar technologies in their vehicles. The idea is to save the consumer not only on gas mileage but to implement a vehicle that is not too expensive to repair. The high cost of repair bills is driving the profitability down for insurance companies but it is also putting a strong dent in the pocket of the consumer. No one wants high repair bills on a vehicle because it is poorly constructed and by implementing safety technology this will make the consumer much friendlier when it comes to buying the newer hybrids. The government takes a look at what “The Big Three” automakers are doing with the funds that they will be getting.
As the world grows, auto makers are going to become more advanced over it’s lifetime. From safety features to make it safer for you to newer features in the car that make it more convenient for you and your family. It’s amazing to look back on everything in the past and see how far car companies have come today. Just think of what’s out there right now and think 10 or even 20 years down the road from now. No matter what kind of car you step into, you’re going to find that you’re going to be driving in a wonderful piece of technology.
Ford Motors plans on introducing the system on the 2010 Ford Taurus, available in the fall 2009, while Lincoln is announcing the new system will be offered on the 2010 MKS, adding to the Lincoln flagship sedan’s long list of available technology. One of the many newer technologies is the parallel parking active park assist that makes it easier for the consumer to park without touching the steering wheel. Along with the adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support to warn drivers of possible hazards in front of them and assist them in reacting earlier Ford Motors believes this will improve sales for the newer vehicles. Ford Motors is using radar in order to monitor the area in front of the vehicle which should help to drastically reduce major accidents by the careful driver.
The newer safety features developed by the Ford Motors Technology division are things that other automakers will want to take a good look at and perhaps they too will install similar technologies in their vehicles. The idea is to save the consumer not only on gas mileage but to implement a vehicle that is not too expensive to repair. The high cost of repair bills is driving the profitability down for insurance companies but it is also putting a strong dent in the pocket of the consumer. No one wants high repair bills on a vehicle because it is poorly constructed and by implementing safety technology this will make the consumer much friendlier when it comes to buying the newer hybrids. The government takes a look at what “The Big Three” automakers are doing with the funds that they will be getting.
As the world grows, auto makers are going to become more advanced over it’s lifetime. From safety features to make it safer for you to newer features in the car that make it more convenient for you and your family. It’s amazing to look back on everything in the past and see how far car companies have come today. Just think of what’s out there right now and think 10 or even 20 years down the road from now. No matter what kind of car you step into, you’re going to find that you’re going to be driving in a wonderful piece of technology.
About Hyper-Threading Technology
8:39 PM
There is a lot of buzz about the latest hyper-threading technology. All of us know that enterprises, gaming software applications, and online businesses place a high demand on processors. To improve performance in the past, threading was enabled in software by splitting instructions into multiple streams. However, the hyper-threading technology enables you to get thread-level parallelism on each processor resulting in more efficient use of processor resources and improved performance.
Hyper-threading technology based on the idea of simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT) where multiple physical CPUs are used to process multiple threads at once. Created by Intel, the hyper-threading technology aims to build multiple logical processors inside a single physical CPU. Hyper-Threading technology, as the name implies, allows the CPU to work on two threads at one time.
This technology is transparent to operating systems and programs. All that is required to take advantage of hyper-threading is symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support in the operating system, as the logical processors appear as standard separate processors. It is possible to optimize operating system behavior on multi-processor hyper-threading capable systems, such as the Linux techniques discussed in Kernel Traffic.
Hyper-Threading offers two logical processors in one physical package. Each logical processor must share external resources like memory, hard disk, etc. and also must use the same physical processor for computations. This technology is independent upon platform. Some applications are already multi-threaded and will automatically benefit from this technology. Multi-threaded applications take full benefits of the increased performance that Hyper-Threading Technology has to offer, permitting users will see immediate performance gains when multitasking.
Hyper-threading technology has a great future in the coming years. Intel had released the Nehalem (Core i7) in November 2008 in which hyper-threading makes a return. Nehalem contains 4 cores and effectively scales 8 threads.
Hyper-threading technology based on the idea of simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT) where multiple physical CPUs are used to process multiple threads at once. Created by Intel, the hyper-threading technology aims to build multiple logical processors inside a single physical CPU. Hyper-Threading technology, as the name implies, allows the CPU to work on two threads at one time.
This technology is transparent to operating systems and programs. All that is required to take advantage of hyper-threading is symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support in the operating system, as the logical processors appear as standard separate processors. It is possible to optimize operating system behavior on multi-processor hyper-threading capable systems, such as the Linux techniques discussed in Kernel Traffic.
Hyper-Threading offers two logical processors in one physical package. Each logical processor must share external resources like memory, hard disk, etc. and also must use the same physical processor for computations. This technology is independent upon platform. Some applications are already multi-threaded and will automatically benefit from this technology. Multi-threaded applications take full benefits of the increased performance that Hyper-Threading Technology has to offer, permitting users will see immediate performance gains when multitasking.
Hyper-threading technology has a great future in the coming years. Intel had released the Nehalem (Core i7) in November 2008 in which hyper-threading makes a return. Nehalem contains 4 cores and effectively scales 8 threads.
Leasing A Car As One Of The Best Automotive Vehicle Finance Choices
8:38 PM
There is a lot of buzz about the latest hyper-threading technology. All of us know that enterprises, gaming software applications, and online businesses place a high demand on processors. To improve performance in the past, threading was enabled in software by splitting instructions into multiple streams. However, the hyper-threading technology enables you to get thread-level parallelism on each processor resulting in more efficient use of processor resources and improved performance.
Hyper-threading technology based on the idea of simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT) where multiple physical CPUs are used to process multiple threads at once. Created by Intel, the hyper-threading technology aims to build multiple logical processors inside a single physical CPU. Hyper-Threading technology, as the name implies, allows the CPU to work on two threads at one time.
This technology is transparent to operating systems and programs. All that is required to take advantage of hyper-threading is symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support in the operating system, as the logical processors appear as standard separate processors. It is possible to optimize operating system behavior on multi-processor hyper-threading capable systems, such as the Linux techniques discussed in Kernel Traffic.
Hyper-Threading offers two logical processors in one physical package. Each logical processor must share external resources like memory, hard disk, etc. and also must use the same physical processor for computations. This technology is independent upon platform. Some applications are already multi-threaded and will automatically benefit from this technology. Multi-threaded applications take full benefits of the increased performance that Hyper-Threading Technology has to offer, permitting users will see immediate performance gains when multitasking.
Hyper-threading technology has a great future in the coming years. Intel had released the Nehalem (Core i7) in November 2008 in which hyper-threading makes a return. Nehalem contains 4 cores and effectively scales 8 threads.
Hyper-threading technology based on the idea of simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT) where multiple physical CPUs are used to process multiple threads at once. Created by Intel, the hyper-threading technology aims to build multiple logical processors inside a single physical CPU. Hyper-Threading technology, as the name implies, allows the CPU to work on two threads at one time.
This technology is transparent to operating systems and programs. All that is required to take advantage of hyper-threading is symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support in the operating system, as the logical processors appear as standard separate processors. It is possible to optimize operating system behavior on multi-processor hyper-threading capable systems, such as the Linux techniques discussed in Kernel Traffic.
Hyper-Threading offers two logical processors in one physical package. Each logical processor must share external resources like memory, hard disk, etc. and also must use the same physical processor for computations. This technology is independent upon platform. Some applications are already multi-threaded and will automatically benefit from this technology. Multi-threaded applications take full benefits of the increased performance that Hyper-Threading Technology has to offer, permitting users will see immediate performance gains when multitasking.
Hyper-threading technology has a great future in the coming years. Intel had released the Nehalem (Core i7) in November 2008 in which hyper-threading makes a return. Nehalem contains 4 cores and effectively scales 8 threads.
Satellite Communications Providers – Satellite Telecoms and Gateway Services
8:36 PM
The demands of modern business and the highly competitive nature of the corporate environment dictate that any business wishing to succeed in their respective market needs to be available on an international level at all times. These demands mean that superior business communication should be a primary concern of corporations in modern day business. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and has created an opportunity for businesses, or branches, worldwide to work together as if they were located in the same office building. Satellite communications have thus become a necessary feature in most offices as they allow communication between locations around the globe without compromising on call quality or speed.
Why satellite communications?
Satellite telecoms communication and global roaming is possible by voice and data services. An ISP is set up with a satellite communications space segment, carrier class telecoms network and internet backbone which is sent to a satellite telecoms network. Because of the use of satellites and hosted services, communication is possible from any location in the world, no matter how remote. Satellite communication technology is the key to successful business communication and the ability of a company to provide efficient service to their clients.
Satellite telecoms solutions provide a robust service that is reliable and secure. It is imperative for a successful business to avoid bad communication technology and inefficient telecoms services at all costs. When a business is attempting to run a thriving and successful corporate venture, bad communication, slow connections, lost emails, bad sound quality on calls and lost connections are problems which will propel a business into loss instead of success. Satellite communications allow a business peace of mind regarding their communication abilities as satellite technology is dependable and robust without being expensive.
Features of satellite communications for business
Global roaming solutions and satellite communication allow employees access to corporate resources, to send emails and to browse the internet whilst being able to communicate via high quality, voice compression technology, no matter where they are situated on the globe.
Call costs are lowered through calls being charged at local rates as the large broadband network makes connecting people simple and effective. Quality is not compromised because the connection is low cost – the reliable and high speed alternative to fibre networks provides seamless and reliable data carrying.
Due to the use of broadband through a satellite communications network, businesses save money in their communication costs. Fixed line technology is costly to run and even more expensive to maintain. Service fees can be staggering whilst line rental and call costs only add to the mountain of expenses. Using a broadband connection for communication allows companies to save huge amounts of money due to the simple services which accompany satellite communications.
Most satellite telecoms operators and service providers will include a free 24-hour help desk service for any problems a client may experience. Because the communication systems are so easy to set up and maintain, they rarely require a technician to be called in to fix any problems. The system is easily scalable, allowing clients to add and subtract lines as they wish without needing to pay a callout fee for a technician to add or subtract the required lines.
For any business competing in a worldwide market, location need not be a problem any longer. Thanks to the internet and satellite technology, satellite telecoms allows businesses access to high quality communication whilst cutting costs and providing a range of features to make communication even simpler. User-friendly interfaces, connection anywhere in the world, dependable and robust gateways and dedicated technical support systems are all features illustrating why satellite communications and global roaming is the future of business communications.
Why satellite communications?
Satellite telecoms communication and global roaming is possible by voice and data services. An ISP is set up with a satellite communications space segment, carrier class telecoms network and internet backbone which is sent to a satellite telecoms network. Because of the use of satellites and hosted services, communication is possible from any location in the world, no matter how remote. Satellite communication technology is the key to successful business communication and the ability of a company to provide efficient service to their clients.
Satellite telecoms solutions provide a robust service that is reliable and secure. It is imperative for a successful business to avoid bad communication technology and inefficient telecoms services at all costs. When a business is attempting to run a thriving and successful corporate venture, bad communication, slow connections, lost emails, bad sound quality on calls and lost connections are problems which will propel a business into loss instead of success. Satellite communications allow a business peace of mind regarding their communication abilities as satellite technology is dependable and robust without being expensive.
Features of satellite communications for business
Global roaming solutions and satellite communication allow employees access to corporate resources, to send emails and to browse the internet whilst being able to communicate via high quality, voice compression technology, no matter where they are situated on the globe.
Call costs are lowered through calls being charged at local rates as the large broadband network makes connecting people simple and effective. Quality is not compromised because the connection is low cost – the reliable and high speed alternative to fibre networks provides seamless and reliable data carrying.
Due to the use of broadband through a satellite communications network, businesses save money in their communication costs. Fixed line technology is costly to run and even more expensive to maintain. Service fees can be staggering whilst line rental and call costs only add to the mountain of expenses. Using a broadband connection for communication allows companies to save huge amounts of money due to the simple services which accompany satellite communications.
Most satellite telecoms operators and service providers will include a free 24-hour help desk service for any problems a client may experience. Because the communication systems are so easy to set up and maintain, they rarely require a technician to be called in to fix any problems. The system is easily scalable, allowing clients to add and subtract lines as they wish without needing to pay a callout fee for a technician to add or subtract the required lines.
For any business competing in a worldwide market, location need not be a problem any longer. Thanks to the internet and satellite technology, satellite telecoms allows businesses access to high quality communication whilst cutting costs and providing a range of features to make communication even simpler. User-friendly interfaces, connection anywhere in the world, dependable and robust gateways and dedicated technical support systems are all features illustrating why satellite communications and global roaming is the future of business communications.
Health strategy could save W.Va. $1B
8:35 PM
West Virginia’s health care system could save over $1. 1 billion by going digital and centralizing patient care, according to a first-of-its-kind report presented to lawmakers Monday.
Those savings would be seen not just by government agencies, but by private insurers and policyholders, who could benefit directly in the form of lower premiums.
The report should lend urgency to some initiatives that have already begun, like electronic medical records and prescriptions, according to the groups behind its creation.
“It really is remarkable to consider the savings available from options that are, basically, low-hanging fruit,” said Perry Bryant, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care.
Lawmakers with a joint interim committee that oversees health care policy responded Monday with cautious praise for the report.
“I think it’s very positive, and certainly provocative,” said House Health and Human Resources Chairman Don Perdue, D-Wayne. “It’s gratifying to see that once again, West Virginia is ahead of the game. “
The estimates in the report, prepared by CCRC Actuaries for the West Virginia Health Care Authority, used insurance claims data from more than 800,000 West Virginia residents, including people in public plans like Medicaid and private plans like Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Both the volume and the range of information make the report’s estimates uniquely valuable, Bryant said.
“I don’t know of any other state where private insurers have voluntarily pooled their data,” he said.
The three pieces of “low-hanging fruit” in the report are electronic prescribing, digital medical records and the so-called “medical home” concept of patient care, which prizes close relationships between patients and doctors to provide a broad spectrum of care.
West Virginia has already made steps to adopt these strategies, but the report’s estimates are based on their statewide implementation.
In the case of electronic prescriptions, the report estimates an overall savings of $164 million in 2014, including nearly $51 million in savings to private insurers and $42 million in savings to policyholders. After that, the fruit doesn’t hang quite so low. The report estimates that a statewide rollout of medical homes would cost about $45 million up front and incur ongoing costs of about $368 million.
When subtracted from the estimated 2014 savings of $643 million, though, that still means an overall break of roughly $274 million, with the report estimating that savings growing to nearly $2 billion in 2019.
The most difficult of the three measures to implement is a statewide system of electronic medical records. West Virginia has already installed digital record keeping systems at seven state hospitals, but getting private physicians on board is not so easy.
Estimates suggest that about nine in 10 health care offices still keep everything in paper. As the new report says, up front costs for physicians run from $25,000 to $45,000 and have annual costs thereafter of between $2,000 and $9,000, steep amounts for small practices.
If electronic medical records are adopted statewide in the next four years, though, the report estimates a savings of more than $317 million, including $85 million for private insurers and $84 million for policyholders.
Lawmakers at Monday’s interim meeting questioned whether the federal health care legislation in Congress might complicate the West Virginia efforts cited in the report.
“I’m concerned about the blending of the two,” Senate Health and Human Resources Chairman Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, told Bryant. “I’m glad to hear you say we’re ahead of the curve. I didn’t anticipate that. “
Bryant urged legislators to press ahead with the state’s initiatives, particularly the medical homes, whether or if something emerges from Capitol Hill.
Those savings would be seen not just by government agencies, but by private insurers and policyholders, who could benefit directly in the form of lower premiums.
The report should lend urgency to some initiatives that have already begun, like electronic medical records and prescriptions, according to the groups behind its creation.
“It really is remarkable to consider the savings available from options that are, basically, low-hanging fruit,” said Perry Bryant, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care.
Lawmakers with a joint interim committee that oversees health care policy responded Monday with cautious praise for the report.
“I think it’s very positive, and certainly provocative,” said House Health and Human Resources Chairman Don Perdue, D-Wayne. “It’s gratifying to see that once again, West Virginia is ahead of the game. “
The estimates in the report, prepared by CCRC Actuaries for the West Virginia Health Care Authority, used insurance claims data from more than 800,000 West Virginia residents, including people in public plans like Medicaid and private plans like Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Both the volume and the range of information make the report’s estimates uniquely valuable, Bryant said.
“I don’t know of any other state where private insurers have voluntarily pooled their data,” he said.
The three pieces of “low-hanging fruit” in the report are electronic prescribing, digital medical records and the so-called “medical home” concept of patient care, which prizes close relationships between patients and doctors to provide a broad spectrum of care.
West Virginia has already made steps to adopt these strategies, but the report’s estimates are based on their statewide implementation.
In the case of electronic prescriptions, the report estimates an overall savings of $164 million in 2014, including nearly $51 million in savings to private insurers and $42 million in savings to policyholders. After that, the fruit doesn’t hang quite so low. The report estimates that a statewide rollout of medical homes would cost about $45 million up front and incur ongoing costs of about $368 million.
When subtracted from the estimated 2014 savings of $643 million, though, that still means an overall break of roughly $274 million, with the report estimating that savings growing to nearly $2 billion in 2019.
The most difficult of the three measures to implement is a statewide system of electronic medical records. West Virginia has already installed digital record keeping systems at seven state hospitals, but getting private physicians on board is not so easy.
Estimates suggest that about nine in 10 health care offices still keep everything in paper. As the new report says, up front costs for physicians run from $25,000 to $45,000 and have annual costs thereafter of between $2,000 and $9,000, steep amounts for small practices.
If electronic medical records are adopted statewide in the next four years, though, the report estimates a savings of more than $317 million, including $85 million for private insurers and $84 million for policyholders.
Lawmakers at Monday’s interim meeting questioned whether the federal health care legislation in Congress might complicate the West Virginia efforts cited in the report.
“I’m concerned about the blending of the two,” Senate Health and Human Resources Chairman Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, told Bryant. “I’m glad to hear you say we’re ahead of the curve. I didn’t anticipate that. “
Bryant urged legislators to press ahead with the state’s initiatives, particularly the medical homes, whether or if something emerges from Capitol Hill.
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