Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Symposium

WHAT: Day-long educational conference for family and professional dementia caregivers (still time to register: alz.org/WNY or 1.800.272.3900)

WHEN: Friday, April 11, 2014

8am-4pm – speakers begin at 9am; breakout-sessions start at 1:45pm

WHERE: Millennium Hotel

2040 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga

WHO: Speakers:
Dean Hartley, PhD, Dir. Science Initiatives- Alzheimer’s Association (National)
G. Allen Power, MD/FACP, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, University
of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
David Hoffman, Bureau Director at NYS Department of Health

About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org/wny or call 1.800.272.3900.

Lack of Insurance Coverage a Barrier to Lung Cancer Screening

Vast majority of current, former smokers willing to undergo spiral CT, Roswell Park/MUSC study finds

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The majority of current and former smokers would welcome screenings for lung cancer if their insurance covered the spiral computed tomography (CT) scans, according to research from Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and the Medical University of South Carolina and published online ahead of print in the journal Lung Cancer.

More than 1,200 adult current smokers and former smokers were surveyed about their attitudes toward lung cancer screening using spiral CT scans. Current smokers (78.5%) and former smokers (81.4%) said they would be willing to be tested, if advised to do so by their physician. Reasons why smokers are not willing to be screened included: a lack of insurance coverage (smokers: 33%; former smokers: 25%) and a fear of being diagnosed with lung cancer (smokers: 33%; former smokers: 12.5%). Among former smokers, the most commonly cited reason for not having the screening was a belief that they did not have lung cancer.

“This study provides valuable information regarding the barriers to lung cancer screening, including a lack of insurance coverage,” said Andrew Hyland, PhD, Chair of the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. “These data speak to the need of insurance companies to pay for this life-saving test.”

The recent National Lung Cancer Screen Trial, a major study involving 53,454 current or former heavy smokers, reported a 20% reduction in mortality rate when lung cancer was diagnosed using spiral CT, compared to annual chest x-rays. Currently, only 17% of patients treated for lung cancer survive beyond five years.

A number of professional organizations have recommended lung cancer screening with spiral CT, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Association of Thoracic Surgery and American Cancer Society. These recommendations can influence health insurance coverage for the procedure.

K. Michael Cummings, PhD, of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, added: “The results are consistent with previous studies which have shown high enthusiasm from patients to undergo cancer screening if the procedure is recommended by their doctors and covered by their insurance.”

The study, “Patient willingness and barriers to receiving a CT scan for lung cancer screening,” was funded by RPCI.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 13,000 employees, including approximately 1,500 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.7 billion. MUSC operates a 750-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of 66 National Cancer Institute designated centers) Level I Trauma Center and Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu. For more information on hospital patient services, visitwww.muschealth.com.

About RPCI

The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, RPCI is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.

Child Advocacy Center of Niagara to host Clothesline Project at Niagara Falls Memorial

The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara and YWCA of Niagara will bring the Clothesline Project to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center from April 14-18.

A visual display of shirts with graphic messages and illustrations designed by women survivors of violence or someone who loves them, the Clothesline Project celebrates survivors and provides an avenue for women to courageously break the silence that often surrounds their experiences.

The concept is simple: Women tell their stories in their own way, using words and artwork to decorate a shirt. Once finished, they hang their shirt on the Clothesline. This action serves as an educational tool for those who view the Clothesline and can promote healing for those who create a shirt.

Different colored shirts represent different kinds of violence. Posters describing the meaning of each color will be posted around the Clothesline. Sponsoring organizations hope the display will raise awareness during Child Abuse Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, both of which are observed in April.

The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, a service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, is a countywide resource providing a place for a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement, social services, prosecution, and medical and mental health personnel to investigate allegations of child abuse in a child-friendly environment. For more information, visit www.cacofniagara.org.

The Resource Training Center and S.E.R.V. Niagara plan scholarship program for veterans

History in Our Backyard

The Resource Training Center of Amherst and S.E.R.V. Niagara are teaming up to offer a unique scholarship for veterans of the United States armed forces. Through the Gary L. Valeri Scholarship Program, veterans will be trained to work as Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC). The scholarship is named after the former husband of S.E.R.V. Niagara’s Founder, who lost his long battle with addiction.

The training program, offered two nights per week over an 11-month period, will qualify veterans to work with other veterans in a wide variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, veterans facilities, halfway houses and the court system.

Veterans interested in the scholarship program are asked to send a letter of interest to S.E.R.V. Niagara, 80 Park Ave., 2nd Floor, Lockport, N.Y. 14094, by May 1. Within that letter, applicants should answer the following questions: What are your reasons for wanting to become a counselor, what are three positive qualities/characteristics that you possess that will benefit you as a counselor, and what do you see yourself doing once you have completed the program? Veterans of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

“There are not enough veterans in these types of counseling roles,” said Jennifer D’Andrea-Terreri, founder of S.E.R.V Niagara. “Veterans in treatment have a greater chance of successful recovery when receiving therapy and treatment from another veteran. This is especially so when dealing with combat veterans. War and other related events are main causes of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, so it only makes sense for our veterans to receive help from other veterans who can better relate to their issues.”

The mission of S.E.R.V. Niagara (Supporting, Empowering, Respecting Veterans) is to promote healing and support and encourage every human being to reach their full potential while helping to restore hope and respect in our youth, families and communities. The organization’s long-term goal is to provide permanent housing and support to veterans and their families.

“There is a strong need for professionally trained counselors in today's society,” said Monica Farrar, director of The Resource Training Center. “There will always be a need for counselors as a growing number of people struggle with addiction.”

For more information on the scholarship program, please call The Resource Training Center at 983-2258 or email info@wnyresourcetraining.org.

The Resource Training Center is conveniently located in the Harlem Road Community Center at 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst. For more information regarding their services, please visit www.wnyresourcetraining.org.

In addition to the scholarship program, S.E.R.V. Niagara has a “wish” program, provides fun therapeutic activities for children and families, and is working on a housing project exclusively for veterans. You can visit www.SERVNIAGARA.org or call 438-5437 for more information.

Veterans Information Event in Southtowns

Veterans can learn about VA health care and other Veterans benefits at an event being held Saturday, April 5 at the Cattaraugus Community Center, 12767 Route 438 in Irving from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A presentation will take place about VA health care eligibility at 10 a.m. and noon. In addition, a presentation about VA pension will be provided at 11 a.m.

Representatives from agencies such as VA Western New York Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration, County Veterans Service Office, Veterans OneStop, Small Business Development Center, Seneca Nation of Indians and Buffalo Vet Center will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about services they provide for Veterans about health care, business development, and more. The county will provide Veterans ID cards for area discounts too.

Bring a copy of your discharge papers, (DD-214) and 2013 financial information for proper benefits counseling. For more information, call 716-862-8753. The event is being offered by VA Western New York Healthcare System Minority Veterans Committee and Seneca Nation of Indians.

Laura DeBacco to head OB/GYN Center at Memorial

Laura M. DeBacco, PA-C, will join The OB/GYN Center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center as its full-time coordinator effective April 14.

In her new position, she will direct operations at the center and provide outpatient obstetric and gynecologic care for the center’s patients.  The OB/GYN Center recently expanded to a five-day-a- week schedule.

DeBacco will also assist OB/GYN physicians during surgical procedures and provide pre- and postpartum and pre- and postoperative care to Memorial Medical Center patients.

A Niagara Falls native and Niagara University graduate, DeBacco holds a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Daemen College, where she is an adjunct professor and clinical preceptor.

She previously provided obstetric and gynecologic care as a physician assistant at Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health Center, Niagara Falls, and most recently at Women’s Medicine of Niagara in Lewiston.

DeBacco holds certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is also certified in the use of the daVinci Robotic Surgical System.

She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) and Western New York Physician Assistant Association.

Independent Health Foundation, Susan G. Komen to host free educational dinners for women

Events to highlight importance of detecting breast cancer early

BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 26, 2014) – The Independent Health Foundation and Western New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen invite women to “make their pink promise” and learn about the importance of finding breast cancer early at free educational dinners to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St., Buffalo, and 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at the Seneca Allegany Casino, 777 Allegany Blvd. Salamanca.

All women ages 40 and older are encouraged to come enjoy an evening of health and beauty, while they hear from breast cancer survivors and experts, and have the opportunity to speak to someone about scheduling a mammogram. Participants will receive a complimentary dinner, health and wellness products, chair massages and beauty treatments.

Space is limited, so women are asked to reserve a place at one of the events by calling the Independent Health Foundation at 635-4959.

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, wellness and education programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation or call 635-4959.

Spring disABILITIES Film Festival April 25!

Spring disABILITIES Film Festival on April 25. Would you be able to help promote that on your Facebook and website if too late for print. The movie is “Raising Matty Christian.” Here is the website link to learn more about the film: http://www.raisingmattychristian.com/home/4581653860

Buying health insurance by March 31? Make sure all of your doctors work with your plan

Planning on doing some spring skiing? Well, if you break your leg, you might pay $3,500 more out of your pocket if you see doctors who are not in your health plan’s network, according to a new Univera Healthcare infographic.

Providers, including radiologists and anesthesiologists, who participate with your health plan are part of its “network,” and you’ll typically pay less for their services than you would for services from out-of-network providers.

“With days left to sign up for a health plan on the NY State of Health marketplace, uninsured individuals still have time to do their homework on their various options,” said Lynne Scalzo, vice president, business strategy and administration, Univera Healthcare. “That includes checking to see if all of their doctors participate with the health plan they’re about to select.”

Individuals have until March 31, 2014, to purchase a health plan through NY State of Health.

“A health plan with a large provider network is more likely to include the specialists you may need tomorrow,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare vice president and chief medical officer. “That’s why an important criterion for selecting a health plan should be the breadth of its provider network.”

The Univera Healthcare infographic, Out of Your Pocket, lists examples of possible higher costs for individuals who see out-of-network doctors instead of those who are in their health plan’s network.

· You could pay $10,000 more out of your pocket for a knee replacement if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

· You could pay $2,500 more out of your pocket for a Cesarean section if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

· You could pay $500 more out of your pocket for a concussion if you received services from an out-of-network doctor instead of an in-network provider.

Out-of-pocket costs can vary for individuals depending on their type of health plan. If your health plan has a deductible, you’ll have to pay the deductible amount for covered services before the insurer pays all or part of the remaining costs.To view a mobile-friendly version of the infographic, go to http://brand.univerahealthcare.com/infographics/pocket.php. To view a PDF, go to UniveraHealthcare.com/factsheets. 

Billions lost to health care fraud

About $2.9 trillion was spent on health care in the U.S. in 2012, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Of that amount, $1.3 trillion was financed by taxpayers through federal, state, and local governments. Businesses, households, and other private sources accounted for the remaining $1.6 trillion. Not all of that money intended for health care was used for that purpose. 

The FBI estimates that health care fraud siphons off $80 billion a year.

“Imagine the impact an additional $80 billion could have on our nation’s health care system if used for patient care, medical equipment, prescription drugs, or coverage for the uninsured,” said Flora Allen, Corporate Director of Special Investigations for Univera Healthcare and its Rochester based parent health plan.

The federal government dedicates substantial resources for fraud prevention and recovery. Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius report that in 2012, those efforts resulted in a record $4.2 billion in recovered taxpayer dollars.

“Our health plan’s aggressive pursuit of cheaters also produced substantial results in 2012,” said Allen. “Our Special Investigations Unit prevented or recovered $4.6 million in fraudulent claims, or about five dollars for every dollar we invest in fraud prevention.”

Univera Healthcare, like all major health insurers, works closely with law enforcement and regulatory agencies such as the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI and local district attorneys to identify abuses, recover funds and aid in prosecution.

“Members need to be just as concerned about health care fraud as their insurer, since it’s their premium dollars at stake,” said Allen. She offers some common sense tips: · If you’re shopping for health insurance for the first time, you may not be familiar with all of the companies soliciting your business. Don’t provide personal information to anyone unless you’ve confirmed that the insurance company with whom you’re speaking or emailing is legitimate and licensed to do business in your state. Always request copies of policies and applications to verify your coverage. And follow-up by contacting the insurer to verify your application has been processed, and your premium payment was received. 

· If you already have health insurance coverage, treat your member ID card as you would your driver’s license or credit card: Keep your ID number secret. If crooks can steal your ID number, they can involve you in scams, or steal your medical identity. 

· If you suspect health insurance fraud, call the Customer Service number on your health insurance ID card, or call the New York Attorney General Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 771-7755.
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