AdvisorMed Blog

How to register on AdvisorMed.com

2011-04-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

AdvisorMed Map Feature Tutorial

2011-04-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Minute Clinic is Fast....Really Fast...

2011-04-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

8:56 AM – I walked into the Minute Clinic at CVS.

9:00 AM – After signing in I was seen by the nurse practitioner.

9:15 AM – My exam was completed.

Total Time - 19 minutes.

How about that?

Now I am going to go rest...since obviously I went to the Minute Clinic for a reason.

How about you?

How long have you ever been in an emergency room?

2011-03-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

Below is the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey showing wait times for 2008 emergency department visits.

I know it's a bit small. You can click on the picture if you like but my point is coming I promise.

Here is the foot note to the above graph.

That’s correct the median time spent in the emergency department was 154 minutes.

I thought this would be a good spot to insert Sherri Thornhill article called, “The Top Five Things to Bring to a Hospital Waiting Room."

1. Water

2. Snacks

3. Cell Phone and Charger

4. Magazine, Books, Nook, Kindle

5. Pen and Paper

Click here to see her full article.

How long have you ever been in an emergency room?

The Choice: Several Weeks or One Year

2011-03-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

A loved one passed away recently. They went the path of hospital to nursing home to hospice.

His Choice

The challenging part for him was the choice he had to make. In less than two weeks he had to choose between brain surgery or opting out of surgery completely. The difference was having the opportunity to live one year longer verses potentially passing away in several weeks. At this point he was fully aware of the choice in front of him.

The decision was made. He chose surgery. After surgery was completed the doctors deemed it a success. When he awoke the family found a much different person. Both his mental and physical capabilities had rapidly deteriorated.

Within a couple of month he passed away in a hospice room.

While sitting in the hospital room shortly after surgery I pulled out my flip up case and jotted a quick note to myself:

“What would I choose?”

The question being if I was put in a similar situation would my decision be any different? As I look back I am disappointed I never wrote down an answer to my own question.

…Because I feel if I answer this question now I would have a biased response.

The only thing I would take away from this is that he had a choice.

What would you choose?

Starbucks Coffee House verse Hospital Waiting Room. Which is Which?

2011-03-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

AM Team

One picture is a waiting room at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio taken by Gus Chan of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The other is a Starbucks coffee shop that I go to way too often... Can you guess which is which?

Picture 1...or...

...Picture 2?

I know. Can't figure it out. I'll give you a hint: One picture has a Starbucks symbol somewhere hidden in it. Okay...that was my attempt at some sarcastic humor.

So now on to my point. It isn't the idea of having every waiting room look like Starbucks but rather how would a dramatic change like this adjust our experience if they all did? Would your perceptions of a waiting room change? Or would it be the same? What are some things that can be done to improve the waiting room experience? Inquiring minds would like to know.

My Son and Health Care Providers: Drive Further To Save Time?

2011-03-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

AM Team

It was around 9:00 PM when we discovered my 18 month old son's breathing was irregular. I had concerns but I didn’t feel it was life threatening. I decided to take him Akron Children’s Outpatient Hospital in Hudson, Ohio by car. After going through typical procedures (waiting room, smaller waiting room, visit with the nurse, visit with the doctor, and a several tests) the decision was made to take him by ambulance to Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio. We arrived at 12:30 AM. My question is…would I have been better off going direct to Akron Children’s in Akron? Is driving the extra distance the correct call because the parent hospital is better equipped? …Or get him to the closest health care provider and let them make the decisions?

Still Hitting The Slopes At 90

2011-03-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Thielke posted a great YouTube video of a 90 year old ski instructor on the Senior For Living Blog. Freddie Anderson who is 90 years old along with her daughter is still hitting the slopes. Click here to check out the video.

I have some quick commentary. This video gave me pause and it allowed myself to look into the future. I mean is it possible for my daughter and I to be doing the same thing 54 years from now? That would make me 90 and my daughter at 59…if I’m doing my math right. That just knocks my socks off to think that’s a possibility. If that were to come true I know I would have had and still be living a great life.

In fact as I write this I have just created a new life time goal: To snowboard with my daughter (and son if he likes it) when I am 90 years old.

Happy Birthday Grampa!

2011-03-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for AdvisorMed is my Grandpa, Joseph P. Matovich.

In 2009, my Grandpa's health turned for the worst, and unfortunately, he had a terrible experience at one of our local hospitals. After this experience, my brother and I started thought to ourselves, how could we help people get information they need before, during, or after they make their health care decisions. Unfortunately, there really wasn't anything out on the internet that was as easy to get information. There were many websites with all sorts of information, but nothing that was easily to understand. After much thought, we thought TripAdvisor had a great concept for hotels, why can't we build a similar model for health care. In 2010, AdvisorMed was born.

Our cousin, who is like a brother to Mike and I, Bill Sobonya, wrote a wonderful tribute to our grandfather. I would like to share it with you on what would be Grampa's 81st Birthday, on Friday, March 18, 2011. Grampa was a simple man, with strong belief's and opinions. What I would give right now to say to Grandpa- "Hey, Grandpa, guess what? You're on the internet!" I know he'd say, "WHAT?!, (with a big smile and laugh)..."

Joseph P. Matovich

Member of the 1949 LEL Football Champs for Shaker Heights
All Conference Football Honors
State Wrestler - 3rd Place Finish
United States Marine Corps - Koren War Veteran
Steel Worker, Union Leader and Former President of Local 2265
Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle
Grandpa, Great-Grandpa

Grandpa was well read. He never compromised his values for anyone. He loved history, politics, sports and current events. And he enjoyed teaching us through his story telling.

Grandpa always had stories. Everyone heard stories about the steel mills and the battles he fought as President of the union...and that guy at Republic Steel that gave him a hard time once. I don't remember his name, but I'm sure he was in Grandpa's "those Sons of bitches" category of friends.

Now. I know you think that was inappropriate, however if you knew our Grandpa the way we do, and the way Father Gallagher at St. Monica's knew Grandpa, you would know that - that was very appropriate.

And then there is Milkovich from Maple Heights. Everyone heard the story when Grandpa wrestled Milkovich in 1949 after earning a spot in states for wrestling. Even 50+ years later Grandpa still talked about that meeting...In fact, only a few years ago Grandpa called him at his house for a rematch. It is great to see Grandpa's name in "Ohio Best Amateur Wrestling" Book. We are proud of your accomplishments in sports and brag often about them Grandpa.

"The Ball Games Over" Do you remember that saying? If you knew our Grandpa you heard it all the time. I now know what he meant by "The ball games over" and I'd like to share it with you. Grandpa didn't event that saying. Grandma actually did, and when she invented "The Ball Games Over" she meant it for Grandpa alone. When I was flipping through Grandpa's briefcase with Grandma the other day, there were letters from a couple companies that most people never heard of before. Apparently, Grandpa lost a few minor bucks in the stock market...and when Grandma found out...The Ball Game was Over for Grandpa! After Grandpa's fun with stocks, Grandma picked up the rule of the household.

Grandpa was extremely generous. At some point, I think everyone owned Grandpa's big blue Lincoln Continental or the Camper for a day. And a few of us owned them a few times and didn't even know it because our mom's and dad's put their foot down. I'm sure even Kelsey at 3 years old owned the big blue Lincoln at one time.

Good Grades. You always knew that if you received good grades in school you were guaranteed a brand new crisp $100 bill. Now...Stephanie, Nickie, Natalie, Kara and Kelsey were pretty much guaranteed a few hundred buck's at the end of each grading period; however, there were a few of us Grandchildren that required Grandpa to create "alternate" categories to receive $100 bucks.

Sal for example played a few strings on a guitar to earn his $100 bucks And as a wrestler, probably made out better than most grandchildren. Michael earned his $100 bucks by finally graduating from 1 of the 10 Universities that he attended. Johnny received $100 bucks by saying the word Electrician every now and then. Eric earned $100 bucks for his skills on the football field, and Jimmy...I'm sure he earned the most out of everyone because he had to keep all the boys in line.

Don't forget Billy. Billy's earning potential sky rocketed when Grandpa became a school crossing Guard at St. Monica's after he retired. When most adults in the 1980's wouldn't think of paying for groceries with a $100 dollar bill, Billy was cashing in his crisp $100's for .20 cent chocolate milk's in grade school.

By the way, Grandma fired Grandpa from the school crossing guard job a few years later. Apparently, Grandma filled in as Grandpa's substitute one day, and she liked the job so much that she decided to take over the post permanently.

Take it Back. This was Grandpa's subtle slogan every single Birthday and Christmas. This gentle reminder started and ended with our moms and dads because Grandpa would never say that to one of his Grandchildren or Great-Grandchildren. We all knew that he didn't want gifts from us, because he believed there was a better use for our hard earned money. Although...Grandpa never seemed to say "Take it Back" when he received lottery tickets as a gift.

We all miss you Grandpa!

Happy 81st Birthday!!!!by, James Taylor

Illinois Home Health Care Providers Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Illinois home health care providers on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Home Health Care Award” for Excellence.

T & N Health Services Inc (Chicago), Home Bound Heal Healthcare Inc (Springfield), Home Bound Heal Healthcare Inc (Peoria), Home Bound Heal Healthcare Inc (Moline), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all home health care providers. These providers are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our home health care rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Texas Home Health Care Providers Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Texas home health care providers on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Home Health Care Award” for Excellence.

Decency Home Health Care Services Inc (Missouri City), Anointed Home Health Care Services Inc (Houston), Oakwest Healthcare Services Inc (Houston), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all home health care providers. These providers are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our home health care rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Wisconsin Nursing Home Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes a Wisconsin Nursing Home on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Norwood Health Ctr-Central (Marshfield), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Washington Nursing Home Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes a Washington Nursing Home on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Buena Vista (Colville), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Vermont Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Vermont Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Derby Green Nursing Home (Derby), Menig Extended Care (Randolph), Wake Robin-Linden Nursing Home (Shelburne), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Virginia Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Virginia Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Our Lady Of Peace Inc (Charlottesville), Highland Ridge Rehab Center (Dublin), Shenandoah Vly Westminster-Canterbury (Winchester), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Utah Nursing Home Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-03-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes a Utah Nursing Home on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Utah State Veterans Nursing Home (Salt Lake City), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Texas Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-28T17:52:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Texas Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Wesley Court Methodist Retirement Community (Abilene), Mcallen Transitional Care Center (Mc Allen), The Army Residence Community Health Care Center (San Antonio), Valley Grande Manor (Weslaco) ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Tennessee Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Tennessee Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Ridgetop Haven Health Care Center (Goodlettsville), Harbert Hills Academy Nursing Home (Savannah), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.
AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Solving the Medicaid Problem

2011-02-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

What is going to happen to Medicaid?

From Connecticut to Wisconsin to California, Medicaid's long-term care expenditures amount to a sizeable chunk to each of these states budgets.
Ohio's Governor John Kasich has asked the Health care providers that receive medicaid dollars to give ideas on how to reduce costs. Other governor's, including Governor Dannel P. Malloy in Connecticut has suggested to reduce nursing home Medicaid costs by accelerating the state's participation in a federal program called Money Follows the Person (MFP).
No matter what or which state it is, there is a real problem, and it revolves around paying for the health care needs of those individuals within the Medicaid program.
The MFP program designed by the federal government to make it easier for individuals who qualify for Medicaid long-term care to stay at home, rather than reside in a skilled-nursing facility.
The average annual cost of nursing home care is $80,000; for individuals who pay out of pocket, it's about $120,000.
Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program that is jointly funded for low-income and needy people. Many individuals begin paying for nursing home care with their own assets, but exhaust soon exhaust their life savings and fall to Medicaid.
Long-term care is expensive and in most instances many nursing homes do a good job. But if an individual wants to stay at home, everyone should find a plan to make it happen.
Unfortunately, many of the Medicaid recipients have already sold their homes and given up all their possessions. But, as an example in Connecticut, more than 400 Medicaid recipients have already transitioned back home or to the community through the program he now wants to ramp up.
All hands need to be on deck, to find a solution to the growing Medicaid funding problem which most states are grappling to solve.
AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home health care agency.

To give consumers the ability to candidly express their health care experiences on a nationwide level.
To rank health care providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/health care guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their health care choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich.

What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

South Dakota Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes South Dakota Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Bethesda Of Beresford (Beresford), Sanford Mid-Dakota Care Center (Chamberlain), Oakview Terrace (Freeman), Highmore Healthcare Center (Highmore), Avera Brady Health & Rehab (Mitchell), Clarkson Mt View Health Care Facility (Rapid City), Westhills Village Health Care (Rapid City), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Rhode Island Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Rhode Island Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Mount St Rita Health Centre (Cumberland), St Clare Home (Newport), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

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Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Pennsylvania Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 National “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Good Shepherd Home Raker Center (Allentown), Penn Hall At Menno-Haven (Chambersburg), Briarleaf Nursing Center (Doylestown), Saint Mary's At Asbury Ridge (Erie), Garvey Manor (Hollidaysburg), Audubon Villa (Lititz), United Zion Retirement Community (Lititz), Little Sisters Of The Poor (Pittsburgh), Longwood At Oakmont (Verona), Masonic Village At Warminster (Warminster), Margaret E. Moul Home (York), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Ohio Nursing Homes Achieve Award for Excellence

2011-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 21, 2011

Press Release

AdvisorMed recognizes Ohio Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence.

Summit Transitional Care Unit (Akron), Morris Nursing Home (Bethel), Williams Co Hillside Country (Bryan), Archbishop Leibold Home (Cincinnati), Beechwood Home For Incurables (Cincinnati), Elisabeth Sev Prentiss Center (Cleveland), Franklin Ridge Healthcare Center (Franklin), Gardens At St Henry (Saint Henry), Sunset House (Toledo), Swan Creek Health Care Center (Toledo), Adams County Manor (West Union), ranks within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These facilities are part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

1. To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

2. To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

3. To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Two out of ten residences at nursing home are young

2011-02-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

According to San Antonio Express News 20 out of the 83 residences at West Janisch Health Care Center are young people. The younger population in nursing homes has jumped to 15.3 percent, up from 11 percent in 2002. “It's hard to pinpoint what's causing the trend. Few studies have been done, and many states are just now noticing the changing age profile.” Renee Lee of the San Antonio Express News.

West Janisch Health Care Center ranked on AdvisorMed #29 out of 57 nursing homes in Houston, TX.

In addition West Janisch Health Care Center survey results were 3 of 5 stars.

What are surveys? Surveys are designed to help protect the health and safety of residence, including resident’s rights and general quality of life. Surveyors in general conduct about 50,000 complaint investigations each year. Information from the most recent three years of survey findings are used to develop the providers rating.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

Manorcare Health Services takes care of Former 'Meet The Press' Moderator who recently passed away

2011-02-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Bill Monroe, a former host of NBC's "Meet the Press," died on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Manorcare Health Services, nursing home which is ranked #1 by Advisormed.com in the Potomac Maryland area. He was 90 years old.

Monroe went to the nursing home due to a recent fall in December and complications of hypertension, his daughter Lee Monroe said in a New York Times article.

Monroe was a seasoned journalist when he came to “Meet The Press.” He held the anchor chair on the acclaimed Sunday morning show from 1975-1982. In 1972, he received the prestigious Peabody Award — one of television journalism's highest honors — for his reporting on NBC’s "Today" show.

Monroe interviewed many prominent individuals such as President Jimmy Carter, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, according to the "Meet the Press" website.

When searching for a nursing home it is important to check out as much as you can before your loved one arrives there.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

* To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.
* To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.
* To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.
AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich.

Home Care Advocates can save Ohio $500 million

2011-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Ohio Govenor John Kasich has asked for ideas to reduce spending by $8 Billion. So, Ohio's 12 Area Aging have suggested that if Ohio spends less on nursing home care and more on home health care, Ohio can save $500 million dollars.

Advocates for Ohio seniors have launched an Internet-based campaign, Fair Care Ohio, to promote the less-expensive long-term care option.

According to an article in The Columbus Dispatch "'Ohio can save an estimated $500 million over the next two-year budget period by balancing its long-term care spending 50-50 between nursing homes and in-home care," said Larke Recchie, director of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging."

Currently, about 58 percent of Medicaid-eligible Ohioans older than 60 and receiving long-term care are in nursing homes, while 42 percent receive in-home and community-based services.

Of course, most people want to return home after going to the hospital.

Home care is typically less expensive than nursing home care, in the Dispatch Article it is suggested that Medicaid, the state-federal tax-funded health-care program covering more than 2 million poor and disabled Ohioans, pays about $52,000 a year, on average, for a person in nursing-home care, compared with $19,000 for home care, so the savings can be significant.

More information about the campaign can be found at http://www.faircareohio.org/.

Families Searching online for Nursing Homes and Home HealthCare

2011-02-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

What is your facility promoting on their website?

Are outcomes (good or bad) published on the nursing home or health care facilities website?

If not, "Why, not?" Families, residents, patients will need to ask this question to really understand what type of care is being provided.

A recent survey by caregiving.com suggest that half of the family caregivers surveyed have searched online for a senior living facility or in-home care. That's a lot of searchers.

The study also detailed how stressful caregiving can be for loved ones. Financial and emotional stress pound these people.
These results shouldn't be a surprise to anyone keeping an eye on America's aging society. The company surveyed nearly 1,000 people in November and, among other findings, discovered: Three-fourths of the caregivers have either had to change their job or are not working; 69% said the caregiving is the No. 1 stressor in their lives; 58% spend more than 10 hours per week providing care and 22% spend more than 40 hours per week at it.
How are the long-term care providers or other health care facilities responding? Amazingly enough many long-term care providers do not even have a website, while others have a website, blog, social media sites including facebook, twitter, u-tube, etc.

If you looking for a health care provider, this should be something you take into account when searching for a facility. If you are a provider this is an opportunity. By all accounts, it's opportunity that will only come once for each person searching for the best care.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

* To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.
* To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.
* To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich.

Why do nurses dislike working in nursing homes?

2011-02-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

We all see the smiling nurses in the glossy photo's with their patients.

But, is the picture really telling the truth?

According to McKnights Long Term Care News, even as demand is growing for nurses in all segments of health care, 27% of nursing home nurses and 24% of hospital nurses reported being dissatisfied with their jobs. Only 13% of nurses in other health care environments reported such feelings of dissatisfaction.
Researchers at the Penn School of Nursing surveyed more than 95,000 nurses in 614 U.S. hospitals and other health care settings. They found that nurses who provide direct care to patients experience higher rates of burnout than nurses in other health care sectors. They cited previous studies showing burnout is due partly to staffing levels and emotionally depleting work.
Nursing home nurses (37%) had the highest rate of burnout, according to the investigators. Such discontent is likely to hurt the stability of nursing workforces in the future, one expert noted.
So the next time you see the smiling nurse, are they really happy or on there way for burn out?

Senator Susan Collins visits York Hospital of Maine

2011-02-16T16:05:00.000-08:00

United States Senator Susan Collins, of Maine, toured York Hospital’s new surgery center. According to Susan Morse of Seacoastonline.com Collins released the following statement. "It's wonderful that the hospital's goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment that incorporates the latest and best technology. This will help the hospital provide same-day mammography results for patients, which is so comforting for those who traditionally would have had to wait days, or even longer."

Below are some York Hospital HCAHPS survey results (For the full list please click here).

The HCAHPS survey (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) is a national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives on hospital care

85% of York Hospital patients reported that their nurses "Always" communicated well. The state Maine average is 79%.

74% of York Hospital patients reported that they “Always” received help as soon as they wanted. The Maine state average is 68%.

89% of York Hospital patients reported YES, they would definitely recommend the hospital. The Maine state average is 75%.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

Elizabeth Taylor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center ranked #5 out of 22 Hospitals in Los Angeles by AdvisorMed

2011-02-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Taylor has checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center over a week ago for treatment of a heart problem. AdvisorMed ranked this hospital #5 out of 22 in Los Angeles out of 22 hospitals in Los Angeles, California.

66% of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center patients gave their hospital a rating of 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). The state average is 62%.

73% of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center patients that reported YES, they would definitely recommend the hospital. The California state average was 67%.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

* To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.

* To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.

* To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich.

Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords at TIRR Memorial Hermann rehabilitation center ranked #4 in Houston by Advisormed

2011-02-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords from Arizona's 8th congressional district was recently moved to TIRR Memorial Hermann rehabilitation center. AdvisorMed ranked this hospital #4 in Houston out of 24 hospitals in Houston, Texas.

AdvisorMed uses national data including HCAHPS, which is a national survey on patients perceptions of their care while in a hospital.

71% of Memorial Hermann Patients gave their hospital a rating of 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). The state average is 68% and the national average is 66%.

75% of Memorial Hermann Patients that reported YES, they would definitely recommend the hospital. The Texas state average was 75% and the national average is 68%.

AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

* To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.
* To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.
* To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.

AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich.

Alaska Nursing Homes achieve the 2011 "Great American Nursing Home Award"

2010-11-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

AdvisorMed recognizes two Alaska Nursing Homes on achieving the 2011 “Great American Nursing Home Award” for Excellence. Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center (Kodiak) and Quyanna CareCenter (Nome) rank within the top tier nationwide of all nursing homes. These two facilities are a part of an elite group that consistently exceeds their residents’ expectations.
Cleveland, OH, November 17, 2010: AdvisorMed.com is a unique web-based company specializing in Health Care Assessment. Our Nursing Home Rankings are determined by national government data and consumer reviews.
AdvisorMed was established in 2010:

To provide a free, easy to use website to share information on how to choose the best nursing home, hospital, or home healthcare agency.
To give consumers the ability to candidly express their healthcare experiences on a nationwide level.
To rank healthcare providers based off of objective national government data and consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed.com is a free, online report card/healthcare guide featuring nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care agencies. Our goal is to help consumers with their healthcare choices.
AdvisorMed was developed by two Brothers who were inspired to build this website on behalf of their grandfather, Joseph Matovich. What is the story behind AdvisorMed?

Mom Dies after having Baby

2010-10-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is one of the stories, you sit back and ask, how could this have happened?

A Wright County jury deliberated just four hours before awarding Bob Calcagno $4.6 million in damages.

New River Medical Center, ranked by AdvisorMed, #2 out of three hospitals in the Monticello, Minnesota area, allegedly didn’t have blood for Claudia Calcagno after she began to hemorrhage after delivering her baby boy.

By the time the blood arrived she was dead.

Bob, Claudia’s husband, loves his 2 year old son Vico, but misses his wife dearly.

"What we went through that night should have never happened," Bob said.
Bob's wife, Claudia, was just 36 years old and in perfect health when she had Vico in January 2008.

But the hospital said it didn't have the blood for her, and by the time it arrived, it was too late. Claudia had lost her life. The family's attorneys say it was later found the hospital had made an error. It had the blood all along.

New River says in a statement that while its "thoughts and sympathy go out to the Calcagno family adding its center is "well equipped."

Bob says the hospital has yet to admit its mistake, errors he says stole Claudia's life, and a mother from his little boy.

"That's the hardest part," Bob said. "Knowing that she didn't have to die."

AdvisorMed.com, allows consumers to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. AdvisorMed's proprietary Favorability Index ranks providers by combining national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews. Results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Industrial spill in Midvalley PA sent 40 people to local hospitals

2010-10-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

According to thetimes-tribune.com 40 people were sent to Mid Valley Hospital and Moses Taylor Community Medical Center. A hazardous material team determined, “the chemicals were in the family of organic peroxide and that the reaction that formed the cloud did not pose a toxic threat to the public”. All of the patients were in stable condition after being decontaminated with soap and water at these area hospitals.

Mid Valley Hospital is ranked #1 out of 1 hospital in Peckville, PA.

Moses Taylor Community Medical Center is ranked #1 out of 3 hospitals in Scranton, PA.

AdvisorMed.com, allows consumers to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. AdvisorMed's proprietary Favorability Index ranks providers by combining national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews. Results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

10-10-10 @ 10:10 - Edwards Hospital delivers baby boy!

2010-10-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Henze Family!

Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois, delivered a healthy baby boy, Nathaniel David Henze, who was born at 10:10 p.m. on 10-10-10.

"It just happened, just like that!" Autumn Henze said of her baby boy. "He was ready to come out on that day on that time. He wanted to be a superstar! He really did."

It was until Nathaniel popped his little head into this world that his dad looked at the clock.

"He looked up and noticed it first. He said it was 10:10 on 10/10/10 and was very excited. That's when I realized it also," said Dr. Scott Kagan, Edward Hospital.

"Nobody will ever forget his birthday is on that day. It's just as memorable as having a baby on New Year's or Valentine's," said Autumn.

Edwards Hospital is ranked #3 out of 27 hospitals in the Naperville, Illinois area.

AdvisorMed.com, allows consumers to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. AdvisorMed's proprietary Favorability Index ranks providers by combining national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews. Results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Invasion of the Body Snatchers Actor Passes Away

2010-09-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Actor Kevin McCarthy died aged 96 years old at Cape Cod Hospital ranked #1 by Advisormed in Hyannis, Massachusetts area yesterday, it has been announced.

McCarthy was best known for his role in Don Siegel’s original Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 1956. He mouthed one of the most famous lines in sci-fi cinema: “They’re already here. You’re next!”

AdvisorMed.com, allows consumers to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. AdvisorMed's proprietary Favorability Index ranks providers by combining national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews. Results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Hulk Hogan rushed to Morton Plant Hospital

2010-09-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hulk Hogan, former WWE Wrestler, was rushed today to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater Florida, for back surgery, which is ranked 1# by Advisormed.com in the Clearwater Florida area.

Mr. Hogan tweeted from his hospital bed after suffering back pain in two seperate posts:

"Emergency at morton plant hospital, hung on for as long as I could. back is totally spazzing out. time to heal. HH."

After his surgery he Tweeted: "I can't believe how kind and heartfelt the responses have been since I've been hurt and in the hospital. Thanks and I love you guys."

His blonde bombshell girlfriend Jennifer McDaniel, stayed by his bedside, caring for her man.

AdvisorMed.com, allows consumers to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. AdvisorMed's proprietary Favorability Index ranks providers by combining national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews. Results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Labor Day, AdvisorMed Style

2010-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

AdvisorMed in Production!
Cleveland, Ohio - September 6, 2010

Another day getting things done to launch AdvisorMed. Our CTO working at "the office" better known as Panera in Brecksville, Ohio.

We have lots to do for our official launch, right now we are focused on getting our data for the Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Health Care Agencies correct.

We have over 180 providers that AdvisorMed's Favorability Index has selected as the top providers for 2010. We are making sure we have all the accurate data (addresses, phone numbers, websites, etc) on them.

Its Labor Day today, hopefully, our extra hours will bear fruits to helping consumers make an educated choice on their healthcare!

Zsa Zsa Gabor rushed to Hospital

2010-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

How do superstars and celebrities pick their hospitals? Obviously in an emergency, most choose the closest hospital to them.

Zsa Zsa Gabor, 93, was rushed back to the #1 Los Angeles ranked Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Tuesday, August 31st.Her husband, Prince Frederick von Anhalt, found her “unresponsive and clearly in distress” according to, TMZ.com.

Out of 22 Hospitals in Los Angeles, the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical center is ranked #1 by AdvisorMed.com. She has been in and out of the UCLA Medical Center over the last few months, which is another indication that this hospital is well respected in the Los Angeles area.

Cleveland Ohio Highest Ranked Home Healthcare Provider - July 2010

2010-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

So why not home health care?

2010-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard the claims. We have the best “fill in any word you choose” in your area. Whether that is the best golf course, law school, hotel, or best place to live. There is even a website dedicated to finding the best professionals called Best of US.

So why not home health care?

Check out Ohio Valley Home Health Services, Inc. located in East Liverpool Ohio.

And then laser beam in on these two quality measures.

Percentage of patients who had to be admitted to the hospital: 0%
Percentage of patients who stay at home after an episode of home health care ends: 100%

Those are two great statistics.

Type Nursing Home Blog Into Google...

2010-07-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick observation: “Here are the results when I type nursing home blog into google”.

hospiceandnursinghomes
nursinghomeguy
scnursinghomelaw
levinperconti
nursinghomesabuseblog
blogtoplist
lawmed
gilbertguide
theguardianblog
mybetternursinghome

On the first page five out of the first ten results are law firms offering services related to neglect and abuse against health care providers. The second page is even more apparent. Eight out of the next ten listed are more law firms from various parts of the country. I am not sure what this means to me…or how to interpret it but I felt disheartened. I am not disappointed that law firms are trolling for potential clients. I understand that. To them it is a part of their everyday business. I guess for me it makes me think of my elderly loved ones and the fact that they could be living in a nursing home very soon. It makes me think that if there are this many law firms seeking out this type of business then there has to be enough legitimate claims for them to be there.

On a lighter note I read a good blog yesterday which was one of the other five on this first page that wasn’t a law firm. It was called My Better Nursing Home. At the top of the blog Dr. Il stated her goal: To make nursing homes somewhere I'd want to live by the time it's my turn to be in one,…
That is a great goal to have.

Best Pennsylvania Home Healthcare Agencies

2010-07-01T07:40:00.001-07:00

Release: July 2010

Many Home Health Care Agencies provide great care and a home for many older Americans, but there are only a few Home Health Care Agencies, consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed.com, to both receive information and share experiences on their home healthcare provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their home healthcare provider.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a home healthcare by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index for home healthcare agencies based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance. User reviews alone are not always the answer to the complex questions facing patients when choosing the best nursing home provider. Combining the information provides consumers a balanced picture and meaningful comparison.

Today's results are in the great state of Pennsylvania for their best Home Health Care Agencies! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 10 Pennsylvania Home Health Care

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· AdvisorMed (www.advisormed.com), an innovative online health care social networking community that allows consumers to evaluate and compare hospitals, Home Health Care Agencies and home health care agencies. AdvisorMed's Favorability Index is the comprehensive source for objective information, patient feedback nationwide. AdvisorMed is a free web-based service for the consumer that was developed as the founders keep their Grandfathers memory alive by allowing others to share their experiences in our healthcare system. AdvisorMed is led by CEO James Taylor and CTO Michael Taylor

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Best Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

2010-07-01T07:31:00.001-07:00

Release: July 2010

Many Nursing Homes provide great care and a home for many older Americans, but there are only a few nursing homes, consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed.com, to both receive information and share experiences on their nursing home provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their nursing home.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a nursing home by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index for nursing homes is based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance. User reviews alone are not always the answer to the complex questions facing patients when choosing the best nursing home provider. Combining the information provides consumers a balanced picture and meaningful comparison.

Today's results are in the great state of Pennsylvania for their best Nursing Homes! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 10 Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· AdvisorMed (www.advisormed.com), an innovative online health care social networking community that allows consumers to evaluate and compare hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies. AdvisorMed's Favorability Index is the comprehensive source for objective information, patient feedback nationwide. AdvisorMed is a free web-based service for the consumer that was developed as the founders keep their Grandfathers memory alive by allowing others to share their experiences in our healthcare system. AdvisorMed is led by CEO James Taylor and CTO Michael Taylor

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Best Pennsylvania Hospitals

2010-07-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

Release: July 2010

Many hospitals provide great care, but there are only a few hospitals, consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed.com, to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their hospital.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index for hospitals ranks hospitals based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance. User reviews alone are not always the answer to the complex questions facing patients when choosing their healthcare provider. Combining the information provides consumers a balanced picture and meaningful comparison.

Today's results are in the great state of Pennsylvania for their best Hospitals! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 10 Pennsylvania Hospitals

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Best Ohio Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Healthcare Agencies

2010-06-25T11:47:00.001-07:00

Release Date: June 2010

The Best Ohio Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Providers are featured on Advisormed.com...Many healthcare providers provide great care, but there are only a few, that consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

The Problem:

How do you compare hospitals, nursing homes or home healthcare providers? How do you know if a particular hospital, nursing home, or home health care agency is right for you? The location may be close to home, but are they attentive to my needs? How is their bedside manner? Will I be able to trust them? Is the location safe and clean? How is the service?

AdvisorMed Solution:

Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed, to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their hospital.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews.

Today's results are in the great state of Ohio for Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Health Care. These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Top 10 Ohio Hospitals

Top 10 Ohio Nursing Homes

Top 10 Ohio Home Health Care

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Provider Search Tutorial on AdvisorMed

2010-06-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Best Nursing Homes in Arizona

2010-06-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

Release: June 2010

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index for hospitals ranks hospitals based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance. User reviews alone are not always the answer to the complex questions facing patients when choosing the best nursing home provider. Combining the information provides consumers a balanced picture and meaningful comparison.

Today's results are in the great state of Arizona for their best Nursing Homes! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 10 Arizona Nursing Homes

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Best Hospitals in Arizona

2010-06-24T14:01:00.001-07:00

Release: June 2010

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

Today's results are in the great state of Arizona for their best Hospitals! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 10 Arizona Hospitals

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Best Florida Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Healthcare Agencies

2010-06-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

Release Date: June 2010

The Best Florida Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Providers are featured on Advisormed.com...Many healthcare providers provide great care, but there are only a few, that consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

The problem is:

The solution is:

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews.

Today's results are in the great state of Arizona for Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Health Care! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Top 10 Florida Hospitals

Top 10 Florida Nursing Homes

Top 10 Florida Home Health Care

Hospital For Special Surgery on AdvisorMed

2010-06-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

medicalnewstoday.com
andrewpearle.com
advisormed.com/hospital-for-special-surgery

Top Arizona Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Healthcare Agencies

2010-06-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

Release Date: June 2010

The Best Arizona Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Providers are featured on Advisormed.com...Many healthcare providers provide great care, but there are only a few, that consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

The problem is:

The solution is:

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Top 10 Arizona Hospitals

Top 10 Arizona Nursing Homes

Top 10 Arizona Home Health Care

Top Minnesota Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Healthcare Agencies

2010-06-13T17:31:00.001-07:00

Top Ranked Minnesota Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Providers...Many healthcare providers provide great care, but there are only a few, that consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

The problem is:

The solution is:

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines national standardized data along with consumer ratings and reviews.

Today's results are in the great state of Minnesota for Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Health Care! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

AdvisorMed is constantly updating the provider rankings, to keep the results fresh!

Top 10 Minnesota Hospitals

1. Bigfork Valley Hospital
2. Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Hospital
3. Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
4 Springfield Medical Center Mayo Health S…
5. Lakeview Memorial Hospital
6. Phillips Eye Institute
7. Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital
8 Healtheast St John's Hospital
9. Healtheast Woodwinds Hospital
10. Ridgeview Medical Center

Top 10 Minnesota Nursing Homes

1. Andrew Residence
2. Birchwood Care Home
3. Elliot Care Home Inc
4. Lake Minnetonka Care Center
5. Mahnomen Health Center
6. Mount Olivet Home
7. Richfield Health Center
8. Southside Care Center
9. Country Manor Health & Rehab Ctr
10. Golden Livingcenter - Olivia

Top 10 Minnesota Home Health Care

1. United Hosp Dist Home Hlth Ser
2. Lakeland Hospice & Home Care Inc
3. First Care Medical Serv Hhc
4. Interim Hc of the Twin Cities
5. Lakeview Homecare
6. Guardian Angels Elim Home Care
7. Sibley Medical Cntr Home Care
8. Concerned Care
9. St Marys Home Health
10. Fairview Lakes Homecaring Hosp

Start up time!

2010-06-13T12:33:00.001-07:00

Its time to:

Starter up!!!

A slow "planned" start...Just like a car in the cold (and being from Cleveland, Ohio with tons of snow each year, last winter my Nissan X-terra, battery went dead while at Walgreens)...Its all in the planning, the ability to pivot, so you can get back on track, no matter, if it is starting your car, starting a new job, getting married, or having kids...

Planning is Key!

Planning, definitely, helped with my truck, which I was able to jump start it (with having jumper cables in the car, a big shout out and thanks to my Dad!!!), I was able to get home and replace the battery (a few kinks along the way- like a broken battery terminal, but in the end it really wasn't that hard to do).

Now after a couple days of starting up & putting AdvisorMed live on the web, it has made me think about a slow "planned" start. Mike and I have been working on AdvisorMed for about a year and a half, from idea, to outlines, to design and code, and now we are in (As Dave McClure puts it) Phase 0. The internet (namely many people from Silicon Valley) have acted in a lot of ways as our teacher, mentor, and guides. Without their resources, it would have been a much harder climb over this time...

In 2008, Dave McClure responded to Andrew Chen's blog posting, Social Network Marketing: Getting from zero to critical mass, about the different phases that each start up goes through. This blog posting and responses is as timely as ever.

Dave posted the following:

actually, i wonder if you may want to consider that it's really your website that is going through phases, and that your engagement strategy should probably be matched to those phases. I've been running across this recently in several sites & apps that operate on a user-generated content basis. in fact, i think you can summarize it briefly like so:
Phase 0: you just launched a very rough alpha & you have no content. you're just testing for basic functionality, and for the most minimal of user interest & activation. optimize for one very basic call-to-action. if you get some traction & don't completely suck, progress to next phase.
Phase I: you just launched a soft beta, and you're still testing for better activation, but now you're collecting content. at this phase, emphasize content contributors who add stuff to your site, and offer them significant emotional incentives to contribute (pimping their content on the home page, perhaps paying them, etc). if you reach a minimum critical mass of content suitable for your viewing audience -- and the content collection UX doesn't suck -- progress to next phase.
Phase II: you have now launched solid beta, perhaps even begun some paid promotion (or not), and the user experience doesn't suck. you should now emphasize referrers / affiliates who are incentivize to invite, share, blog, embed, or otherwise distribute your content with the primary goal of acquiring other users. again, this can be done via emotional or financial influence (altho you may want to wait until you monetize and/or have funding to do the paid promotion). if you are now generating a large viewing audience, progress to the next phase.
Phase III: you should now focus on organic end-user acquisition, begin to dial down paid acquisition costs, start ramping up monetization, and hopefully begin to identify 1 or 2 high-volume channels that could become break even. if your monetization doesn't suck, now would be a good time to go raise capital & tell your potential investors you are getting close to profitability, and that they better give you a shitload of money & a high valuation before you don't need them anymore and can tell them to fuck off forever.
Phase IV: you are now running a break-even and/or profitable business. you have predictable & profitable customer acquisition in volume. borrow as much money as you can get, buy as much paid traffic as you can, and ramp the shit out of your organic channels. sit back while the benjamins roll in. wait for eric schmidt, steve ballmer, or warren buffet to give you a call.
rinse, repeat.

Our goal is to transition into phase 1 as soon as possible without jumping to far ahead. We are testing AdvisorMed for its functionality, minimal user interest and use and optimizing for a basic call to action, get some basic traction. Each of Dave's phases makes sense, with pivoting, planning and some luck, we are focusing on the current, with an eye on the future.

Our focus is now getting the right market fit. Sean Ellis, in his blog posting, The Start Up Pyramid, speaks of this getting/evaluating the product/market fit.

Sean suggests: "You should measure your product/market fit as soon as possible because it will significantly impact how you operate your startup. If you haven’t reached product/market fit yet it is critical to keep your burn low and focus all resources on improving the percentage of users that say they would be very disappointed without your product."

AdvisorMed is a user-generated site, Andrew speaks directly to what AdvisorMed, a user-generated site, currently needs to adapt minimal user interest and the product/market fit. Users to generate content through:

ENGAGEMENT!

Andrew suggests: "Engagement, there’s an idea that for a user-generated content site, you have an early bootstrapping problem. If you’re YouTube, but have no content, then no users will stick around. Yet if you have no users, then you have no one to upload content. So you need to break out of this local minimum until you cross some threshold – this is the critical mass point. To formalize this idea, here’s the retention focused view:
Early on, you are getting users through PR or ads, but all your users bounce off the site
However, each user you acquire have some chance of creating content (profile/pictures/video/etc)
Eventually, new users have enough content to consume that they stick around on the site, perhaps messaging older users, who now return
Once you have a "critical mass" of users, then there’s enough activity to keep everyone coming back"

The content that we do have is a great ranking system for all to get reliable information on their healthcare providers

Which is through =>

AdvisorMed's Favorability Index,

ranking all healthcare providers:

Day 1 and continuously being updated

So after all this rambling, where did my idea come from for this blog post? It all started out because Mike and I have been putting together our thoughts and ideas on marketing and specifically, P/R.

Not everyone is sold on what type of P/R program should be rolled out as a website starts up. Jason Putorti, former Lead Designer at Mint.com writes in his blog that:

"PR. Some entrepreneurs lately seem to be piling on against PR or saying that doing it in house is enough. Mint is an example where we hired a PR agency to do extensive positioning research, and went to town. PR was extremely high quality traffic for us, and the optics for the brand were undeniably good. We trounced all of our online competitors, including Quicken– who sent us legal threats. Patzer talked to every outlet from Entrepreneur to Essence."

So, P/R is an essential element, and decisions need to be made whether to do it in house or incorporate a firm that specializes in P/R. The next question revolves around timing. Sean Ellis, had a great posting on his Start Up Marketing Blog, by Joe Eckert, When P/R for Your Start Up that discusses:

When to do P/R?

Joe suggests: "The real answer is bit more complex [than, No time like the present]. We always ask prospective clients about their strategic company goals, as well as near- and long-term product plans so that we can help the management team determine whether a PR program can be helpful – and sustainable. Once all parties agree that the time is, in fact, “now”, we go about the work of creating and executing the strategies and tactics that will help support the corporate vision. One of the first things we look at is helping a client generate a fairly steady stream of “content”...
PR is not a magic bullet. Just as with building a sales and marketing organization – indeed an entire company – an effective PR program builds up over time with activities strategically dictated by what stage the company is at and where it wants to go.
So, when PR? Ask a simple question…"

Mike and I have gone through all the viable marketing channels based off of Dave McClure in his Start Up Metrics 4 pirates. Dave suggests using as many resources as possible with his list of Marketing Channels. Which includes all the social media that we all know of (Blog, twitter, FB, U tube, etc…) P/R, & contests, etc.

Taking the advice of our Advisor, Christopher Celeste, of Hatch, LLC, we are focusing ALL of our energies on all the FREE marketing channels that give you the most potential... This goes in line with the Lean Start up trends and makes sense...

With all the resources that are out there, it has made starting up a website, easier for today's Entrepreneur's to get their message out by standing on the shoulders that have begun before us...

Look out world, AdvisorMed is alive! :)

Top California Nursing Homes and Home Health Care Agencies

2010-06-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

Release: June 2010

Many healthcare providers provide great care, but there are only a few, that consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or is just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

The problem is:

How do you know if a particular hospital, nursing home, or home health care agency is right for you? The location may be close to home, but are they attentive to my needs? How is their bedside manner? Will I be able to trust them? Is the location safe and clean? How is the service?

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines national standardized data along with consumer ratings.

Today's results are in the great state of California for Nursing Homes and Home Health Care! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 5 California Nursing Homes

1. Ararat Convalescent Hospital

2. Ararat Nursing Facility

3. Covenant Village Care Center

4. East Los Angeles Doctors Hosp

5. Fairmont Rehabilitation Hospital Snf

Top 5 California Home Health Care

1. Gentiva Health Services
2. Asian Network Pacific Home Care, Inc
3. Jameco Home Health Agency Inc
4. Ideal Home Care Inc
5. Reliance Home Health Services

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com

Top Hospitals in California

2010-06-07T12:28:00.001-07:00

Release: June 2010

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

As a sneak peak to our official launch of AdvisorMed, we are releasing our top healthcare provider rankings for all 50 states daily until our official launch in July 2010. Come back daily to see where your states healthcare provider falls in!

Our first results are in the great state of California! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top California Hospitals

Patients' Hospital of Redding - Redding, CA
Fresno Surgical Hospital - Fresno, CA
Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital - Thousand Oaks, CA
Stanislaus Surgical Hospital - Modesto, CA
Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of San… - Santa Cruz, CA

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com/ – official launch date is July 2010!

Top Home Health Care Agencies in the state of New York

2010-06-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 2010

How do you choose a home healthcare agency? AdvisorMed offers tips when beginning your search.

In addition, Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed.com, to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their nursing home.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index ranks Home Health Care Agencies based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance.

User reviews alone are not always the answer to the complex questions facing patients when choosing their healthcare provider. Combining the information provides consumers a balanced picture and meaningful comparison.

Our first results for Home Health Care Agencies are in the state of New York! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top 5 New York Home Health Care

Gentiva Health Services Binghamton- Hamilton New York
Twin Tier Home Health Inc - Vestal, NY
Vns of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties - Schenectady, NY
Vns Rochester Monroe Co Chha - Webster, NY
Hospitals Home Health Care – Fulton, NY

About AdvisorMed, LLC

· AdvisorMed.com, an innovative online health care social networking community that allows consumers to evaluate and compare hospitals, Home Health Care Agencies and Home Health Care Agencies agencies. AdvisorMed's Favorability Index is the comprehensive source for objective information, patient feedback nationwide. AdvisorMed is a free web-based service for the consumer that was developed as the founders keep their Grandfathers memory alive by allowing others to share their experiences in our healthcare system. AdvisorMed is led by CEO James Taylor and CTO Michael Taylor

· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

Web site: AdvisorMed.com – official launch date is July 2010!

Top New York Nursing Homes

2010-06-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

How do you choose a nursing home to provide care for your loved one?

AdvisorMed helps provide consumers with tools that can make this difficult choice easier. Many nursing homes provide great care, but there are only a few nursing homes, consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or are they just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

AdvisorMed’s Favorability Index for nursing homes ranks nursing homes based on national standardized public data (which includes a variety of government sources) and individual AdvisorMed consumer ratings. Our completely organic ranking system is continuously incorporating new, unbiased information based on both the good and the bad as new reviews come in.

Ranking the providers offers a solution to the consumer’s problem. The solution creates incentives for providers to improve their performance.

Our initial ranking results for nursing homes in June 2010 are in the state of New York. These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top Ranked New York Nursing Homes

About AdvisorMed, LLC

AdvisorMed (www.advisormed.com), an innovative online health care social networking community that allows consumers to evaluate and compare hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies. AdvisorMed's Favorability Index is the comprehensive source for objective information, patient feedback nationwide. AdvisorMed is a free web-based service for the consumer that was developed as the founders keep their Grandfathers memory alive by allowing others to share their experiences in our healthcare system. AdvisorMed is led by CEO James Taylor and CTO Michael Taylor

CONTACT: info@advisormed.com

Web site: http://www.advisormed.com – official launch date is July 2010!

AdvisorMed Ranks the Top Hospitals in the State of New York!

2010-06-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 2010

Many hospitals provide great care, but there are only a few hospitals, consumers perceive, really “care about the person” they are treating. Everyone knows if someone truly cares about you or if they are just going through the motions to collect a paycheck.

Consumers now have an option, through AdvisorMed.com, to both receive information and share experiences on their healthcare provider. It is important more than ever for a consumer to have as many tools as possible before choosing their hospital.

At AdvisorMed.com, we help the consumer choose a hospital by using our proprietary Favorability Index which combines patient’s perceptions of their care along with consumer ratings.

Our initial results in June 2010 are in the great state of New York! These results may vary due to the updating of the national standardized data and new consumer reviews.

Top Ranked New York Hospitals:

1. Hospital for Special Surgery - New York, New York
2. Westfield Memorial Hospital - Westfield, New York
3. Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic - Clifton Springs, New York
4. River Hospital - Alexandria, New York
5. Community Memorial Hospital - Hamilton, New York

About AdvisorMed, LLC
· AdvisorMed (www.advisormed.com), an innovative online health care social networking community that allows consumers to evaluate and compare hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies. AdvisorMed's Favorability Index is the comprehensive source for objective information, patient feedback nationwide. AdvisorMed is a free web-based service for the consumer that was developed as the founders keep their Grandfathers memory alive by allowing others to share their experiences in our healthcare system. AdvisorMed is led by CEO James Taylor and CTO Michael Taylor
· CONTACT: info@advisormed.com
· Web site: http://www.advisormed.com/ – official launch date is July 2010!

Consumers Reviewing Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Home Healthcare

2010-06-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Home Healthcare Providers URL's

2010-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned there are over 33,000 healthcare providers in the United States (excluding physicians). The healthcare providers URL's we've been focusing on are hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare.
After taking a step back we've realized the URL search results of healthcare providers was becoming too labor intensive. So we decided to move into another direction.
In fact we decided to completely contract out the work so we could gather as many healthcare provider URL's as possible in the shortest period of time. The contracted company did a fantastic job in collecting these URL's for AdvisorMed. We are currently in the process of reviewing the results to ensure nothing was missed. As we work through I'll be sure to keep you posted on our progress and deliver those statistics that we feel are note worthy enough to post.

Choosing a Home Health Care Agency

2010-04-19T07:23:00.001-07:00

Home Health Care agencies offer a range of services. A combination of these services may be enough to help you remain safely at home with some assistance. Services should include medical, personal hygiene, transportation, companionship, rehabilitation, and support to aid in the healing process.

Selection of a home health agency is a very personal decision that should be based upon your needs. Many agencies provide a free assessment to determine the most cost-effective plan of care. Per visit or hourly rates vary by agency, skill level, acuity of care, and length of time and services.

Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance covers some home health care services but under very specific and limited circumstances.

Here are some questions to ask when deciding which agency to use:

What services do we need?
What will the services cost, per visit or per hour, including overtime or holiday charges?
How are charges calculated? Are there a minimum of hours per week?
What happens when our insurance and/or Medicare runs out?
Will the same person be reliable, dependable, and available throughout all care? Will a supervisor oversee all care and address an concerns?
Does the agency screen all care givers?
Do caregivers have CPR and regular physicals and TB screening?
Will the agency representative consult with our physician and family members to develop a comprehensive plan of care?
Will the comprehensive plan of care include specific duties the caregivers are to perform, at what intervals and for how long?
Will the agency teach our family the skills needed to have our loved one work toward independence?
Is the agency accredited?
How long has the agency been in business?
Does the agency have 24 hour / 7 days a week services in case of emergencies?
How often will we be billed and who will pay?

These are just some of the questions you should ask when deciding what agency to choose. Remember it is a personal decision on whom you feel most comfortable allowing into your home.

How do I choose a Nursing Home with Good Dementia Care?

2010-03-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Many questions come up when choosing a nursing home. One that should come up is does this nursing home provide “Person-Centered Care” for residents with dementia?

Which leads to the question, What is person centered Care?

Person centered care is when a nursing home provider allows the residents to have their own routines and schedules. The staff adapts their schedule to what the needs of the residents.

Dementia is often defined in three stages: Early, Middle and Late.

In Early Stage Dementia, typically there is:

Memory Loss/forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating/disorientation
Personally changes, becomes anxious easily
Difficulty finding words
May become withdrawn
Poor judgment

Middle Stage:

Memory loss progresses (may not remember some family members)
Poor Attention Span
Needs 24 hour care
Assistance with activities of daily living
Behavior issues
Restlessness

Late Stage:

Severe Memory Loss
Few of no words in vocabulary
Sleeps more
Incontinence
Chewing / Swallowing ability is lost
Motor skills are lost

So, with person centered care, each person is treated as an individual. Each person should be treated this way.

When touring the nursing home ask the following:

Does the nursing home ask about their loved ones pre-dementia story on their life?
Does the nursing home ask about their loved ones post-dementia story?
Does the nursing home ask, what makes your loved one smile?

When touring the nursing home observe the interaction with the residents and the staff, Does the staff:

Focus on what the residents CAN DO?
Have a positive approach and tone?
Speak directly to the resident at their level?

When choosing a nursing home a provider that wants to know about your loved one and interacts with residents in a proactive manner (positive staff attitudes), can give a great indicator of whether your loved one will do well in that nursing home.

Staff that focus on what a resident CAN DO versus what the resident CAN NOT DO is a key indicator.

To answer the question, how do you choose a nursing home with good dementia care, is when staff consistently identifies what a person with dementia STILL CAN DO. The staff consistently adapts the world around the residents to promote active successful participation.

This is just one of many keys that should be considered when choosing a nursing home.

Ohio Website Search Results - Comparing Hospitals VS Nursing Homes VS Home Healthcare Providers

2010-02-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

After doing a Google search on 1638 healthcare providers’ websites I thought I would share a couple of interesting observations. Of the 1638 Ohio healthcare provider websites I searched for 560 were not located. That means that 34% of Ohio healthcare provider websites were MIA.

That sounds a little high…doesn’t it? Yeah…I thought so too.

But let’s give some context around my search process. I made it simplified as possible to keep this project going at a reasonable pace.

I don’t know about you but if I don’t put in some search rules in place I’ll lose focus and find myself “going down the rabbit hole” of Google….which can turn into a big time waster.

Anyway I first entered the name of the provider into Google. If that result did not show the provider I tried name + address. When that failed my last step was to do a search under the address only. If the provider did not show up in the top 10 (the first page) in Google I moved on to the next step. So it’s very well possible that these providers do have a website. I just wasn’t able to locate them on the first go around. I expect when I have more time on my hands I’ll circle back and do a more detailed search for these sites.

The breakdown for each provider is about what I expected. Hospitals had the most found websites followed by nursing homes then home healthcare.

Comparing Hospitals VS Nursing Homes VS Home Healthcare Providers

Hospitals
Number of Ohio Hospitals = 166
Number of Ohio Hospitals with Websites = 152
Percent with Found Websites = 91.5%

Nursing Homes
Number of Ohio Nursing Homes = 962
Number of Ohio Nursing Homes with Websites = 654
Percent with Found Websites = 68%

Home Healthcare Providers
Number of Ohio Home Healthcare Providers = 510
Number of Ohio Home Healthcare Providers with Websites = 272
Percent with Found Websites = 53.4%