Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 05, 2012

Atlantic Information Services, Inc., publisher of Health Plan Week, Inside Health Insurance Exchanges, AIS’s Health Reform Week and ACO Business News, is pleased to announce its January 10 webinar, Setting Out-of-Network UCR Rates: Evaluating FAIR Healths Benchmark Data and New Alternatives for Insurers and Employers. See webinar details at http://aishealth.com/marketplace/c2m01_011012.

Its been nearly four years since New Yorks attorney general investigated the out-of-network reimbursement system used by insurers in the state and concluded it was flawed. UnitedHealth Group and 10 other insurers contributed nearly $ 100 million to a settlement, a portion of which was used to launch FAIR Health, Inc., a not-for-profit entity that has become a national clearinghouse for claims-based data.

Today, methods used to determine rates for out-of-network providers are coming under increased scrutiny. And rising deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs are leaving enrollees looking for tools that can help them estimate costs. Some medical societies have proposed that FAIR Health (and its 12 billion billed procedures for more than 120 million covered lives) become the default data source for determining rates for members who seek care from out-of-network providers. But some health insurers and self-insured employers have come up with alternative methods for determining Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) rates for out-of-network providers.

Speakers Robin Gelburd, President of FAIR Health, Inc. and Robert Park a principal and consulting actuary in the New York office of Milliman will present the specifics about FAIR Health and other alternatives being used today by employers and health plans to set out-of-network rates.

During the 60-minute presentation and 30 minutes of Q&A, the speakers will answer these and other questions:

What models exist today for setting out-of-network rates? What are the chief advantages and disadvantages of each?

How does FAIR Healths new database differ from Ingenix databases? Whats new? What remains the same?

What are the pros and cons of basing out-of-network rates on a percentage of Medicare? How will FAIR Healths Medicare comparison tool work?

How will detailed consumer pricing information about out-of-network costs encourage members to stay in network?

What are the chances that FAIR Health will become the industry standard? What must take place for this to happen?

How should benchmarking data be used to determine charges under value-based payment mechanisms such as an ACO?

Visit http://aishealth.com/marketplace/c2m01_011012 for more details and registration information.

About AIS

AIS develops highly targeted news, data and strategies for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. Learn more at http://www.AISHealth.com.

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Several Good Ideas To Get Yourself A Job Being A Home Health Aide

1. Illustrate That You Are A People Person

Home Health Aides devote all day, everyday assisting people. Health agencies and private families who hire Home Health Aides are looking for compassionate, thoughtful staff who truly want to work in health care and assist people. A tremendous aspect of the job is understanding ways to interact with, support and deal with patients.

In the event you apply for the job, be sure you emphasize on your job application whatever prior experience you might have dealing with people. This could be in the field of healthcare, but it also might be in other areas such as customer satisfaction or hospitality. Supply good examples from your prior work experience of when you’ve interacted and assisted people, and explain how you think this particular experience can help you become a superb Home Health Aide. When there is no place on the form for this kind of information, start thinking about it anyway – you will have a opportunity to provide these examples in your interview!

When you are going for your interview, make sure you are energetic and upbeat. Illustrate that your people skills are a key aspect of your identity.

2. Demonstrate That You Fully Understand the Job And Want To Work In Medical Care

Demonstrating that you recognize what the career entails, and that you are extremely eager to get into health care, is essential. A comprehensive understanding of the job description and requirements of a Home Health Aide demonstrates to the employer that you’re serious about the job as a career. Furthermore, it prepares you to be able to answer virtually any question that the employer could have for you in a fashion that is applicable to the role.

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During your interview it’s likely that employers will want to understand your capacity to manage stress, as the position is generally stressful. Employers may also want to explore your degree of sympathy for the aged and the sick – you need to show that you care about the difficulties such groups encounter. Your integrity as well as your motivation for hoping to be a Home Health Aide will be critical topics that will be explored.

Carefully consider your responses to questions such as these well before the interview.

3. Get Certified

All federally funded agencies, and quite a few States, require a minimum of 75 hours of Home Health Aide training in order to commence work. Some States have different requirements. While many employers will give you training, it can be an advantage to have already finished this training – particularly if you are interviewing with a private employer. In certain States you may be registered as a certified Home Health Aide, which might also be an advantage.

Get acquainted with your State’s regulations and requirements for working as a Home Health Aide. If certification is required, consider becoming certified before receiving a job – it can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

4. Furnish Superb References

Many job applications will require that you present your prospective employer with references. These references are individuals who know you and are able to verify precisely how hard a worker you are, the way you perform on the job, and whether everything you have put on your curriculum vitae is truthful. Your future employer will probably talk with one or two of the individuals you provide as reference. Make sure you ask people ahead of time for permission to make use of them as references, and inform them when they may receive a telephone call. Prepare them for the sorts of questions they may be asked. Stress to them that employers are seeking caring employees who wish to help people.

It is advisable to provide a list of people who like you and will be eager to assist you in getting the job!

5. Get Confidence Through Practice

Self-confidence shows. It makes a superb, and long lasting, impression. And this will help you to stand out from other applicants and ultimately get hired.

Among the best ways to gain this kind of confidence is to prepare – continue doing the research and practice your interview.  

To get your home health aide career started, find more information on home health aide training requirements and opportunities at Home Health Aide Training.

Written by Lorne Stoppard, Home Health Aide Training