Look Who’s Joined BayCare Medical Group HaiDang Hoang, DO, MMM | Family Medicine Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Residency: St. Petersburg General Hospital; St. Petersburg, Florida Board Certification: Family Medicine 2028 U.S. Highway 92 W. | Auburndale | (863) 965-9327
Joseph M. Korah, MD, FCCP | Hospitalist Medical School: University Medical School of Debrecen; Hungary Residency: Internal Medicine – Lenox Hill Hospital; New York, New York Board Certification: Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease 6901 Simmons Loop, Suite 3014 | Riverview | (813) 302-8388
Alexandra S. Owens, MD | Palliative Medicine Medical School: East Tennessee State University College of Medicine; Johnson City, Tennessee Residency: East Tennessee State University Department of Family Medicine; Johnson City, Tennessee Board Certification: Family Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care 601 Main St. | Dunedin | (727) 815-4004
Lisa A. Reichert, MD | Pediatrics Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Residency: Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo; Buffalo, New York Board Certification: Pediatrics 3012 Starkey Blvd. | Trinity | (727) 645-6941 If you’re a primary care physician or a specialist, we have exciting opportunities for you. Whether you’re a new or experienced physician, if you’re looking for a new professional home, consider BayCare Medical Group. To learn about employment opportunities, visit BMGPhysicians.org or contact a recruiter at (813) 636-2009. 17-18408-0417
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Contents 6 8
8
Successful Physician Entrepreneurs
10 14
6 Tips to Keep You in Shape for the Summer
Marketing With Real Results 4
From the Publisher Feature Successful Physician Entrepreneurs
10
Feature 6 Tips to Keep You in Shape for the Summer
14
Feature Marketing With Real Results
16
Feature Advancing Heart Disease Treatment with Adult Stem Cell Therapy
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Feature The Changing Face of Health Insurance Coverage
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2017 Fashion And the bloom continues...
Advertisers BayCare Medical Group 2 Cena 5 The Florida Orchestra 3 HealthE Gourmet 11 JW Marriott 23 The Meridian Club 21 PNC Bank 24 Point Grace 13 Tampa Bay Rays 7
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Advancing Heart Disease Treatment with Adult Stem Cell Therapy Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2017
From the Publisher
www.doctorslifetampabay.com
Spring-cleaning
S
noun spring–clean•ing \'spriŋ-'klē-niŋ\ : the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place pring is upon us with summer right around the corner. Spring cleaning can be defined simply, but the interpretation can have multiple results. Is it time to spring clean your life or business? That would depend if what you are currently doing is making you happy and returning you positive results. In this issue of DLM, we worked with Ashley Pontus from Full-Circle PR to jump start your marketing efforts with a step by step guide on several methods that will enhance your patient list and keep the current ones coming back. Nick Hernandez, ABISA CEO discusses why physicians are or can be successful entrepreneurs on page 9. Smart, time management, research skills, resiliency, dedicated, good under pressure, and team building is just a few of the skills successful entrepreneurs possess; sound familiar? With summer on its way, it brings more outdoor activities, beach days and vacations. Check out page 22 to read the latest on the spring/summer fashion trends. It is time to shake off the winter coat and be your best version of you. On page 10, we offer a few tips to keep you in shape throughout summer. Running/walking, yoga, biking, weight training and just about all fitness relate back to the heart. Although, most people looking to be or stay fit direct their attention towards their biceps, triceps or glutes. But as physicians, you know the heart is by far, the most important muscle in the body. This is why we teamed up with Okyanos Cell Therapy to shine a light on how adult stem therapy is advancing in the treatment of heart disease. Go to page 16 to read the research, favorable results, and the references Lori Slenker, RN BSN with Okyanos used to show the advances in cardiovascular treatments with adult stem cell therapy. Get outside, take a deep breath and enjoy the Florida weather while it is still perfect. Have the best spring ever. Thank you for your readership.
TAMPA BAY Published by
mashedmediagroup.com 1208 East Kennedy Blvd. Tampa Fl, 33602 813-867-0916 Group Publisher Ed Suyak publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com Creative Director Rob Stainback Editorial Director Danielle Topper Associate Publisher CJ Cooper Advertising Account Executive Ryan O’Neil Contributing Writers Nick Hernandez Ashley Pontius Lori Slenker, RN BSN Kristin Wright
Be well,
-Ed Ed Suyak Group Publisher publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com
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™
Doctor’s Life Magazine, Tampa Bay is always seeking events, stories and remarkable physicians. Please email the publisher if you have an event, an editorial idea or you know of a doctor or dentist who may have done something extraordinary. We want your suggestions and feedback. publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com Doctor’s Life Magazine, Tampa Bay does not assume responsibility for the advertisements, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. Reproduction of articles and photographs, in whole or in part, contained herein is prohibited without expressed written consent of the publisher, with the exception of reprinting for news media use. Printed in the United States of America.
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2017
Healthcare Appreciation Offer During the month of May, book a group of 20 or more for any game during the 2017 season and get another game this season on us!*
35
$
Per person
Each group member receives a Rays Hat and a Ticket Voucher for a future game.*
(Up to an $80 value)
727-825-3406 or To Book Your Group: Call email groupsales@raysbaseball.com *$35 per person group offer is available for all games except the September games versus the Chicago Cubs. Complimentary ticket vouchers may be redeemed for the doubleheader versus the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, June 10, as well as all other Monday-Friday home games in June or July 2017.
Succes Physician Entrepre
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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2017
ssful neurs
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By Nick Hernandez
ver the years, I have worked with many physician entrepreneurs around the country. During this time I have noticed similarities with this very distinct breed of business professionals. The reality for a lot of physician entrepreneurs is that their startup isn’t their only job. Many still work full-time with their medical practice or hospital while pursuing their motivating ideas. Consequently, there seems to be some common threads with these physicians in their early morning routines. For those of us who are business owners, we know that when running a business, it may seem like there are never enough hours in the day. Successful physician entrepreneurs are obviously hard-working by nature, but they also make their habits work for them. They do things each day that allow them to take steps forward in self-development and their career. Tapping into the power of mornings, a time of day when there are less demands, is a key physician entrepreneurs use to increasing their productivity. They know that they are less likely to get distracted in the morning and that their day fills up fast. Waiting until the afternoon or evening to do something meaningful for oneself such as exercising or reading, will likely mean it is pushed off the to-do list altogether. Physician entrepreneurs recognize that mornings give them an opportunity to set a positive tone for the day. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, people tend to put exercise on the back burner. However, some of the most successful physician entrepreneurs fit this morning habit into their routines. Dedicated physician entrepreneurs carve Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
out time in the morning to exercise, before their workday begins. Being physically active, specifically in the morning, is known to increase productivity. It has been shown that exercising, even for as little as 30 minutes each morning, can make a world of difference throughout your workday. This is due to the triggering of metabolism which remains elevated for hours, thus helping you feel energized throughout the day. They also ensure to eat a healthy breakfast and when strapped for time, some even prepare food the night before. Like many strategic thinkers, physician entrepreneurs take a moment in the morning to visualize their day. Visualizing something has been proven to affect the mind in the same way as to actually do the thing you’re visualizing. Successful people tend to be notorious for making lists and planning things out. This process sends a red flag to your subconscious mind that those thoughts are far more important than any other thought and your mind will push you towards you goals the rest of the day without you even trying. It was supposedly Benjamin Franklin who said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Great leaders understand that complacency is the enemy. The truth is, if you can’t picture yourself achieving a goal, chances are you won’t. Your day might not necessarily go as imagined or planned, but you’ll be more likely to be focused on what matters most to you during the day. Above all else, what I have learned from my dealings with these clients is to be habitual and consistent. That is, create a morning routine and stick to it because habits help the mind and body reset in preparation for the tasks ahead. The physician entrepreneurs I work with around the world tend to wake up at the same time every day . . . even on the weekends. Sometimes it seems hard to do anything but lie on the couch, but successful physician entrepreneurs know that the weekends mean valuable, productive time. Physician entrepreneurs are indeed change makers. They have to be extremely self-motivated with immense drive and energy. They are survivors, and survivors are creative and innovative. I believe that having a successful and constant morning routine is at the basis of a successful physician entrepreneur and anyone else who wants to get ahead in their life.
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Tips to Keep You in Shape for the Summer
Getting in shape for summer is more than just feeling good in
From hiking to swimming, you don't want to miss out on any of the summer fun. Eating right is a great way to ensure you're healthy and in shape for summer. Use these easy healthyeating tips to work your way toward healthier living.
a swimsuit. It's being healthy
1. Make exercise a priority
so you can participate in all the fun activities that come along with the warmer weather.
Schedule your fitness like you schedule meetings. Place your fitness days and times on your calendar and follow through. Try dedicating your first meeting in the morning to fitness. Studies show by exercising in the morning you will have more energy throughout the day and it is easier for people with busy schedules to maintain consistency with their fitness. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Issue 2, 2017
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
2. Eat a high-protein breakfast A Tel Aviv University study found that adding whey protein to your breakfast can help you slim down. What's more, you'll feel satisfied for longer. Record-setting long distance runner Jordan Hasay eats the same whey-protein-powered breakfast before each of her races. Try out the recipe for yourself: French vanilla protein, cinnamon oatmeal, fresh fruit, and peanut butter and flax seed.
3. Give your workout routine a jolt A growing body of research shows that having caffeine before exercise can improve athletic performance, whether you're lifting weights or doing an endurance workout. A study in the journal "Nutrients" found that cyclists who consumed caffeine were able to pedal for an average of 23 percent longer than other bikers. Another study, from the "European Journal of Sport Science," indicated that pre-workout caffeine can increase muscular force and power. More research from the "American Journal of Physiology" even shows that consuming caffeine before a workout can help accelerate fat loss!
4. Join a workout challenge There are all kinds of great fitness challenges online, which offer nutritional tips and workout advice. One of the great things about a challenge is that it not only helps you learn more about nutrition and the gym, but it can also give you a concrete workout schedule.
5. Avoid late night snacking One of the easiest ways to eat healthier is by cutting out unneeded snacks. If you watch TV at night, it's pretty easy to grab a bag of chips or microwave a bag of popcorn to eat while sitting on the couch. Try to cut out these unnecessary calories. If you eat a protein-packed, healthy dinner then you shouldn't feel the need to snack later. However, if you must snack try a cup of raw almonds or Krispy kale chips.
6. Make your desserts healthier Ok, if you absolutely can't go without desert then at least make it as healthy as possible. The recipe below is great because it satisfies your sweet tooth and each serving is just 30 calories.
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pops Ingredients • 1 cup of chopped strawberries • 1 cup of Greek yogurt • 1/4 cup of strawberry whey protein isolate • 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice Directions • Place 1/2 cup of strawberries, yogurt, strawberry BiPro and orange juice in a blender and puree until smooth. • Divide remaining strawberries into desired molds. Pour pureed mixture over chopped fruit. • Insert sticks and freeze for at least 5 hours.
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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 1, 2017
Ad
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One Heart Magazine
www.heartbeatsaveslives.org
Marketing W I T H R E A L R E S U LT S By Ashley Pontius
It is no secret that the face of healthcare is changing. Insurance policies and reimbursements continue to morph while patients are being more selective about their care due to rising premiums. All of this coupled with the ever-changing nature of the industry creates a unique landscape for marketing where traditional strategies aren’t cutting it for the modern physician. In order to compete, practices need to adapt and evolve. In doing so, it is more important than ever to have a coherent marketing strategy in place to sustain a competitive advantage and attract new patients while still retaining current patients. 14
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
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M
uch like there is no “magic pill” to cure all patients, there is no “magic plan” to help grow all practices as each practice has different objectives and obstacles. However, a comprehensive marketing plan will ensure you are increasing your patient volume from all potential referral sources, including other physicians, word-of-mouth and online. You need to know what results you want from your marketing efforts with realistic expectations. For example, is there a certain insurance you want more patients from, is there a certain procedure that you enjoy more or pays more, is there a new physician in the practice whose schedule needs to be filled? “The days of patients going to the nearest doctor to their home are gone. Patients are much more educated now, and they’re willing to go the extra mile for an expert in his or her field of medicine,” says Michele Krohn, the Founder and President of Full Circle PR, a medical practice marketing and public relations agency in Tampa, Florida. “Patients are looking for solutions to their problems; it is up to you to market the key benefits of your practice and procedures.” Krohn’s firm uses a multitier approach to diversifying your public relations and marketing strategies reaching the following: • Your current patient base • Potential new patients in the community • Your current referral sources • Potential referral sources
How to Start “First and foremost, focus on your brand,” says Krohn. “Having a solid, up-to-date brand is essential these days. Develop a logo and color scheme that relates to the image you're aiming to convey, and use it in all your materials: letterhead, website, brochures and signage. Repeating your logo and color scheme is the shortest path to memorability.” If you are okay with being in front of a TV camera or talking to a newspaper reporter, media relations should be part of your public relations and marketing strategy. “There is no better way to reach a large audience and be viewed as an expert then being featured on the news,” says Issue 2, 2017
Krohn. “Reporters want to hear about new, innovative procedures and heart warming patient stories, and they need you to tell those stories.”
Communicating with Current Patients Do your current patients know all the services you have to offer? You should be reaching out to your current patient base via e-newsletters on a regular basis, and inviting them to follow you on social media. Sending patients an e-newsletter is a great way to keep top of mind awareness and communicate any news in the office. Tips pertaining to your specialty are always well received by patients. For example, if you are an E.N.T., “How to Combat Allergies” will get a high open rate.
How to Find Patients To reach out to potential new patients in the community, Full Circle PR recommends starting by thinking about the demographic of your ideal patient and then finding where you would have them as an audience. For example, if you are a pediatrician, you want to look for any child-focused community events, such as a children’s parade. For orthopedics, look for sporting events like 5Ks and other weekend warrior events around your practice. Contact the organizer and ask how you can get involved. Having a booth at an event, with great promotional items and literature about how your practice can help a patient is a sure way to gain new patients to your practice.
Physician Referral Sources Do you know where exactly are your patients coming from? “In a perfect world, there would be two questions pertaining to marketing on the patient’s intake form, ‘where did you hear about us?’ and ‘where did you get our contact information?’” Krohn said. “We often find that our clients have a real discrepancy between the physician’s perception of where their patients are coming from and the raw data. They may think that another doctor is sending them several patients a week, when it’s really only one or two a month when you pull the actual reports.” That’s why it’s crucial for a physician’s staff to accurately report where each patient
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
who walks in the door is coming from, as it lays the foundation for which marketing resources are effectively allocated. If you are a specialist, the largest source of referrals should be from your colleagues. Physicians should make it a priority to reach out to their colleagues, even if it is a simple phone call to say hello. Thank you cards go along way, especially when a new referral source sends you a patient for the first time. Saying thank you in a template report is generic an insincere. Is that how you want to be thought of? Another successful way to reach out to both current referring physicians and potential referring physicians is with e-newsletters and case studies. The case studies are like mini white papers, either based on a procedure you would like to highlight or a great patient outcome. Even sending journal articles that would interest referring physicians is a great touch point. It differentiates you from your competition and shows you were thinking of them. “Just last week, we had a family practice physician reply back to our orthopedic client’s e-newsletter containing a case study, thanking them for sending such interesting articles,” Krohn said.
Other Referral Sources Is “word of mouth” in the top three highest referral sources for your practice? If not, it should be and you should survey your patients to see if something is happening that you are unaware of. These analytics can help your practice become more successful in the long run. Have you Googled yourself lately? What types of reviews do you have? Have you responded within HIPAA guidelines to your reviewers? Even if a patient is putting your name into Google Maps, your reviews are right there. If you have no or a low number of stars, they may think twice about coming to you. Put yourself in their shoes, you and your spouse are going to dinner and you type the restaurant’s name into Google Maps for directions and it has bad reviews. Would you still go? Your online presence needs to be constantly monitored by yourself or someone within your practice. Remember, building a practice and gaining more patients takes time. The key to any successful marketing plan is being persistent and consistent.
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Advancing Heart Disease Treatment with Adult Stem Cell Therapy
By Lori Slenker, RN BSN
A
dvances in cardiovascular treatments have resulted in a decreased mortality rate from heart attacks. Despite this, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and heart failure remains a public health issue affecting a staggering 5.7 million adults (CDC, 2017). Of this population remains a growing category of patients who do not respond to pharmacologic, surgical or device therapies. Having exhausted current treatment possibilities, these “no-option” patients suffer daily from debilitating symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Cardiac stem cell therapy utilizing autologous (a patient’s own) adult stem cells is a promising innovation, offering the opportunity to address symptoms, function, and quality of life for no-option patients with heart disease and heart failure. Though not a cure for cardiovascular disease, robust clinical evidence points to cell therapy as the next phase in the evolution of cardiac care—welcome news for those previously categorized as untreatable.
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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2017
Heart Failure Treatment: An Evolution The earliest heart failure treatment options were limited to activity restrictions or bedrest while natural diuretics and homeopathic remedies were utilized as adjunctive treatment. In 1785, William Withering wrote a paper entitled, “An Account of the Foxglove and Some of its Medical Uses; With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases.” Dropsy is now thought to have been a manifestation of congestive heart failure, and although his methods of investigation were ethically questionable, ostensibly Withering’s experimentation with foxglove (scientifically known as digitalis) dosing ultimately led to further studies as well as the development of the drug that is utilized today (Sacks, Jarcho & Curfman, 2014). In 1972 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified digoxin— derived from the leaves of the digitalis plant—as a “new drug.” However, it was not until September 1997 that digoxin in oral form gained approval for use in treating congestive heart failure (FDA, 2000). The development of medications that dilate blood vessels (vasodilators) ushered in a greater reliance on pharmaceutical treatment for heart failure. Diuretics and digoxin continued to be widely used while positive inotrope therapy was also available to assist the practitioner in the management of heart failure by increasing the strength of muscular contraction. In further efforts to manage symptoms, surgical procedures such as bypass grafting and stent deployment as well as implantable devices such as pacemakers were developed for use in conjunction with pharmacologic options towards the goal of maximizing cardiac efficiency, thereby increasing cardiac output (Sacks, Jarcho & Curfman, 2014). Despite remarkable progress and early detection programs, a growing pool of patients continue to live with debilitating symptoms and a poor quality of life. Both practitioners and patients are met with challenges of the existing treatment model—adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, complications and the daunting prospect of heart transplant. For those whom the current standards of care are unsatisfactory, or for whom the transplant is unacceptable, cardiac stem cell therapy presents a new option which recruits natural repair mechanisms in a minimally-invasive way.
Early Promise of Cardiac Stem Cell Research In April, 2003, Emerson Perin, MD, PhD from Texas Heart Institute presented to the scientific sessions audience at the American College of Cardiology meeting, discussing his findings from a small cardiac cell therapy clinical trial conducted in Rio de Janeiro (SoRelle, 2003). He reported that patients Issue 2, 2017
who received intramyocardial injections of adult stem cells had experienced: • No major procedural complications • Improved symptoms in terms of heart failure and chest pain classification • Improvement in functional capacity • Dramatic changes in terms of lifestyle for many Some years later, the 2012 APOLLO cardiac trial demonstrated the safety and feasibility of using autologous adipose-derived stem cells within thirty-six hours of a heart attack to reduce the infarct size and amount of scarring and remodeling (Schulman & Hare, 2012). In 2014, Perin et al published results from the small but rigorous PRECISE trial, which demonstrated that patients who receive adipose-derived stem cells via intramyocardial injections experienced decreased symptoms of heart failure and a slight increase in ejection fraction (EF) at 6 months posttreatment.
Cardiac Cell Therapy Today Adult stem cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are repair cells that are found in many tissues of the body and have been studied comprehensively in bone marrow. As a plentiful and potent source of MSCs, adipose tissue has become a research focus for the potential to treat a variety of complex, unmet healthcare needs including heart failure (Fraser, Wulur, Alfonso & Hedrick, 2006). Adipose-derived MSCs have demonstrated superiority to bone marrow-derived cells, an observation thought to be attributed to the fact that there are up to 2,500 more cells per gram of fat than cells per gram of bone marrow (Baer, 2014). In addition, the use of adipose stem cells circumvents the problem of age and disease-related decline in potency seen in bone marrow cells, making them an ideal harvesting source among patients in the aging population (Dimmeler & Leri, 2008). Autologous MSCs can be harvested from an individual and returned to the same individual. Much like surgeons utilize veins from a patient’s leg to use in the heart or skin grafts from one area of a person’s body to repair another, procedures conducted in this way eliminate the issue of cell rejection as well as the need for immunosuppressant drugs. When transplanted into the human heart, autologous ADRCs have demonstrated the capacity to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and regulate inflammation and remodeling as well as fibrosis (Shah & Heldman, 2017).
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Intramyocardial Injection of MSCs: Goals of Therapy The first and foremost goal with any new line of therapy is patient safety. In the aforementioned clinical trials, intramyocardial injection of MSCs as well as the procedure necessary for stem cell harvesting has been safe and welltolerated by most patients with minimal complications. Secondarily, goals of this therapy remain akin to predecessor treatments, targeting relief of symptoms, improvements in functional capacity and a better quality of life. A broader understanding of factors at play in heart disease as well as the paracrine mechanisms of MSCs has enabled researchers to more deeply comprehend the opportunities for cell therapy to provide a benefit (Farini et al, 2014). For example, the role of inflammation, scarring (such as the infarct created post-heart attack) and insufficient blood flow (ischemia) in heart disease each correlate with the key capacities of MSCs, which include: • Stimulation of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis); • Anti-inflammatory effects; • Reduction in scarring (anti-fibrosis); • Prevention of premature heart muscle cell death (anti-apoptosis); and • The recruiting of other cells necessary for repairing or replacing damaged myocardium.
Shaping the Future of Safe, Effective Heart Disease Treatment Published research to-date has been very encouraging towards cell therapy as the next phase in cardiac care. However, treatment accessibility remains limited in the United States except for in clinical trials which are subject to acceptance criteria geared toward a specific patient 18
profile in order to provide a clean, focused view of the data. Despite promising evidence, a healthy debate exists as to whether cardiac cell therapy is proven enough for patients outside of a clinical trial. While safety has been strongly established, some questions loom as to whether the many small trials provide enough evidence to treat CHF patients today, or whether further research in the setting of a multimillion dollar phase III trial is necessary before doing so. In the case of no-option heart disease, collecting observational data may be the only method for timely evaluation in this population with significantly limited lifespan. By the time a phase III trial is completed, many of these patients will have lost their lives.
Founded with the same mission as the early cardiac cell therapy researchers, Okyanos Cell Therapy is a free-standing stem cell treatment center located in Freeport, Grand Bahama. After developing treatment protocols utilizing data from the PRECISE cardiac trial, Okyanos became The Bahamas’ first licensed adult stem cell treatment facility under the nation’s Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act of 2013, and began treating patients in October, 2014. More than 60 human cardiac cell therapy trials have been conducted since 2001, exploring different cell types and protocols collectively paving the way toward a bright future of safer and more effective care for heart disease.
References: Baer, P. C. (2014). Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells: An update on their phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Retrieved April 11, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4131268/ Centers for Disease Control. (2017). Heart failure fact sheet. Retrieved April 10, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/ dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/docs/fs_heart_failure.pdf Dimmeler, S., & Leri, A. (2008, June 06). Aging and disease as modifiers of efficacy of cell therapy. Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://circres.ahajournals.org/content/102/11/1319?ijkey=d6ae7b171b4c84853464aa2b6ad3459efc226e72&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha Farini, A., Sitzia, C., Erratico, S., M. M., & Torrente, Y. (2014, April 30). Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic diseases. Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/2014/306573/ Fraiche, A. M., Eapen, Z. J., & McClellan, M. B. (2017, April 3). The future of telehealth in HF. Retrieved April 10, 2017, from http://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/04/03/11/30/the-future-oftelehealth-in-hf?w_nav=Tab Fraser, J. K., Wulur, I., Alfonso, Z., & Hedrick, M. H. (2006, April). Fat tissue: an underappreciated source of stem cells for biotechnology. Retrieved April 23, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16488036 Penn, M. S., Ellis, S., Gandhi, S., Greenbaum, A., Hodes, Z., Mendelsohn, F., . . . Sherman, W. (2011). Adventitial delivery of an allogenic bone marrow-derived adherent stem cell in acute myocardial infarction: Phase I clinical study. Circulation Research, 304-311. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.111.25.3427 Perin, E. C., Sanz-Ruiz, R., Sanchez, P. L., Lasso, J., Perez-Cano, R., Alonso-Farto, J. C., . . . Fernandez-Aviles, F. (2014). Adipose-derived regenerative cells in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: The PRECISE Trial. American Heart Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2017, from http://www.ahjonline.com/article/ S0002-8703(14)00168-9/pdf Sacks, C. A., Jarcho, J. A., & Curfman, G. D. (2014). Paradigm shifts in heart failure therapy-A timeline. The New England Journal of Medicine, 989-991. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1410241 Schulman, I.H., & Hare, J. M. (2012). Key developments in stem cell therapy in cardiology. Regenerative Medicine, 17-24. Retrieved April 15, 2017 Shah, S., & Heldman, A. W. (2017). Stem cell therapy in heart failure (pp. 727-747). London: Springer-Verlag. doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-4219-5_31 SoRelle, R. (2003, May 13). A new route to revascularization. Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/107/18/e9040
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Issue 2, 2017
THE CHANGING FACE OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE By Ashley Pontius
Self-Funded Care Offers Companies and Employees More Flexibility Issue 2, 2017
A
merica’s healthcare landscape is in transition. A new administration, the promise from the White House and Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and skyrocketing medical costs are contributing to confusion among providers, physicians, patients and their employers. Benefits leaders are now having to seek out new and innovative solutions to better suit their workforces. That is exactly what prompted executives at Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida, part of the Ortho Care Florida physician’s group, to look into self-funded healthcare under Health Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Plans Inc., a Harvard Pilgrim company, and national leader in self-funded benefit programs. “Over the past several years, companies of all sizes have had to address the challenge of rising insurance rates, by passing the costs on to employees. Companies still shoulder the lion’s share of the bill, but worker contributions have still increased. All the while employee’s satisfaction with their insurance continues to decline. Self-funding allows businesses to save money and increase services, at little CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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to no risk,” says Peter Connolly, Jr., the Regional Sales Manager for Health Plans Inc. Connolly and a panel of associates, were in Tampa bay recently, attending a dinner sponsored by Ortho Care Florida, to educate other business leaders on the benefits of the self-funding model. Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida’s CEO, Dan Polen, signed on to the plan when he found out that it would save his company thousands of dollars a year, while his employees kept the same level and quality of healthcare coverage. With a conventional fully-insured plan, employers pay fixed premiums to an insurance company who is responsible for the payment of employees’ claims and who may keep any surplus that remains at the end of the year. In a self-funded plan, employers establish an account to pay their employees’ claims directly and fund that account when claims are ready to be paid. Employers who selffund typically seek the assistance of a third-party administrator to oversee
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claim payments and other administrative services. “Expenses for self-funded plans are lower than fully funded insurance because self-funding does not include the marketing costs or profit margins of traditional insurance. These plans are also exempt from state insurance regulations and premium taxes under federal law,” said Paul Forte, the Vice President of Health Strategies & Innovation at Health Plans Inc. Self-funded benefits can include medical, dental, vision, prescription medications and workers compensation. Costs vary monthly depending on an individual’s use of health services, making these plans particularly attractive for employees that only use services these benefits sparingly. Employers can also tailor plans to their individual workforce, something that is particularly attractive in the medical field. “This really allows a company to address the special needs of their own workforce. For example, a construction firm may want more coverage for injury care, while a company with a lot of young
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
employees may choose a plan with maximum family planning benefits,” said Forte. Employers are also able to purchase stop-loss insurance to cover any large unforeseen claims. Jay Sullivan, who founded Sullivan Associates Insurance 50 years ago, explains that this model has been around for decades. It was previously used by unions and large organizations, but in today’s changing environment, more small and medium sized companies are signing on. “We know that it is a win-win for both employers and employees. The company saves money while increasing productivity, and employees get access to the most well suited coverage for their lifestyle, often dropping their premiums to the lowest possible level,” said Sullivan. This also allow companies, especially small firms, to attract and retain top talent. As Sullivan puts it, “Self-funding levels the playing field for businesses of all sizes, even those with just handful of employees.” A playing field that continues to change in today’s healthcare environment.
Issue 2, 2017
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And the bloom continues...
F
By Kristin Wright lowers are in full bloom and are bolder than ever. Exquisite floral bouquets are seen throughout summer collections for both men and women in apparel and accessories. Prints are ranging from the smallest scale, almost creating illusions, to the opposite side of the spectrum with large florals popping through neutral backgrounds. This summer, blooms transition into bold is more beautiful. Brocade florals have even eased their way into top fashion. Gucci has done an amazing job incorporating these dramatic prints into accessories and apparel collections.
Pair It. Wear It. Ladies • Bold is beautiful. Although florals continue from season to season, designers have changed their approach for summer. Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren have captured and mastered this trend once again! • Pair a printed pleated maxi or midi skirt with a plain tank, tee or bodysuit that pops one of the colors in the print. A belt can be added to the waist to finish the look whether the shirt is tucked or worn over the skirt. Add a strappy flat sandal or wedge. • With this trend, don’t be afraid to add another pop of floral to your handbag! 3-D designs are found on both shoes and bags this season. • A Perfect match. Matching sets are paired together to create a full bloom. Instead of incorporating a solid to break-up prints, I dare you to wear it as a matching set! Print on prints on prints. Pair your complete floral with a solid bag and a sneaker for casual daytime look. Men • Short sleeve button-ups are a timeless piece to keep on hand in your wardrobe for all seasons. Dramatic prints can be paired for summer with a Chino short and slip-on sneaker or boat shoe for a daytime look. • Pair a fun print by Double Rainbouu or Billy Reid with a Hurley Dri-Fit Chino Short, available in a variety of basic colors. The fabrication on this short allows for versatility in your look. Complete with a slip on classic Sperry boat shoe, or a slip on sneaker by Vince.
Pair It. Wear It. Ladies
GINGHAM & PLAID The 80’s make an entrance with Gingham and plaids. Collections are incorporating elements that take you back into the fashion time machine. Classic print. New twist. Gingham is seen from head to toe and can be incorporated easily into your wardrobe. This season, the classic black and white print is also found in pop colors—shades of pink, blues and even brights. Plaids are also bright and playful for summer.
Shine bright for summer by pairing and wearing! 22
• Pair a gingham printed bottom with a solid top or vice versa. A white bottom with a printed black and white gingham top is a classic look. Add a pop of color to the lips, shoes and handbag. Red is my go to and completes the look nicely. • Try a monochromatic look and piece it together with a gingham printed shoe and handbag. All white with a pop of gingham anyone? J. Crew has great dresses, tops and shoes in their current collection that are right on trend. Men • Add a colorful summer plaid to a basic sandcolored short. Khaki and off white carry over from spring. Unbutton a short sleeve woven and layer with a basic tee or tank. Finish with a simple boat shoe like the Boothbay or Pinch Weekender by Cole Haan. • Incorporate plaid or gingham in a short or shoe. Lacoste, Tommy Bahama and J. Crew have a great selection whether you are looking for subtle or bold. Pair a plain t-shirt or short sleeve button up with your printed short. When working with a printed shoe, the key is to keep the rest of the outfit basic so that you don’t take away from the details in the shoe. Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2017
AFRICA
ASIA
EUROPE
LATIN AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
NORTH AMERICA
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