Urgent care centers are a hot health care trend nationwide and in Western North Carolina. With the recent arrival of new urgent care facilities and more in the works, Xpress looks at where these facilities are and what needs they serve.
Tag: Mission Health
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Opioid abuse takes center stage at town hall
A town hall meeting on Jan. 30 at A-B Tech sought to describe the scope of the opioid epidemic. In 2016, 17 million painkillers were prescribed in Buncombe County, which amounts to about 68 pills for every person in the county.
Mission, Blue Cross dispute left patients searching for alternatives
The contract dispute between Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mission Health put many locals in an awkward position: risk out-of-network rates at Mission or find a more Blue Cross-friendly alternative.
WNC hospitals undertake antibiotic stewardship to combat resistance
Antibiotic resistance has become a serious problem, causing infections that can’t be treated and thousands deaths every year in the U.S. as a result. Many hospitals, including several local ones, have created antibiotic stewardship programs, which develop strategies for the appropriate use of antibiotics while decreasing the chance of bacteria becoming resistant to them.
Asheville High School hosts community debate about health care
Nine local panelists recently debated a fundamental question about health care: Is it a right or a commodity?
Mission back in Blue Cross network effective Dec. 15
Mission Health has reached an agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina that will bring Mission back into the Blue Cross networks effective Dec. 15. The announcement comes after months of public debate and the termination of its contract with Blue Cross on Oct. 5. All patients with BCBSNC insurance will be able to […]
Helping a father prepare for his daughter’s future care
“For more than a decade, Mission Health and Pisgah Legal Services have worked together through the HEALS Project, a special medical-legal partnership that addresses critical legal issues that impact the health of low-income patients.”
ICYMI: Xpress stories from the issue of Sept. 27, 2017
From the area’s largest single construction project to fall planting, Xpress has the scoop on local fall happenings. Here are some of our best stories from the previous week to keep you reading as you wait for our next issue, coming to a paper box near you on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Mission Health and BCBSNC continue to battle over contract
Contract negotiations between Mission Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina remain at an impasse as the renewal deadline looms in less than a month. Meanwhile, Park Ridge Health and Pardee Hospital make preparations to take up the slack.
On the sword’s edge
Asheville, N.C.
Nurses in Mission’s NICU go above and beyond
In Mission’s NICU, the youngest patients in the hospital system and their parents receive extraordinary levels of care and support that help these babies through their roughest moments and then go on to thrive. These stories will break your heart and open it at the same time.
War for the plan of the apes
Asheville, N.C.
Fix it: Commissioners tell Mission, Blue Cross to end dispute
As the deadline approaches for a contract between Mission Health and BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina to expire, Buncombe County commissioners are urging the two organizations to get a deal done.
Universal preschool access could help next generation thrive
An diverse and influential group looks to incrementally implement universal preschool in Buncombe County. Xpress takes an in-depth look at the organization, logistics and potential costs behind the effort.
Nonprofits scramble to adjust to new overtime requirement
A new federal regulation requiring employers to pay workers earning less than $47,476 per year time and a half for overtime could have an outsize impact on the nonprofit sector. Traditionally, many nonprofits have relied on folks who were more interested in following their passion than in earning top dollar or keeping track of hours.
Local female business leaders honored at inaugural WomanUP networking event
The capacity crowd joined staff members of the CoC, event sponsors and colleagues to share breakfast and network with fellow women professionals from a diverse array of local industries. After the breakfast, an awards ceremony recognized three local female leaders in business, executive leadership and the nonprofit world.
Letter writer: Mission Health offers apology and explanation
“Sadly, what she experienced is a Medicare requirement that hospitals are forced to comply with even though we know it isn’t the best for patient care.”
Letter writer: Insurance issues cloud hospital stay
“From a patient’s perspective, it is very difficult to intelligently discuss insurance issues while on mind-altering medications and struggling to breathe.”
Patient with Zika treated at Mission
Mission Health has confirmed that a patient was treated for the Zika virus earlier this month. Dr. Chris DeRienzo, chief quality officer for Mission, said in a statement released by the hospital that the person was treated and released during the weekend of Aug. 13. “The virus was not contracted locally,” the statement said. “The […]
Mission, GE Healthcare partnership aims to reduce medical test costs
A new partnership between Mission Health and GE Healthcare, announced at a press conference Friday morning, could save the health care system and consumers more than $40 million in unnecessary health care costs over the decadelong course of the project.The partnership calls for optimization of imaging experience and use, as well as easing patient-care […]
Mission pilots patient-observer system to reduce fall injuries
With technology developed for the video gaming industry, Mission Health is piloting a groundbreaking observation system designed to prevent costly patient falls. The Cerner Patient Observer allows technicians to watch vulnerable patients remotely, talk to them and call for help when they attempt to get out of bed and risk hurting themselves in a fall. “It’s […]