Latest news with #BlueCrossBlueShieldofMichigan
Associated Press
26-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Acorn Health Expands Autism Diagnostic Services in Michigan
CORAL GABLES, Fla., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acorn Health, a leading provider of applied behavioral analysis therapy, now offers autism spectrum disorder (ASD) testing and diagnostic services across Northern Michigan and Southeast Michigan for children aged 24 months through 18 years of age. As an Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC) of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Acorn Health is pleased to expand its diagnostic services, initially launched in the state in 2023, in response to an increased need for access to care in the state. Autism diagnostic services are now offered in Cadillac, Gaylord, Grand Rapids – East Paris, Grand Rapids-Kentwood, Traverse City, Clinton Township, and Livonia. 'The rates of ASD are rising, and Acorn Health is pleased to expand psychological diagnostic testing to meet this fast-growing need,' said head of Acorn Health diagnostic services Dr. Gregory Worthington, Psy.D., BCBA-D, licensed clinical psychologist. 'If a child is showing signs of ASD, we provide comprehensive psychological testing to clarify any issues and make an accurate diagnosis, which is vital to developing effective treatment plans. Once we make a diagnosis, we partner with families to plan and access appropriate therapies, included applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, if warranted.' Worthington notes early identification of ASD can open the door to support and resources that create lasting and meaningful change in the life of a child and their family. Potential signs of ASD include difficulty engaging with others, delayed speech or language development, repetitive movements such as hand-flapping or rocking, intense focus on specific interests or activities, sensitivity to sounds, textures, or other sensory experiences, and challenges with social interaction or play. Acorn Health's autism diagnostic services are available through a combination of in-person and telehealth options, depending on clinical appropriateness, family convenience and location. 'We regularly receive inquiries for diagnostic services in southeast Michigan and have families driving long distances for access to testing,' said Krista Boe, M.A., BCBA, LBA, chief clinical officer of Acorn Health. 'We want to be sure we're doing all that we can to help families find the answers they're often desperately seeking.' According to Boe, the quality of testing that Worthington and his team provides, from initial screenings to testing, reporting and beyond provides a best-in-class experience and sets Acorn Health apart from other centers providing diagnostic services. 'Learning a child has ASD can be difficult for a family,' Boe added. 'I think it's important for all involved to understand that sometimes the outcome of testing is not what was desired or expected. Our diagnostics team is committed to ensuring families are equipped to make the next set of important decisions for their child.' Acorn Health accepts most insurances to make autism assessment and diagnostic services accessible to families throughout the region. Families can learn more by contacting Acorn Health's diagnostics coordinator at [email protected]. About Acorn Health: Acorn Health is an accredited Behavioral Health Center of Excellence® offering both center-based and in-home services nationwide in more than 70 centers located throughout Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Founded in 2018, Acorn is committed to providing industry-leading quality clinical care through applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy to give children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) the opportunity to live more independent and meaningful lives. Cases of ASD are on the rise; according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, one in 36 children is living with ASD. ABA therapy, a program endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, provides individualized plans for each patient based on agreed upon clear, measurable goals with the child's family. Acorn Health uses its proprietary Behavioral Health Index to measure success in ways that are easily understood by families, clinicians and educators. To inquire about ABA therapy at Acorn Health, please call 844.244.1818.
CBS News
14-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in talks to settle lawsuits over fired workers and COVID-19 vaccine
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is in talks to possibly settle more than 100 lawsuits by employees who were fired after declining to get a COVID-19 vaccination, court records show. The disclosure comes three months after a jury awarded more than $12 million to a woman who had worked at the company for more than 30 years. Much of that award will likely be reduced because of a cap on punitive damages. But in a court filing, lawyers for Blue Cross and Lisa Domski asked a federal judge to put her case on hold Thursday while they work with a mediator to try to reach a "global resolution" over similar lawsuits. Blue Cross and Noah Hurwitz, the attorney representing Domski and many other former employees, declined to comment further Friday. Domski, an IT specialist, said she was a victim of religious discrimination. Blue Cross in 2021 did not grant an exemption from its COVID-19 vaccine policy, despite her insistence that the vaccine clashed with her Catholic beliefs. Her attorney, John Marko says, Domski, who worked for the insurer for nearly 38 years, provided a written statement explaining her beliefs and the name and contact information of her priest. Marko says Blue Cross told Domski that she could use her written statement. He says the company instead denied Domski's accommodation and told her she would be fired if she didn't get the vaccine. Domaski refused and was terminated, Marko said. Blue Cross denied any discrimination and said it believed Domski lacked a sincere religious belief. A jury in November awarded Domski about $1.7 million in lost pay, $1 million in noneconomic damages and $10 million in punitive damages. U.S. District Judge David Lawson heard arguments in January about reducing the amount. But he didn't make an immediate decision. Domski's lawyers acknowledged that punitive damages cannot exceed $300,000.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Phoenix-area pharmacist sentenced in $13M insurance fraud case
An Arizona pharmacist was one of four people sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice announced earlier in February that Phoenix-area pharmacist Raef Hamaed was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Hamaed received the harshest punishment among the four. The other three defendants received sentences in January of two to seven years in prison, DOJ said. The last defendant was sentenced on Feb. 6 to five years and five months in prison. The agency said the four men billed Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications they did not disperse at five pharmacies they owned and operated. Three pharmacies were located in Michigan, and the other two were in Ohio. Hamaed was convicted for his role in the conspiracy at all five pharmacies in September 2024, according to the agency. The other defendants were convicted for their role at specific pharmacies. The DOJ stated the fraud cost Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan a $13 million loss. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona pharmacist gets 10 years in prison for $13M insurance fraud
CBC
07-02-2025
- CBC
Windsor pharmacist gets 7 years in prison in U.S. health care fraud case
A Windsor pharmacist has been sentenced in a U.S. court to seven years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud. Tarek Fakhuri was one of four pharmacists who collectively billed Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications that they did not dispense at five pharmacies they owned and operated, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Losses amounted to more than $13 million US to Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the DOJ said. Fakhuri was sentenced for his role at Harper Drugs and Wayne Campus Pharmacy in Michigan and Heartland Pharmacy in Ohio.
