Latest news with #BonSecoursSt.Francis
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Contract dispute could impact thousands needing medical attention
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – UnitedHealthcare members in South Carolina could soon lose access to treatment and doctors at Bon Secours due to a contact dispute. Bon Secours and UnitedHealthcare have a contact that is set to expire July 1. Both said they are at opposite ends of the bargaining table, requiring to continue working with each other. Come July 1, if an agreement is not reached between the companies, the two will no longer continue services as part of an in-network option for patients. This would mean if patients still wanted to see there Bon Secours doctor under UnitedHealthcare's insurance, they could, but would pay out-of-pocket and at a much higher cost. Bon Secours said they have been in negotiations since January, and around 30,000 patients will be impacted if an agreement is not reached. Both companies said the other is asking too much. 'We've made repeated efforts to secure a fair agreement that reflects today's health care environment, but UnitedHealthcare continues to underpay compared to market standards,' said Matt Caldwell, President, Bon Secours Greenville market. Bon Secours said they are working towards an agreement that would allow them to continue providing high quality care to patients, but UnitedHealthcare said that the rate they are asking them to pay them is too high. 'Bon Secours St. Francis is seeking a price increase of nearly 32% for our commercial plans over the next three years, along with a substantial rate hike for our Medicare Advantage plans, which would make them the most expensive in our South Carolina network.' said Trasee Carr, Corporate Communications with UnitedHealthcare. Through four months of negotiations, both companies state they are only looking out for the best interest of their patients. 'We are committed to doing everything possible to avoid any network disruption,' said officials at Bon Secours. They called out UnitedHealthcare, saying their unwillingness to collaborate threatens to disrupt care for thousands of patients. 'Our top priority is to reach an agreement that remains affordable and ensures continued access to the health system,' UnitedHealthcare responded. 'We hope Bon Secours St. Francis shares our commitment and collaborates on solutions that South Carolina families and employers can afford.' At this time, it is unclear if either party is willing to come closer to fulfilling what the other is asking of them. UnitedHealthcare tells us they proposed an offer to Bon Secours to extend their current contract through July if negotiations are still ongoing, however they said Bon Secours refused that offer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ask the Expert: Alcohol use and cancer
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)— A new trend is brewing– non-alcoholic beverages. A survey by NC Solutions shows nearly forty-nine percent of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol in 2025. As part of our 'Ask the Expert' series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis, 7NEWS spoke with a doctor who says trading a cocktail for a mocktail can lower your risk of cancer. Sixty-two percent of American adults say they drink alcohol, according to the Pew Research Center, but every sip can pose a risk to your health, according to health experts. 'There is a relationship between many common types of cancer and alcohol use,' said Dr. Stephen Dyar. As a growing number of Americans opt for a sober lifestyle, Dr. Stephen Dyar, Bon Secour's Medical Director of Oncology, says that's a good thing. 'Even light users of alcohol, who have one drink a day, may be at slightly increased risk of certain types of cancers,' said Dr. Dyar. Consuming any type of alcohol, including beer, wine or spirits, increases your risk for cancer. 'There are several cancers for which the risk is increased for people who are alcohol users. Primarily, we think that for aerodigestive tumors, things like throat cancer or esophagus cancer, but a couple of the other ones that we do see–liver cancer is more common in alcohol users,' said Dr. Dyar. For women, there's another cancer risk that goes up with alcohol use. 'There is also a slightly increased risk of breast cancer for women who are alcohol users,' said Dr. Dyar. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says over 20,000 people die from alcohol-related cancers in the United States every year. Dr. Dyarr says it's simple–the less you drink, the lower your risk. 'If you're going to consume alcohol, doing it in moderation is the lowest, the lowest risk for developing cancer related to that. The more alcohol consumption that you participate in, unfortunately, the higher your cancer risk is going to be,' said Dr. Dyar. If you believe you are struggling with excessive alcohol use or have questions about how to drink less, reach out to your doctor. To submit a health topic for our 'Ask the Expert' series, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Likelihood bird flu is exposed to humans
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Avian influenza, also known as Bird Flu, is a viral infection that spreads among birds, cows, and other animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, it's not only animals that can contract the disease, researchers said some people can too. As part of our 'Ask the Expert' series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis, 7NEWS spoke with a health expert about the signs and symptoms. 'It's primarily transmitted to birds, to birds, but in recent cases, there has been transmission through to humans and to animals as well,' said Amanda Leonard. Bon Secours nurse practitioner, Amanda Leonard, broke down the signs and symptoms of Avian Influenza. While health experts said it's primarily spread among wild and domesticated bird populations, Leonard said some other animals, even people, could be exposed. The symptoms are commonly associated with the flu. 'So since the bird flu is in the family of influenza A you're going to have similar symptoms to influenza. So you're going to have a cough, congestion, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body aches,and fatigue. Sometimes you can get some conjunctivitis, which is just an eye infection, as well as some shortness of breath,' said Leonard. While uncommon among humans, Leonard said those who work directly with poultry, waterfowl, and cows are most at risk. 'You would have to be in close contact with the infected poultry, either through their nasal secretions, their saliva or feces,' said Leonard. 'Symptoms usually develop about two to 10 days after exposure of the infected bird.' Since March of last year, experts from the CDC have said more than 15,000 people have been exposed to infected animals, but less than 70 human cases were confirmed. 'Unfortunately, there's no test for bird flu. However, since it's in the family of influenza A, you can always get tested for influenza A, and your test will be positive,' said Leonard. That's why Leonard said it's important to know the signs and symptoms and practice living a healthy lifestyle. 'Currently there is no vaccine. So, the best way to prevent this is proper hand washing and just staying away from infected birds and poultry,' said Leonard. 'If you do get infected, there is an antiviral, Tamiflu, which helps with the symptoms and decreases the risk of pneumonia as well as hospitalization.' Doctors said those with weaker immune systems, chronic health conditions, as well as pregnant women are more at risk of developing the illness if they are exposed. If you have questions, concerns or think you might have been exposed to Bird Flu be sure to contact your primary care physician. To submit a health topic for our 'Ask the Expert' series, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
