Latest news with #NMHS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NMHS terminates UHC Medicare Advantage agreements
TUPELO – After nearly a year of negotiating, North Mississippi Health Services facilities and providers have terminated, as of May 31, agreements with United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage, as well as Medicaid-required Dual Special Needs Medicare Advantage plans. For those on one of these two United Healthcare Advantage plans, NMHS providers and facilities are now out of network. NMHS will remain in network for UHC commercial- and employer-sponsored plans. This change does not affect a vast majority of independent providers. For example, Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi is independent. It is crucial for those on these plans to know if their plan is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) — it makes a difference. If your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is a PPO, that means the plan offers out-of-network benefits, and NMHS can continuing offering its services. But if your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is an HMO, no benefits include out-of-network benefits. If you are not certain if your UHC Medicare Advantage plan is an HMO or a PPO, your card has the information. Look carefully — it's there. Each fall there is an annual enrollment period for making changes to Medicare. However, from January through March, seniors who purchased an Advantage plan but may not have been clear on its benefits, may return to traditional Medicare, if they desire. This with dual eligibility, having both Medicare and Medicaid, can make changes every month and are not locked into an entire calendar year. "Advantage plans are not a bad thing," said Wally Davis, vice president of NMHS Payor Strategy & Partnerships. "But people just need to understand the benefits of what they are choosing." For those who have serious illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney dialysis, who need and want consistent ongoing care without interruption due to having to choose a new in-network facility or physician may seek approval from United Healthcare. "This is true for members with both HMO and PPO plans," Davis said. "And each request is considered on a member-by-member basis. Continuity of care may be for 90 days or until the end of specific treatment." NMHS's termination of the agreement with UHC was based on the fact patients on their Advantage plans were experiencing delays or denials of care. "We notified UHC Medicare Advantage leadership about this concern in February 2024," Davis said. "Plans denied, on average, 25 to 30% of inpatient claims with North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo each month. Despite following the labor-intensive appeals process and achieving an overturn rate of 80 to 85%, we never received from UHC a definitive answer on why this was happening." For more information about Medicare coverage options, call 1-800-MEDICARE, visit or speak with a local insurance agent or broker. To research plans that NMHS remains contracted with, visit
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Scientists promote climate-resilient farming in Darma Valley
Bageshwar: In a notable step toward promoting sustainable practices in Uttarakhand's high-altitude regions, researchers and agricultural specialists recently concluded a three-day assessment and training programme across the remote settlements of Pithoragarh's Darma Valley — Dar, Nagling, Baling, Duktu, Dantu and Tidang. Conducted under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), the initiative aims to empower local communities through climate-resilient farming and diversified livelihoods. The initiative, coordinated by the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, alongside Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Champawat, emphasised teaching contemporary processing methods for indigenous crops including buckwheat, green buckwheat and kidney beans. Farmers in Duktu village received training in creating value-enhanced products like flour and biscuits, establishing new commercial prospects. The project incorporated collaborative resource mapping and chronological documentation to inform future regional strategies. The research team conducted sessions regarding the commercial viability of native medicinal plants including Kutki, Jatamansi, wild garlic and wild cumin, exploring opportunities for cultivation and preservation-based ventures. Dr Shailja Punetha and Dr Deepali Tiwari led the programme, with assistance from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for traversing the challenging landscape. "This initiative proves that when scientific innovation is harmonised with traditional knowledge, even the most remote mountain communities can lay the foundation for a resilient and sustainable economy," said Dr Punetha.
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Digital psychiatry increasing access to mental health care
Bengaluru: A high percentage of Indians in rural settings suffer from mental illness but still lack psychiatric care. 14% of Indians have mental disorders, and 83% of rural residents get no treatment, as reported by the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16. Stigma, ignorance, illiteracy, and scarcity of professionals have contributed to the delay in or absence of treatment. But digital psychiatry is now changing the face of rural mental healthcare. Speaking to The Hans India, SDME Kshemavana, Clinical Psychologist, said, Teleconsultations, artificially intelligent mental health applications, and e-prescriptions are bridging the gap by providing services remotely and at a reasonable cost so that geographical constraints no longer hinder access to care. India has less than 10,000 psychiatrists for a population of 1.4 billion. The rural ratio of psychiatrist to patient is approximately 1:500,000, which is far from the WHO's recommended ratio of 1:10,000. The majority of patients need to travel more than 100 km for consultation, which tends to lead to treatment dropout or delay. The shame attached to the issue of mental health goes ahead to discourage people from coming forward. This results in an increase in suicides, long-term mental illness, and financial pressure on families, says Vedashree K Rao. She said, Telepsychiatry has enabled patients to seek psychiatrists over the phone or via video without having to travel from their villages. Teleconsultations have reduced treatment dropouts by 30% in rural areas, as stated by The Lancet Psychiatry. The National Tele Mental Health Program (NTMHP) has facilitated thousands of such teleconsultations, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. Mental health apps based on AI, such as Wysa and Manas, offer mood monitoring, CBT-based self-help activities, and anonymous chat services. According to a study conducted by AIIMS, 70% of users in rural areas using these apps reported decreased anxiety and enhanced mood within three months. These applications are especially effective in regions where professional mental health facilities are scarce, said Vedashree K Rao. She said, E-prescriptions are also simplifying care, enabling psychiatrists to write prescriptions from a distance. A Tamil Nadu pilot demonstrated that medication compliance was 40% greater among patients who received e-prescriptions compared to those who received prescriptions via face-to-face visits. Organizations such as SCARF are educating ASHAs and frontline health workers to utilize digital technologies for mental health services. In Tamil Nadu, the intervention resulted in a 50% decrease in suicides within three years. Karnataka's collaboration with NIMHANS treated more than 5,000 patients using telepsychiatry in a year. Andhra Pradesh's SMART Mental Health Program screened more than 1.7 lakh adults using mobile technology. She added, Even with the advances, challenges such as internet unreliability, low levels of digital literacy, and reluctance towards online consultations continue to be significant hurdles. Upgrading rural internet infrastructure, educating health workers on digital skills, and lowering stigma are key to making digital psychiatry accessible. With continuing advances in digital solutions, rural India can benefit significantly from balanced and timely mental health care.
