Latest news with #Vandenburgh
Business Journals
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield expands virtual care to include pelvic health, joint pain
Highmark is continuing its efforts to increase access to health care by offering new ways for members to receive care virtually. The most recent addition is Virtual Pelvic Health, Bloom by Sword, a program designed to address pelvic health dysfunction, such as bladder issues, chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. Highmark introduced it in July 2024 and has since seen more than 10,000 members enroll. 'Virtual care is an important part of Highmark's overall Living Health strategy,' said Mari Vandenburgh, vice president of health programs and solutions. 'Highmark believes it's our responsibility to make it easier for members to access the care they need when they need it,' Vandenburgh said. 'As an integrated health system, we are in a unique position to break down barriers to care by offering ease of access and use through our virtual solutions that can complement the care members are receiving in person with their provider of choice.' A new approach The Virtual Pelvic Health program is Highmark's second with Sword Health Inc., a New York-based AI health company that specializes in digital health solutions. It is part of Highmark's benefits and available to eligible health plan members at no additional out-of- pocket cost. Participants simply enroll in the program through the My Highmark app or member portal. Once enrolled, participants are matched with a pelvic health clinician and receive an FDA-listed insertable device and access to a mobile app. A personalized set of pelvic floor exercises are recommended, and the sensor and app work together to monitor the force, endurance and accuracy of the pelvic floor muscles during the exercises. 'That real-time feedback helps participants maximize their results,' Vandenburgh said. 'The Virtual Pelvic Health program provides convenient, on-demand access to pelvic floor care that is focused on both strengthening and relaxation,' she said. 'The combination of the sensor and the feedback that a user receives in the app really helps to monitor progress in their program. The app also provides educational resources to individuals that help to support behavior change and habit formation in the population of individuals that could benefit from pelvic floor support.' Participants have reported significant improvements in their quality of life, including a reduction in symptoms they previously experienced. Additionally, the program has helped alleviate the stigma often associated with pelvic floor conditions, improving mental health. Virtual joint health The Virtual Pelvic Health program follows Highmark's introduction of Virtual Joint Health, Thrive by Sword to self-funded plans in 2022. In that program, a licensed physical therapist assigns a series of exercises for people looking to alleviate musculoskeletal pain based on their specific goals. Participants then receive a tablet they can use at home as they complete the exercises. The tablet is equipped with advanced motion sensing technology to provide real-time feedback and ensure people use proper form. It also shares data with their physical care specialist to monitor progress and, if necessary, adjust their recommended exercise plan to better accommodate their needs. 'It really enables members to address their joint health needs at the time that's most convenient for them,' Vandenburgh said. 'They can do the exercises in the comfort of their own home, and it reduces the barriers of time and access to care if there are delays in getting appointments.' In 2024, the insurer expanded it to fully insured plans. So far, more than 36,000 Highmark members have enrolled in the program. The feedback has been positive, Vandenburgh said, with 88% of participants describing it as easy to use and 72% completing the program. Health outcomes also have been strong, with 69% of participants reporting a significant improvement in their joint pain and 35% reduction in the intent to pursue surgery to address their pain. 'Another positive outcome that users report is that 26% say they saw an improvement in their work and productivity impairment,' she said. 'We're also monitoring the behavioral health impacts of joint health and increasing screenings for depression and anxiety.' Expanded reach Highmark's virtual care offerings include a virtual triage tool, virtual primary care, a virtual urgent care clinic and virtual specialty care clinics for behavioral health, women's health and dermatology, as well as a digital diabetes management solution. Offering on-demand, virtual care helps people get the care they need to improve their health while lowering costs, Vandenburgh said. The Virtual Joint Health program, for example, has reduced costs by $112 per member per month in comparison to a control group. That savings can then be reinvested back into delivering a remarkable health experience, so it's easier for members to engage and manage their health. 'Virtual Joint Health and Virtual Pelvic Health deliver a win-win combination by boosting employer productivity and lowering cost, while simultaneously enabling employees convenient access to care and improved quality of life,' she said. 'We see continued growth in engagement and enrollment in our digital solutions and programs year over year.' To learn more visit Lauren Lawley Head is a freelance writer.
Business Journals
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Journals
Highmark Blue Shield expands virtual care to include pelvic health, joint pain
Highmark is continuing its efforts to increase access to health care by offering new ways for members to receive care virtually. The most recent addition is Virtual Pelvic Health, Bloom by Sword, a program designed to address pelvic health dysfunction, such as bladder issues, chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. Highmark introduced it in July 2024 and has since seen more than 10,000 members enroll. 'Virtual care is an important part of Highmark's overall Living Health strategy,' said Mari Vandenburgh, vice president of health programs and solutions. 'Highmark believes it's our responsibility to make it easier for members to access the care they need when they need it,' Vandenburgh said. 'As an integrated health system, we are in a unique position to break down barriers to care by offering ease of access and use through our virtual solutions that can complement the care members are receiving in person with their provider of choice.' A new approach The Virtual Pelvic Health program is Highmark's second with Sword Health Inc., a New York-based AI health company that specializes in digital health solutions. It is part of Highmark's benefits and available to eligible health plan members at no additional out-of- pocket cost. Participants simply enroll in the program through the My Highmark app or member portal. Once enrolled, participants are matched with a pelvic health clinician and receive an FDA-listed insertable device and access to a mobile app. A personalized set of pelvic floor exercises are recommended, and the sensor and app work together to monitor the force, endurance and accuracy of the pelvic floor muscles during the exercises. 'That real-time feedback helps participants maximize their results,' Vandenburgh said. 'The Virtual Pelvic Health program provides convenient, on-demand access to pelvic floor care that is focused on both strengthening and relaxation,' she said. 'The combination of the sensor and the feedback that a user receives in the app really helps to monitor progress in their program. The app also provides educational resources to individuals that help to support behavior change and habit formation in the population of individuals that could benefit from pelvic floor support.' Participants have reported significant improvements in their quality of life, including a reduction in symptoms they previously experienced. Additionally, the program has helped alleviate the stigma often associated with pelvic floor conditions, improving mental health. Virtual joint health The Virtual Pelvic Health program follows Highmark's introduction of Virtual Joint Health, Thrive by Sword to self-funded plans in 2022. In that program, a licensed physical therapist assigns a series of exercises for people looking to alleviate musculoskeletal pain based on their specific goals. Participants then receive a tablet they can use at home as they complete the exercises. The tablet is equipped with advanced motion sensing technology to provide real-time feedback and ensure people use proper form. It also shares data with their physical care specialist to monitor progress and, if necessary, adjust their recommended exercise plan to better accommodate their needs. 'It really enables members to address their joint health needs at the time that's most convenient for them,' Vandenburgh said. 'They can do the exercises in the comfort of their own home, and it reduces the barriers of time and access to care if there are delays in getting appointments.' In 2024, the insurer expanded it to fully insured plans. So far, more than 36,000 Highmark members have enrolled in the program. The feedback has been positive, Vandenburgh said, with 88% of participants describing it as easy to use and 72% completing the program. Health outcomes also have been strong, with 69% of participants reporting a significant improvement in their joint pain and 35% reduction in the intent to pursue surgery to address their pain. 'Another positive outcome that users report is that 26% say they saw an improvement in their work and productivity impairment,' she said. 'We're also monitoring the behavioral health impacts of joint health and increasing screenings for depression and anxiety.' Expanded reach Highmark's virtual care offerings include a virtual triage tool, virtual primary care, a virtual urgent care clinic and virtual specialty care clinics for behavioral health, women's health and dermatology, as well as a digital diabetes management solution. Offering on-demand, virtual care helps people get the care they need to improve their health while lowering costs, Vandenburgh said. The Virtual Joint Health program, for example, has reduced costs by $112 per member per month in comparison to a control group. That savings can then be reinvested back into delivering a remarkable health experience, so it's easier for members to engage and manage their health. 'Virtual Joint Health and Virtual Pelvic Health deliver a win-win combination by boosting employer productivity and lowering cost, while simultaneously enabling employees convenient access to care and improved quality of life,' she said. 'We see continued growth in engagement and enrollment in our digital solutions and programs year over year.' To learn more visit Lauren Lawley Head is a freelance writer.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Portland man killed in crash remembered as loving, spirited friend
Mar. 27—George Vandenburgh never went anywhere without his dog, Gracie. The Portland resident was a Navy veteran and relied on the 8-year-old Pomeranian to help with his post-traumatic stress disorder. He took Gracie home in 2021 through Maine Paws For Veterans, a nonprofit organization that matches veterans with dogs from local shelters and helps them undergo service dog training. Before Gracie, he had adopted a dog named Lucky through the same program. Vandenburgh, 86, was driving to a routine appointment last week to get his blood drawn — something he did often while taking blood thinners, said Vandenberg's friend, Patty Annand. He had Gracie in the car when he took a wrong turn onto the Maine Turnpike and exited onto Interstate 295 in Scarborough in the opposite direction of traffic. He died in a head-on collision with a tractor trailer near Exit 4 and was pronounced dead at the scene. Gracie was injured, but survived. Now, Annand is taking care of the dog. She said Gracie is a reminder of her friend's "wonderful soul." Annand was expecting an expensive bill from the Maine Veterinary Medical Center for Gracie's treatment, but was thankful to learn that the vet had waived the fees — a "gift from George," she said. Since the crash, she and Gracie like to go for walks in Deering Oaks and keep up with vet visits while she recovers. Annand said when she first met Vandenburgh five years ago, he reminded her of her father, who was also a veteran. She offered to accompany Vandenburgh to some of his appointments and help him understand what the doctor told him. He was proud of his independence, she said, but she also enjoyed cooking for him a few times a week. He wasn't picky. Annand remembers he'd tell her, "I'm a seagull, I'll eat anything." Jill Juris, who attended the same 12-step program as Vandenburgh, also remembers his sense of humor. She said he was well-loved in Portland's recovery community for his kind, youthful spirit. During meetings, she said he always greeted others "with so much love" and made them laugh, even when he was sharing vulnerable stories. He went out of his way to check in on people he cared about, said Juris, like bringing her a box of tissues from across the room when she got emotional or engaging her in long conversations after their meetings. Now, she said, she wishes she'd stayed back even longer. "We live in such a fast-paced world now that we forget to slow down and cherish those moments," Juris said. Of course, Vandenburgh also brought Gracie to the meetings. Juris said the dog is a sign to the group that they still "have a piece of George in the community." Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Portland man dies in wrong-way crash on I-295 in Scarborough
Mar. 21—A Portland man died in a crash on Interstate 295 in Scarborough, which shut down traffic for hours on Friday morning. Maine State Police said 86-year-old George Vandenburgh of Portland collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in the southbound lane near exit 4. Vandenburgh was traveling the wrong way in his 2018 Ford Fusion, according to state police. Authorities received multiple calls around 6 a.m. reporting the wrong-way driver on the turnpike in Scarborough, who then exited onto I-295 and traveled through the tolls in South Portland. The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Vandenburgh was pronounced dead at the scene. Both southbound and northbound lanes were closed between mile markers 3 and 4 until the road reopened to traffic after 10 a.m. Maine State Police are investigating the cause of the crash. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach reopens after hurricanes
The Brief American Legion Post 273 reopened after being forced to close nearly five months ago because of storm damage from Hurricane Helene. The storms forced the American Legion to demo every aspect of its building, according to its members. Many of the American Legion's members remain displaced because of the storms and became emotional at Thursday's reopening. MADIERA BEACH, Fla. - Nearly five months after Hurricane Helene forced American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach to close its doors, it reopened Thursday. Members packed the post for the ceremony. "One hundred and twenty days to the day since Helene hit exactly, I can say those two magical and glorious words, welcome home," Post 273 Commander Anthony Torregrossa told a crowd at the reopening ceremony. READ: Bay Area nonprofit expanding facility, raising money for new activity center to help kids The backstory Torregrossa said that's exactly what the Madeira Beach American Legion is for thousands of its members: home. It made him emotional to welcome them back through the doors after Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed most of the place. "When you hope for this day for this long, I mentioned that this is like a fantasy come true," Torregrossa said. Dig deeper During Helene, the post, which had been open since the 1950s, was flooded by three and a half feet of water. "It was a disaster," Torregrossa said. "We basically had to start from scratch, demo everything." The water destroyed every piece of equipment, washed out their office, kitchen, and more. READ: Berkeley Preparatory School educators immersed in cultures beyond the classroom "We consider ourselves an American Legion family," Torregrossa said. "Our employees stepped in from day one and worked four and a half months to rebuild this post." Local perspective Lots of members volunteered to help, like Geo Vandenburgh, the Road Captain for the post. "This is more than just a post," Vandenburgh said. "This is family. Everybody knows everybody. It's a place for veterans to come and feel like they're part of a family." "Our second home has opened the doors again. It has been a long time coming," Vandenburgh said. READ: Bay Area hairdresser turns salsa into side-hustle Their second home also functions as a fundraising spot for the services they offer veterans, like their Bridge the Gap financial assistance program. "The American Legion's mission is to assist veterans, their families, active military, and the community. We've been on hold for four and a half months, and now we can finally get back and do the job that we really want to do, and that's reach out and help every one of those groups that we can," Torregrossa said. Why you should care Torregrossa said many of the members are still displaced, and some are living in the hotel next door. He says they relied on donations and their emergency fund to rebuild and were able to continue to pay their employees while they were closed. The Source FOX 13's Kailey Tracy collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
