STUDY: Is It Safe For People With Heart Disease To Use Marijuana?

Newswise — Marijuana use is on the rise as more states legalize it for medicinal and recreational purposes, and physicians are fielding more questions about its safety.

Although smoking tobacco is responsible for approximately one in four deaths from cardiovascular disease, the effects of smoking marijuana on the heart are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that marijuana can trigger heart attacks and strokes in some users.

Ersilia DeFilippis, MD, a second-year cardiology fellow at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian, first became interested in marijuana’s effect on the heart a few years ago when studying heart attacks in people under 50. “We noted that 10% of patients in a registry of young heart attack patients had used marijuana and/or cocaine,” she says.

DeFilippis and colleagues recently reviewed the medical literature to find out what’s known about marijuana’s effect on the heart and what’s still unknown. Their full report was published Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Here are five highlights from the review:

2 Million People with Heart Disease Have Used Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug of abuse. It’s estimated that approximately 90 million American adults have used the drug at least once in their life, and more than 39 million have used the drug in the past year.

Based on responses to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016, DeFilippis and her colleagues estimate that about 2 million adults in the United States who have cardiovascular disease currently use marijuana or have used the drug in the past.

“In addition to the 2 million marijuana users with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, many more may be at risk,” DeFilippis says. “With many adolescents and young adults turning to marijuana, it is important to understand the cardiovascular implications they may face years down the line.”

Marijuana’s Potency Today Is Higher

The potency of marijuana—the percentage of THC contained in the plant—has steadily increased over the past 30 years, from about 4% in the mid-1990s to 12% in 2014. However, most scientific studies of cannabis tested products with THC levels between 1.5% and 4%.

“Higher potency may translate into greater effects on the conduction system, the vasculature, and the muscle of the heart,” DeFilippis says. “It also highlights the need for real-world data given the variety of marijuana products and formulations available for purchase.”

THC is the most psychoactive chemical in marijuana, but marijuana also contains more than 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, that are chemically related to THC.

Receptors for cannabinoids are highly concentrated in the nervous system but also can be found in blood cells, muscle cells, and other tissues and organs.

Cannabinoids Can Interact with Drugs Used to Treat Heart Disease

Cannabinoids inhibit certain enzymes in the body, which affects the metabolism of many drugs for heart disease, including antiarrhythmics, statins, calcium-channel blockers, beta blockers, and warfarin.

Researchers believe that cannabinoids may increase the activity of these prescribed drugs in the body, though limited data are available to guide physicians in adjusting dose to compensate for marijuana use.

Marijuana May Be Linked to Heart Attacks and Strokes

Studies have identified marijuana smoking as a potential trigger of heart attacks, and marijuana use is not infrequently detected in adults who have experienced heart attacks at an early age (under 50).

A small experimental study found that smoking marijuana can bring on angina (chest pain) more quickly in patients with coronary heart disease compared with smoking a placebo.

Though current evidence for a link between marijuana and heart attacks is modest, it’s thought that smoking marijuana may increase cellular stress and inflammation, which are known to be precipitating factors for coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Cerebrovascular events, including strokes, also have been associated with marijuana use. It’s thought that marijuana may induce changes in the inner lining of blood vessels or alter blood flow.

Physicians Should Screen for Marijuana Use

“Although we need more data, the evidence we do have indicates that marijuana use has been associated with coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and more,” DeFilippis says.

“Therefore, asking patients about marijuana use may help in risk assessment. In addition, we know that marijuana use affects the metabolism of many common cardiac drugs. In order to make sure patients are getting therapeutic doses without untoward side effects, it is important for cardiologists to talk to their patients about marijuana use.

+++

The paper is titled, “Marijuana Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease,” and was published Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The other authors are: Navkaranbir S. Bajaj (University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama), Amitoj Singh (University of Arizona), and Rhynn Malloy, Michael M. Givertz, Ron Blankstein, Deepak L. Bhatt, and Muthiah Vaduganathan (Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School).

Ersilia DeFilippis reports no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose. (See paper for information on other authors).

###

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

provides international leadership in basic, preclinical, and clinical research; medical and health sciences education; and patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, public health professionals, dentists, and nurses at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia University Irving Medical Center is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and State and one of the largest faculty medical practices in the Northeast. For more information, visit

cuimc.columbia.edu

columbiadoctors.org

Virtua Health Names Senior VP and Chief Nursing Officer

Marlton, N.J.

— Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, has promoted Catherine Hughes, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, to senior vice president and chief nursing officer.

The

West Deptford

resident has been with Virtua for 18 years. She most recently was vice president of nursing integration

and outcomes, while also serving as interim chief nursing officer.

“Cathy has outstanding leadership qualities, which will enable her to work effectively with our nurses and collaborate with our physicians to ensure ongoing advances to Virtua’s care delivery model,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health.

In her new role, Hughes will lead all aspects of professional and nursing practice, as well as patient care throughout the not-for-profit health system. She will continue to focus on the integration of nursing operations and standards of care across Virtua Health’s continuum of services.

Marlton, N.J.-based

Virtua Health

grew substantially last year, with its acquisition of Lourdes Health System, Pullin noted. Today, Virtua has 14,000 employees working at 280 locations, including five hospitals.

“Cathy will play a key role in aligning our new organization, and in helping us to build an even greater network of care for the people of South Jersey,” he said.

Hughes has held a variety of nursing and senior leadership roles in health care. She joined Virtua in 2002 as vice president for patient care services for Virtua Berlin and Virtua Camden. Previously, she held various leadership roles at Kennedy Health System (now Jefferson Health) in Cherry Hill, Hampton Behavioral Health hospital in Westampton, and Saint Agnes Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Hughes is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL), an elected board member of the N.J. ONL, and chair of the ONL Mentorship Committee. She belongs to the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. A graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program on Management for Nurse Executives, she is board-certified as an advanced nurse executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Hughes is also an advisory-board member for the Allied Health Program at Gloucester County Institute of Technology.

Hughes earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Widener University in Chester, Pa., a master of health administration from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and a master of science in nursing from Thomas Edison University in Trenton.

About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many

awards

for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit

ThisIsVirtua.org

. To help Virtua make a difference, visit

GiveToVirtua.org

Community Members Invited to FREE Weekly Cancer Wellness Programs

at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township

Sewell, NJ, January 21, 2020

–

People living with a cancer diagnosis are invited to join Jefferson Health cancer experts for FREE one-hour wellness programs held weekly at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township’s Center for Hope and Healing (900 Medical Center Drive, Suite 207, Sewell).

Nourishing Our Bodies During a Cancer Diagnosis

(Mondays, 3-4 p.m.): Danielle Hall, MS, RD, will discuss healthful guidelines, supplements, and nutrient-dense foods to maximize nutrition during a cancer diagnosis.

Keep Moving: Benefits of Exercise for Patients with a Cancer Diagnosis

(Tuesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.): A Jefferson Health Physical Therapy Assistant will discuss the benefits of a regular exercise routine, and the importance of staying active to optimize physical stamina and mental well-being.

Preparing for Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

(Wednesdays, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.): Open to patients and their caregivers, participants learn how chemotherapy and immunotherapy work, as well as tips and tools for managing common side effects.

Coping with Cancer: Strategies for Managing Life After a Cancer Diagnosis

(Fridays, 11 a.m. – Noon): A cancer diagnosis can cause many emotions, including fear, anxiety, and sadness. Social Worker Abigale Hassel, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, will discuss coping strategies and ways to alleviate stress.

To register, or for more information, call

856-218-5324

or visit

JeffersonHealth.org/NJcancer

About

Jefferson Health

: Jefferson Health, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, is reimagining health care in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson’s dedicated team of doctors, nurses, health professionals, and staff provides a range of primary to highly-specialized care through 14 hospitals (seven are Magnet®-designated by the ANCC for nursing excellence), more than 40 outpatient and urgent care locations, the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Magee Rehabilitation and the JeffConnect® telemedicine program. For 2019-2020, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals in eight specialities by

U.S. News & World Report

. Jefferson Health’s mission is to improve the lives of patients in the communities it is privileged to serve through safe, effective, equitable, compassionate care.

Philadelphia Police Seek Help in Identifying Suspects who Beat and Robbed Teen (Video)

Robbery 300 E Rockland St

PHILADELPHIA PA (January 21, 2020)–The Philadelphia Police released the following video showing a youth walking home from school being attacked by four suspects.

According to police on January 10, 2020, at 3:30 pm, the victim, a 14 year-old male, was walking home from school when an unknown male asked for the time. The suspect along with three other unknown males began to punch the complainant knocking him to the ground and kicking him. While being attacked the victim\’s black in color Samsung Galaxy S7 cell phone was taken from his pocket. The victim was taken to Temple hospital for treatment. If you see these suspects do not approach, contact 911 immediately. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847. All tips will be confidential. If you have any information about this crime or these suspects, please contact: East Detective Division: 215-686-3243/3244 Det. Fred #764 DC 20-25-002363

source Philadelphia Police

10 Ways You Can Bring Your Family Closer Together

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 20, 2020)–Your family is the cornerstone of your life. It’s a unit that’s always there for you when you’re down, struggling at work, or just in need of some socialization. While it isn’t always true that “blood is thicker than water”, your family is predetermined for you and can’t be changed, so getting along with them is advantageous to you. With that said, being close with your family – and accommodating their foibles – isn’t always easy. Here are ten ways you can become closer to your family.

1. Take some family photos

There’s nothing like a family photoshoot to remind you how much you treasure and cherish your loved ones. This will create brand new memories for you and allow you to see what you all look like together, which isn’t necessarily something you may be able to experience otherwise. We recommend checking out

Pixa Prints

if you’re looking for something to put your family photoshoot on once it’s done; they offer prints on calendars, mugs, and phone cases, amongst other things.

2. Be there for them

It’s not really possible to foster a positive family attitude if you’re never there. Conversely, if there’s a member of the family you need to talk to about absence, it’s a good idea to have that conversation and not let the subject fester. Make time for your family. You might need to clear a space in your schedule, but it’s well worth it to make sure you’re building quality memories with the people you love. This won’t always be easy, but it’s a necessary step.

3. Let arguments happen

When we say arguments here, we’re not referring to the huge, earth-shattering rows we’ve seen some families have. Those aren’t healthy, and

knowing the difference

between healthy arguments and unhealthy, toxic relationships is very important. That said, if something is brewing between you and your family, it’s a good idea to have the conversation. Keep calm and make sure everyone is on the same page, then proceed in a straightforward, emotionally open manner.

4. Do fun things together

What do you love doing? Is there any way you could get your family in on that activity? Sharing your hobbies with people you love is one of life’s many joys, and there’s no reason you can’t extend that philosophy to your family. If your hobby really is a strictly solo racket, then you might want to try taking up a new hobby that can involve your loved ones. Great examples include sports, tabletop gaming, travel (

such as visiting an escape room

) and walking. Doing fun things together will only strengthen your bond!

5. Create a set of values

It might sound old-fashioned, but creating a set of family values by which you and your family can live can actually make you feel closer to them. Think about it: you’re establishing an ethos that defines your in-group and makes you feel like you’re really part of the “tribe”, so to speak. Of course, you should make sure your family values are strictly positive; it doesn’t pay to have a combative or aggressive family “mission statement”, so be happy and upbeat.

6. Travel together

Some might say that traveling with your family is a surefire way to fall out with them, but those people are cynics. If you accord your family the space they deserve, traveling with them can be a rewarding, exciting experience that gives you all shared memories to discuss. Pick a destination everyone wants to go to; you don’t want your shared family holiday to turn into one person’s fantasy. Some compromise may be required here, but it’ll be worth it!

7. Set a good example

If you’re the head of the household – no matter who you might be – then it’s incredibly important to set a good example. If you’re trying to foster certain behaviors in your children or you want your significant other to do something, then you don’t demonstrate that behavior yourself, that’s not a very strong incentive. Make sure to lead by example at all times; it might feel exhausting at the time to stick to that strict moral code, but it’ll pay off in the long term.

8. Create a family schedule

Have you ever seen those family planners that include a column for each family member and slots for what those family members are doing? It’s a great idea for you and your family to try using one of those, not least because you can use it as an excuse to schedule some much-needed family time. When you create time for you and your family, you need to stick to it, so having a schedule can be a great incentive to do that. After all, if it’s on the schedule, it must be cast-iron, right?

9. Allow for some freedom

With all that said, it’s still important to give your family space and freedom. Allow them to do what they want with their time and don’t be too offended if, on free days, they’d rather spend their time alone than with you. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you; rather, it simply means they want some space and time to themselves, and you need to respect that. Your family doing their own thing will just make the time you do spend together all the sweeter since you’ll know it’s what they want.

10. Don’t force anything

Some family units are, by nature, closer and more co-dependent (in a good way) than others are. That’s fine; you don’t need to work hard to make your particular family unit resemble another one, nor should you force a particular set of values if they’re not desired. Instead, create an organic, happy family that doesn’t feel forced or artificial, and you’ll quickly realize that you’re closer to them than you are to almost anyone else in the world.

LONELINESS: The Public Health Threat No One Talks About

Too much time alone can be bad for your health but modern technology can help keep you connected.

(NAPSI)—There is a public health threat looming across the United States that’s not visible to most but affects nearly half of all Americans daily: loneliness. Social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as harmful as obesity. Worst of all, loneliness is a contributing factor in senior suicides, which are rising in the U.S. While it is not something people like to think about, now more than ever, Americans must remove the stigma around mental health and spread awareness to better combat loneliness.

Many of the 12 million Americans over age 65 who live alone are entering the time of year where that lack of companionship and isolation is almost palpable: winter. Whether physical or travel challenges keep seniors from attending family gatherings or the harsh weather deters them from venturing out for a social event, seniors can suffer from prolonged loneliness that can quickly manifest into more serious issues.

Loneliness does not have to be synonymous with getting older or with aging in place. Here are tips on how to help keep loneliness—and its negative health effects—at bay:

• Intervene early:

Spotting loneliness in yourself or someone you love can be difficult. The most common physical and behavioral signs of loneliness include persistent sadness, impaired cognitive performance, lower self-esteem, or lack of motivation and energy. Early intervention can positively affect one’s quality of life, so it’s important to address these symptoms as soon as possible before they become overwhelming.

• Leverage technology:

Technology can play a key role in reducing loneliness, ensuring seniors are always connected to loved ones and care teams who can monitor and interact with them. For example, Philips Cares is a mobile application that helps connect seniors who are subscribers to Philips Lifeline service with their family and friends, helping to enable these caregivers to be there for their aging loved ones, easing and enriching their aging journey.

• Make a connection:

Connecting with people, purpose, and passions will help eliminate feelings of isolation. Consider organizing a reoccurring social gathering, such as a book club or a group fitness class. Explore local activities organized by a senior community center or find a National Council of Aging program through

www.ncoa.org/ncoa-map

Learn More

For further facts about the latest technology to help seniors stay connected with their care circle, visit

https://philips.to/2MGDqLm

or call (855) 223-7395.

PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety

TerrAscend Issued Permit to Grow Medical Marijuana

Eighth Alternative Treatment Center Statewide Permitted to Grow

Boonton Township NJ

–The New Jersey Department of Health today issued a permit to TerrAscend in Boonton Township to begin growing medical marijuana. The permit was issued after a comprehensive review including several site inspections, background checks of

its corporate officers and a review of its security operations and cultivation facility.

“The Department is committed to providing greater access to this therapy for patients,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “TerrAscend is the fourth Alternative Treatment Center to receive a permit to grow product in the northern region of the state.”

After product has been tested by the state laboratory and the dispensary is operational and inspected by the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP), a second permit will be issued to operate and dispense as an Alternative Treatment Centers (ATC). TerrAscend will operate their dispensary in Phillipsburg.

Once TerrAscend receives its permit to dispense, the MMP will notify the patients and caregivers by email of the opening date.

TerrAscend is the second ATC to receive a cultivation permit among the awards made by the MMP in December 2018. In December 2019, the MMP

issued

cultivation and dispensing permits to GTI, which opened Rise dispensary in Paterson that same month.

TerrAscend officials hope the dispensary is permitted and able to begin dispensing medical marijuana to registered patients and caregivers in the spring.

“We are honored to receive our cultivation permit after meeting the rigorous requirements and operating procedures by NJ DOH,” said Jason Ackerman, Executive Chairman of TerrAscend. “TerrAscend is committed to compliance, quality and safety and we look forward to bringing high-quality, trusted brands from TerrAscend’s portfolio to medical-use patients in New Jersey.”

There are seven Alternative Treatment Centers currently dispensing medical marijuana: Greenleaf Compassion Center of Montclair, Compassionate Care Foundation of Egg Harbor, Garden State Dispensary of Woodbridge and Union Township, Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center of Cranbury, Curaleaf NJ, Inc. in Bellmawr, Harmony Dispensary in Secaucus and Rise in Paterson.

Participation in the program continues to grow. There are more than 66,200 patients, 2,500 caregivers and 1,092 physicians participating in the program.

Patients and caregivers can visit the

MMP\’s website

if they choose to change their preferred ATC. The change can also be made by calling the Customer Service Unit of the MMP at 609-292-0424 and does not require changing ID cards.

Patients can refer to the

FAQ section

of the MMP website for additional information. The 474 active physicians enrolled in the program are listed by county and medical specialty.

New Jersey residents interested in registering for the MMP can click

here

For more information about TerrAscend, visit

https://nj.terrascend.com/

Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on

Twitter

@njdeptofhealth,

Facebook

/njdeptofhealth,

Instagram

@njdeptofhealth and

Snapchat

@njdoh.

For more information, visit our homepage at

nj.gov/health

Overdose Prevention Act Provides Instructions on How to Administer Naloxone

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS AT RISK FOR A HEROIN/ OPIOID OVERDOSE?

CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The Overdose Prevention Act provides an opportunity for those in a position to help and assist someone during an overdose by administering Naloxone. The law eliminates civil and criminal liability

to anyone who administers Naloxone.

Free trainings and education on how to administer Naloxone to reverse a heroin/opioid overdose will be provided in Camden County. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a free Naloxone kit.

All trainings will be provided by credentialed substance abuse counselors. The trainings are open to the public however, space may be limited. Pre-registration is required.

TRAININGS INCLUDE

Addiction education and treatment options

Overdose prevention techniques

Signs and symptoms of overdose

Steps to take when an overdose occurs

Rescue breathing

How to administer naloxone, self-help, family support, and other important resource information

TRAINING DATES

Trainings are held on the last Tuesday of each month starting January through November, 2020. 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Camden County Library – Ferry Avenue Branch

852 Ferry Avenue

Camden, NJ 08104

Registration is required

To register, contact Patty DiRenzo at

(856) 374-6137

or email Patty.Direnzo@CamdenCounty.Com

Sewell Resident Barbara Glass Honored as Volunteer of the Year

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice’s Andrea Kinsey, Volunteer Coordinator; Barbara Glass, Volunteer of the Year; and Linda Brennan, Volunteer Coordinator at the Volunteer Center of South Jersey’s Spirit of Community celebration. Glass was awarded the 9th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award for her volunteer efforts with Samaritan.

Marlton, NJ –

Barbara Glass of Sewell, N.J. was recently honored with the 9

Annual Volunteer of the Year Award through her volunteer efforts with Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. The Volunteer of the Year Award, given by the Volunteer Center of South Jersey (VCSJ), is one of the most prestigious not-for-profit awards in the South Jersey community and provides not-for-profit organizations like Samaritan the opportunity to highlight a volunteer for outstanding contribution to the organization. The award was presented to Glass during VCSJ’s Spirit of Community celebration.

Glass, a retiree, has been a volunteer with Samaritan since 2011, visiting with patients receiving hospice and palliative care from Samaritan. Glass has also stepped up to take on the responsibility of serving as a vigil volunteer, spending time with patients and during their final hours and comforting their families.

“Visiting hospice patients can be a difficult but tremendously important task. Not everyone can do it,” says Mary Ann Boccolini, President and CEO of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. “The entire Samaritan team is lucky to be able to rely on Barbara’s strength and compassion. She brings comfort and dignity to our patients, and I cannot think of anyone else more deserving of this reward.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, contact Sally Cezo, Director of Volunteer Services at 856-552-3235.

Barbara Glass (center) and her family and friends enjoyed the 2019 Volunteer Center of South Jersey’s Spirit of Community celebration, where Glass was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her volunteer efforts with Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice.

About Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice:

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980. Samaritan is the regional leader for hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, grief support and counseling, end-of-life education, and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief in their homes, assisted-living, or nursing home communities and through two inpatient hospice centers: The Samaritan Center at Mt. Holly and The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. Two thrift shops, in Westmont and Pitman, support Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO); the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey; and is a four-star-level hospice in NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans program, created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit

www.SamaritanNJ.org

MyMedicalShopper Provides Response to DHHS Request for Public Comments

Portsmouth, NH –

January

13, 20

–

MMS Analytics, Inc. dba MyMedicalShopper, the leading provider of healthcare price transparency solutions, submitted a detailed response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed rule making to “give consumers personalized, real-time access to cost-sharing information,” shedding light on the secret world of healthcare pricing and empowering consumers to make more informed care decisions.

The “Transparency in Coverage CMS-9915-P” rule requires most group health plans and issuers to give participants personalized access to provider pricing, including an estimate of negotiated in- and out-of-network cost-sharing liability, via an online tool or paper, upon consumer request. The proposed rule would make consumers fully aware of their insurance issuer’s negotiated prices before receiving care to compare provider costs, include pricing in their decision-making, and promote more competition in the healthcare industry to lower cost.

“This rule would finally put an end to the secret pricing in healthcare and create a fair marketplace for consumers,” said Mark Galvin, President and CEO of MMS Analytics, Inc., the creator of MyMedicalShopper.

“For the past six years MyMedicalShopper has provided users with unparalleled access to negotiated pricing information via its responsive web design (RWD) and mobile application—exactly like those proposed in the new rules. We’re excited to share our expertise with these agencies to ensure consumers have access to the tools and information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions.”

MyMedicalShopper’s public comments are available on its

website

. (update when published on the web and provide link). To review the full rule and public comments, please visit

Regulations.gov

MyMedicalShopper is a comprehensive platform for employers designed to drive down the cost of healthcare while improving employee benefits. The platform includes the nation’s leading medical price transparency tools for employees, dynamic rewards programs, and robust analytics packages for employers.

MyMedicalShopper is available through benefit brokers and consultants serving both the fully insured and self-funded employer markets. The platform integrates with over 120 health plan member portals providing real-time deductible tracking, in- and out-of-network facility information, and other personalized plan details to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses and plan for future procedures.

MyMedicalShopper empowers employers and their employees to take control of their healthcare costs on over 10,000 medical tests and procedures tests by making it easy to shop for low-cost, high-quality medical care.

About MMS Analytics, Inc. (

www.MyMedicalShopper.com

)

MMS Analytics, Inc. dba MyMedicalShopper™ is a big data company on a mission to build technology, products, and services to drive meaningful savings from the cost of healthcare in the United States. The company was founded on the belief that fixing the broken healthcare marketplace required a focus on the alignment of financial incentives, medical price transparency, and the reduction of administrative overhead. The company empowers employers and their employees with the ability to choose care based on price, quality, and convenience with unprecedented access to the previously secretive prices negotiated between insurance carriers and providers. Experts document that as much as $1 trillion could be slashed annually from the cost of healthcare in the United States. MyMedicalShopper aims to help transform the healthcare industry into a fair market for consumers.