WINDBER — International experts have shown the right intervention programs can improve patients’ health and save medical expenses.
The challenge, World Health Organization researcher Hanne Tonnesen says, is to find how to pay the medical industry for nontreatment services.
“We have to invent documentation to fit into existing health-care delivery systems,” Tonneson said Monday during the World Health Organization Winter School opening session at WindberPlace education center.
The professional summit continues through Wednesday on the Windber Medical Center Campus.
Hosted by Windber Research Institute, the event marks the first time the international health group’s annual Winter School has been held in the United States.
A cadre of recognized experts are here to explore strategies to improve health promotion and disease prevention around the world.
At the same time, the event recognizes the WindberCare group of health care and research organizations as the nation’s first network recognized as members of the International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services.
The organization has designated Windber as the charter network in a new Pennsylvania Region.
Dr. Matthew Masiello, director of Windber’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, has been named Pennsylvania regional coordinator and a voting member of the international network’s general assembly, Tonneson announced.
Masiello and Windber Research Institute are beginning a pilot program to identify health promotion opportunities by identifying health risks for all patients who see their doctors or receive care in emergency rooms, clinics or hospitals. The next step is adapting a reporting system to allow insurance companies pay for referrals to things smoking cessation classes or weight-loss programs.
Other countries have developed pay-for-prevention structures that Windber can use as a starting point.
“It is a challenge because health promotion is not automatically connected to treatment,” Tonneson said.
Tonneson said she joined the health promotion movement after working as a surgeon because she saw a greater need. She now serves as the chief executive officer of the International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services Secretariat.
“I can save some lives as a surgeon, but I can save thousands of lives with health promotion,” Tonneson said. “The message is: If we add health promotion into the clinical programs, we can get a much better outcome.”
Those attending the winter school include those in health care, pharmaceutical, insurance and information technology industries.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Dr. Hanne Tonnesen of Denmark (left), Dr. Tim Neumann of Germany and Dr. Jesper Krogh of Denmark talk between programs at WindberPlace during World Health Organization Winter School. All three are presenters at the three-day program hosted by Windber Research Institute. Randy Griffith
Discussion
World Health experts gathering in Windber
- Local News
-
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.
-
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.
-
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.
-
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.
-
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.
-
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.
-
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.
-
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
-
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.
-
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
