Latest news with #CTS
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Why Leaders Should View Transportation As A Healthcare Strategy
Miguel McInnis, President/CEO of Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS), a non-profit Non-Emergency Medical Transportation provider. From a public health perspective, transportation isn't top of mind when discussing care strategies for good health outcomes—but it should be. When patients miss regular doctor appointments, it can lead to worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs—particularly for those who depend on Medicare or Medicaid to cover their healthcare expenses. Whether you're a health plan executive, benefits administrator or transportation provider, rethinking transportation can go a long way toward strategically improving compliance, return on investment and, most importantly, the overall public health of a community. The Access Imperative: The Long-Term Cost Of Missed Appointments When patients miss their appointments because they have no way of getting to them, this can have devastating effects on their health over time. Let's imagine a scenario with a patient we'll call Mrs. Jones. If Mrs. Jones isn't getting to her regular appointments to check her HbA1C levels, the consequences could be an exacerbation of her diabetes that will necessitate more serious care. This means Mrs. Jones will be more likely to utilize the emergency room. While Mrs. Jones will get the care she needs at that moment, it will likely be exponentially more (e.g., a co-pay of $1,000 compared to, say, a $30 primary care appointment). Plus, her situation could lead to repeated readmissions. How Leaders Can Help Improve Access Many people are unaware of what the appropriate use of the emergency room (ER) is—and that's understandable. Consumers aren't being told when going to the emergency room is actually inappropriate, so they may think that something like a bad cough warrants a visit to the ER. To help tackle this challenge, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate people on emergency room utilization. Businesses can help. Companies can create employee education to help workers learn how to use their benefits effectively. Likewise, health plans can incorporate a telehealth component into their coverage so when patients can't make it to an appointment in person, they can still get help from their doctor. Also, healthcare professionals can actively dissuade the use of the emergency room as a form of primary care. Together, employers, insurers and physicians can invest in solutions that encourage routine care and decrease no-shows, which can, in turn, reduce the need for high-cost interventions while supporting value-based care. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a service provided to Medicaid beneficiaries, and this can help ensure that patients are getting the care they need. Unfortunately, this area of compliance can be a minefield. Transportation can, sadly, be rife with fraud, waste and abuse. One option to mitigate this is to use third-party brokers to handle the management of transportation logistics, scheduling and compliance reporting. These are not necessarily health plan providers' area of expertise, so having support available can help them meet regulatory requirements while lifting administrative burden, along with the risk of fraud, from their business operations. To ensure that the patients who need care most are able to access it, health plans can also partner with NEMT organizations to address the transportation-related social determinants of health with those transportation providers that specialize in underserved communities. Finally, supporting philanthropic organizations dedicated to reducing inequity and improving community metrics can help reduce missed appointments, boost disease control and lead to measurable population health benefits by funding project initiatives that incorporate transportation as part of an access to care solution. Why Leaders Should Act Now Reductions in public funding for healthcare could put already marginalized patients at risk of getting even less access to care than they currently have. However, this provides an opportunity for private businesses to lead in building access-driven care models. Filling this gap can lead to reduced emergency room visits and inpatient costs, new value-based care incentives, improved member satisfaction and plan retention and increased employee wellness and productivity. Transportation should not be treated as an afterthought. I believe businesses that make a strategic investment in this area will be ahead of the curve in terms of managing costs, making customers satisfied, increasing the wellness of their workforce and contributing to health equity. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Enhanced revenue collection, economic growth: FBR introduces substantial amendments to Customs Act, 1969
LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced substantial amendments to the Customs Act, 1969, as part of the Finance Act 2025. These changes aim to enhance revenue collection, streamline import and export processes, and promote economic growth. The 2025 amendments to duty rates bring significant changes across multiple sectors — from textiles and electronics to building materials, automobiles, and beyond. Key changes included Cargo Tracking System (CTS), tariff rationalisation, reduction in Additional Customs Duty (ACD) rates, Regulatory Duty (RD) Regime, exemption regime, and sector-specific changes. So far as CTS is concerned, a new section 83C has been added to the Customs Act, 1969, introducing CTS to monitor imports, exports, and transit goods. The system will be implemented once the necessary technological infrastructure is developed. On the tariff rationalisation front, new tariff slabs of 5%, 10%, and 15% have been introduced, while existing slabs of 3%, 11%, and 16% have been abolished. The 0% tariff slab has been extended to further 916 PCT codes. Similarly, Additional Customs Duty (ACD) rates have been reduced on various tariff slabs, including 0%, 5%, and 10%, with some exceptions. In addition, Regulatory Duty (RD) rates have been revised downward on 1011 PCT codes, with a maximum rate reduction from 90% to 50%. On the front of exemption regime, 479 entries in Part-1, Part-III, and Part-VII of the Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969, have been deleted to streamline and reduce the cost of exemptions. Regarding sector-specific changes, knitted fabrics will now attract a duty rate of 20% or Rs 115/kg, whichever is higher in textiles. Interactive Flat Panel Displays will attract a duty rate of 20% in electronics. Duty rates on motor vehicles for transport of goods and passengers have been revised in automobiles and duty rates on solar cells and modules have been reduced in solar energy sector. So fast as implementation is concerned, the changes are effective from various dates, including February 2, 2025, and May 1, 2025. The FBR has directed concerned officers and officials to carefully review the budget documents to avoid misinterpretation or misapplication of the budgetary measures. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Shafaq News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq signs reintegration pact for returnees from Syria
Shafaq News – Baghdad On Friday, Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) and the Ministry of Migration and Displacement signed a cooperation agreement to coordinate the rehabilitation and reintegration of citizens returning from displacement camps in Syria. In a joint statement, both sides outlined shared responsibilities, including intelligence coordination and the joint development of reintegration programs to ensure the safe and orderly return of individuals—particularly in areas previously impacted by conflict. The agreement was described as a "model" for aligning security and humanitarian efforts, to strengthen stability, restore community cohesion, and prevent the resurgence of extremist activity. CTS added that the initiative is part of its broader strategy to tackle the root causes of radicalization and disrupt terrorist recruitment. Since 2021, the Iraqi government, in partnership with international organizations, has repatriated families from Syria's al-Hol camp, transferring them to al-Jadaa facility in Nineveh for psychological and social rehabilitation.
Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Why Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is More Than Just a Typing Disorder
That buzzing, tingling, or numbness in your hand and fingers—the kind that wakes you up at night or makes it hard to button a shirt—is more than just a minor annoyance. It's your body's warning light. For millions of people, these sensations are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the most common nerve compression issue worldwide. It's a condition that can significantly impact your work, hobbies, and overall quality of life. The good news? Over the last decade, our understanding of how to diagnose and treat CTS has advanced dramatically. Whether you're just starting to notice symptoms or have been struggling for years, there's a clear path to relief. This guide will walk you through what's happening inside your wrist, bust some common myths, and explain the modern, effective treatments that can get you back to feeling your best. Imagine a narrow tunnel running through your wrist. This isn't a metaphor—it's a real anatomical space called the carpal tunnel. Through this passage run the tendons that flex your fingers and, critically, the median nerve. This nerve is a superstar; it provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of your ring finger, and it controls the muscles at the base of your thumb [1]. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the space inside this tunnel narrows or the tissues within it swell, putting pressure on the median nerve. Think of it like a garden hose getting kinked. When the flow of water (in this case, nerve signals) is restricted, problems arise. The result is pain, numbness, tingling, and eventually, weakness in your hand and fingers [9]. As detailed in information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ignoring these signals can lead to permanent nerve damage [5]. Many people believe CTS is caused exclusively by typing on a computer all day. While repetitive hand and wrist movements are certainly a major risk factor, they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The development of CTS is often multifactorial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a combination of personal and occupational factors often contributes. Other significant risk factors include: Blaming your keyboard alone oversimplifies the issue and can prevent you from addressing other underlying factors that are just as important for management and prevention. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first and most critical step toward relief. Your doctor will start by listening to your story—when the symptoms started, what they feel like, and what makes them better or worse. Next comes a physical examination. Your doctor may use a few classic in-office tests to try and reproduce your symptoms: While these tests are helpful, they aren't foolproof [7]. For a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend electrodiagnostic studies. These tests, which include nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), measure how well your median nerve is functioning. They are considered the gold standard for confirming CTS and determining its severity [8]. In some complex cases, an ultrasound or MRI might be used to get a better look at the structures in the wrist [6]. For most mild to moderate cases of CTS, the treatment journey begins with non-surgical, or 'conservative,' approaches. The goal is simple: reduce pressure on the median nerve and allow it to heal. A 2021 study confirms that a few key strategies are highly effective first-line treatments [2]. If your symptoms are severe, if you have muscle weakness, or if conservative treatments haven't provided enough relief, it may be time to consider surgery. The procedure, called a carpal tunnel release (CTR), involves cutting the ligament that forms the 'roof' of the carpal tunnel. This creates more space for the median nerve, instantly relieving the pressure. CTR is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine. There are two main ways to perform it: Both techniques are highly effective [2]. However, studies suggest that the endoscopic approach often leads to a faster recovery and less immediate postoperative pain, allowing patients to return to their activities sooner [3]. The idea that surgery is a painful, last-ditch effort with a long recovery is largely outdated. For the right patient, it offers a definitive, long-term solution. Ultimately, there's no single 'best' treatment for everyone. The right approach for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, your daily activities, and the results of your diagnostic tests. The most advanced clinical thinking advocates for an individualized plan that combines all this information [8]. Working with your doctor, you can weigh the pros and cons of each option. Some patients find lasting relief with a simple night splint, while for others, surgery is the most direct path to restoring full hand function and ending the sleep-disrupting pain for good. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can feel like a frustrating and persistent intrusion on your life, but you don't have to just live with it. With a better understanding of the condition and a wealth of effective, evidence-based treatments available, relief is within reach. The key is to listen to your body's signals and seek medical guidance early. A proactive approach, guided by a healthcare professional, is your best bet for preventing long-term issues and ensuring a full recovery. For more in-depth patient information, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides excellent resources. [1] Genova, A., Dix, O., Saefan, A., Thakur, M., & Hassan, A. (2020). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review of Literature. Cureus, 12(3), e7333. [2] Kokubo, R., & Kim, K. (2021). No shinkei geka. Neurological surgery, 49(6), 1306–1316. [3] Urits, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Orhurhu, V., Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2019). Recent Advances in the Understanding and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review. Current pain and headache reports, 23(10), 70. [4] Zamborsky, R., Kokavec, M., Simko, L., & Bohac, M. (2017). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options. Literature Reviev. Ortopedia, traumatologia, rehabilitacja, 19(1), 1–8. [5] Dua, K., Osterman, A. L., & Abzug, J. M. (2017). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Initial Management and the Treatment of Recalcitrant Patients. Instructional course lectures, 66, 141–152. [6] Bickel K. D. (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome. The Journal of hand surgery, 35(1), 147–152. [7] Wipperman, J., & Goerl, K. (2016). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management. American family physician, 94(12), 993–999. [8] Padua, L., Coraci, D., Erra, C., Pazzaglia, C., Paolasso, I., Loreti, C., Caliandro, P., & Hobson-Webb, L. D. (2016). Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. The Lancet. Neurology, 15(12), 1273–1284. [9] Joshi, A., Patel, K., Mohamed, A., Oak, S., Zhang, M. H., Hsiung, H., Zhang, A., & Patel, U. K. (2022). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Comprehensive Guidelines for Clinical Evaluation and Treatment. Cureus, 14(7), e27053. [10] Ashworth N. L. (2011). Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ clinical evidence, 2011, 1114.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
AAP demands streamlining of process to issue e-Asthi certificates and B Khata
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members have demanded streamlining of the process of issuing e-Asthi certificates and B Khata by government agencies. Officers of the Belagavi City Corporation, which is the nodal agency for issuing e-Asthi (e-Khata) certificates, should take immediate action to simplify, streamline and ensure transparency in the process. Members of the public are suffering from procedural hassles in the issue of e-Asthi and B Khatas. The current process has become increasingly cumbersome and inconsistent causing undue hardship to property owners, party leaders told reporters in Belagavi on Wednesday. Their demands are: residents with valid CTS numbers and tax-paid receipts should not be burdened with excessive documentation, property supported by Form No 2 must be issued e-Asthi certificate promptly and without delay, documentation required for e-Asthi certificate in Belagavi must align with that of BBMP in Bengaluru, requests for outdated or impractical documents — such as building permissions, layout plans and completion certificates, particularly for old properties — must be discontinued, gift deeds, release deeds and registered wills must be accepted as valid legal documentation for e-Asthi certificate, the procedure should be standardised, a public notice should be issued to clarify the process and eliminate confusions, deadlines should not be arbitrary, applications must be processed within a defined timeframe and in case of rejections, applicants must be informed of the reasons and guided to the officer concerned for resolution or appeal. The CCB commissioner should issue official advertisements — similar to those by BBMP in Bengaluru — to explain the process and eligibility and officials should communicate with the public clearly, they said. AAP district president Vijay L. Patil and party leaders Abdul Tabvaf Shaikh, Sonia Dsouza, Junaid Pasha and others were present.
