Crisis is a state of emotional imbalance and in an inability to cope. This short video takes a closer look at the nature of crisis and what it entails. Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Checklist: Securing Advanced Certification for Career Growth
Written by Charles Schubert.
Healthcare professionals face constant pressure to stay competitive as the field evolves. Employers now prioritize candidates with advanced certifications, recognizing their specialized expertise and commitment to professional growth.
Securing these certifications can open doors to leadership roles, higher salaries, and specialized opportunities. However, the process demands a strategic approach to ensure success.
To help you stay ahead, this guide breaks down the essentials for obtaining advanced healthcare certifications. But before that, let’s first explore the benefits that come with these certifications.
Benefits of Advanced Certification
Increased Earning Potential
Advancing your certifications can significantly boost your salary prospects. Employers value specialized skills, often compensating certified professionals with higher pay to reflect their expertise and dedication.
Certifications signal your ability to handle complex responsibilities. Occasionally, organizations adjust compensation packages to retain skilled staff with proven qualifications, creating more financial stability for you over time.
Additionally, healthcare systems increasingly align pay scales with credentials. Whether you’re negotiating a raise or stepping into a new role, advanced certifications strengthen your position during salary discussions.
Access to Specialized Career Opportunities
In addition to better pay, advanced certifications can lead you into niche fields within healthcare. Employers are always looking for candidates with proven expertise when filling specialized roles requiring specific technical knowledge.
You’ll also find that certifications act as gateways to highly focused departments or advanced clinical work. From neonatal care to oncology or even health informatics, the right credentials position you for targeted opportunities in these areas.
Moreover, you’ll be better placed to work for prestigious institutions or organizations that demand higher qualifications. These roles usually come with unique challenges and rewards, setting you apart in your professional journey.
Enhanced Professional Credibility
Certifications also establish you as an authority in your field. Colleagues and employers recognize the effort and expertise required, leading to increased trust in your capabilities.
Healthcare teams rely on professionals with validated knowledge when making critical decisions. Certified individuals are the go-to resources for guidance, further boosting their reputation within organizations.
Such credibility also extends to patient interactions or external collaborations. Patients feel reassured knowing they’re cared for by certified experts, while peers are more likely to involve you in impactful projects or research opportunities that demand specialized skill sets.
Better Job Security in Competitive Markets
Healthcare careers are increasingly competitive. Whatever you think of as stable positions now could quickly become vulnerable during organizational shifts or economic changes.
You can become versatile with certifications that showcase advanced knowledge. Employers prioritize retaining individuals with specialized skills when facing restructuring or downsizing.
Credentials also align with emerging technological advancements and industry trends. From AI integration to telehealth innovations, certifications ensure you’re equipped for modern healthcare demands.
Qualification for Leadership or Management Roles
Experts aiming for leadership positions in the healthcare industry benefit greatly from advanced certifications. These qualifications demonstrate your ability to handle administrative responsibilities alongside clinical expertise.
With specialized training, you develop critical decision-making skills and strategic thinking essential for management roles. Certifications also cover areas like team coordination, compliance oversight, and operational planning.
Most employers view certified candidates as prepared to lead departments or spearhead initiatives. Such roles require trust in your ability to guide teams effectively and maintain high standards of care.
Networking Opportunities
Advanced certifications open up valuable networking avenues. Fellow candidates and alumni regularly connect through professional groups or online forums, creating a supportive community.
These networks are rich resources for job leads, industry insights, and collaborative projects. Engaging with this group keeps you informed about emerging trends and best practices in your specialty.
Moreover, conferences or workshops tied to certifications provide face-to-face interactions with leaders in the field. You’ll get to expand your contacts and possibly gain mentorship from seasoned experts.
Essential Steps and Resources for Obtaining Advanced Healthcare Certifications
Identify Your Career Goals
Before embarking on the certification journey, outline where you want your career to go. Certifications vary widely, and choosing one aligned with your long-term ambitions ensures you invest time and resources wisely.
Specific goals clarify which credentials suit your desired specialization or leadership aspirations. For instance, if you aim to transition into healthcare IT or management, certifications like Health Informatics or Healthcare Management align directly with those paths.
Your current role can also guide this decision. Ideally, think about how an advanced credential could enhance the work you already do while preparing you for broader opportunities in related fields or industries.
Research the Right Certification Programs
You don’t want to invest in certifications that fail to match your career path. Exploring accredited programs tailored to your field ensures you make informed decisions. Reliable organizations like ANCC or HIMSS offer widely respected options.
Program details could include eligibility, exam structure, and recognized outcomes. Ideally, focus on certifications endorsed by professional boards or healthcare institutions within your specialization.
Colleagues and mentors can also provide insights about their certification experiences. Speaking with them may reveal industry-specific recommendations or overlooked options that align better with your goals.
Evaluate Time and Financial Commitment
Healthcare certifications demand significant time and money. Understanding these commitments early helps you plan effectively without unnecessary stress or burnout.
Some certifications require months of study, alongside exam fees, application costs, and potential recertification expenses. Balancing this with your work schedule may involve creating a structured timeline.
Financial assistance is also worth exploring. Employers occasionally offer reimbursement programs for career development efforts, while scholarships from professional organizations can significantly reduce upfront costs.
Utilize Practice Exams
Exams are an inevitable step in earning certifications, and preparation is key. Practice exams offer a clear view of the test structure and highlight areas where you may need improvement.
Resources like Knowt provide excellent tools for structured studying. Though known for IB exam study guides, their approach to creating interactive review materials applies well to healthcare certification prep.
Consistency in using practice exams can also boost retention. So, regularly test your knowledge to ensure that concepts stick while improving confidence as the exam date approaches.
Leverage Technology for Learning
Modern technology simplifies certification prep by offering tailored tools. Mobile apps, like Quizlet or Nursing.com, deliver on-the-go learning options perfect for fitting study sessions into your busy schedule.
Virtual reality (VR) and simulation platforms take it a step further. Some healthcare certifications incorporate practical scenarios through VR simulations, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge interactively.
AI-powered programs analyze your progress and recommend focused topics for review. These features save time by eliminating unnecessary repetition while keeping you on track with clear goals.
Seek Mentorship from Certified Professionals
Mentors who have already earned advanced certifications can provide invaluable guidance. Their experiences could reveal practical strategies for exam preparation and career advancement you won’t find in study materials.
Certified professionals can share insights on balancing work, study time, and life responsibilities during the certification process. They may also recommend resources or offer tips on avoiding common pitfalls.
Building these connections expands your professional network as well. Some mentors might introduce you to opportunities, whether through employer-sponsored programs or industry events, helping you move closer to achieving both certification and career goals efficiently.
Leverage Online Learning Platforms
We no longer live in a time when certification prep requires physical attendance. Online learning platforms now offer flexible options tailored to busy healthcare professionals. You can find courses, mock exams, and video tutorials covering various certifications.
Many of these platforms, such as Coursera or MedBridge, provide modules specifically designed for advanced credentials. This allows you to learn at your own pace while balancing work and other responsibilities.
Some even include peer discussion boards where you can connect with others pursuing the same certifications. Engaging in shared discussions helps reinforce knowledge while offering support during challenging preparation phases.
Apply for Certification Exams
After completing the preparation, the next step is to secure your exam date. Many organizations require early registration due to limited seating or specific deadlines tied to testing cycles.
When applying for certification exams, ensure all required documents, such as proof of eligibility or work experience, are submitted correctly to avoid delays. Missing details could cost you a valuable testing window.
Moreover, carefully review exam fees and available locations. Some certifications offer remote testing options, which can save time and reduce stress on the exam day.
At AIHCP there is no cumulative final exam or certification exam. We conduct all testing via a series of CE courses. When it is time to apply for certification, at AIHCP, all that is left filling out an application form and a paying the certification fee. Please view our certification process for more details.
Maintain and Renew Certifications
Certifications aren’t permanent. Many need renewal every few years to ensure you stay up to date with the latest industry standards and practices. Tracking expiration dates early prevents last-minute scrambles.
Renewal often involves completing continuing education credits or passing refresher exams. Online platforms, like CEUFast, simplify this procedure by offering accredited courses tailored to certification requirements.
Some professional organizations provide membership perks, including discounts on renewal fees or exclusive access to necessary resources. You can take advantage of these benefits to make the renewal more manageable.
For example, AIHCP’s certifications are valid for four years and after which time they can be renewed by completing 50 CE hours worth of continuing education and paying a recertification fee. Please visit our recertification programs for more details.
Final Thoughts
Staying competitive in the ever-evolving healthcare sector requires dedication and foresight. Advanced certifications are stepping stones to professional and personal growth.
So, seize this opportunity to develop your skills, open doors to specialized roles, and secure a future-proof career. Whether through mentorship or cutting-edge technology, you have myriad resources at your fingertips.
Writer’s Bio
Charles Schubert is a dedicated healthcare writer and industry expert, focusing on professional development within the medical field. With extensive experience in exploring career growth strategies, he helps professionals navigate advanced certifications to enhance their skills and opportunities.
His insightful articles combine practical advice with current trends, empowering readers to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Charles is passionate about equipping others for success in their careers.
Please also review AIHCP’s Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Crisis Intervention and Domestic Violence
Crisis workers, specialists and counselors who help those in crisis and trauma come across many cases of abuse or domestic violence. Whether lower tier, on site, or dealing with long term trauma, domestic violence is a large problem within the world, especially against women. This is not to say it does not also occur against men, but the higher percentage of abuse and domestic violence is against women and children. Women especially suffer the brunt of domestic violence cases and suffer as victims sometimes unable to act. This blog will review what domestic violence is, factors surrounding the victim and perpetrator, as well as intervention strategies to help victims, usually women, to be able to heal and move forward.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Program and see if these programs meet your needs. Professionals in the Human Service Field who help battered women and other victims can utilize these certifications to broaden their knowledge and understanding of domestic violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence goes well beyond merely anger and loss of control but has many elements that go deeply into the psychology of the abuser and the willingness for the victim to sometimes endure for years. Domestic Violence also known as Intimate Partner Violence encompasses all types of couples including not only married, but those living together, same sex couples, and abuse of children or elderly (James, 2017, p. 286). Within Domestic Violence are key terms that designate the crime. Battering refers to any type of physical assault, while abuse is a more general term that not only encompasses physical violence but also emotional, verbal abuse as well as threatening (James, 2017, p. 287).
There are many theories that surround the relationship that ties abuser and victim together. Attachment/Traumatic Bonding Theory speculates that abusers abuse because of fear of losing the significant other due to childhood trauma of losing loved ones and lack of stability. Another theory is Exchange Theory which postulates that the abuser will continue to be violent as long as the reward outweighs the cost of utilizing violence to control. Intraindividual Theory investigates various psychological and neurophysiological disorders that play a part in why batterers abuse. From the victim perspective, many women suffer from learned helplessness and battered woman syndrome in which the woman accepts the abuse and the results as a learned behavior. In reverse, the abuser, usually a man, falls into the learned behavior of achieving results through inherent abuse. Feminist theory attributes abuse by men to be tied to sexist and patriarchal views within society that glorify the dominance of the man over the woman. Cultural reinforcement and glorification of aggression for success can also play a role in advancing aggression as a positive attribute. Finally, psychological entrapment proposes that women have to much to lose financially if they report or leave the abuser. In addition, the secret fills the victim with shame and ties the abused to the abuser and looks for the abused to justify and find ways to stay (James, 2017, p. 290-293).
There are also numerous secondary stressors and issues that can add or complicate to the abuse case. Issues surrounding geographic location can affect the duration of abuse if the abused is isolated. Economic and financial stressors can play a role in a woman staying with an abuser, as well as religious beliefs and stigma. Many women may feel disenfranchised or rejected if abuse was made public. Other stressors and factors include the age of the couple, with younger couples experiencing abuse at a higher level, as well as the role of drugs and alcohol (James, 2017, p. 294).
In addition, there are many myths about domestic violence that can sometimes look to dismiss it as not as serious. One such myth is that battered women overstate their case, display too much sensitivity, or hate men or are looking for revenge. The reality is most women who report are not reporting the first incident but are reporting after multiple cases. Other myths involve justifying the abuse as if the woman or victim provoked the beating, or that if it was truly so bad, she would leave the relationship. These false myths need dismissed in order to give domestic violence the spotlight it deserves and the importance for society to make it not a family personal issue but a community one (James, 2017. p. 294).
Profile of the Batterer and Abuser
Batterers usually can have any of the following issues. They were battered themselves, faced poor family conditions as children, have anger and impulse control issues, deal with addictions, or suffer from a variety of emotional and cognitive disorders. Characteristics of individuals, in particular men, who abuse suffer from a variety of issues. Many demonstrate excessive dependency and possessiveness toward a women. Others have poor communication skills and can only filter anger to express. Others may have unreal expectations of their spouses or partners. Others may see themselves as dominant and set up rigid family control patterns for the spouse and children that cannot be infringed upon. Many men who abuse also are characterized as jealous, impulsive, denying, depressive, demanding, aggressive and violent. In addition, many suffer from low self esteem and form addictive habits (James, 2019, p. 293). Many abusers usually look to minimize abuse. They may deny battering, minimize the battery, or project the battery onto the victim (James, 2017, .p. 321).
Some batterers are a family only batterers. These types act out but are quick to seek forgiveness. Others with low level anti-social tendencies, or violent anti-social tendencies are far more dangerous and terroristic. This does not mean family only batterers do not have serious issues or can lead to fatal outcomes. It just means, there violence is more confined to the home and nowhere else and it may not be due to deeper psychological disorders (James, 2017., p. 296). However, it is important to note, any physical violence, even a push or shove, or threat is too much. There needs to be zero tolerance for any type of behavior.
Profile of the Abused
Abused women on the other hand suffer various characteristics that fall into compliance with abuse and perpetrate its continuance. These characteristics are sometimes sought out by abusers since it enables control. Many abused women lack self esteem due to the continuous verbal insults. They lack self confidence in abilities to make the situation better. Many women who are abused come from past history of being abused, much as the abuser. They may regularize the abuse as something familiar and normal. Many women who are subject to abuse are very dependent upon the spouse and are unable to escape the situation, or fear leaving due to stigma. Many women cannot differentiate between love and sex and also feel it is their duty to fix the abuser by staying (James, 2017, p. 294).
Many women simply live and relive the vicious cycle of abuse. They accept the the tranquil periods or first phase of tranquility of no violence but soon enough, the second phase of tension starts to build and the third phase of a violent outburst occurs. Upon this, the relationship enters into a pivotal crisis state of whether the abuser will seek forgiveness or re-assert dominance where the victim accepts the situation and re-enters a new tranquility phase. Only till the victim stops the cycle will the domestic violence end (James, 2017, p. 296).
Assessment and Intervention
Upon any report of domestic violence, human service professionals are required to report. This involves documenting the abuse with pictures and statements, assuring the victim of her rights and giving her a plan, and finally, reporting the incident to appropriate authorities (James, 2017, p. 300). Most disclosures occur at shelters, hospitals, on scene, via a crisis call or after an arrest. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to access battered women or to get them to display bruises or report a crime. The Battered Woman Scale measures traits that make it difficult for battered woman to discuss or report abuse. Overall, most women possess traits of those with PTSD (James, 2017, p. 299).
During the clinical interview it is important to believe a woman who reports battering. Most women who finally have enough courage to report, are finally doing so after numerous incidents and are finally realizing the life or death nature of the situation. It is important to listen with empathy, provide support and facilitate the necessary course of action for the victim (James, 2017, p. 302). It is important as a crisis responder or counselor to be real with the victim and listen with empathy. The victim should be allowed to express emotion and the time she needs to express and tell it. The counselor should maintain eye contact during this phase and exercise empathetic listening skills. It is also important to remain respectful and non-judgemental. This is a very difficult story for the woman to tell and she needs to be applauded and not questioned with “why”. Counselors need to also help restate the victim’s thoughts and feelings and help guide the victim to better options and ways to resolve the issue and any fears she may have or possess. Finally, it is important to follow through and check on the victim’s process (James, 2017. p. 304).
Over the long term, it is important to provide psychoeducation about abuse and feelings associated with it. It is important to emphasize how unjust family violence is and how to better cope with it in the future. Other victims may also need aid in dealing with PSTD, or other stressors that are preventing them from healing and moving forward. In addition, women, families and victims need social support to help through the process (James, 2017, p.314)
Many abusers will need more than merely anger management, but additional support groups to help individuals face their own inner demons and to see the damage their violence does to the people they love. This may also involve drug and addiction therapy, as well as public intervention.
Conclusion
Domestic abuse whether verbal or physical is always wrong. It has deeper roots usually and cause deep crisis and trauma to victims. Many who perpetrate it have their own inner issues. While men usually are the perpetrator, it is important to note that not only women and children can be abused, but men can also be abused by women. In addition, same sex couples also face the same domestic issues heterosexual couples face. Counselors, crisis specialists, chaplains, pastors and social workers can play large roles in helping stop the cycle of violence and helping victims find safety through good assessment, reporting and future therapy.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Program as well as its Anger Management Consulting Certification. The programs are online and independent study with mentorship as needed.
Resource
James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage
Additional Resources
“The National Domestic Violence Hotline”. Access here
“Domestic Violence”. Psychology Today. Access here
“Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help”. Mayo Clinic Staff. Access here
Strong, R. (2023). “What Is Domestic Violence? Learn the Signs and How to Get Help Now”. Healthline. Access here
How Leadership Training Enhances Health Professionals’ Career Growth
Written by Phillip Ekuwem.
Leadership is a skill that stretches well beyond titles or positions. For healthcare professionals, it’s a practical necessity that can drive personal career growth while improving the entire care experience.
Yet, many in the field aren’t taught leadership formally despite constantly making decisions that impact patients, teams, and entire healthcare systems.
Leadership training fills that gap, equipping healthcare professionals with tools to navigate everything from patient care decisions to complex team dynamics.
This isn’t just about climbing the career ladder – mastering skills that strengthen confidence, advance careers, and create better outcomes for everyone involved.
The Role of Leadership in Healthcare
Impact on Patient Care
For healthcare professionals, leadership skills directly influence the quality of patient care. Studies consistently show that patient outcomes improve when led by influential leaders who set clear standards and guide teams with a patient-centered focus.
Healthcare leaders are responsible for establishing practices that put patients’ needs first – setting protocols, overseeing patient communication, or creating environments where patients feel heard and respected.
Strong leadership drives these outcomes, creating a healthcare experience where patients feel safe, valued, and supported, ultimately contributing to higher satisfaction and better health outcomes.
Influence on Healthcare Teams
Adequate healthcare isn’t a one-man mission; it’s teamwork at every level. When there’s leadership within healthcare teams, it builds a culture of respect, open communication, and collaboration.
A strong leader fosters an environment where every team member feels valued and motivated and can contribute meaningfully.
This leadership is essential in healthcare, where professionals from diverse disciplines – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff – must work seamlessly together. When leaders promote these values, teams work better, conflict resolution becomes smoother, and, most importantly, the quality of patient care improves.
Organizational Outcomes
Good leadership has a significant impact on organizational success in healthcare. A leader who understands healthcare systems, resource management, and strategic planning can significantly improve a company’s growth.
From improving operational efficiency to ensuring compliance with regulations, strong leaders help keep healthcare organizations steady, even amid change. When leaders are equipped with skills to handle financial and strategic challenges, they contribute to the organization’s stability and adaptability.
Core Components of Effective Leadership Training
Interpersonal Skills Development
At the heart of healthcare leadership are strong interpersonal skills – communication, empathy, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively. Training in these areas helps healthcare professionals foster better relationships and teamwork, leading to a more cohesive work environment.
When leaders learn to listen actively and provide constructive feedback, they empower their teams to voice concerns and contribute ideas. This kind of atmosphere enhances morale, and leadership training benefits those in hospital systems.
It is crucial for healthcare professionals planning to start or manage private practices. Running a successful practice requires more than clinical expertise – it involves managing finances, overseeing staff, and making strategic decisions that ensure sustainability and growth.
Leadership training prepares professionals for these responsibilities by teaching essential skills in budgeting, resource allocation, and patient care strategies.
For healthcare providers considering private practice, investing in leadership training is a valuable step that can ultimately lead to a more organized, efficient, and financially stable practice and drive innovation, ensuring that care practices evolve to meet patient needs.
Systems Literacy
Understanding the complex systems within healthcare – regulations, financial structures, and organizational dynamics – is another vital part of leadership training.
Systems literacy gives healthcare leaders the big-picture knowledge needed to navigate policies, manage resources effectively, and understand how different parts of the organization connect.
This awareness helps leaders make informed decisions that are financially and operationally sound. It’s about knowing how the system works and using that knowledge to improve efficiency, compliance, and overall patient care quality.
Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
Decision-making is a daily reality in healthcare, and practical leadership training sharpens the ability to make thoughtful, evidence-based choices. Programs focusing on decision-making build skills in critical thinking, risk assessment, and responding effectively under pressure.
Healthcare leaders trained in these areas approach complex patient cases, staffing challenges, and budget constraints with a steady hand and a clear strategy. Ultimately, these skills go beyond quick choices – they ensure that every decision aligns with the best patient outcomes, supports the team’s efficiency, and meets the organization’s goals.
Financial Considerations for Leadership Development
Understanding Financing Options
For healthcare professionals looking to develop leadership skills, various financing options can support the cost of formal training programs or additional certifications.
For instance, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can fund starting private practices or cover educational expenses contributing to business and practice management.
Providers seeking funding might also consider reviewing Lendio loan requirements as part of their exploration, particularly if they’re interested in flexible financing that can be applied to leadership or business management courses. Understanding these options helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about investing in their development without straining their finances.
Application to Private Practice
Leadership training benefits those in hospital systems and is crucial for healthcare professionals planning to start or manage private practices. Running a successful practice requires more than clinical expertise – it involves managing finances, overseeing staff, and making strategic decisions that ensure sustainability and growth.
Leadership training prepares professionals for these responsibilities by teaching essential skills in budgeting, resource allocation, and patient care strategies.
For healthcare providers considering private practice, investing in leadership training is a valuable step that can ultimately lead to a more organized, efficient, and financially stable practice.
Benefits of Leadership Training for Career Advancement
Enhanced Professional Competence
Leadership training equips healthcare professionals with skills that boost their competence in both clinical and administrative areas. These skills directly enhance daily performance, from improving their ability to communicate clearly with patients to managing workflows within their team.
As professionals gain confidence in handling complex situations and guiding others, they become invaluable assets to their organizations. This competence contributes to career growth and establishes a strong reputation within the field.
Increased Opportunities for Advancement
Leadership skills open doors to higher positions and responsibilities for healthcare professionals aiming to grow in their careers.
Many leadership programs provide access to mentors, networking opportunities, and structured career paths, making moving into roles like department head, clinical director, or executive positions easier.
By developing these skills early, professionals set themselves on a path to leadership, standing out as candidates who can lead teams, manage budgets, and implement strategies that benefit the organization.
Improved Job Satisfaction and Reduced Burnout
Leadership training supports personal well-being by reducing the risk of burnout, a typical healthcare issue. Skills like effective communication, time management, and conflict resolution make day-to-day work smoother, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.
Leaders training in these areas are better equipped to create balanced, supportive work environments for themselves and their teams, which helps sustain long-term motivation and career fulfillment.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology Leadership Program
Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Otolaryngology residency includes an innovative leadership training program integrating fundamental leadership principles into residents’ medical education.
Designed to span the duration of the residency, this program includes Naval ROTC topics, public speaking workshops, a micro-MBA course, and a capstone leadership project.
Sessions occur outside clinical hours, often during morning conferences or dinner sessions, allowing residents to focus on health policy, finance, conflict resolution, and effective communication without disrupting their medical training.
Vanderbilt’s model demonstrates how embedding leadership elements into residency can equip future healthcare leaders with the skills they need to manage teams, communicate effectively, and make strategic decisions in a clinical environment.
Relias Healthcare Leadership Development
Relias Healthcare offers professional development programs tailored to healthcare staff at various career stages.
Their leadership programs focus on fundamental skills like effective communication, emotional intelligence, and team-building strategies. Through online courses, workshops, and interactive modules, healthcare professionals learn to manage team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and lead organizational initiatives.
Success stories from Relia’s alums reflect improvements in their leadership confidence and practical skills, enabling many to transition into managerial roles or lead departments.
This program highlights how targeted leadership training can empower healthcare professionals across disciplines to take on leadership roles and drive positive organizational changes.
Integrating Leadership Training into Medical Education
Current Gaps in Training
Although the benefits of leadership skills are as clear as day, most medical curricula don’t include formal leadership training. This lack of focus leaves many healthcare professionals unprepared for roles that require team management, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
With structured leadership development, healthcare workers can learn on the job, leading to consistent results. Addressing this gap would involve incorporating leadership competencies directly into medical education, helping students build essential skills in their foundational training.
Proposed Curriculum Enhancements
Medical education programs might include various leadership-building activities to better prepare healthcare workers for leadership responsibilities.
For example, providing mentoring opportunities where students observe seasoned healthcare executives may help them gain necessary knowledge about strategic planning, patient-centered care, and efficient team administration.
Furthermore, offering specialized courses in systems management, communication tactics, and healthcare policy might help students better comprehend the larger organizational environment in which they will operate.
These programs would give aspiring professionals a well-rounded skill set that would enable them to lead confidently in various healthcare settings by combining clinical education with leadership training. This would help their careers and the teams they will lead.
Conclusion
Leadership training isn’t just an optional skill set for healthcare professionals; it’s a powerful catalyst for personal and career growth. By building competencies in communication, decision-making, and systems management, healthcare professionals lead confidently and clearly.
Programs like those at Vanderbilt show the impact of structured leadership training, while options for ongoing development, like those offered by Relias, make leadership growth accessible across career stages.
For healthcare professionals, leadership skills translate directly to better patient outcomes, stronger teams, and more resilient organizations. Investing in leadership training – whether through educational programs or financial avenues for private practice – supports a more adaptable and empowered healthcare workforce.
Author’s Bio.
Phillip Ekuwem is a writer that has pretty much done it all. He started out as a sports journalist writing for some top publications like Redbull and Yahoo Sport UK, then later made the switch to content and copywriting and has worked with top financial publications like Stock Dork. When he’s not writing, he’s either catching up on the Premier League or hanging with his friends and playing Fifa.
Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Manager Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
Crisis Intervention and Sexual Assault and Abuse
One of the most heinous actions against another human being is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a broad term that can include rape but also any type of sexual activity that includes not only women, but also men and children. In all, sexual abuse, or rape involves any type of deliberate violation of another that incurs an invasion of the body by force without consent. It violates the persons privacy and inner space hence scarring the individual emotionally, mentally and physically due to this violation (James, 2017, p.242). There are many forms of rape, sexual battery and assault upon numerous different victims with different genders, orientations or ages. Sexual abuse or rape can be committed by a complete stranger, or by a partner, friend or family member. It can occur through force, drugging, or coercive means. It can be severely violent with physical resistance or without.
Ultimately it is a violation of personhood and intimacy. It is a stealing of innocence and security. Due to this, in all cases, it causes different levels of trauma and crisis within the existence of the person. In this short blog, we will review some of the issues that result from sexual assault and how to help others through it.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Program
Myths Surrounding Rape and Sexual Assault
There are many myths and fallacies surrounding sexual assault regarding its nature and the victims themselves. Such myths include that rape is merely rough sex, or that rape is a cry to avenge a man, or that rape is motivated by lust, or that rapists are loners and not everyday people, or that survivors provoke or asked for it, or that only bad women are raped, or that rapes only occur in certain bad areas of town. In addition, other fallacies include that men who are raped are willing victims due to their strength or position. Other myths blame only homosexuals as perpetrators of abuse upon young boys. Other fallacies include limiting male trauma to female trauma, that once a victim, one will become a future perpetrator, or if someone enjoyed pleasure during the sex of rape, then the person enjoyed it (James, 2017, p. 244-245). These fallacies can create many misconceptions about the nature of rape and how to help victims of rape. The reality is rape or sexual assault is a traumatic event that violates and invades a person. It can lead to a variety of traumas and when myths and fallacies circulate, it can cause intense grief for the victim.
Nature of the Rapist
Most rapes and sexual assaults obviously occur to women or children, but the nature and makeup can be attributed to anyone who seeks to sexually hurt another person. In case of usually men, the rapist or assailant performs hostile acts and is filled with anger. Many may feel mistreated, anxious or threatened and have issues with women. Many see women as inferior or submissive, and feel the need to display power over them. Many display poor interpersonal skills and also show sadistic patterns of behavior (James, 2017, p.242). Regardless of gender, those who victimize others in cases of sexual assault fall into four categories. The first is commit due to raw anger. The second commit due to power exploitation. The third commit to power reassurance and finally the fourth commit due to sadistic needs (James, 2017, p. 242).
Rapists, especially molesters, will utilize grooming techniques to find victims and entice them with rewards, only later to entrap them with manipulation to continue in the action by degrading them, blaming them, threatening them, or blackmailing them into secrecy. Blaming, shaming and disenfranchising the voice of the young person is key to the predation (James, 2017, p. 268).
The rapist or assailant can commit these crimes on a date, abduction, or even within a relationship. It be between a family member, spouse, friend or total stranger. All cases are a grave injustice to the autonomy of the other person and leaves great traumatic scars that require crisis care and long term counseling. The crimes against children are especially heinous and cry to heaven for justice. Fortunately, crisis specialists can play the role of angels on earth and try to help these victims.
Helping Sexual Assault Survivors
The initial impact stage of sexual assault and rape leaves the person within the first 2 weeks raw with emotion and maybe even physical pain from the assault. The person may be haunted by nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, hypervigilance, or other reactions to acute stress (James, 2017, p. 248). These peritraumatic stress syndromes are natural for anyone who was involved in a severe trauma. They may gradually over time relax or persist into traumatic stress disorder or even PTSD (James, 2017. p. 250).
Among the many possible reactions, some may exhibit multiple emotions, while some may appear unaffected on in a state of shock. Some may wish to not discuss the event. Others may feel humiliated, demeaned or degraded without value. They may feel stigmatized, shamed or an extreme impaired self image. Some may blame themselves for the rape or assault. Others may have difficulty trusting others again. Some may become depressed or suicidal. Others may become extremely angry and seek revenge (James, 2017, p. 252).
After 3 months, many will still need to continue medical care for physical issues as well as mental counseling. Some may have difficulty resuming or returning to work. Others may have a hard time resuming sexual relations. Some may also display mood swings and emotional outbursts. Others may continue to display nightmares, flashbacks and other symptoms of PTSD, as well as depression or suicidal ideation (James, 2017, p. 253). Children will show regression, odd behaviors, or acting out and if left untreated may deal with unresolved grief and trauma throughout life.
Counselors, as well as social support among friends and family can play key roles in healing. It is important for those around the victim to be understanding of the trauma and the damage it causes in regards to mood swings, emotional outbursts and the need to express anger. Friends and family need to be available and counselors need to show empathy and listening. In doing so, it means recognizing the hurt, the trauma, the self esteem issues, the lack of trust, the fears and triggers, as well as letting her make some decisions on her/him on his/her own to again feel autonomy (James, 2017, p. 254).
While those suffering from more traumatic reactions may require exposure treatments, affective regulation and cognitive therapies through licensed counselors, crisis specialists can help the victim feel safe and secure. The crisis specialist can reassure and help the person see solutions and answers to the problem and offer insight to their emotions. In these cases, helping individuals find grounding through breathing and relaxation techniques can be helpful. It can help an individual regain equilibrium. In addition, many will need help with grief and understanding loss. Grief resolution and meaning making will be essential as the person attempts to tie together this horrible event with one’s life story and finding meaning it. James points out that the two first tasks are clearly stabilization and finding meaning (2017. p. 266).
Many individuals may require support groups that share the similar trauma of sexual assault, as well as ways again to feel safe and regain autonomy. This can be through the help of others or through other ways of taking control, whether it be through self defense training, or weapons training. It may involve also finding closure through justice through the judicial system. Some may also look to find even deeper meanings by helping others. Many may form support groups or push forward into forming organizations or public awareness groups for sexual assault survivors.
Conclusion
Sexual assault is one of the most disgusting and grievous offenses against another human being. It is broad and wide against numerous target populations according to orientation, gender and age but it usually involves power, anger and sadistic energy. Individuals suffer intense trauma by this violation and many feel a variety of emotions that can lead to various behavioral issues and future PTSD. Even for those who suffer the general trajectory still suffer emotionally, mentally and physically and must go through a process of stabilization meaning making and finding autonomy, safety and healing again.
Crisis Specialist play a big role in the initial phases of helping sexual assault victims find safety and ability to stabilize their emotions and mind after the assault. They then guide the victim to finding the necessary long term aids to help the person again find healing and wholeness.
Please also review AIHCP’s Crisis Intervention Specialist Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in crisis counseling. The program is great for counselors, social workers, chaplains, as well as nurses, EMT and police and rescue.
Resource
James, R & Gilliland, B. (2017). “Crisis Intervention Strategies”. (8th). Cengage
Additional Resources
I am a victim of rape/sexual assault. What do I do? Access here
Legg, T. (2019). “Sexual Assault Resource Guide”. Healthline. Access here
Pappas, S. (2022). “How to support patients who have experienced sexual assault”. APA. Access here
Massage Therapy for Mental Health: Unlocking the Power of Therapeutic Touch to Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Written by Nick Gabriele.
Mental health has taken center stage as a pressing concern. Stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise, fueled by the constant demands of work, personal responsibilities, and global uncertainties.
Mental health challenges don’t just affect the mind—they impact every aspect of an individual’s well-being, often spilling over into physical health.
Amid this growing mental health crisis, massage therapy has emerged as a powerful complementary therapy. While it has long been known for its physical benefits, research increasingly supports its effectiveness in promoting emotional and psychological well-being.
For healthcare professionals, this presents an opportunity to incorporate massage therapy as part of a holistic mental health care plan.
In this article, we’ll dive into how massage therapy impacts mental health, explore its physiological and emotional benefits, and discuss practical ways for healthcare professionals to integrate it into their practice.
How Massage Therapy Impacts Mental Health
To understand how massage therapy supports mental health, it’s important to first examine the intricate connection between the mind and body.
Stress and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression don’t just remain confined to thoughts—they manifest physically as muscle tension, chronic pain, and even sleep disturbances. Massage therapy acts as a bridge, addressing both the mental and physical symptoms of these conditions.
Globally, the statistics are staggering. Anxiety disorders affect approximately 301 million people, while 280 million individuals suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization. These conditions often require a multi-pronged approach to treatment, combining traditional methods like therapy and medication with complementary therapies such as massage.
Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
One of the most significant ways massage therapy impacts mental health is by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system responsible for the “rest and digest” state, which counteracts the “fight or flight” response triggered by stress.
During a massage, the soothing touch stimulates sensory receptors in the skin, sending signals to the brain that promote relaxation. This calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system and allows the body to enter a state of rest.
Research supports this mechanism: a meta-analysis by Moyer et al. (2004) found that massage therapy reduces cortisol levels by up to 31%, while increasing serotonin by 28% and dopamine by 31%—neurotransmitters crucial for regulating mood and promoting a sense of well-being.
The science is clear: activating the parasympathetic nervous system through massage can provide immediate and long-term relief from anxiety and depression symptoms.
Easing Physical Manifestations of Stress
Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression often come with physical symptoms, including:
- Chronic muscle tension
- Tension headaches
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
These physical manifestations not only worsen mental health but also create a vicious cycle of stress and discomfort. Massage therapy breaks this cycle by relieving muscle stiffness, improving circulation, and releasing tension in areas prone to stress, such as the neck, shoulders, and back.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology revealed that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder reported a significant reduction in physical symptoms after just three massage sessions. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the physical side of mental health challenges to achieve comprehensive relief.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Mental Health
As we transition from the mechanisms of how massage therapy works, let’s delve deeper into the tangible benefits it offers for mental health. Massage therapy addresses anxiety and depression on multiple fronts, making it an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Regulation of the Nervous System
One of the most profound benefits of massage therapy is its ability to regulate the nervous system. By lowering cortisol levels and boosting serotonin and dopamine production, massage helps stabilize mood and reduce feelings of stress. These effects are not limited to the duration of the massage session—they often last for days, providing lasting relief for individuals with anxiety or depression.
Research from Harvard Health highlights how the calming effects of massage can lead to sustained improvements in mental health, particularly when combined with other therapeutic interventions.
Alleviation of Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms often accompany mental health challenges, creating additional burdens for patients. Chronic pain, headaches, and muscle tension are common complaints among those with anxiety and depression. Massage therapy targets these physical symptoms, offering relief that can have a ripple effect on emotional well-being.
Imagine a patient with persistent neck pain caused by stress. A targeted massage not only alleviates the physical discomfort but also reduces the underlying stress, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances both physical and emotional health.
Studies, including those published in ERIC, confirm that even a few sessions of massage therapy can significantly reduce physical symptoms, making it an effective adjunct to traditional mental health treatments.
Enhancement of Emotional Balance
Massage therapy goes beyond physical relief to foster emotional healing. The act of therapeutic touch can help patients reconnect with their bodies, grounding them in the present moment and reducing rumination on negative thoughts. Additionally, the nurturing environment of a massage session provides a safe space for emotional release, helping patients process unresolved feelings.
By fostering mindfulness and emotional balance, massage therapy empowers patients to take an active role in their mental health journey.
Improvement of Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are a hallmark of both anxiety and depression. Poor sleep not only exacerbates mental health symptoms but also diminishes emotional resilience, creating a cycle of exhaustion and stress. Massage therapy promotes relaxation, enabling patients to fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper, restorative sleep.
Research from the American Massage Therapy Association demonstrates that regular massage therapy sessions can significantly improve sleep quality, even in individuals with chronic insomnia. For mental health professionals, this makes massage an invaluable tool in addressing sleep-related issues in their patients.
Support for Trauma Recovery
Massage therapy can be beneficial for individuals with unresolved trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It addresses PTSD on a physiological level, helping clients reconnect with their bodies and process trauma. Studies have shown that massage therapy can provide relief for distressing physical and psychological symptoms attributed to trauma exposure.
Boost in Immune Function
While often overlooked, the connection between mental health and the immune system is significant. Chronic stress and depression can suppress immune function, making individuals more susceptible to illness.
Massage therapy has been shown to enhance immune function by reducing stress hormones and increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a critical role in fighting off infections.
For individuals with anxiety or depression, improved immune function can lead to better overall health, which in turn contributes to emotional resilience and mental well-being.
Practical Applications for Healthcare Professionals
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of massage therapy, let’s discuss how healthcare professionals can effectively incorporate it into their practices. Integrating massage therapy doesn’t just benefit patients—it also enhances the overall effectiveness of mental health care plans.
Personalizing Techniques for Mental Health Needs
Each patient’s mental health needs are unique, and tailoring massage techniques can significantly enhance their therapeutic experience.
For anxiety relief, gentle strokes like those in Swedish massage promote relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing stress hormone levels. These techniques help patients feel grounded and safe.
For depression support, deeper pressure techniques such as deep tissue massage target muscle tension and improve circulation, helping to alleviate the physical lethargy often associated with depression. Techniques like trigger point therapy can also release stored tension in key areas like the shoulders and neck.
By discussing preferences and comfort levels with patients, therapists can ensure each session meets both their emotional and physical needs. This personalized approach helps maximize the benefits of massage therapy for mental health.
Collaboration in Mental Health Care
Massage therapy becomes even more effective when integrated into a collaborative mental health care plan. By working alongside psychologists and psychiatrists, massage therapists can help create a comprehensive approach that addresses both emotional and physical symptoms.
For example, psychologists can provide insights into a patient’s stress patterns, while massage therapists address the physical tension linked to those stressors. Educating patients on how massage therapy complements traditional treatments, such as therapy or medication, ensures they see it as a valuable part of their overall care plan.
Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes
As mental health care evolves, technology plays an increasingly important role in improving patient outcomes. Tools like massage therapy client software help healthcare professionals manage patient information, schedule appointments, and track treatment progress. These tools enable therapists to focus on delivering exceptional care while simplifying administrative tasks.
Conclusion: A Holistic Tool for Mental Wellness
Massage therapy offers a unique and effective way to support mental health. By calming the nervous system, alleviating physical symptoms of stress, and fostering emotional balance, it provides a holistic approach to managing anxiety and depression.
For healthcare professionals, integrating massage therapy into treatment plans can lead to better patient outcomes and more comprehensive care. As mental health continues to be a global concern, massage therapy stands out as a valuable complementary therapy that bridges the gap between physical and emotional well-being.
If you’re a healthcare professional, consider incorporating massage therapy into your practice. With its proven benefits, it can play a vital role in helping your patients achieve long-term mental wellness.
Author’s Bio.
Nick Gabriele, Director of Noterro since 2012, has transformed the company into a leading practice management software provider, helping users streamline note-taking, appointments, and overall practice management.
Drawing from over a decade in Independent Medical Evaluations and experience in chiropractic, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, Nick brings a wealth of expertise.
He is also a seasoned speaker and writer on topics like electronic record-keeping, featured in publications like Hamilton News and podcasts including Business Blueprint
Reference:
Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005
Diego, M. A., Field, T., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2004). Massage therapy improves mood and reduces serum cortisol levels in adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 114(10), 1313-1330.
Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859210000896
Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Emotional Freedom Technique & Meridian Energy Health Tapping Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
The Critical Role of Insurance Verification in Healthcare
By Alan Dworetsky.
The basis of revenue cycle management and the foundation of providing patients with financial clarity is accurate insurance eligibility verification. In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at its core components and show how modern solutions are making this important process more efficient..
Insurance Verification Challenges
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, obtaining accurate insurance information is critical yet increasingly difficult. Common problems include old eligibility data, missed patient details or coverage changes, which impact the workflow and cause revenue loss if not addressed.
Without vigilant eligibility and benefits verification, critical mistakes can easily occur, including:
- Submitting claims to the wrong payer
- Failure to capture patient responsibility
- Writing off accounts that had further billable coverage
Such errors frequently result in denied claims and slowed reimbursement. They also contribute to already burdensome administrative tasks for staff.
A Closer Look at Three Core Challenges
Manual Processes
Despite technological progress, some providers still occasionally use manual verification through phone calls. They consume a significant amount of administrative time and risk human error due to misfiled paperwork or poor documentation.
Data Fragmentation
Vital insurance data is often scattered across different systems and departments, making it time-consuming for billing and administrative staff to gather complete coverage information.
Dynamic Change
Medicaid and Medicare coverage may be subject to change. Outdated information may lead to claim denials which otherwise could have been avoided.
Effects on Providers and Patients
Ineffective verification penalizes both healthcare providers and their patients.
For providers, the financial consequences are clear:
- Delayed revenue collections
- Risk of denial write-offs
- Higher administrative costs
For patients, the effects may be less direct but can significantly impact their experience:
- Unexpected out-of-pocket expenses
- Delayed treatment authorizations
- Billing disputes and complications
Any resulting patient dissatisfaction can harm the provider’s reputation and future referrals.
The Importance of Checking Patient Responsibility
Verification issues affect how deductibles and copays are managed. Data gaps make it difficult for staff to accurately inform patients about what they owe.
Inaccurate estimates can lead to patient complaints and allegations of deceptive pricing. Evolving technologies offer a smart way of improving the eligibility verification process.
The High Costs of Eligibility Failure
A recent Change Healthcare report analyzed the revenue impacts of eligibility-related claim defects. Findings revealed:
- Up to 20% of initial claims contain eligibility errors
- 23% increase in denial rates over 3 years
- From $1,012 to $7,876 (in public hospitals); and from $3,906 to $24,687 (in private hospitals): Average hospital claim value
Collectively, these factors equate to tremendous lost revenue, given the pricey claims affected.
For a 500 bed hospital submitting 5000 claims per month, denial rates spiking from 10% to 15% would translate into $25 million in annual revenue at risk.
The Core Elements of Insurance Verification
Effective verification relies on several key components working together:
Accurate Data Collection
- Obtain detailed coverage information during admission
- Record policy details precisely in centralized electronic records
- Identify any secondary or supplemental plans
Ongoing Eligibility Monitoring
- Conduct initial real-time verification upon admission
- Track coverage changes and adjustments
Benefits Confirmation
- Clarify types of covered services
- Review referral and authorization requirements
- Identify network status and out-of-network provisions
Financial Responsibility Communication
- Check for applicable copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
- Align and discuss the out-of-pocket costs with patients
Emerging Verification Solutions
Advancing technology enables automation to streamline verification process components, improving efficiency.
Automated Eligibility Verification Systems
Modern automated web-based platforms can validate coverage specifics in seconds.
They verify multiple payers and update provider systems through integration, reducing labor hours spent on calls and paperwork.
Popular options like eSolutions and Experian Health offer such capabilities. However, they lack regular automated patient coverage monitoring essential for billing accuracy.
Newer solutions fully automate verification and coordinate its various facets. These suites integrate verification and coverage tracking into a single system. Staff can access patient insurance records from a single dashboard, verifying eligibility and benefits in one step. This reduces disjointed data that can confuse the staff.
Two Standout Features
Insurance Discovery – Uncovers Additional Billable Coverage
Uncovers additional billable coverage by searching external databases, boosting legitimate claim submissions.
Automated Coverage Tracking – No More Manual Monitoring
Monitors coverage changes automatically, notifying staff of critical updates that may affect pending claims. This feature prevents multiple claim denials due to incorrect insurance data being used.
Spotlight on Approved Admissions Verification
Approved Admissions exemplifies how advanced technology can streamline the insurance verification process, accelerating revenue and admissions.
The unique platform verifies Medicaid, Medicare, and many other commercial payers while also continuously tracking changes.
Insurance Discovery
Approved Admissions also provides a coverage discovery tool that allows user to uncover additional active coverage by searching external databases in real-time. The feature maximizes revenue collection opportunities.
The searches identify probable payers from claim information, delivering new coverage details to maximize.
Integrations
A defining advantage is Approved Admissions’ tight integration with major EHR/PM systems, including Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, and Athena.
The bi-directional data exchange automatically transfers verified specifics into patient records while importing demographics to check against payer data. This closes gaps that commonly cause eligibility confusion and claim problems.
The integration speeds workflows by allowing staff to verify coverage, benefits, and responsibility right within their regular software systems, eliminating tedious screen switching.
Best Practices for Insurance Verification
Here is how you can maximize the use of insurance verification software:
Identify Verification Gaps
Analyze current methods to pinpoint shortcomings that lead to manual errors or use outdated information.
Map Future Workflows
Check in advance how the system will integrate into existing software. This will simplify future integration.
Notify Staff In Advance
Communicate the plans to use new software with the future responsible users. Organize training sessions or demos with the software provider in advance in order to give the employees the chance to learn the new tool.
Leverage Automated Tracking
Focus on insurance changes tracking features, as according to data from providers, every 6th Medicare or Medicaid patient will have changes in their coverage every month.
Missed changes are very costly and may represent a majority of claim denials that are related to incorrect insurance.
Run Regular Discovery Searches
Periodically search for potentially missed coverage (especially for self-pay accounts) to maximize your revenue collection opportunities.
The Critical Role of Accurate Eligibility Data
Complete patient insurance information is critical for other revenue cycle management tasks like coding, billing, authorization, etc.
Eligibility-driven denials inflict significant financial losses, requiring additional administrative work to refile correctly and delaying payment.
Key Metrics that Signify Improvements
Tracking key revenue cycle management metrics allows healthcare providers to quantify the effectiveness of their processes. This helps identify opportunities for improvement to boost financial performance.
Some vital metrics to monitor include:
Claim Denial Rate
The claim denial rate measures the percentage of submitted claims rejected by payers. A high denial rate signals issues in the claim generation and submission process.
To calculate:
Number of denied claims ÷ Total number of claims submitted x 100
Lowering denial rates reduces lost revenue from unpaid claims. It also cuts the administrative costs of reworking and resubmitting rejected claims.
Automating insurance eligibility verification and claim scrubbing helps minimize incorrect information, the primary driver of denials. Monitoring changes in first-pass claim acceptance rates shows the impact of these measures over time.
Days in Accounts Receivable
This metric tracks the average number of days from when services are provided to when payments are received. The lower the number, the better the organization collects its earnings.
To calculate:
Total outstanding accounts receivable ÷ Average daily net revenue
Proactively following up on outstanding claims and educating patients on financial expectations and payment options helps speed up collections. Regularly review A/R days, bi-weekly or monthly to track improvements.
Net Collection Rate
The net collection rate shows the percentage of total charges that the healthcare provider actually collects as payment after accounting for adjustments and write-offs. Higher is better.
To calculate:
Total payments received ÷ Gross charges x 100
Comprehensive charge capture, robust denial management, and efficient collection procedures improve this rate over time. Tracking this metric indicates the success of revenue cycle initiatives.
Bad Debt Rate
The bad debt rate reveals the percentage of services provided that are written off as uncollectible after exhaustive collection attempts. A lower rate is preferable.
To calculate:
Total bad debt write-offs ÷ Total charges x 100
Clear financial responsibility estimates and payment plan options for patients can reduce bad debt write-offs.
Tracking these vital metrics will provide quantitative insights into your revenue cycle performance. Compare the numbers before and after targeted process improvements to understand the extent of their impact.
Embrace the Future of Insurance Verification in Healthcare
The stakes are high: mistakes in insurance verification can lead to revenue loss and potential patient dissatisfaction. However, the tools and best practices outlined here offer a roadmap to mitigate the key risks related to incorrect insurance verification.
Eligibility automation tools simplify billing processes, reduce claim denials, and streamline the revenue cycle.
When looking for a suitable tool, first and foremost, ensure that the technology aligns with your organization’s specific needs and goals.
Look for technologies that seamlessly integrate with your existing electronic health record (EHR) and billing systems.
Evaluate whether the technology provides comprehensive payer connectivity, including support for a wide range of insurance providers such as Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial plans. This ensures that you can verify coverage across your patient population without limitations.
Consider features like automated coverage tracking, which continuously monitors patient insurance status and alerts staff to any changes that might affect billing or authorization.
Author’s Bio
Alan Dworetsky – Business Development Director, Approved Admissions
With 18 years of experience, Alan Dworetsky is a senior leader specializing in healthcare business development and strategic planning.
He knows a thing or two about healthcare software and revenue cycle management, with a deep understanding of how to best use technology for healthcare practices’ operational needs.
Alan’s work focuses on combining technology and smart planning to help businesses grow, solve challenges, and enhance billing operations.
Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification
How Holistic Wellness Transforms Your Life.
By – James M. Katz, BA
Most of us know those moments when standard health advice falls short. One expert talks about diet alone. Another focuses on exercise. A third emphasizes meditation. This leaves us confused about putting all the pieces together. A comprehensive approach to holistic wellness provides the answer. Research and practice over the last several years have shown that true well-being doesn’t fix isolated issues. The human body works as an interconnected system. Physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being are the foundations of one complete system. This piece explains how a comprehensive approach to holistic wellness can revolutionize your life. The core principles and practical strategies will help you build a tailored path to complete well-being that enhances every aspect of your health.
Understanding the Holistic Wellness Revolution
The comprehensive wellness movement has brought remarkable changes to our approach toward holistic healthcare and wellbeing. The global wellness economy has grown substantially from $3.70 trillion in 2015 to $4.20 trillion in 2017, showing our collective move toward detailed health solutions.
The Rise of Wellness Thinking
Modern understanding of comprehensive holistic wellness has deep roots in ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Asia. These cultures developed advanced ways to maintain health. Ancient practices, especially Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, focused on creating balance between body, mind, and spirit. Modern research and understanding have now revived these time-tested principles.
Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short
Traditional wellness approaches don’t work well because they:
• Treat symptoms instead of addressing root causes
• Don’t consider environmental effects on health
• Create solutions without scientific evidence
Traditional programs typically achieve nowhere near 30% employee participation. This shows we need a more detailed approach. The biggest problem isn’t just about participation. These approaches don’t deal very well with individual needs because they use a one-size-fits-all strategy.
The Integration of Mind, Body, and Spirit
Better health comes from balancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Research supports this idea. When we address these connected aspects together, we create lasting health outcomes.
Recent studies show 81% of people now prioritize physical health, while 74% focus on mental health, and 71% emphasize emotional wellbeing. These numbers reflect our growing awareness that wellness isn’t separate – it’s a dynamic mix of life’s various aspects.
The power of comprehensive wellness lies in recognizing the mind-body connection. Mental and emotional states substantially affect our physical health, and vice versa. This connected approach creates a foundation for lasting wellness that covers every aspect of our being.
The Five Pillars of Holistic Healthcare Transformation
The path to comprehensive wellness rests on three fundamental pillars that work in perfect harmony. These pillars create the foundations for lasting change in our lives.
Physical Vitality and Movement
Physical well-being is the life-blood of comprehensive wellness. Regular movement improves not just physical health but also affects our vitality. This vitality determines our health, happiness, positive relationships, and life satisfaction. Physical activity builds strength and creates a foundation for overall wellness.
Here are the key benefits of physical vitality:
• Improved cardiovascular health and lung function
• Higher energy levels and reduced fatigue
• Better sleep quality and deeper rest
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance
Mental holistic wellness extends way beyond the reach and influence of stress management. Recent studies show that comprehensive approaches to mental health can substantially affect our overall well-being. Spiritual practices and mindfulness help people cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
The sort of thing i love is how our emotional and mental states interconnect. Dr. Gabor Mate’s research emphasizes that “safety is not the absence of threat; it is the presence of connection”. This understanding has transformed our approach to mental wellness.
Spiritual Connection and Purpose
Spiritual wellness brings the most profound changes in our transformation. Spiritual wellness isn’t about religion – it gives meaning to life and helps understand our purpose.
Dr. Lisa J. Miller’s neuroscience research shows how spirituality relates to a more resilient and reliable brain. On top of that, Dr. Bruce Lipton’s foundational research in energetics and epigenetics shows how our thoughts affect our DNA. This suggests that spiritual practices cultivating compassion, peace, and love can activate gene expression. The result is a physically healthier and more joyful life.
The human spirit needs purposeful practice just like our bodies need exercise. A nurtured spirit develops resilience to experience peace and purpose during life’s most challenging moments. This spiritual strength becomes our anchor and helps us direct through difficulties with grace while we retain our sense of purpose even in adversity.
Creating Your Holistic Wellness Foundation
A strong foundation for an all-encompassing approach to wellness begins with understanding our current position. Let’s discover how we can build a framework for lasting change through careful planning, setting goals, and daily habits.
Assessing Your Current Wellness State
The first step in this experience requires us to assess our current state using reliable tools. Research shows that the most trusted instruments include the Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle, Five-factor Wellness Evaluation, and the Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Behavior Inventory. These detailed tools help us get into several aspects of our wellbeing:
• Physical vitality and health patterns
• Mental and emotional balance
• Social connections and support systems
• Purpose and spiritual direction
• Environmental influences
Setting Integrated Holistic Wellness Goals
A full picture of our current state allows us to create meaningful goals. Studies show that using standardized wellness measurement instruments in primary care settings can boost preventive services and behavioral health outcomes by a lot. Note that wellness extends beyond the absence of illness – it’s a lifelong process where we make decisions to live a more balanced and meaningful life.
We can make our wellness experience more manageable by creating SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). This structure will give a clear path for our wellness transformation.
Building Daily Wellness Rituals
Daily practices hold the real power of transformation. Research shows that intentional everyday rituals can turn ordinary routines into moments of personal significance and reflection. These rituals need three basic elements: intention, attention, and repetition.
Here are five foundational rituals that can boost our overall wellness:
1. Morning Meditation: Start each day with grounding practices to reduce stress and improve concentration
2. Mindful Movement: Add regular physical activity that lines up with our energy levels
3. Nature Connection: Time outdoors clears our mind and improves our mood
4. Evening Reflection: Practice gratitude and review our daily experiences
5. Digital Detox: Stay away from devices at least an hour before bed to improve sleep quality
These rituals, when practiced consistently, can boost our self-worth and create inner peace. Note that wellness means something different to each person, and what helps one person might not help another. Success comes from building a foundation that strikes a chord with our personal needs while staying flexible enough for growth and adjustment.
Navigating Common Transformation Challenges
Living a holistic wellness lifestyle brings its own set of challenges. Learning to guide ourselves through these obstacles makes our experience smoother and environmentally responsible. Let’s explore ways to overcome these common hurdles together.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Our minds often resist change when we start our wellness experience. Research shows that resistance isn’t just about willpower – it’s deeply rooted in our brain’s hardwiring to keep us safe and maintain familiar patterns. This understanding helps us approach change with more compassion and patience.
Our brain learns to survive through familiar patterns. Rather than fighting this resistance, we can work with it by setting SMART goals that arrange with our brain’s natural tendencies. This approach creates lasting change without triggering our internal defense mechanisms.
Managing Time and Energy
Managing energy, not just time, plays a vital role in holistic transformation. Research indicates that while time is finite, energy can be systematically expanded and renewed through specific rituals. This change in viewpoint has revolutionized our daily wellness practices.
Our bodies operate in natural cycles called ultradian rhythms, consisting of 90-120 minute periods of high energy followed by lower energy phases. Understanding these rhythms helps optimize our daily activities:
• Schedule challenging tasks during high-energy periods
• Take strategic breaks during natural energy dips
• Practice deep breathing exercises between activities
• Create boundaries around technology use
• Arrange activities with our natural energy flows
Maintaining Motivation and Momentum
Motivation needs more than willpower. Studies show that emotional connections to wellness goals create more sustainable change. The process matters more than the end result for maintaining long-term momentum.
The 1% Better Approach works effectively. Small, incremental improvements work better than dramatic changes. A person who exercises for 10 minutes today aims for 11 minutes tomorrow. This compound effect creates sustainable progress without system overwhelm.
Emotional energy management plays a key role in maintaining momentum. Research shows that positive situation reframing and expressing appreciation build emotional resilience for long-term transformation. Brief but regular breaks throughout the day help recharge and maintain steady progress toward wellness goals.
Strategic solutions and understanding these challenges create a more sustainable approach to our wellness experience. Note that transformation isn’t about perfection – it focuses on progress and consistency in daily choices.
Measuring Your Holistic Wellness Progress
Wellness tracking needs both art and science to work well. Research and practice show that measuring wellness means more than just counting steps or tracking calories.
Key Wellness Indicators to Track
The CDC uses various surveys to assess health and wellness in multiple ways. Here are the essential indicators you should track:
• Physical Health Metrics: Daily activity levels, sleep quality, and vital signs
• Mental Wellness Markers: Stress levels, anxiety patterns, and mood fluctuations
• Emotional Balance: Social connections and relationship quality
• Spiritual Growth: Sense of purpose and inner peace
• Environmental Impact: Living space wellness and community involvement
Studies show that several factors affect our mental and emotional health. These include worry, mood, sleep, stress, relationships, and alcohol consumption. Monitoring these connected elements creates a better picture of overall wellness.
Using Technology for Wellness Monitoring
Technology makes tracking wellness easier than ever. Smart watches and fitness trackers have become essential tools. More than 300 million people used wellness apps in 2023. These devices track everything from physical activity to sleep patterns and give great insights about overall wellbeing.
A remarkable fact is that 80% of wearable device users want to share their health information with healthcare providers. This blend of technology and professional healthcare support creates an all-encompassing approach to wellness monitoring.
Adjusting Your Approach Based on Results
Analytical insights help guide decisions and make meaningful changes. The CDC’s behavioral risk factor surveillance system helps understand how many days mental or physical health might not be optimal. This data helps develop activities, programs, and policies that improve overall health.
You should look at multiple data points when checking progress:
1. Short-term Indicators: Daily energy levels, mood patterns, and physical activity
2. Medium-term Trends: Monthly sleep quality, stress management effectiveness
3. Long-term Progress: Quarterly wellness assessments, yearly health markers
Studies show that standardized wellness measurement tools substantially improve preventive services and behavioral health outcomes. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale works well to monitor mental wellbeing in the general population. This helps people make better decisions about their wellness.
Note that measuring progress isn’t about being perfect. It helps you understand patterns and make smart adjustments. Modern technology combined with traditional wellness metrics creates a more nuanced and effective way to track your wellness experience.
Building a Sustainable Wellness Lifestyle
The path to lasting wellness starts when we shape our environment to support our health goals. Research shows that creating safe and supportive environments leads to better health outcomes and improves overall wellbeing.
Creating Supportive Environments
Our environment plays a significant role in our wellness. Studies suggest that supportive spaces help reduce high-risk behaviors and mental health issues. Here’s how we can create a wellness-friendly space:
• Physical Space Organization: Declutter and arrange for optimal flow
• Natural Elements: Add plants and natural light
• Wellness Zones: Set up areas for meditation and exercise
• Digital Boundaries: Create tech-free spaces for peace of mind
• Air Quality: Keep proper ventilation and purification
Research shows that colleges with wellbeing resources and programs see better student outcomes. We can use these insights to improve our personal spaces and reach our wellness goals.
Developing Healthy Relationships
Our relationships shape our wellness deeply. Studies show that connecting with peers helps ease loneliness and builds a sense of belonging. Healthy relationships need several key elements to last.
People with strong social connections have better health outcomes. They show lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and build more trusting and cooperative relationships.
Active listening and open communication help nurture these bonds. Research shows that emotional support helps mental health recovery, and small gestures can make a big difference.
Maintaining Long-term Balance
A sustainable wellness lifestyle focuses on progress, not perfection. Studies suggest that habits take about 66 days to form. This means we need patience and consistency.
Long-term balance needs attention to every aspect of wellness. Research shows that wellness changes constantly and needs good self-care. We should regularly check and adjust our approach based on our needs.
Strategic breaks throughout the day boost productivity and creativity. Our bodies work in 90-120 minute cycles of high and low energy. Planning activities around these natural cycles helps maintain balance.
Daily rituals support overall wellbeing effectively. Research suggests that workshops, seminars, and events help ease stress and provide ways to handle challenges. These opportunities become part of our routine, making wellness natural rather than another task.
This approach to wellness creates a lifestyle that lasts. Studies show that sustainable living means understanding how our choices affect the world and finding ways for everyone to live better. Our wellness practices benefit us, our community, and our environment.
Conclusion
All-encompassing wellness is more than just another health trend. It’s an approach that recognizes how our physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual wellbeing are interconnected. We’ve seen these elements work together to create positive changes that last.
Experience and research tell us that lasting change doesn’t need perfect execution or major life overhauls. The foundation for lasting wellness comes from small, consistent steps backed by daily mindful practices and tech-enabled tracking. We succeed by creating environments that help us grow, building supportive relationships, and staying flexible as we move forward.
Note that wellness isn’t a destination – it’s a continuous trip of growth and discovery. Every step toward better health brings us closer to the balanced, vibrant life we deserve. This could be through morning meditation, mindful movement, or meaningful connections. Our all-encompassing approach doesn’t just improve our health – it improves every aspect of our lives. These positive changes create ripples that spread way beyond ourselves.
If you’re part of the nursing field and are looking for a way to expand your healthcare career, then you should visit the American Institute of Health Care Professional’s online certification program in Holistic Healthcare. The certification program is designed to give you a greater understanding of the holistic wellness field. All of the required courses are based on competency exams and are taken 100% online. For a full review of the program as well as the required courses, please press here.
FAQs
Q1. What is holistic wellness and how does it differ from traditional approaches? Holistic wellness is an approach that considers the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus on treating isolated symptoms, holistic wellness aims to create harmony between all dimensions of well-being for overall health and life satisfaction.
Q2. How can I start incorporating holistic wellness practices into my daily routine? Begin by assessing your current wellness state and setting integrated goals. Implement daily rituals such as morning meditation, mindful movement, nature connection, evening reflection, and digital detox. Remember to start small and focus on consistency rather than perfection.
Q3. What are some common challenges in maintaining a holistic wellness lifestyle? Common challenges include overcoming resistance to change, managing time and energy effectively, and maintaining motivation. To address these, focus on setting SMART goals, aligning activities with your natural energy cycles, and adopting a ‘1% Better Approach’ for sustainable progress.
Q4. How can I measure my progress in holistic wellness? Track key wellness indicators across multiple dimensions, including physical health metrics, mental wellness markers, emotional balance, spiritual growth, and environmental impact. Utilize technology like wellness apps and wearable devices to monitor your progress, and regularly review and adjust your approach based on the results.
Q5. What role do relationships and environment play in holistic wellness? Supportive relationships and environments are crucial for sustainable holistic wellness. Focus on creating spaces that promote well-being, nurturing healthy connections with others, and maintaining a balance across all dimensions of wellness. Remember that wellness is an ongoing journey that involves continuous adaptation and growth.
Research Articles:
Rationing of nursing care, a deviation from holistic nursing: A systematic review. Lata Mandal MSc Nursing, Et Al. Nursing Philosophy Volume 21, Issue 1. Special Issue: Missed care, care left undone: Organisation ethics and the appropriate use of the nursing resource. January 2020 e12257
Holistic Nursing in Practice: Mindfulness-Based Yoga as an Intervention to Manage Stress and Burnout. Hilcove K, Marceau C, Thekdi P, Larkey L, Brewer MA, Jones K. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2021;39(1):29-42.
Phenomenology for the Holistic Nurse Researcher: Underpinnings of Descriptive and Interpretive Traditions. Patton CM. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2020;38(3):278-286.
Implementing a Spiritual Care Subject for Holistic Nursing Practice: A Mixed Method Study. Cooper KL, Chang E. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2023;41(3):233-245.
Arab Americans and Grief Counseling Video Blog
Arab Americans face unique challenges and losses that grief counselors must be aware of. Cultural competency helps grief counselors understand the issues Arab Americans face and how their culture interprets loss and stress. Unique to Arab Americans is cultural differences with the West as well as stereotypes regarding Islam.
This video takes a closer look at these issues and how grief counselors can better assist Arab American clients. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification as well as its Grief Diversity Certification. Both programs are online and independent study with instructor mentorship as needed
Grief Counseling and Native American Populations Video
Cultural competency is important in counseling. Grief counselors or any counselors need to be aware of their own biases and beliefs as well as how they are perceived by diverse populations. They also need to be adequately trained in target populations to better help them. Native Americans have their own unique strengths, challenges, history, traumas, and cultural expressions that need to be understood to better help them in counseling.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals