Mountain View Medical Supply

Monday, January 28, 2013

I (Heart) These Scrub Tops!

LUKO178 - $25.99

LUCH84724 - $18.99-$21.99

LUCH82840C - $24.49-$26.49

LUCHY82849C - $24.49-$26.49

LUCH6741C - $27.49-$29.49

LUCH3728cmb - $25.49

LUCH84724C - $18.99-$21.99

To shop our full line of heart-friendly Holiday Scrubs, click HERE.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

New Year, New Shoes!

We have three new Dansko shoes for the new year! 
Whether you are in health care or food service, we have something for everyone!

Dansko PROFESSIONAL in Silver Opal Leather - $131.99
Same classic down curve and rocker movement that you know and love!

Dansko SEDONA Elise in Suede - $96.99
A flexible, featherweight show with all day comfort and support.  Slip resistant in wet or oily conditions!

Dansko PRO XP in Vintage Floral - $146.99
The PRO XP now comes in patterns!  Features same details as the Professional but with a lighter weight and memory foam removable foot bed.

Because Dansko shoes are designed for maximum support and comfort, a perfect fit must be obtained.  Unless you are a current Dansko wearer, trying on these shoes is extremely important, and if you have your eye on a different Dansko shoe, you will definitely want to be sized again.  Because of this fit requirement, we only sell Dansko shoes in our store.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Insurance and Your Osotomy Supplies

Adapted from State of the Insurance Industry and Your Ostomy Supplies, an update by Bruce Frishman, President, New Hampshire Pharmacy and Medical Equipment, Washington, DC, September 2012, Metro Maryland

Rarely, if ever, are ostomy supplies NOT covered, at least partially, by a medical insurance policy.  If your insurance company informs you that ostomy supplies are not a covered item, more often than not it is miscommunication.  If you are told your supplies are not covered, asked to speak to a supervisor.

When speaking to your insurance company, it is helpful to know proper "insurance jargon".  Most of the time, ostomy supplies are categorized as DMEPOS, or "Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic, Orthotics and Supplies".  Knowing the HCPC code (pronounced HICPIC) for your specific ostomy supplies is also helpful.  All ostomy supply manufacturer's can provide you with a HCPC code that corresponds with your ostomy system. 
How to obtain your HCPC code:
1)  On the box of your ostomy supplies, look for a toll-free phone number for the manufacturer.  All major manufacturers such as Hollister, Coloplast and ConvaTec put a phone number on their boxes. 
2)  Simply call that number and tell them you need the HCPC code for your exact supplies. 
3)  Keep that HCPC code in a safe place such as your address book for future reference. If you switch ostomy products, you may need a new HCPC code.
HCPC stands for Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedure Coding System and is a code that is used by insurance companies to describe a particular product.  These codes are also used by Medicare/Medicaid. 
Since a prosthetic is something that replaces a normally functioning body part, ostomy supplies are usually categorized as prosthetic supplies.  Sometimes ostomy supplies are placed within the DME, or "Durable Medical Equipment" category.  This occurs when an insurance company will not cover prosthetic devices but choose to cover ostomy supplies. 
As an ostomate, its important to know how your insurance company categorizes ostomy supplies. 

With the changes in health care coverage and limited reimbursements, there is an increased disincentive for ostomy manufacturers to spend funds on research and development of new ostomy products.  Insurance companies in particular, are always asking, "How can we cut expenses?" and some insurance companies are saying, "If it can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor, we aren't covering it."  While your doctor may tell you what type of ostomy system to use, a prescription is generally not required.

Every ostomate should be aware and diligent when dealing with current health insurance or assessing a potential insurance plan.  If you find an insurance company does not offer ostomy supply coverage, speak to your personnel office or human resources manager, explain what an ostomy is, and see if they can get the benefit added to the policy.  Some people have had the benefit added within a week.  It is also helpful to get the medical justification from your physician for coverage for your ostomy supplies in writing.  If a new appliance is added or changed with your ostomy system, you should get an updated justification from your doctor. 

Even if you have an ostomy supply benefit with your insurance company, it most likely will not cover all products you may need.  There are approximately 10 to 15 items that are related to the ostomies themselves.  Medicare's maximum allowed quantities are outlined in their billing manuals.  As a general rule, the published maximums include the following monthly supply:
60 closed pouches
20 drainable pouches
31 stoma caps
20 urinary pouches
4oz of paste
20 wafers/skin barriers
20 seals
If you require, for example, both drainable and closed pouches to manage your ostomy, you will likely get a combined maximum amount. 

If you have to pay out of pocket for some or all of your ostomy supplies, shopping around for best pricing is sound advice and you could save up to hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars per year.  Most supply companies that accept insurance, or rather "accept assignment" for payment from your insurance company, are much higher priced overall.  So, for example if you need 40 drainable pouches per month and your insurance company only pays for 20 drainable pouches, you will have to pay out of pocket for the extra 20 that you need.  One supplier might charge $40 for the same exact product another supplier charges $60 for.  The reason suppliers charge more if they accept insurance is because their overhead is higher.  Managing insurance claims can be time-intensive, plus having to float an accounts payable balance until payment is made from the insurance company can be costly. 
It is also important to note that most ostomy supplies are tax-free so you should not be paying tax on your supplies.


Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Funny


Monday, January 7, 2013

Introducing More Affordable Koi Scrubs!

Meet Orange Standard.  Fashion, fit and comfort for under $20.



The Laguna Cargo G3700 Pant features style, comfort and plenty of pockets!  This pant has a drawstring waist, double cargo pocket on left side, J pockets at waist, double needle stitching for durability.  Made of 65% polyester, 35% cotton.  Available in navy, black, slate gray, fierce fuchsia or electric blue. 

$19.99



The Catalina Flare G3701 Pant features striking style for the professional!  This pant has a flat front waistline for a flattering look, flare leg, slash pockets for easy access, two large cargo pockets and side slits at the bottom hem.  Made of 65% polyester, 35% cotton.  Available in navy, black or slate gray. 

$17.99
The Redondo Top G3102 is fashion forward with a flattering fit!  Split v-neckline, longer fitted body, darts in back for a more fitted shape, two "phantom pockets" with hidden contrast pocket bags, contrast screen print at pocket, contrast back neck facing, and side slits.  Made of 65% polyester, 35% cotton.  Available in navy, black and slate gray.

$19.99


The Malibu Top G3100 is sporty and stylish for all body types!  The Y-neck mock wrap has tonal screen print at neckline and patch pockets sewn into hem for durability.  Side slits, made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.  Available in navy, black, slate gray, fierce fuchsia and electric blue. 


$17.99




To shop our full line of Koi Scrubs, visit www.laureluniforms.com



Friday, January 4, 2013

Laurel Uniforms is now a PERKA Merchant





We are pleased to announce that Laurel Uniforms and Apparel is now a PERKA merchant!  What is PERKA, you ask?

PERKA is a smartphone loyal customer reward program app that you use on either your iPhone or Android phone.  If you don't have a smartphone, (you just use a basic cell phone), you can still continue to use our Laurel Customer Loyalty Cards to earn rewards. 

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR PERKA:   
A:  From your smartphone, text “Laurel” to 330-400-3300 and then follow the text instructions - it’s THAT easy!   
B:  Or, visit our website at www.laureluniforms.com, and click on the “We Love Regulars” icon in the upper left corner.  Once you click the icon, simply follow the prompts to download the app and start earning points!

And to get you started, just for signing up,   you automatically earn 25 points!

HOW TO CONTINUE EARNING POINTS:  When you visit Laurel Uniforms, simply open the PERKA app on your smartphone and click “check in” at the bottom.  This will notify us that you have arrived!  Then, once you make your selections, let us know you want to earn more PERKA points and we will then confirm your purchase points to your PERKA account at the time of purchase.  At any point, we are happy to let you know how many “available points” you currently have.

REWARDS:  To start earning rewards, download the PERKA app to your smartphone and sign up as a Laurel Loyal Customer, and you will automatically get 25 points!  Then, when you earn 200 or more points, you then receive $20 off your next purchase.  Each dollar spent is equal to one point.

Again, this is just for Laurel Uniform customers at this point, but we do hope to add Mountain View Medical Supply as a PERKA merchant sometime in the future. 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Vitamin B-12 Replacement Therapy for Ileostomates

by Bob Baumel, Ostomy Association of North Central Oklahoma, UOAA update 7/2012

Vitamin B-12 is, under normal conditions, absorbed in only a small section of the terminal small intestine (ileum), raising the possibility of B-12 deficiency if that section of the ileum has been removed surgically or damaged by disease.  People who may have lost that portion of ileum include some ileostomates, people who had a J-pouch or Kock pouch, and some people with urinary diversions (especially continent urinary diversions) made using the terminal ileum.  A condition such as Crohn's disease may have damaged the terminal ileum, even if it hasn't been removed surgically.

Vitamin B-12 is necessary for many metabolic processes including development of red blood cells, and also maintains normal functioning of the nervous system.  Deficiency causes anemia (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood resulting in fatigue) and can also cause nervous system damage.  It's worth noting that folic acid (another B vitamin) can correct the anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency, but it will not correct the nerve damage caused by B-12 deficiency.  So it's important to get enough vitamin B-12. 

If you think you are at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency, you can ask your doctor to check your serum (blood) B-12 level.  This test can be added easily to routine blood testing.  If your ability to absorb vitamin B-12 by the normal pathway involving the terminal ileum has been impaired, you can supplement the vitamin by three basic methods.

By Injection:  This method bypasses the normal gastrointestinal process of B-12 absorption by inserting it into the body by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.  B-12 injections may be self-administered in the same way that diabetic patients can give themselves insulin shots.  Maintenance therapy may require only one B-12 injection per month.

Nasally:  This method bypasses the normal gastrointestinal absorption process, as vitamin B-12 can be absorbed through nasal mucous membranes.  The nasal form of B-12 was developed first as a nasally applied gel and later a true nasal spray (brand name Nascobal).  This product is marketed by the company Strativa Pharmaceuticals, who promotes it as the only FDA-approved form of vitamin B-12 besides the injectable form.  Nasal B-12 can be effective, but because one company has sole rights to distribute it in the U.S., it can be an expensive way to get your vitamin B-12.

Orally:  Until recently, doctors believed that B-12 taken orally was useless to people who lack the normal absorption mechanism involving the terminal ileum.  That opinion has changed, however, as research has revealed that even in such people, when a large dose of vitamin B-12 is taken orally, a small fraction (typically 1%) gets absorbed by mass-action transport across the gut. 

Note:  Time Released medications should, in general, be avoided if you have an ileostomy, as they may pass through your gut. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Knock, Knock...

Knock, Knock.

Who's there? 

HIPAA.

HIPAA, Who?

Sorry, I can't tell you that. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Better Living Corner - Dad Has a Hard Time Getting Out of Bed

"My dad has a hard time getting out of bed by himself."

Helping loved ones to help themselves and maintain independence is very important. Here are several products that we recommend:

Bed Caddy Pull Up Ladder ST2085  $25.93
3 Hand grips w/ladder-like design makes sitting up easy. Attaches easily to any bed frame, adjustable from 48”-84”. Rubber handles with nylon straps. 300lb weight capacity.


Bed Cane
ST2040-1  $89.92
Easily to install, height adjusts from 19”-22”, folds down for easy storage and securely attaches to any bed with included safety strap. Includes 4 pocket organizer. 350lb weight capacity.


Friday, December 7, 2012

Make Christmas More Affordable!

We American’s are consumers. With our economy on shaky ground, why not ask your loved ones to forgo gift-giving and make a new tradition of not spending money. It will ease stress on your pocketbook, and chances are, others will be relieved to cut back on spending too!

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
Ask any parent or grandparent if you can come over for a visit and chances are, they will delight in your request. Instead of standing in long lines, plan a few dates of quality time with your loved ones.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY
With crafty sites such as Pinterest, there is no shortage of fun creativity to be found. If you are not one to do crafts, make a batch of goodies. Or, plan an evening and cook dinner for someone who otherwise cooks for one.

GIVE THE GIFT OF VOLUNTEERING
There are an abundant number of charities that need help, especially around the holidays. In lieu of gift-giving, round up your loved ones for a day spent together at a local charity, food bank or soup kitchen. Chances are, the feeling of volunteering with trump opening presents!

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH
Healthy eating and exercise go hand in hand. Find a way to provide healthier foods through assistance with grocery shopping or providing a well rounded meal on a regular basis. Or, simply going for a regular walk, hike or bike ride together can inspire healthier habits.

GIVE THE GIFT OF DECORATION
Who doesn’t remember stringing popcorn or making paper chains as a child? Giving these fun and festive decorations can lift the spirit of even the grouchiest scrooge.
Bonus: Popcorn strings can be hung in trees for birds.

GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN
Everyone loves a bit of game-time fun! Break out a board game or some playing cards and have game time. Or, come up with a bunch of questions, put them in a jar and take turns drawing and answering random questions!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The White Elephant Gift Exchange

The White Elephant Gift Exchange goes by several other names such as Yankee Swap, Black Santa, Naughty Santa, Thieving Secret Santa, etc., but the basic concept is always the same.


This gift exchange is a popular holiday party game found primarily in North America and generally, you need six or more participants to play. The larger the group, the better. The term “white elephant” refers to a gift whose maintenance costs exceed its usefulness. Basically, the gifts are often gifts the participants have received outside of the game, but no longer want, or they can simply be gag gifts. The whole idea is for the gifts to be fun, but not garbage.

The history of the White Elephant comes from the mid-1800’s Asia that was home to actual white elephants. Although it was a revered creature, it was considered a hassle to its owner because of the extensive attention and upkeep the elephant required. There is also a tale that “the King of Siam would award a disagreeable courtier a white elephant, the upkeep of which would ruin the courtier.” And so, a white elephant gift is one that is supposed to be more of a burden (or in many cases, a joke) to it’s recipient, than a desirable gift.

How to organize a White Elephant Gift Exchange:
1. Set the rules for the group by determining if gifts have to be re-gifted, or set a limit on how much they can spend.

2. Find the perfect White Elephant gift and wrap it anonymously.

3. Each person draws a number and beginning with #1, choose and open a gift.

4. #2 now has a choice to either open another gift or “steal” an already opened gift. If they steal a gift, the person whose gift was stolen has the option of stealing from someone else, or opening a new gift. Typically, a gift can only be stolen 2 times. You cannot steal the gift that was just stolen from you.

5. Go to the next drawn number and repeat. The exchange continues until every gift has been opened and the last person opens their gift. It should be noted that #1 should have the final choice to keep their gift or make one final steal.

One variation is to not place a limit on the times a gift can be stolen, but instead limit the number of times a person can be stolen from. Or, another version is to leave all of the gifts unwrapped until the end, and then allow each person one steal once the presents are opened. In another variation, all gifts must conform to a theme such as gardening or cooking. A more drastic variation involves gifts that are neither purchased or desirable, such as an “ugliest gift” or “most useless” gift.

Some groups have even found ways to have parties online via email, video chat and social sites, and some even have them tied to online gift shopping! Happy gifting!

Sources: shoreline.edu; Wikipedia.com


Friday, November 30, 2012

The top 10 weirdest things in nurses’ pockets!


Scrubs pockets can be a nurse’s best friend—since you’ve only got two hands, you’ve gotta put everything somewhere! But we also know those pockets can lead to a few “oops” moments once you get home and empty them! We asked our Facebook fans for the strangest thing they’ve ever found in their pocket post-shift—check out their hilarious, slightly gross and even occasionally bawdy answers (and don’t forget to check your pockets before leaving work tonight)!

The top 10 weirdest things in nurses’ pockets!

1. A patient’s set of false teeth! Wrapped in a glove! Crazy but true!!!  - Teressa B.

2. I was on a 16-hour shift and had a patient with two necrotic toes. Near the end of the second half of the shift, I changed the patient’s foot dressing. As I took the old dressing off, off came a toe! I wrapped it in a 4×4 and called the supervisor. Long story short, I got home and emptied my pockets, and what did I pull out? You guessed it…THE TOE!  - Lisa O.

3. A tooth! Never did figure out how it got there…- Cheryl S.

4. A dried-up umbilical cord that a mother wanted to keep, but left it on the table. I called her and she came all the way back to pick it up! - Susan W.

5. A very small fake penis—we had to practice putting a new kind of condom cath on it. My grandson was the one who pulled it out of my pocket…I had some explaining to do, needless to say!  - Wanda R.

6. I was helping the doctor perform a thoracentesis, and the patient started coughing when his lung expanded. We all ducked from the bits of tumor that came flying, and thought we had found all the pieces…until the end of my shift, when I reached into my breast pocket. Ugh.  - Kristi P.

7. I kept hearing a crinkling, crackling noise and couldn’t figure out where it was coming from…until I was changing out of my scrubs. I had a wrapped baby bottle nipple stuck in the middle of my bra! (I’m a maternity nurse.) LOL!  - Cyndi P.

8. A specimen cup with a stool sample in it. I was working in ED and it was very busy. I saw the order on the computer and so did another nurse. We both ended up getting a sample from the same patient, only she sent hers down to lab first. I saved mine just in case and forgot it was in my pocket when I got home. YUCK!!!  - Sheryl A.

9. Wrist restraints…you should have seen my husband’s face when I pulled THOSE out!  - Poppy H.

10. A penis implant…loooonngg story!  - Shelly Z.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever found in your pocket at the end of a long shift?



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

New Stair Lift In The House!

We are happy to announce that we now carry a NEW brand of stair lift!

What exactly IS a stair lift, you ask?  A stair lift is a chair that you sit on and it glides along a rail, taking you up or down a flight of stairs.  People who find stairs difficult, or simply are immobile can still live in a home with stairs if they have a stair lift.  And stair lifts are far cheaper than remodeling or buying a new home, especially in THIS economy. 

The BROOKS LINCOLN is the new stair lift that we carry!  Pricing starts at just $2833.33 and installation is also available in our local area (Denver Metro, Colorado).  We say pricing starts at $2833.33 because not all stair cases are the same and thus the variable in pricing.

Here are a few features:

Padded seat and backrest


Easy to use controls

Secure safety belt

Folding arms, footrest and seat allow easy access to the stairway when the chair is not in use

Swivel seat - no need for twisting the body to get on and off the lift

Lockable on/off switch

Diagnostic digital display provides status of the lift

Five safety sensors stop the lift automatically if any obstruction is encountered

DC power packs recharge automatically and function even during power outage

Call 303-455-1300 or 800-873-7121 for more information today!

 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

"You can tell you had too much for Thanksgiving when have to let your bathrobe out." 









Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Wrong First Impression

by Sean Dent • October 17, 2012, ScrubsMag.com

“When I saw you walk into my room, I thought to myself…’Ooh, God, I’m in trouble.’”

A patient I took care of recently spoke these words to me in apology. Apparently, when I entered the patient’s room at the beginning of my shift, they took one look at me and expected the worst. They had already decided they got the short end of the stick when I was assigned to their care.

At the end of my shift, they wanted to let me know how wrong they were. They thought I was the most kind and caring nurse, and they were lucky to have met me.

*blush*

I didn’t ask why their first impression of me was so dreadful. Maybe I should have. Was it how I looked? How I sounded? How I acted? Maybe I smelled funny? Did I stomp my feet when I walked?

First impressions are interesting to me, since we all make them. We decide how a person “is” at a glance. We decide how nice they may or may not be. We decide if they are a “good” or “bad” person in that brief moment. We do it time and time again, because for the most part, our first impression instinct is fairly accurate and correct.

But, every once in a while, you make a wrong first impression.

I’d like to argue that it’s these “once in a while” occurrences that should spark us to not make hasty judgments about anyone until we interact and speak with them. Judge them by their actions, their personality and their genuine ability to care.

I, for one, make this mistake way too often as a nurse when I see my patient assignments from afar. I’ll get a quick glance at the patient and decide how my day or shift will go. It’s horrible, I know. And I’m willing to bet I’m not the only nurse who does it.

That particular patient gave me one of the greatest gifts that day. Thanks to their humble confession, my future patients won’t have to worry about me having a wrong first impression of them. I plan on making a conscious effort to give everyone the benefit of creating their own first impression.

For more Career Advice for Nurses pick up the latest issue of Scrubs magazine, available at our Laurel Uniforms & Apparel retail store located at 5376 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada, Colorado!

Friday, November 9, 2012

The top 10 weirdest things you've ever eaten for lunch on the job!

Everyone knows a nurse’s lunch break goes something like this: You take your lunch exactly at noon and relax for a full hour in peace and quiet while you eat a wholesome and delicious homemade meal. Right?

Wrong! Unfortunately, most nurses barely get the chance to scarf down some Doritos on their lunch break—if they get one at all! We were curious about the weird lunch combinations nurses are forced to put together, so we asked our Facebook fans for the strangest lunch they’ve ever eaten at work. Can you top these?

The top 10 weirdest things you’ve ever eaten for lunch on the job!

1. Pickles and chocolate. It goes well with coffee, LOL. I was STARVING!  —Conni

2. A pack of mint M&Ms, BBQ beef jerky, a pack of my son’s Scooby-Doo fruit snacks and milk! LOL. I work in the ICU, which means sometimes you eat whatever is in your purse that day, IF you get to eat at all!  —Jennifer

3. Pork chops cooked via coffee pot.  —Tameka

4. Leftover corn tortilla with mustard and sauerkraut. COLD!  —Sharma

5. Coffee from a sterile urine specimen cup ’cause there were no cups to be had.  —Susan

6. Oatmeal with strawberry Pop Rocks.  —Robert

7. Ice cream float…made with strawberry Ensure…very interesting.  —Brittany

8. Crab bites that fell on the floor…three-second rule! I was that hungry!  —Melanie

9. A bottle of bacon bits.  —Kristen

10. I swallowed my chewing gum….  —Susie K.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch on the job?



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Do I Have to Work Holiday Shifts?


Whether you have to work on a holiday depends on who you work for, whether you are covered by a union contract, and company policy regarding holidays.

If you work for the Federal Government, you'll get nine paid holidays each year including New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Many private employers follow the same holiday schedule and also provide holiday days off or holiday pay for working on a holiday.

In addition, companies are not required to give you holidays off from work. Many employers, especially in retail, hospitality and healthcare, are open on holidays and conducting business as usuals. Workers are expected to work holidays and are typically paid their normal pay rate.



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Price Reduction on Automatic Pill Dispenser

Was $83.64
NOW $76.36!

This fully automatic pill dispenser is SIMPLE to use with easy setup!

Features a long duration buzzer that sounds continuously until the pills are removed.

Capacity holds one weeks supply of pills taken up to four times per day, which equals 28 total compartments that can hold several pills (up to 18 aspirin sized pills).

Tray is lockable with key.

Battery operated with low battery alarm (batteries included). 

The compartment size on this dispenser is 20% larger than other automatic pill dispensers.

The Med-E-Lert is supplied with clearly printed discs. The discs identify the day of the week, and the appropriate number of doses per day (1,2, 3, or 4 doses per day). The appropriate disc for the medication regime is then placed on the tray; folding tabs down to secure in pill compartment, prior to filling it, and used as a guide as to where to place the pills.

MED-E-LERT has 3 different alarm tones and also silence with Blinking Light to accommodate different hearing levels.

Comes with extra key and 4 tray labels.

Click HERE to purchase online!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Employers and Obamacare: What it Means for You

Adapted from ObamaCare Survival Guide by Nick J. Tate

As the Affordable Health Care Act rolls out over the next year and beyond, we are finally learning the details of what ObamaCare means to working Americans.

First and foremost, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency that will oversee our new healthcare mandates. Employers are required to report to the IRS about each of their employees, and individuals will have to report to the IRS regarding health care insurance status.

Senior Citizens
It’s no secret that ObamaCare will be significantly funded by money cut from Medicare. The original projected cuts totaled $455 billion over the next decade. Since then, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has twice updated that figure. In 2011, the CBO’s estimated cuts were re-estimated to be $507 billion between 2012 and 2021. Then, in July 2012, the CBO projected Medicare outlays would be cut by about $716 billion between 2013 and 2022. That is $209 billion more in cuts than originally projected. However, ObamaCare does expand Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, and certain preventive care services. It also caps what insurers can charge older Americans.

Large Businesses - 25 or More Employees
From a cost perspective, ObamaCare has not been good for large companies as new mandates imposed on their health insurance providers have increased business operating costs. Many Americans are worried that ObamaCare will force their employer to drop their insurance since it may cost less for some businesses to simply pay the $2,000 fine per worker for not providing insurance. Some businesses need to offer benefits to attract workers, and some don't. If you work for a company that easily attracts workers, may be in greater danger of losing your coverage.
Also, large businesses will have to wait to be able to participate in health insurance exchanges, assuming it is granted to them at all. Each state will have to decide itself whether or not to let large businesses purchase insurance through its exchanges.

Small Businesses - 25 or Less Employees
These companies have suffered from rising healthcare costs in the past, but will benefit more from ObamaCare, especially in the short term. They will receive significant tax breaks and in 2014 they will have immediate access to health insurance through exchanges, unlike large businesses. However, if a small business exceeds 25 employees, they will receive no tax credits, and possibly no access to exchanges. For employees who work for small businesses with no insurance, ObamaCare is great news if their employer decides to take the generous tax credit. If small businesses do not participate, workers may be required to purchase insurance through a government-subsidized exchange, or face a fine.
Approximately 6% of businesses with employee payrolls are considered large businesses in America, yet over 175 million Americans work for a large business. Approximately 37 million Americans have no health insurance.

It is also interesting to note that fear of an acute doctor shortage, which existed prior to ObamaCare, may be exacerbated by the new law. With lower expected incomes and student loan debts that are the highest in the world, there could be far fewer doctors to provide health care.

Also Sourced: http://www.census.gov/econ/smallbus.html


Monday, October 22, 2012

Funny Signs from Around the World

I came across a group of funny signs and just had to share them on this fine Monday.  I hope you get a few smiles and laughs too!











Friday, October 12, 2012

Friday Nurse Humor

Have a Great Weekend!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Prepare to SCARE Breast Cancer!

We have fun new Breast Cancer Awareness and Halloween tops for October!

 LUCH84769B - Heal With Love Tee - $15.99











LUKO115PR - Skull N' Bones - $24.99










 LUKO147PR - Full Moon - $26.99











LUCH2988C - Ribbons & Bows - $26.49










LUCH6627C - Count Beagle - $27.49










 LUCH6767C - Did I Scare You? - $27.49










LUCH84724C - A Lesson To Cure - $18.99











To shop all of our scrubs, click HERE!

Monday, October 1, 2012

7 Little Known Social Security Benefits

Adapted from 7 Little-known Social Security Benefits by Jennie L. Phipps, bankrate.com

In the first season of “Friends”, Rachel Green looks at her first paycheck as a waitress and asks, “Who’s this FICA guy, and why is he getting all my money?”

That’s one hard lesson about Social Security. Another is that when it’s time to claim, you can’t depend on the Social Security Administration to be your personal advisor. So that means you are on your own to make the most important financial decision of a lifetime. You have to read the rules and do the research yourself.

Here are 7 benefits to brush up on that are not commonly known:

One. There are many ways a married couple can decide to take their Social Security benefits. It’s hard to beat waiting until you’re 70 to begin benefits because the monthly payment is 76 percent higher than it would be if you had started to take benefits at 62, and 32% higher than it would be if you claimed at age 66.

Two. On the other hand, some people advocate drawing at the first opportunity because there is a possibility of losing the bet and getting nothing. If a person waits until 70 to claim and lives to at least age 90, he’ll accumulate almost $162,000 more in benefits than he would if he had claimed at 62. Retired law professor and Social Security expert Merton Bernstein says the longevity bet odds are bad, so claim early.

Three. If you were married for at least ten years, you can stake a claim on up to half of your ex-spouse’s earnings and collect Social Security benefits based on their earnings, if theirs were higher.

Four. If you haven’t remarried, once an ex-spouse passes away, you’ll be treated just like a widow or widower. If you are at least 60, you’ll be able to collect your late-spouses benefit and allow your own benefit to grow unclaimed until you reach age 70, when you can switch if your own is higher.

Five. There is a difference between widow/widower benefits and spousal benefits. As a widow/widower, for example, a widow can begin drawing a survivor benefit on her late husbands Social Security as young as 60, but only at a reduced rate. She will leave her own benefit alone, allowing it to grow and then switch over to her own at full retirement age so she collects more. You can’t do that with spousal benefits.

Six. When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, they don't tell you that your first step ought to be to hire a lawyer or other expert adviser. An applicant can have representation from the very beginning of the application process, which is not something that SSDI makes clear.

Seven. 35 years is the magic number. Your Social Security payment is figured using a complex calculation based on a 35-year average of your covered wages. Each year’s wages are adjusted for inflation before being averaged. If you worked longer than 35 years, the government will use the highest 35 years. If you worked for less than 35 years, they’ll average in zeros for the years you are lacking. You don't have to be a math wizard to figure out the impact of that - it drags down your average. If you can avoid zeros by working a couple of years longer, you’ll increase your Social Security payment.

To find a simpler explanation of how your benefits are calculated, visit My Retirement Paycheck.org.

For more information on Social Security, visit www.ssa.gov.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Nurses Reveal Their Favorite Patient Lines!


I like when patients ask for their nausea medicine while eating a cheeseburger and fries and requesting a second tray from food service.  —Heather Burton

“I’m allergic to 25 mg Demerol, but I can take 50.”  —Rebekah Hudgins

When patients with severe acid reflux ask, “What do you mean I can’t have pizza? What else am I supposed to eat?”  —Liz Johnston

On their 100th visit for treatment: “How long is this going to take?”  —Leslie S. Peguero

“I’m not obese—my clothes are shrinking!” —Ginny Riddle

I love when the elderly patients use their call bell for something and say, “I’m sorry if I woke you up….” —Keri Greenier George

“Can I borrow $300? I promise to pay you back. You’re a nurse, you look like you make good money.” (Awkward!) —Victoria Quinn

“I have end-stage fibromyalgia and need refills on my two narcotics.” —Kimra M Griffith

“I get redneck syndrome from that antibiotic.”  —Heather Mercier


What are some of your favorite “lines” from patients?



Friday, September 21, 2012

Are You a Football Widow, too?









I know, Eli. I know. 

Definition:  Football Widow (foot-bawl wid-oh);  noun

1. For at least 26 weeks, starting in August, and ending in February, a person is completely occupied with the game of football, on TV, thus causing their significant others to become temporarily a person without a significant other. 

First there was Fantasy Football which takes time to set players, check injured reserve lists, and all that garbage.

Then, there was the expansion of games on TV going from Sunday plus a Monday night game to some games on Thursday, college football all day Saturday, professional games allllll day Sunday and then a Monday night game, I swear, we get maybe two or three days a week that are football free. 

I mean, the kids dont raise themselves and the house doesnt magically get clean. 

Somebody is going to snap one of these days. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Uni-Solve Wipe Price Reductions!

We have not one, but two price reductions on the UniSolve Wipes:

Skin Prep Wipes
Were $11.04, NOW $8.71 per box!
















Adhesive Remover Wipes
Were $12.16, NOW $10.11 per box!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Prepare to SCARE! Or, just really look fabulous

Holy cow its already the second week of September!  WHERE did the summer go? 

We are excited, though, because we are getting new HOLIDAY and fall-type scrubs in! 

Check these out:

A Scary BETTY BOOP! Have fun and show some sass with Tooniforms Did I Scare You? print.
LUCH6767C-BEDI - $27.49-$29.49













Snoopy makes this mock wrap FUN!  Count Beagle is a fun print on a classic style.
LUCH6627C-PNBG - $27.49-$29.49
This Kathryn top in Snow Sparkle has great colors for fall, yet a pattern you can wear all winter!
LUKO115PR-SNS - $24.99
A sweet Bella top in Cappuccino has great versatility!
LUKO149PR-CAP - $30.99

















Click HERE to shop all of our Holiday Scrubs today!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Beautiful Fall Drives!

In your quest to find the most beautiful fall drive, don't forget to get out of the car too! Look for “scenic viewpoints” and trailheads so you can smell the pines, listen to the wind and water, and hear the crackling of leaves beneath your feet!

CENTRAL ARIZONA
Try Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock Crossing near Sedona.

MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA
Try Highway 41 from Menominee on Lake Michigan to the Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior.

THE OZARKS, ARKANSAS
Try State Hwy 7 from Lead Hill to Hot Springs through Ozark National Forest and secluded Ouachita Range.

WEST ELK LOOP, COLORADO
Just about any highway through the Rockies will put on a show. Try West Elk Loop, a 6-8 hour, 205 mile drive through historic wild west towns.

BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Try either the 68-mile Peter Norbeck (Custer, SD) or the 20-mile Spearfish Canyon (Deadwood, SD) that trek you on either side of Mt. Rushmore.

GREEN MOUNTAINS, VERMONT
Try Route 100 which runs north-south along the spine of the Green Mountains. Or try Highway 89 that cuts through the Green Mountains.

Source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-29634433