Aspyra Upgrades Systems with LIS and RIS Customers. - Health & Beauty Close-Up

HEALTH AND BEAUTY CLOSE-UP-16 July 2008-Aspyra Upgrades Systems with LIS and RIS Customers(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

Aspyra announced that the Company has entered into agreements with several customers to upgrade their existing Aspyra RIS and LIS systems to the latest product releases.

Aspyra customers that have recently signed upgrade agreements include:

Parkland Health Center (Farmington, MO) will upgrade their existing Aspyra CyberRAD RIS to the current 5.2 version. The Company's CyberRAD RIS encompasses all aspects of the imaging department or clinic, offering features and functions that address workflow, patient safety and the regulatory requirements found in today's healthcare environment. CyberRAD RIS version 5.2 has been designed with the commitment to proven, compliant and quality tested technology, including a Windows operating system platform and MS SQL database.

Affiliated Medical Community Centers, P.A. (Willmar, MN), Carson City Hospital (Carson City, MI), Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital (Grand Rapids, MN) and Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories (Santa Barbara, CA), are planning to upgrade their existing Aspyra CyberLAB LIS' to the current 7.2 version. Aspyra's CyberLAB LIS is a scalable, feature-rich LIS solution for hospital, clinic, and reference laboratory settings. CyberLAB 7.2 is available on a Windows platform, utilizing a MS SQL database structure. CyberLAB LIS features decision support tools with auto-verification, automated clinical reporting and multisite management.

'Aspyra continues to advance our clinical solutions with the latest industry technology tools, product features and functionality. We are pleased our customers are taking advantage of these offerings that will enable them to optimize their workflow efficiencies and grow their business,' said Michelle Del Guercio, Aspyra Director of Marketing and Product Management.

Aspyra is a provider of Health Care Information Technology (HCIT) solutions and services to the healthcare industry.

((Comments on this story may be sent to health@closeupmedia.com))

Job Corps preparing Michigan youth for job market - Michigan Chronicle

Michigan Chronicle
12-29-2003
Recruiters are looking for students to fill openings at the three Michigan
Job Corps centers during the program's recruitment drive.

Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are seeking career
development and job training are eligible to attend the Job Corps centers
in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint/Genesee.

'This time of year, many young people are assessing their employment
options and Job Corps can help,' said Chicago Region Division Chief Lisa
Bolden. 'At Job Corps, young people are given the chance to obtain the
skills and experience necessary to pursue the career of their choice
completely free of charge. Job Corps is the edge that young people need to
be successful in today's competitive job market.'

The Career Development Services System begins as soon as each student
enters the program. Students work with an adviser to set career goals and
devise a plan of action before instructors begin teaching students the
essentials of job hunting, interviewing and how to maintain employment.

After completing the career preparation period, students begin vocational
training from qualified instructors. During training, Job Corps provides
all residential students with room, board, medical and dental services and
some spending money. Nonresidential students can also take advantage of the
Job Corps program.

Students spend on average six months to two years completing vocational
training in one of the many fields offered and studying for a high school
diploma or GED, if needed. Successful students can also enter the Advanced
Career Training program, which builds on their specialized training. ACT
students may enroll in courses at a vocational school or community college
at no cost.

Job Corps helps graduates' transition into their careers by placing
graduates in their first jobs and providing them with support services for
a full year after placement.

Job Corps centers are working with state and local school systems to expand
existing high school diploma programs, create a national Job Corps online
high school system and develop a national credentialing program for Job
Corps instructors in conjunction with major universities.

The Detroit Job Corps Center has a 202-student capacity with 122
residential and 80 non-residential students. Vocations taught in the
Detroit center include business technologies, carpentry, computer repair,
facility maintenance, health occupations, painting and advanced career
training.

The Grand Rapids center has a capacity of 270 students. Vocations include
business technologies, carpentry, clerical, dispensing optician, facility
maintenance, food service, health occupations and painter.

The Flint/Genesee center has a capacity of 330 students. Vocations taught
in the Flint/Genesee center include accounting, bricklaying, carpentry,
clerical, computer service technician, dental assistant, dispensing
optician, health occupations, manufacturing technician, painter and welder.
The Flint/Genesee center has single parent dormitories for parents and
children. In addition, the center has a Child Development Center to
accommodate children of residential and non-residential students.
Currently, there are openings at each of the three Michigan centers.

As part of the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration,
Job Corps trains more than 68,000 people per year and has been the
country's most successful job training program for the past 37 years. Those
who want to learn more about Job Corps and what it has to offer can call
(800) 774-5627 in Michigan or visit the Job Corps Web site at
www.jobcorps.org.

Article copyright Michigan Chronicle Publishing Company, Inc.
V.67;

Four firms honored by OSHA - Professional Safety

Four Linden, NJ, firms are the first in the nation to receive the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Merit Award for Smaller Businesses from OSHA. The companies, General Magnaplate, Dock Resins, Elf Industrial Lubricants and Epicor, were praised for their accomplishments in protecting their employees against workrelated injuries.

'It's an honor,' says Dock chairman and ASSE New Jersey Chapter member Wayne A. Tamarelli, 'that [OSHA has] chosen us to help lead the way in reducing some of the administrative burdens on small businesses.' Until now, only major corporations have participated in the VPP Although there are currently more than 200 VPP sites in the nation, this Linden effort is a pilot program for smaller companies. It will now be extended nationwide.

VPP is designed to recognize outstanding achievement in incorporating comprehensive safety and health programs into total management systems; motivate others to achieve similar results; and establish an employer-employeeOSHA relationship based on cooperation rather than coercion.

William JW Warvel, Exxon Chemical's safety director and ASSE New Jersey Chapter member, served as mentor for the Linden VPP program. Exxon has itself been designated a VPP Star Site.

Jobline at the PDC

The JobLine Resource Center is offering a resume service, June 16-18, in conjunction with the 36th Annual Professional Development Conference in New Orleans.

JobLine subscribers may have resumes on display for prospective employers to review. You need not be present to take advantage of this service. A subscription is $35.00 to ASSE members (free to unemployed members). For more information, contact ASSE's customer service representatives at (847) 699-2929.

How Will Your Chapter Observe National Safety Month?

If your chapter is planning an activity for National Safety Month, consider sharing your ideas in Society Update-you may inspire others to plan their own activities. Send details about your activity, including contact name and telephone number, to: Editor, Society Update, 1800 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018-2187; fax (847) 296-3769.

Chapter News and Notes

Colonial Virginia Honored

In a presentation ceremony held on March 10th in the Richmond (VA) City Council chambers, the Richmond Fire Dept. recognized the Colonial Virginia Chapter for its donation of 175 smoke detectors during National Safety Week in June 1996.

The smoke detectors were donated to the city's Free Smoke Detector Program, which is managed by the Fire Dept.'s Div. of Support Services. The program allows residents in the city to have a detector placed in their home if they are unable to afford one.

Knight Promoted By Willis Corroon

Patrick P. Knight, CSP, has been promoted to senior vice president, risk control, for Willis Corroon Corp. of Western Michigan. In addition, Knight is director of the Integrated Management Services Div. for the Grand Rapids, MI firm. His division provides risk control and claims management services, which include risk analyses, surveys and service plan development. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Knight is a professional member and Secretary of the West Michigan Chapter.

Members Earn Designations

A growing number of members are striving to obtain the associate and certified safety professional (ASP and CSP, respectively) designations. Recent recipients of the ASP include John M. Hauser, Audrey Terry and Curt N. Riggs. Hauser is director of safety and business finance quality officer for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He is a member of the Great Plains Chapter. Terry is occupational safety and health manager for Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. She is Secretary of the Great Plains Chapter. Riggs, a member of the Wichita Chapter, is safety coordinator for Koch Industries, Wichita.

Recent recipients of the CSP include Daniel H. Howard, Wanda Roela and Jim Whitehead. Howard works for Mountain Coal Co. in Paonia, CO. He is a member of the Colorado Chapter. Roela, a member of the Wichita Chapter, is director of safety for Coleman Co. in Wichita. Whitehead is health and safety manager for Fluor Daniel GTI in Wichita. He is a professional member of the Wichita Chapter.

Members Co-Author Book

Safety Management and ISO 9000/QS-9000, a book co-written by Robert J. Kozak, CSP, and George J. Krafcisin, CSP, CIH, ARM, was recently published by Quality Resources, New York. The book describes how a firm can integrate its quality management system with its safety management system to reduce costs, streamline procedures and improve operating efficiency. A member of the West Michigan Chapter, Kozak is quality assurance and safety manager for Entela Inc., Grand Rapids, MI. Krafcisin, a professional member of the Greater Chicago Chapter, is president of Mosiac Management Inc.

More Members in the News

Margaretta Appointed to Safety Council William C. Margaretta, a professional member of the New Jersey Chapter, has been appointed president and secretary of the New Jersey State Safety Council. Prior to the council appointment, he was director of employee relations for Elizabethtown Gas Co., Union, NT.

Margaretta has a long history of public-sector service. He is currently chair of the Public Employee Safety and Health Review Committee and recently was chair of the New Jersey State Industrial Safety Committee. In addition, he was a member of a state Dept. of Labor advisory board that negotiated a cooperative compliance program with OSHA. Margaretta holds a degree in communications from Glassboro State College.

Sten Named Safety Professional of the Year

Douglas L. Sten, CSP, was recently honored as Safety Professional of the Year by ASSE's Lansing Chapter. A professional member and current Vice President of the chapter, Sten is product safety manager for international operations of the Plastics Machinery Div. of Johnson Controls Inc., which is headquartered in Manchester, MI.

Wagner Accepts Promotion

John C. Wagner, CSP, a member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter, has been promoted to Atlantic region practice leader of integrated management services at Willis Corroon Corp. of Pennsylvania, Radnor. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at Millersville University. Prior to joining Willis Corroon, Wagner held various safety and risk control positions in the construction and manufacturing industries. He is also a member of National Safety Council and American Industrial Hygiene Assn.

Sarnie Joins ProSource Distribution

Richard W. Sarnie, PE., CSP, has joined ProSource Distribution Services Inc. as director of safety and risk management. He is responsible for direction of all safety, environmental and risk management programs for the Coral Gables, FL firm, an independent distributor of food to the restaurant industry. Previously, Sarnie was corporate safety manager for Friendly Ice Cream Corp. in Wilbraham, MA. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lowell and an M.B.A. from Western New England College. Prior to this move, Sarnie was a professional member and PresidentElect of the Connecticut Valley Chapter.

Yaxley Named Preident of NAFE

Wilbur T. 'Dusty' Yaxley, PE., has been named president of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE). He also serves as education chair and organizes seminars on subjects related to testimony by engineering experts. He specializes in safety, accident reconstruction and construction-related disputes. Yaxley is a professional member of the West Florida Chapter and has operated his own firm as a forensic engineer since 1965.

Jones Receives VPP Outreach Award

Donald S. Jones Sr., PE., CSP, recently received the 1996 OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Safety & Health Outreach Award. The annual award is presented to an individual who achieves an outstanding level in sharing his/her technical and management expertise in the safety and health field.

As safety manager at Dow Chemical's Louisiana Div., Plaquemine, Jones coordinates the division's VPP He has also been designated a 'special government employee' by OSHA; in this role, he helps conduct audits at sites applying for VPP status. In addition, he provided guidance to the Dept. of Energy in developing a similar program.

Jones is also active in various safetyrelated groups. He is a professional member and current Treasurer of ASSE's Greater Baton Rouge Chapter. Other chapter positions held include Chair of the Education/Program Development Committee and CSP Study Group. In 1996, he received the chapter's Award for Outstanding Safety Achievement.

In addition, Jones is chair of the Greater Baton Rouge Industrial Manager's Plant Safety & Health Group and a member of the Greater Baton Rouge Safety & Occupational Health Council's Board of Directors. He chairs the Occupational Safety & Health Program Advisory Committee at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching occupational safety and health courses.

Time is Running Out . . .

Business Diary.(briefs)(Brendy Barr Communications)(American Hot Rod Racer)(Auburn Engineering Inc.)(American LaFrance L.L.C.) - Crain's Detroit Business

CONTRACTS

Brendy Barr Communications, Oakland Township, was selected by Cleveland-based retailer American Hot Rod Racer to handle public relations for the opening of a store at Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights.

Auburn Engineering Inc., Rochester Hills, announced it is a key supplier to the Eagle Fire Truck manufactured by American LaFrance L.L.C. of Charleston, S.C.

Atlas Oil Co., a Taylor-based distributor of petroleum products, announced that Comdata will become its new billing agent for select mobile, bulk and retail fueling via the Atlas Oil Co. MasterCard.

Agree Realty Corp., Farmington Hills, is to develop a property at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton. The project is to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2008.

FH Martin Constructors, Warren, was awarded projects including: The construction of two new Menards Inc. stores in Ohio; the interior build-out of the Roseville Office Center; the interior build-out of the Lakewood Office Plaza in Sterling Heights; general contractor for a new Kroger in Macomb Township; for Macomb Park Retail, a new 40,000-square-foot building next to the Kroger; and construction manager for the renovation and expansion of the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn.

Azure Dynamics Corp., Oak Park, has received an order from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 10 hybrid buses with an option for 15 additional buses.

Premium Event Services, Ypsilanti, contracted with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Detroit, to produce the opening ceremonies of the AAU National Junior Olympics Championships at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti.

Fry Inc., Ann Arbor, announced La-Z-Boy Inc., Monroe, has launched a new online store developed by Fry at www.la-z-boy.com.

Allstar Transportation, Royal Oak, is to be the primary ground transportation provider for Kelly Services worldwide.

Marlaina Stone, a Royal Oak designer, announced the Marlaina Stone Couture Collection can soon be found at The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Preston Feather Building Center, Petoskey, Gaylord and Harbor Springs, signed with Freedom One Retirement Services, Clarkston, as its new 401(k) plan provider.

Bosch, Farmington Hills, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., have announced a new energy research collaboration as part of the MIT Energy Initiative.

McGraw Wentworth, Troy and Grand Rapids, has been chosen to manage health benefits for the 550 U.S.-based employees of Logicalis Inc., Bloomfield Hills.

Willis Building Co. Inc., Saline, received a contract for a green renovation project in Coldwater that includes redevelopment of the former Kerr Hardware building and its three adjoining buildings into urban-style lofts. It will be Willis Building Co.'s second LEED-certified project.

A.Z. Shmina Inc., Brighton, announced the following new projects: lead contractor for renovations at the University of Toledo Memorial Field House, a project for which A.Z. Shmina is pursuing LEED Silver Certification; contractor for the Cardiovascular Center General Clinical Research Center Relocation and Nuclear Cardiology Relocation at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; lead contractor for additions and renovations to three Ann Arbor Public Schools; general contractor for the Brick Tunnel Replacement Phase II project for the University of Michigan Tunnels, Ann Arbor.

ProQuest, an Ann Arbor electronic publisher, has extended its exclusive distribution agreement with Dow Jones Enterprise Media Group for three years.

The health care business of Thomson Reuters, Ann Arbor, has been selected to assist in providing data analysis services for Kentucky's Medicaid fraud detection program. Also, Scott & White Health Plan in central Texas has licensed Thomson Reuters' Medstat Advantage Suite health care decision support system.

EXPANSIONS

NSF International, Ann Arbor, has opened a regional headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

Dynamic Life Chiropractic, Birmingham, has opened in Birmingham. Web site: www.dynamiclifechiropractic.com.

American Hot Rod Racer has opened in Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights. The Cleveland-based retailer allows customers to build model race cars and race them on in-store tracks.

Affiliates in Urology, Westland, has opened a new office at 2421 Monroe in Dearborn. The practice also has an office in Canton Township. Telephone: (734) 595-1166. Web site: www. affiliatesinurology.com.

Advance Auto Parts has opened at 22901 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe. The Roanoke, Va.-based aftermarket retailer's Web site is www.advance autoparts.com.

MOVES

Curve Detroit, to 555 Friendly Drive, Studio C, Pontiac. Telephone: (248) 253-0303.

NEW SERVICES

Berline, Bloomfield Hills, has created B-Digital, a new division for advertising and marketing services for digital space for the agency's clients.

STARTUPS

Eco-Posh Events, 1579 Marshbank Drive, Pontiac, specializes in eco-friendly events and event planning services for corporate and social events throughout metro Detroit. Telephone: (248) 701-5692. Web site: www.ecoposhevents.com.

OTHER

Colorado Springs Medical Briefs: October 10, 2008 - Colorado Springs Business Journal

The Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program willreceive more than $10,000 from the Centers for Medicare and MedicaidServices for 'outstanding achievement.'

The program provides Medicare beneficiaries with counseling andbenefits information, including help answering questions related toMedicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage,prescription coverage and low-income assistance.

The program offices are required to use the money to enhance andexpand counseling and information assistance functions, and toincrease awareness among Medicare beneficiaries about the helpavailable to people with limited incomes and resources to pay forprescription drug costs.

Established by CMS during 2006, State Health Insurance AssistanceProgram Performance Awards are determined using criteria thatinclude the number of beneficiaries that a program serves in one-on-one counseling sessions and in its public education and outreachefforts, and the number of counselors a program has recruited andtrained to provide community-based assistance to Medicarebeneficiaries.

New specialist at Penrose

The only gynecologic oncologist in southern Colorado startedseeing patients earlier this month at Penrose-St. Francis HealthServices.

Dr. Dirk Pikaart will be offering comprehensive gynecologiconcology care for women who have cancer of the reproductive organs,including uterine, ovarian, cervix, vulvas and vaginal cancer, aswell as women requiring complicated gynecologic surgery.

Patients will no longer have to travel to Denver to receivetreatment.

Pikaart has experience in advanced chemotherapeutics and radicalgynecologic surgery. He performed an internship at MetropolitanHospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., an obstetrician/gynecologistresidency at Mercy General Health Partners in Muskegon, Mich., and afellowship in gynecologic oncology at Florida Hospital CancerInstitute in Orlando, Fla.

Pikaart's office is in the Penrose Cancer Center. He will beoperating at both Penrose Hospital and the new St. Francis MedicalCenter.

Flu shot clinics

Flu vaccinations are available in record quantities, with healthcare experts recommending that everyone get a vaccination early.

'It's difficult to know how severe this season's flu will beahead of time,' said Linda Therrien, wellness division manager forthe Visiting Nurses Association. 'That's why it's best to protectyourself with a vaccine.'

Last year, 1,004 people in El Paso County were hospitalizedbecause of the flu, the highest number in four years. According tothe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 20 percent ofthe population gets the flu every year; more than 200,000 people arehospitalized and about 36,000 people die.

Memorial Health System HealthLink will conduct flu shot clinicsthroughout Colorado Springs during October and November. The cost is$26 per person. Memorial Medical Network and Kaiser Permanentemembers pay $18. Vaccinations are available for children 6 monthsand older.

No appointments are necessary.

Memorial HealthLink

5360 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 220

Walk-in service is available beginning

Oct. 13 through mid-November

Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Memorial Hospital North

4050 Briargate Parkway

Oct. 22, 3 to 7 p.m.

Memorial HealthLink

5360 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 220

Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to noon

Memorial Urgent Care --

Springs Medical Center

2502 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

Nov. 6, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The VNA also will host flu shot clinics

from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Saturdays at 573 N. Union Blvd.,

Suite 101.

No Tricare fee hikes in 2009

Military retirees and active duty service members won anotherhuge legislative victory this week when Congress said 'no' toincreases in Tricare fees and co-payments, and rejectedestablishment of new fees for Tricare for Life and Tricare Standardbeneficiaries during fiscal year 2009.

The increases and new fees -- including increased prescriptiondrug co-payments for active duty dependents who purchase medicationsat retail pharmacies, and doubling or even tripling of some Tricareout-of-pocket costs for retirees -- were being pushed for by thePentagon.

Overall, HMOs see healthy half; Efficiencies, cost cutting buoy bottom lines.(NEWS)(Financial report) - Crain's Detroit Business

Byline: JAY GREENE

The financial performance of Southeast Michigan's 15 health maintenance organizations varied widely during the first six months of 2009, with six HMOs posting lower net income and nine others increasing profits. Only two plans lost money.

Taken as a whole, however, the mix of commercial, Medicaid and Medicare HMOs operating in metro Detroit increased net income 7.7 percent to $55.6 million through June 30, from $51.6 million for the same six-month period in 2008.

While net income for Blue Care Network of Michigan, the state's largest HMO with 530,000 members, dropped 16 percent for the first two quarters of 2009 ended June 30 compared to the same period in 2008, net investment income that included capital gains increased 13.5 percent.

On the other hand, Blue Care's underwriting net income dropped 87 percent to $820,000 from $6.2 million during the first six months of 2008, according to the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation. Underwriting income is the difference between premiums collected and claims paid out.

'That is being driven by the higher costs that we didn't anticipate, said Susan Kluge, Blue Care's CFO. 'We didn't know the pharmaceutical companies would raise the costs so much on drugs.

Kluge said behavioral health costs, elective surgeries and medical professional reimbursement also have increased this year beyond budget projections.

'We had higher utilization because people wanted to get certain procedures done before they lost their jobs, Kluge said.

In 2008, Blue Care posted profits of $85.6 million, a 72 percent increase from $49.8 million in 2007.

Last year, the 10 largest HMOs in Southeast Michigan increased overall profits an average 11.7 percent to $183.8 million from $164.6 million in 2007.

For the first six months of 2009, Priority Health, a Grand Rapids-based HMO with offices in Farmington Hills, went from a $2.5 million loss to net income of $5.5 million.

'We have grown and we have done a good job in cutting administrative costs, said CFO Greg Hawkins.

By automating back office work, membership enrollment and claims systems, Priority cut general administrative expenses by $2.6 million to $51 million.

Another reason for improved profitability has been more effective management of certain high-cost medical procedures, Hawkins said.

For example, after identifying a high number of back surgeries among its members, Priority began requiring them to get an opinion from a physiatrist, a physician specializing in physical medicine, before seeing an orthopedic surgeon for possible surgery.

As members become more informed about alternatives to surgery, Hawkins said, they more often choose rehabilitation therapy over surgery.

Because of lower medical payouts, Priority earned underwriting net income of $782,000 for the first six months of this year, compared with losing $9.5 million in 2008.

'Our members respond well when they are given information, Hawkins said. 'We are considering other educational programs that will help members become more informed about their medical options.

In 2008, HMOs in Michigan increased premium rates an average 5.5 percent for commercial policies, the second-lowest percentage increase in the past 10 years, according to Allan Baumgarten, a Minneapolis-based health care consultant.

'Increased efficiencies by Michigan HMOs allowed them to improve their income last year up to a slender 2.6 percent of premiums despite low premium increases and declining enrollment, said Rick Murdock, executive director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans.

But premiums may be going up more this year to more closely match rising costs, according to interviews with HMO executives and OFIR data.

Hawkins said Priority has increased premiums an average of about 6 percent, although the effective premium increase was lower because some companies changed benefit plans that cut costs.

Kluge said Blue Care increased premiums 7 percent to 8 percent.

Following a trend away from managed care that began a decade ago, commercial enrollment in Michigan HMOs declined in 2008 to about 1.4 million from 1.5 million, Baumgarten said.

A review of OFIR data this year indicates a continued decline in commercial HMO enrollment in Michigan.

Medicaid HMO enrollment continues to increase at a 10 percent clip because of poor economic conditions.

So far in 2009, Blue Care has lost 4 percent of its commercial members, OFIR said.

'There are a significant number of people without coverage because of the economy and job losses, Kluge said. 'We are finding people and companies no longer offering coverage (especially) in the small-group market.

Since 2007, when Priority Health acquired Care Choices HMO from the Novi-based Trinity Health to enter Southeast Michigan, Hawkins said Priority has been steadily gaining members.

About 5,000 have been added this year, OFIR said.

Of Priority Health's 364,000 members, which include about 16,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees, about 73,000 members are in a region that spans Southeast Michigan to the Jackson County area, Hawkins said.

Health Plan of Michigan, a Medicaid HMO, also is up about 30,000 members to 197,000, OFIR said.

On the other hand, Detroit-based Health Alliance Plan of Michigan is down about 20,000 members to 364,000. HealthPlus of Michigan also is down about 8,000 members to 70,000.

Other HMOs posting strong gains in net income include Troy-based Molina Healthcare of Michigan. Molina is the largest Medicaid HMO in Michigan with more than 200,000 members.

MAC Strives for the Total Quality Exercise Experience - Greater Lansing Business Monthly

Business executives need to know that keeping an eye on the waistline is just as critical to survival as the bottom line.

Research indicates that successful business executives suffer more from diseases of affluence -obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure-than any other occupational category. Specifically, those between ages 40 and 50 years old are twice as likely to die from stress-related illness compared with people in other occupations in the same age group.

Fortunately for Lansing-area business professionals, among the local resources available to help defy the odds is access to one of the nation's best health and fitness clubs. The Michigan Athletic Club (MAC), a division of Sparrow Health System, offers 270,000 square feet of state-of-the art excellence. Among its amenities are 16 tennis courts; two full-length indoor basketball gyms; extensive strength and cardiovascular areas; an expert health and fitness staff; the area's largest indoor track; four swimming pools and a mammoth 200-foot water slide; championship squash, racquetball and handball courts; a 3,000-square-foot indoor golf practice area; swing analysis and lessons from PGA instructors; 20 world-class golf courses on simulators; three exercise studios; and childcare for infants and toddlers. In addition, the club features four plush locker rooms with whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, day and permanent lockers and individual showers. Other services include massages, a hair salon, a shoeshine shop, a pro shop and a restaurant and banquet facility. It's not surprising that Club Industry Magazine named the East Lansing club as one of the Top 100 U.S. Health and Fitness Facilities for 2001.

Mike Combes, MAC general manager, noted, 'One of the things that is unique about us is the hospital affiliation. I think people are sometimes skeptical about joining a health club because they've heard the disaster stories of clubs opening, then going out of business. Here, people know when it's affiliated with a hospital, especially a prominent one like Sparrow, it's like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. It lends itself instant credibility and that's a real advantage to the Club. They know it's going to be held to the highest standard.'

Setting high standards and meeting and exceeding expectations are the driving force behind the MAC's success since its beginning 12 years ago. Credit goes to Carl Porter, MAC executive director and president of MedSport Enterprises, for leadership in perfecting the formula for a total quality experience, often described as the 'Magic of the MAC.'

'State-of-the-art - that's been Carl's game plan since this club opened. Everything's the best,' stated Combes. 'We've got an ongoing program of keeping the facility maintained and to keep improving it. Members appreciate that there's money always being put back into the club. Every year we buy new equipment and resurface courts. Every so often, we do a major renovation. We did the huge 100,000-square-foot MegaMAC renovation in 1997, now we're going to totally renovate our weight room including adding a new Mondo floor. We're going to expand the size of the room by 3,000 feet and get new lines of equipment.'

Besides providing the best equipment training and facilities, assuring 'rich, rewarding experiences for each member on every visit' is the mantra shared by the MAC's professional staff. 'We train our staff ... yes, we have a great facility, but what's going to bind somebody to the club is the relationships they make. People are looking for personal relationships not whether you have the latest treadmill,' said Combes.

The MAC's roots began in 1985, when Porter helped launch the first Michigan Athletic Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a medical/fitness partnership with St. Mary's Hospital. Based on that experience, Lansing's St. Lawrence Hospital enlisted Porter and MedSport's assistance with its Health Science Pavilion project, which included the MAC and 60,000 square feet of medical office space, including a branch for physical medicine and rehabilitation services. With the merger of St. Lawrence into Sparrow Health System, the concept of 'integrated lifestyle management' continues to successfully evolve, giving patients and members access to a broad continuum of programs and services. The approach integrates wellness, fitness and rehabilitation and supports a proactive approach to individual health.

The MAC plays a pivotal role in the integrated approach. 'You have people who have never exercised in their lives, and all of a sudden they go to the doctor at age 55 and are told they better start exercising or they're going to die,' explained Combes. 'That may be just the extreme case, but people need to consider if they want to get more out of their lives. Rather, do they want to spend the last 30 years sitting down watching TV or being bedridden or chair ridden? Or do they want to have an active, healthy lifestyle, maybe play tennis or just play with their kids or grandkids?'

Combes encourages anyone with an interest in learning more about the MAC to come in for a no obligation tour. 'We've never been a hard sell. We just show people the club, and say 'Here it is; we'd love you to be a member, but it's your decision.' Sometimes people have the impression that people over here [at the MAC] are all in great shape, and that's simply not the truth. People are surprised when they come in here because they see all different sizes, ages and shapes. We have many deconditioned people, who are out of shape, and that is one of our main focuses. We're happy to be a club where elite athletes can go, but we get much more enjoyment out of seeing someone come in here who has never really exercised before and see the progress.'

THE MICHIGAN ATHLETIC CLUB

Mike Combes, General Manager

Carl Porter, Executive Director

Joe Wald, President

The Michigan Athletic Club is a division of Sparrow Health System

2900 Hannah Blvd., East Lansing