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My love for storytelling, learning, and developing new ideas is at the heart of my approach to content creation and product marketing. I love digging deep into the details and collaborating to create rich and meaningful content that engages audiences and promotes organizational growth.
In my free time, I'm crafting, dreaming up new adventures, and writing it all down.
For more information about my freelance writing services, check out samantha-writes.com.
Quick links Symptoms of compassion fatigue How telehealth helps mental health providers combat compassion fatigue Self-care tips for providers facing compassion fatigue Compassion fatigue during the holidays Where Iris Telehealth fits in As a behavioral health provider, you're on the front lines of America's mental health crisis.
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Veronica Im, an LCSW practicing in California. Q.
Learning the ins and outs of behavioral health diagnostic coding is essential to ensuring proper coding and avoiding any significant billing issues during your patient encounter. Join our Regulatory Analyst, Annissa Johnson, as she shares tips and tricks for proper behavioral health diagnostic coding. Click here for a copy of the presentation.
"We very much feel like we're working with experts who are committed to assuring that we have the right provider fit and the right resources we're asking for and do a fantastic job spending time to figure out what those are before they even start."
Medical and locum tenens groups often get compared but have distinct differences in their approach to patient care, the provider selection process, and care team integration. At Iris Telehealth, we're a medical group facilitating telepsychiatry services to communities across the country. Our behavioral health providers work with patients and organizations to provide high-quality, value-based care.
Occupational therapy is a musculoskeletal discipline that is less understood than physical therapy and chiropractic. However, the impact it can have on someone's health and physical function can't be overstated. Occupational therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes.
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Erica Picon, an LCSW practicing in California. Q.
Remote behavioral health work has many benefits, like flexible schedules, self-care opportunities, and no commute, leaving you with more time to do the things you love. Remote behavioral health work, like telepsychiatry, offers psychiatrists, LCSWs, and PMHNPs the chance to make a real impact on the communities they love, from wherever they are in the [...]
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Courtney Bearden. Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris [...]
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk to our very own Medical Director of Outpatient Services Dr. Tracy Mullare.
Every healthcare organization has to strike a balance between ease of use and security when it comes to their EMR. And, if an organization is utilizing a virtual solution, like telepsychiatry, there are several special considerations to keep in mind. Thankfully, there are best practices your organization can implement to ensure your teams are set [...]
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Dale McQueeney. Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris [...]
As a healthcare organization, finding a provider who can help meet the needs of your population and seamlessly integrate into your team's workflow and culture is essential. But, how do you find that perfect provider match? That's where provider matching comes in. By working with an organization that delivers provider matching services, you can find [...]
Healthcare IT News is an authoritative source covering the people, policy, and technology driving next-generation healthcare in the U.S. and the world. Recently, they spoke with Iris Telehealth's CEO, Andy Flanagan, to discuss how telepsychiatry addresses provider shortages, reaches patients in rural America, and boosts patient satisfaction.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are defined by the conditions of an environment where people are born, live, and work. Depending on an individual's circumstances, these conditions can create and exacerbate mental illness and make it difficult to access mental health care. Despite these challenges, healthcare organizations have the power to make meaningful change by [...]
As we look out at the behavioral health landscape ahead of us in 2022, there's a lot to feel hopeful about and a lot to consider. With telehealth's widespread consumer acceptance and organizational adoption, healthcare organizations are well-positioned to make meaningful and sustainable changes. Want to share or reference this infographic?
"Our Iris Telehealth provider is highly skilled and helped us improve access for our patients immediately. Incorporating telepsychiatry into what we already do at Swope Health has been an important piece of the puzzle that makes it all work." Karen Suddath Deputy Director of Behavioral Health, Swope Health Since August 2021, Iris Telehealth has provided [...]
Today, 1 in 10 Americans live with diabetes while 1 in 3 have prediabetes. Largely sparked by a set of well-known risk behaviors - poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use - diabetes is costly when left unaddressed. Improving health for those living with diabetes and preventing onset for those at-risk should be a priority for all.
Did you know 5% of insured members account for more than 60% of employers' medical spend each year? However, only 1 out of 5 of these members will be high cost year-over-year. So, what are the common cost drivers for organizations? They fall into two categories.
Medical error is the third leading cause of death in America, just behind heart disease and cancer. Common lapses like diagnostic errors, miscommunications, and medication mix-ups make it clear that putting something as valuable as your health into the right hands is critical.
Every year, employers lose more than $680 billion to wasteful medical spending - a result of unnecessarily high-cost care, poor outcomes, and inappropriate treatment. With 30% of care falling under the umbrella of ineffective and unnecessary, ensuring members get the right diagnosis and treatment plan has never been more critical.
Have you or those in your organization put off healthcare visits during the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of the U.S. public have either avoided or postponed medical care because of the pandemic.
According to an October 2020 Gallup poll, a large portion of the U.S. workforce would like to return to the office at some point instead of continuing to work remotely. That said, organizations across the country have an opportunity to rethink their approach to healthcare access and provide total population care to their workforces.
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt by healthcare providers across the country, especially hospitals and health systems. Thirty-seven states canceled elective and non-emergent procedures and approximately 30 percent were postponed, leading 55 percent fewer Americans to seek hospital care in March and April.
The Digital Wellness Center delivers virtual care to members in all 50 states through a single, secure, cloud-based portal from a centralized care team. Taking a member-centered approach that spans primary care through specialty care, a cross-functional team works together to deliver a broad spectrum of healthcare services.
As a part of an overarching response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Premise pivoted nearly 20 products to be offered in a virtual-first environment. By facilitating care through their digital member portal, My Premise Health, they have continued providing access to high quality healthcare for large employer clients and their populations while alleviating the burden on community resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly challenging for working parents across the country. In fact, according to a COVID-19 Caregivers Survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group, approximately 50% of working parents feel their work performance has suffered due to additional home and family responsibilities.
Lack of convenience, understanding, and high costs are barriers that can stand in the way of someone staying adherent to their medication. On top of that, interactions at community pharmacies are often more transactional than personal. Medication non-adherence costs the U.S. healthcare system $290 billion annually.
One in every five U.S. adults experiences mental illness annually, making the need for high-quality behavioral health support essential - especially in the workplace. In a recent survey, 73% of Premise Health clients said increasing access to behavioral health resources was a top priority for their organization.
Like many U.S. employers, one auto manufacturer’s healthcare costs were climbing significantly. Unable to pinpoint the catalyst of these increases, the organization partnered with Premise Health to deliver a direct healthcare solution to their workforce. The result was more convenient and accessible primary care, which ultimately reduced their healthcare costs by a staggering $6 million over five years.
When individuals are diagnosed with complex or serious conditions, or are told they need high-cost, high-risk treatment, they are too often left to fend for themselves. This results in poor outcomes, unnecessary or ineffective treatment, and a bad experience.
After five years of searching for accessible behavioral health services for her deaf child, one mother was desperate to find a solution. She reached out to multiple behavioral health providers in her community, but they refused to facilitate translation services.
*ghost writing assignment* The COVID-19 pandemic has left a seismic impact on the hearts and minds of people across the world - whether through job loss, the grief of losing a loved one, difficulty paying bills, or trouble finding quality healthcare. In tandem with these experiences, the state of mental health has plummeted.
*ghost writing assignment* Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become a mainstay for patients across the country. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) reports the following data: 28 studies found that more than 80% of patients indicated satisfaction with telehealth 75% of people expect virtual care to become a standard part of their care 85.52% report [...]
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Dr. Jessica Jeffrey. Q: How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an [...]
*ghost writing assignment* Integrated care acknowledges that mental health and physical health don't exist in silos and makes high-quality care a reality for patients across the country. What initially began as co-location, a model that puts behavioral health and primary care providers in the same building, but not on the same team, has evolved into a collaborative approach [...]
Job hunting can be a stressful process, and there's a lot to consider when navigating your next career move. As a psychiatrist, finding a job that prioritizes your well-being is essential. After all, being a mental health professional is tough, and provider burnout is a serious issue affecting 78% of psychiatrists.
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day — starting with our very own Dr. Marialba Romero Medina.
As a mental health professional, helping patients get the care they need is essential to your work. However, for clinicians living in states with greater barriers to practice, connecting patients with the right resources and care isn't always possible. Whether you're bogged down with administrative tasks, restricted by red tape, or frustrated with access issues, [...]
When starting your virtual behavioral health career, you've likely got many questions - from the differences between on-site and virtual environments to learning about using an organization's EMR remotely to ensuring you work with a population you love. Whatever your question may be, we've got you covered.
As a mental health professional, you understand that working somewhere that aligns with your values is essential. The mental health field comes with unique frustrations that can make doing what you love challenging. That's why working somewhere with a supportive environment is critical for providers.
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This month, we're sitting down to talk with Nicole Bradbury. Q: How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris [...]
We know it's tough being a mental health professional these days - and finding a job that prioritizes work-life balance, aligns with your values, and offers the flexibility you need can be a challenge. Thankfully, that's where telehealth comes in!
As a mental health professional, you understand the importance of finding a meaningful job that aligns with your values and supports your overall well-being. With so many organizations needing a helping hand these days, finding the perfect fit can be challenging. Luckily, when working with an organization that provides job matching services, you can successfully [...]
Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That's why we're turning the spotlight on the amazing work they're doing every day. This week we're sitting down to talk with Dr. Isabel Norian. Q: How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an [...]
*ghost writing assignment* Mental health stigma is a serious problem that can cause people to opt-out of treatment for their behavioral health conditions. In fact, a study by the Cohen Veterans Network found that nearly one-third of Americans have worried about others judging them for seeking mental health services.
While most patients will be comfortable utilizing virtual care platforms, some may be hesitant to fully open up to a provider delivering care through a screen. In this case, there are key steps your providers can take to help patients feel more at ease utilizing this new modality. Please use this checklist as a guide to help your patients and providers engage seamlessly with their telepsychiatry solution.
For employers, the stakes are high. Right now, companies in the U.S. are paying more than $680 billion annually on wasteful medical spending. On top of this, they're footing the bill for half the population - that's almost 160 million Americans - and healthcare is the second largest line item in the budget, after labor, for many industries.
Navigating a broken healthcare system is challenging and can cause some to take shortcuts or delay care due to confusion or unaffordable treatment. In 2016, a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation discovered that 43% of households opted out of getting a recommended test or treatment altogether due to high-costs, while a survey from Bankrate revealed that 57% of Americans wouldn't have enough funds to cover an unexpected expense of $500.
In 2015, a survey by Healthline revealed that 43% of people found the holidays to be somewhat stressful, citing finances as the leading cause of worry. This holiday season, these concerns are amplified as many Americans are approaching long-term joblessness. For those still on the clock, 40% are experiencing work-from-home burnout that they attribute to COVID-19.
As a new wave of COVID-19 begins to surge this fall, forward-thinking organizations are looking for new strategies to minimize disruption and keep their employee populations safe. By prioritizing seamless access to healthcare and a convenient approach to testing, employers can confidently stay ahead of the curve and proactively navigate this developing public health crisis.
Every year, unhealthy behaviors and chronic conditions cost employers $36 billion in lost workdays, highlighting the increasing need for wellness in the workplace. Recognizing that people are spending most of their days on the job, strategic employers now understand the importance of incorporating wellness benefits into their organization's total rewards strategy.
It takes a village and here at Nanny Nest we're in this together. We help ensure your family has everything they need to thrive. With our incredible network of passionate childcare professionals, you've always got someone to call. From our nannies and sitters to our newborn care specialists and doulas, we all share the same goal; to guide and support your family.
From setting up shop at kitchen tables to creating makeshift desks out of boxes, work from home stations often miss the mark when it comes to supporting good musculoskeletal health. Whether you're repeatedly reaching too far for your computer mouse or sitting in a chair that doesn't support good posture, the consequences of repeated strain can cause problems that go beyond your work life and seep into your daily activities.
Given eligible family members often represent more than half of the insured population and account for 65% of claims spend for employers - access to convenient, high-quality healthcare is a must. That's where nearsite health centers come in.
When it comes to employees returning to the workplace, there isn't a one size fits all approach. Every business is unique, with teams working in different sized spaces from high rise office buildings to large manufacturing plants. One thing is certain: approaches to re-open campuses will look different for everyone but having a clear plan in place will make all the difference.
Today, more than half of adults in the U.S. experience stress during "a lot of the day," according to a recent Gallup study. This is just one of many studies revealing stress and anxiety are more common than not, further fueling the growing conversation around the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace.
It's not until we're without touch that we realize the importance it has on our wellbeing. The need for touch is biological and receiving its benefits can lower your blood pressure, cortisol levels, and can even give you a mood booster.
How many times have you been asked for a massage to help relieve a headache? What about a massage to relieve sinus pressure? Go through your memory and write about every time your clients asked you for advice. What were they asking? Did they want to know how to give their partner the best foot massage?
Touch is a critical part of our wellbeing as it helps promote connectedness, boosts immunity, and releases the love hormone, oxytocin. As important as it is, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is making it harder than ever to receive these benefits and practitioners across the industry are feeling it's effects.
For this project, I curated, designed, and selected writers to feature. This piece served as a content offering for Yomassage's holiday newsletter.
Since 1932, blood banks have played a critical role in keeping their communities safe through blood collection, storage, and dependability. Maintaining the integrity of the stored products is significant, given one pint of blood can be utilized for multiple emergencies at a time. In their 2019 “Safe Blood for All” campaign, the World Health Organization called on governments, national health authorities, and national blood services to work together to “establish and strengthen quality...
Touch is a critical part of human connection, and without it, touch starvation becomes a more imminent risk.
The holidays are magical and messy. Life becomes hectic as you coordinate plans, deal with seasonal stressors, and attempt that overcomplicated cookie recipe you found online. It's a lot, but it's easier when you put yourself first.
In 2019, vaccine hesitancy made the World Health Organization’s list of the top ten threats to global wellness just as the United States saw the largest outbreak of measles in 27 years. This outbreak was partly due to the growing fear around vaccines. Measles, once extinct in the year 2000, left many questioning how this could happen, and healthcare workers wondering what they could do to restore confidence in the public.
Do you have a vision for your business, but need the tools to bring it to life? Join us for our first annual Yomassage Summit and become a game-changer. During the summit, you will learn how to harness your entrepreneurial spirit and pave a new path for yourself and your business.
The benefits of regular, safe touch are extremely impactful, but not very many people know about it. That's why we're starting the conversation, and science is backing us up. Here are six ways safe touch can help improve your life. 1.
Helping secure patient safety is crucial. That’s why health care providers work tirelessly to ensure their actions support this mission. Though despite their best efforts, mistakes happen, and unfortunately, vaccine storage solutions aren’t often up to standards.
Simply put, Megan & Cody's wedding was anything but simple. It was full of laughter, life, and dancing. Yes, it was the memories that made it special, but it was the details made it fabulous. So, let's start there. This wedding was definitely not lacking in the floral department.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. This staggering statistic is why exploring various methods of stress and anxiety relief for patients is critical.
Ghost Writing Project | A Hot Air Balloon Engagement Session "This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." - Rumi When Love Lifts you off Your Feet Tori and Billy's love story was a slow burn.
Yomassage and Mindful Touch are sisters, not twins. Don't get us wrong, though. Both Yomassage and Mindful Touch come from the same family, and each upholds the four Yomassage pillars: touch, stretch, breath, and community. On the flip side, they have distinct differences that allow them to offer something that's uniquely their own.
Ghost Writing Project | A cotton candy and a tiger walk into a law school party and fall in love. There's no punchline, but there is a love story. It is Alaina and Juan's love story. Ever since that day at the Halloween party, they've been inseparable.
In the past, Fort Meade’s lab technicians were unable to maintain the adequate amount of water pressure needed to keep their instruments correctly operating. The inadequate amount of water flow caused the system to shut down and required technicians to go into reset mode. This process could last up to two hours. Line breaks, excessive use and water line flushing triggered the low water pressure. The technicians decided to use an auxiliary pump to assist the deionized water system. However,...
Ghost Writing Project | Sunshine, sunflowers, and stunning golden hours are just a few of my favorite things. This Grant Hill's wedding had all of this and more, but even better it had Lauren and Jake. I have been friends with them for many years and it was a joy to shoot their sunny, southern wedding!
Ghost Writing Project | One of the most common things I hear from a couple is, "Heather, I don't know where we should get our pictures taken!" Don't fret, sweetie! The location can be anywhere you want it to be! Still need a couple of ideas? Try somewhere that means something to both of you.
Ghost Writing Project | An April Wedding at The Chimneys at Big Canoe It was a beautiful spring wedding at The Chimneys at Big Canoe in the North Georgia mountains. It was the perfect wedding venue with picturesque views and rustic vibes. Their pastel wedding colors really complemented the outdoor ceremony.
When it comes to safeguarding your valuable assets, your continuous monitoring tools should be the best. Healthcare environments are complex, and when data is funneling in from multiple inputs, the complication amplifies. That's why it's crucial to create a system that gives you reliable and usable data along with accurate reports that meet regulatory requirements.
Ensuring drugs remain valid and blood samples maintain viability is critical to mitigate product loss and health risks. To do so, you will need an efficient, flexible monitoring system that upholds to all regulatory requirements. Whether you are committing to a new continuous monitoring system or looking to switch, you also need to ask the right questions.
Ghost Writing Project | Rain makes spring weddings tricky, but the forecast called for sunshine and the bride, Amanda, and I both did happy dances! Awesome, right!? Well...right when we were doing their couple's portraits, the rain started to pour. Amanda and her groom Billy were awesome and whenever there was a break in the rain, they would run outside with me to shoot their portraits!
Ghost Writing Project | Megan & Michael's wedding was one of the magical kind for a photographer. It was a cloudy Georgia day and the changing light kept me on my toes and gave the pictures a dreamy look that I LOVE! Not to mention, they chose the Primrose Cottage, an iconic southern mansion, to have their pictures taken in front of!
At Mesa Labs, Inc. (Mesa) our purpose is to protect the vulnerable. One way we do this is through partnering with companies that share this sentiment and rewarding them for all of the good work they put towards keeping things we hold dear safe. We took a look at the performance of each partner.
As you begin your walk through the field, you notice a dandelion and decide to pick it up. These are the flowers people use to make wishes. You observe the hundreds of seeds; perfectly round, fluffy and soft to the touch. As you begin your next inhale, imagine that each seed is one of your thoughts, worries, or fears. As you exhale, imagine blowing away all of those seeds, thoughts, worries, or fears.
3 Harmful Chemicals Found in Baby Products It's pretty crazy that our parents probably ate lead paint, right? I mean there was actual lead paint on their toys. While we may think long ago were the days when toxic chemicals lurked in children's toys and products, we'd be wrong.
Let me be blunt. Being a nanny is a super weird job. It can be really rewarding, or it can feel like "oh my gosh - get me out of here - I'm trapped!" and it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot of...
Fitted Sheet I haven't had many massages, but my first and last one couldn't have been more different. During my first massage at a commercial chain, the massage therapist told me to get underneath the flat sheet. Once alone, I not only got underneath the flat sheet, but also under the fitted sheet.