Although each product varies in complexity and depth of technical knowledge, all certification exams target customers in an administrative role, cover core elements measuring technical knowledge against factors such as installation, configuration, deployment, management & administration, and basic troubleshooting.
This program consists of a technical exam at a product/version level that validates that the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully administer Veritas InfoScale Availability 7.3 for UNIX/Linux
Passing this exam will result in a Veritas Certified Specialist (VCS) certification and counts towards the requirements for a Veritas Certified Professional (VCP) certification in Storage Management and High Availability for UNIX.
# of Questions: 75 - 85
Exam Duration: 105 minutes
Passing Score: 71%
Languages: English
Exam Price: $225 USD (or your country’s currency equivalent)
Recommended Course:
Note: If you do not have prior experience with this product, it is recommended that you complete an in-person, classroom training or Virtual Academy virtual classroom training class in preparation for the VCS exam. Be aware that attending a training course does not ensure passage of a certification exam.
Recommended preparation steps:
In addition, you should be familiar with the following product documentation and web sites:
Recommended hands-on experience (real world or virtual):
If you're looking for a lucrative career that only requires a degree from a two-year school, you may be surprised at the number of options.
Many careers that can net you over $60,000 annually only require an associate degree. The best associate degree jobs are highly specialized and require strong skills in critical thinking and technical know-how.
Read on for the 10 best associate degree jobs that offer plentiful job opportunities, high salaries, and strong professional satisfaction.
In curating this associate degree job list, we looked for three desirable qualities:
We also selected jobs based on whether or not you can land them with the most popular two-year degrees, such as an associate degree in business administration.
Read on for our list of the top 10 careers you can get with an associate degree. Keep in mind, several of the careers included here generally require a bachelor's but may allow for an associate plus professional certifications.
Salary: $57,910
Computer support certified help maintain computer networks and offer technical support to different organizations and computer users. They may specialize in computer network or user support and need strong technical and communication skills to succeed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% growth in computer network specialist roles from 2020-30.
You can typically find entry-level to advanced work as a computer support specialist with an associate degree in computer science or other computer/IT-related major.
Earning professional certifications may help you get a job. Consider the Electronics Technicians Association's Certified Network Technician credential or one of Microsoft's various certifications for computer support.
Salary: $77,810
Dental hygienists provide preventative oral care to patients, such as brushing patients' teeth, and monitor the progression of oral diseases. They are also responsible for assessing patients' oral health and sharing their notes with dentists.
The BLS predicts that dental hygienists will see an employment growth rate of 11% from 2020-30.
Working as a dental hygienist requires earning an associate in dental hygiene, which typically takes three years and combines classroom learning with clinical and lab elements. Many colleges and trade schools offer online programs.
Dental hygiene programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Salary: $102,600
Information security analysts protect organizations' computer networks and systems using software tools such as firewalls and data encryption programs.
The BLS projects a 33% employment growth rate for this role from 2020-30. The high demand for professionals to counter cybercrime has created high cybersecurity salary and job security expectations.
You can get an entry-level job as an information security analyst with an associate in cybersecurity and professional certifications. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium's Entry Level Cybersecurity Certification is popular.
Sometimes it helps to earn your degree or certification in a specialization such as penetration testing.
Salary: $61,520
Occupational therapy assistants help patients recover from or live with serious illnesses and health issues, such as chronic pain. Success in this profession requires strong empathy, written and verbal communication, and critical thinking skills.
The BLS projects a 34% growth in occupational therapy assistant positions from 2020-2030. This overwhelming demand can be attributed to the population growth of middle-aged and elderly patients.
You can become an occupational therapy assistant by earning an associate degree in occupational therapy from a community college or trade school. Programs in occupational therapy are typically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Salary: $99,290
Administrative services and facilities managers plan, coordinate, and oversee the daily functioning of different organizations. They may supervise entire offices or individual departments of facilities.
Typically, these managers need strong leadership, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication skills.
The BLS predicts that from 2020-30, administrative services and facilities managers will see a 9% employment growth rate.
Though many employers expect these managers to hold at least a bachelor's, some entry-level jobs may accept candidates with only an associate degree in management. Typically, you need fewer than five years' experience to qualify for a job as an administrative services or facilities manager.
Salary: $56,230
Paralegals and legal assistants assist lawyers with tasks such as case research, file organization, and documentation. These skilled workers need strong writing, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
The BLS projects a 12% employment growth rate for paralegals and legal assistants 2020-30.
Most paralegals and legal assistants hold at least an associate degree in criminal justice, legal studies, or other related major.
Paralegal and legal assistant programs typically need accreditation from the American Bar Association, National Federation of Paralegal Associations, or National Association of Legal Assistants.
Salary: $61,980
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging tests on patients, while MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging machinery to produce medical imaging of patients. Physicians use the medical imaging these professionals help produce to help diagnose and monitor different health conditions.
The BLS anticipates that employment for radiologic and MRI technologists will grow by 9% from 2020-30.
Radiologic and MRI technologists need an associate degree to practice. Many states have licensure requirements for radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologists typically need to complete a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
MRI technologists generally do not need licensure.
Salary: $48,770
Real estate brokers and sales agents represent clients looking to buy, sell, and rent properties. These professionals need strong soft skills, including written and verbal communication, leadership, and self-advocacy. Generally, they are self-employed, though some work in real estate agencies.
The BLS projects 4% growth in positions for real estate brokers and agents from 2020-30.
To become a real estate broker or sales agent, you usually need an associate degree in finance or a business administration associate degree featuring real estate and finance coursework.
In every state, these professionals need to pass a licensing exam in order to practice.
Salary: $61,830
Respiratory therapists provide care for patients with breathing issues such as asthma or chronic pulmonary disease. These therapists need strong written and verbal communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.
The BLS projects that from 2020-2030, the number of respiratory therapists will grow by 23%. This overwhelming demand has to do with an increase in the population of middle-aged and elderly patients.
To work as a licensed respiratory therapist, you typically need at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy. Many community colleges, universities, and trade schools offer online associate degrees in respiratory therapy.
Salary: $77,200
Web developers create and maintain websites and web-based applications. These tech professionals usually work from home and know multiple programming languages.
The need for web developers has exploded as more services and products reach consumers online. It will likely continue to grow.
The BLS reports that web developers can anticipate a 13% employment growth rate from 2020-2030.
Educational expectations for web developers can vary, but you can typically secure entry-level web development work with a computer programming associate degree and a strong portfolio.
Attending a full-stack web development bootcamp or earning a web development certificate can also help.
Unless otherwise noted, salary and job growth data is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of Aug. 1, 2022.
What it is: Deep cavities, extensive or repeated dental procedures, or trauma to the tooth can leave a tooth’s soft insides, or pulp, inflamed and eventually infected. During a root canal, a provider drills into the root of your tooth to remove infected, necrotic (dead) pulp in the center of your tooth. The inside of the canal is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.
When it’s needed: The pulp contains a tooth’s nerves, and once that tissue has begun to decay, there’s no option but to take it out, Simmons says. Otherwise, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Although it’s rare now, before the advent of antibiotics untreated infected tooth pulp could sometimes be fatal.
When to question it: It’s important that your dentist perform adequate testing to determine that your tooth’s pulp is necrotic and not salvageable, because some people who need root canals don’t experience pain as a symptom. Testing may include X-ray imaging, and your dentist should do a sensitivity test, such as placing something cold against the suspect tooth and assessing your reaction. If you can’t feel the cold at all, the tooth is probably dead and needs a root canal, Lawson says. Significant or extreme pain is also a concerning sign. A few seconds of pain, however, may mean that the tooth’s pulp is inflamed but not irreversibly so. (If the tooth is crowned, a temperature-based test might be less effective.) The dentist should also place the cold object against one of your other teeth for comparison.
What the alternatives are: For a tooth that definitely needs a root canal, the only alternative is to extract the tooth (and potentially place an implant). But for a tooth that has reversible inflammation (known as reversible pulpitis), a filling plus a pulp cap—a much less expensive procedure in which pulp exposed by drilling is covered with protective material—can suffice, Lawson says. But keep in mind that this option isn’t always successful. If consumers go with that choice, he says, “they have to assume the risk that they might continue to hurt because it didn’t work, and they might be paying for two treatments.”
Cost of root canal treatment: $620 to $1,472, depending on whether it’s a molar, premolar, or front tooth. A crown, if needed, will add to the cost.
1. Set your agenda, but also listen to your doctor’s. At the start of the visit let your doctor know the two or three things you want to be sure to get to and make sure you listen to your doctor’s two or three things that she wants to be sure to get to.
2. Focus on the doctor-patient conversation. More than the physical exam, blood tests, X-rays, and M.R.I.s, the doctor-patient conversation is the most powerful tool in medicine. Make sure the majority of your visit is spent in direct communication. (Forms and paperwork should be relegated to the waiting room.)
Luckily, good communication is not as hard as it seems. Sometimes all it takes is one solid minute of focused attention — the doctor’s eyes on you, not on the computer — to get all the important information across.
3. Understand the multi-tasking mess that your doctor faces. The number of items that your doctor must attend to during a visit has skyrocketed in the last decade. The advent of the electronic medical record (E.M.R.) has changed the nature of the doctor-patient interaction immensely, and most doctors have no choice but to type during your visit. If your doctor looks like someone in a 1950s secretarial pool, typing nonstop, welcome to 21st century medicine.
Multitasking is not an excuse for poor communication, however, or a feeling of rushing through the visit. You can be aware of and even a bit forgiving of the bureaucratic labyrinth that your doctor has to deal with, but your doctor should make time for direct, face-to-face communication. That is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Some doctors can listen well while they are typing, but if your doctor does not appear to be listening to you, you are well within your right to politely acknowledge that. You could say something like, “I know that you have to write all this down in the computer, but if you could give me one minute of your full attention, I’ll tell you the important stuff as concisely as possible.”
4. The physical exam. Most doctors’ visits involve some sort of a physical exam. Depending on what part of your body is being examined, you may or may not have to change into a gown. Some medical practices have a “chaperone” present for any physical exam; some offer it only when there will be an examination of breasts or genitalia. But the decision is always yours. You can request that a chaperone be present at any time, and you can also give the chaperone the boot at any time. The same goes for family members or friends who may be with you during the visit. Whether or not to have company during the physical exam is your decision and yours alone.
5. If the visit is drawing to a close and your top items haven’t been reached, a gentle reminder is absolutely in order. You could say something like: “I see that time is running quickly, but I want to be sure we get to X, Y and Z that I’d mentioned in the beginning.” If you feel an important question has been left unanswered, or especially if you don't understand something that was explained to you, don't be shy about bringing this up before the visit ends.
6. But don't throw in the kitchen sink. Resist the temptation to squeeze in other concerns at the last minute. It is okay, though, to let your doctor know that there are a few things still on your mind. Ask if it’s possible to set up a phone call, or whether you can email follow-up questions through a secure site, called a patient portal. Most doctors offer patient portals that can also be used to check test results or view a short summary of your visit. You might be able to address some of your remaining concerns with the nurse, or you might simply have to schedule another visit so that those issues get their due.
7. Don’t leave until you know the plan. Take notes if you can. (Having a friend or family member there to take notes can also be helpful.) Ask your doctor for a list of the medications being prescribed, or tests being ordered. Many doctors will give you a short printed summary of the visit when you leave. Collect any printed orders that you might need for follow up testing and make sure you know how you will be informed of test results and if (and when) you should come for a follow-up appointment. Since most prescriptions are sent electronically these days, check that your doctor has the correct information for the pharmacy you prefer to use. If you are interested in signing up for a patient portal, be sure to obtain instructions about how to enroll, so you can access it from home.
With the cost of living rising at an alarming pace, many households may be considering how to make some extra cash.
This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a second job. In fact – so long as you have a broadband connection – there are numerous ways to make money online without leaving the comfort of your home. We’ve rounded up some top examples.
Since 2017 Brits have benefited from a £1,000 ‘trading allowance’ whereby it’s possible to each earn up to £1,000 a year tax-free from ‘side hustles’ such as flogging items on eBay or making money from online surveys.
If you earn more than this from online extras, you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and pay tax on your profits.
Money you earn on investments such as dividends is taxed separately – this article explains how.
There are websites that will pay you for your opinion on anything from the latest hit TV show to shampoo or dog food. To get started, sign up to survey sites such as i-Say (previously Ipsos), Swagbucks, YouGov and Opinion Outpost. Once you’re a member, they’ll send you details of surveys you’re eligible for and how much they pay.
Focus groups are more in depth and usually mean attending a session in person. They can pay well though – up to £100 for an hour or two. Takepartinresearch.co.uk or Paidfocusgroups.co.uk are good places to start.
Passive income refers to income that doesn’t need a significant commitment of time or money on an ongoing basis.
Investing in the stock market, for example, can generate passive income – but you’ll need a long-term investment strategy to see gains. And, of course, you may get out less than you put in.
There’s a lot of hype around cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum but you should think twice before jumping onto the crypto bandwagon.
These virtual currencies are notoriously volatile as well as being the subject of various scams – check out Trust No one: The Hunt For The Crypto King on Netflix for a story about how it can all go horribly wrong.
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This side hustle is best suited to brainy university students happy to tutor schoolchildren approaching the 11-plus, school entrance exams, GCSEs or A-levels.
The pandemic meant that pupils became accustomed to remote learning so there’s no longer an expectation that you will travel to tutor your pupils in person.
The better your GCSE and A-level grades in maths, English and science subjects the better – you can earn up to £20 an hour helping kids to Improve their grades.
You can find clients using sites such as Superprof or MyTutor or by word of mouth recommendation.
If you live near a train station, football stadium or city centre, it’s possible to generate a regular income stream from renting out your off-street parking space. You can rent out your space on an hourly, daily, weekly or even monthly basis.
You can list your parking space on sites such as JustPark, ParkLet, Your Parking Space and Park On My Drive. Fee structures vary but usually include commission on the booking, plus some sites may also charge a listing fee.
You have to liaise with the driver making the booking, including providing directions where necessary and ensuring that access is kept clear. You may also need to check whether suitable liability cover is included in your home insurance.
Making purchases via cash-back websites can add up to several hundred pounds a year. You sign up to a cash-back site such as Topcashback or Quidco and search for the online retailer or company you’re looking to buy from. If the company is listed, you click on the link to take you to their website which tracks your visit. You then complete the purchase as normal.
Many of the cash-back sites charge no sign-up fee, although some may allow you to benefit from a higher level of cash-back in return for a small annual membership fee.
Examples of some of the current rates available at Topcashback include up to 10% for Hotels.com, 8% for new Very customers and £25-100 for insurance policies.
However, cash back is not guaranteed and, even if you have followed the correct process, cashback can be declined or be paid at a lower amount.
With the rise of remote working, there’s a wide range of freelance jobs available online. A good place to start is freelancing websites such as Upwork, Freelancer and Peopleperhour.
Some of the freelancing job opportunities include writing, book-keeping, preparing business plans, sales and marketing and administrative services.
The first step is to sign up and enter details of your skills and experience, after which you’re able to ‘bid’ for freelance work posted by clients. It’s a good idea to look at the rates offered for projects to get a feel for the appropriate price level to bid at (if it’s not a fixed price).
You may be required to submit evidence of your work, or undergo an interview, at which point you’re told whether or not you are successful. In some cases, clients may contact you directly to invite you to bid for their work.
The freelance website is responsible for making the payment, although they may take a commission or charge a fee for their services. You can also build up your profile by asking clients to submit feedback on completed jobs.
Trainers have moved from functional footwear to coveted fashion accessories, fuelled by companies such as Nike and Adidas releasing limited edition styles. These have a high resale value, however, the challenge is getting your hands on them in the first place.
Those willing to commit the time and resources follow the big retailers, such as Nike and Footlocker, to find out the time and date of release of the most sought-after styles. The process varies from entering into a raffle for the opportunity to buy a pair (in a certain size) to calling up at the right time to reserve a pair for collection.
By way of example, the Nike Air Jordan 4 White and Black trainers sold for £180 when released, and were being resold at around £300 on eBay. Some sizes (typically men’s 8-11) are more popular than others.
However, you have to factor in the cost of selling fees, delivery and the need for the trainers to be inspected by eBay’s authenticators before despatch. You should also establish the likely demand for the trainers, before purchase, to avoid being stuck with expensive stock.
If you’ve got a good eye for photos, you could try your hand at stock photography. Image library websites like iStock and Getty Images allow users to upload photos and earn a small royalty when they’re used.
You could start by taking pictures of your local neighbourhood, food you cook, and interesting buildings you run into, or set up some scenes at home.
Remember, if your photos include other people or their property, you’ll need to get the person or owner to sign a model release form. This form, which you can find easily online, is written permission for the photographer to use the images they take of a person or property for commercial purposes. Certain websites will not accept uploads unless you have a model release.
Stock photos are put to a huge variety of uses, so the possibilities are endless. It will take some initial time and effort to build a profitable library of images, but once you do you’ll have a stream of passive income.
Do you enjoy walking? If so, it might be worth considering offering dog-walking services. You can sign up via online sites such as Wag!, Bark and Rover.
Typical services offered include 30 to 60 minute walks, drop-in visits and house sittings or ‘doggie day care’ and ‘dog boarding’ in your home. While there may be a guide rate, sitters and owners are free to negotiate their own prices.
There is usually a service fee – for example, Rover charges both the dog walker and owner 15% of the value of the service, capped at £49 per booking.
You should speak to your local council to check any licensing requirements or regulations for offering dog-related services.
Online property rental marketplaces such as Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular in exact years. They allow property owners to rent out spaces for people looking for a place to stay, from single rooms to whole properties.
According to Airbnb, over 8 million people rented an Airbnb property in the UK in 2017-2018. Hosts received an average of £3,600 per income with properties typically rented out for 36 days per year.
Fees vary by site but Airbnb charges hosts 3-4% of the value of the booking and guests around 14% (which includes a cleaning fee).
It’s also worth knowing that the government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn up to £7,500 tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home, whether a room or the whole property.
There are a number of other issues to consider when renting property, including the terms of your mortgage and house insurance policy, whether permission is needed from the freeholder (if applicable) and specialist insurance requirements.
In addition, hosts in London are banned from renting out their property on short-term rental sites for more than 90 days per year.
Etsy provides a marketplace for people to sell their hand-made and other items, so may appeal to people looking to combine their hobby with making money. However, it takes a little longer to set up than selling on eBay as you have to create a shop and ensure that each product has a comprehensive description and good quality photos.
It’s estimated that Etsy has around 90 million active buyers, with the top categories during the pandemic being clothes, jewellery, homeware and handbags.
Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 (£0.16) per item, together with a 6.5% transaction fee and a 4% + £0.20 payment processing fee. You can also pay Etsy to advertise your products more widely on the internet.
With a little effort, you can turn a love of writing into extra monthly income. Many bloggers need some extra help producing content for their site, and pay freelancers to cover a particular topic. You could try pitching ideas to your favourite bloggers, or use a freelancing website such as People Per Hour to pitch for listed jobs and advertise your services.
Plenty of website owners also come to these sites in search of proofreading, so if you have an eye for detail you can offer these services too.
Although writing and proofreading are popular choices, you can advertise almost any service you like through these sites, from graphic design to transcribing interviews.
Bear in mind that if you decide to find work through People Per Hour, the website will take a share of any profits you make.
Yes, it is possible and legal to buy stolen goods. Police forces auction off stolen items (that they can’t reunite with their rightful owners).
One such site is Bumblebee Auctions, which is used by the Metropolitan, Devon and Cornwall, Suffolk, Durham and Hertfordshire police forces amongst others. Items vary from jewellery, bikes, cameras, tools and computers. The downside is that you may have to collect the item, although delivery can be added at an extra charge for some items.
Some police forces, such as Sussex and Leicester, also have dedicated eBay shops to sell their available items. Current listings include hedge trimmers, trainers, games consoles and computers.
You can keep these items for personal use, or re-sell them on sites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace provided they are in working condition.
You can list your flat or house as a potential location for filming photo shoots. You don’t have to live in a mansion, in fact, there’s good demand for more ‘gritty’ properties. However, your odds are improved if you live in, or near to, London and you have good parking available.
Shoots can take anything from a few hours to several months. Your property should be returned to its original condition, including any temporary redecoration, although damage can occur.
There are various agencies you can list your property on, including Amazing Space, Shoot Factory, Location Works and Scouty.
Scouty reports that their average host makes from £500 to £2,500 per month for between 1 and 3 bookings. They take a 15% commission on bookings but manage the payment process on your behalf.
You may have watched one of the extreme couponing US shows where shoppers reduce the price of their shop from $300 to $10 by cashing in a fistful of coupons. However, there is a more moderate approach to couponing if you don’t want a queue full of people breathing down your neck at the check-out.
Many of the large supermarkets have loyalty schemes which are often app-based. Waitrose customers can choose from a range of different vouchers every week on its app, giving money off selected products. The Tesco Clubcard app has a similar scheme, including bonus points and double points coupons which can be redeemed against future shops or partner rewards.
Or, if you’re willing to sign up to a monthly commitment, the Tesco Clubcard Plus Scheme allows customers to get a 10% discount on two shops per month (up to £20 each time), for a cost of £7.99 a month.
Alternatively, apps such as Shopmium, provide cashback if you buy selected products from a range of retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose. You buy the product first, then scan your receipt and product barcode to receive the cashback via PayPal or bank transfer.
Most domain names sell for a few quid – but there are some which change hands for millions of pounds. Domain flipping is when you buy a domain name as cheaply as possible then sell it for more than you originally paid for it.
If you could go back in time, you should have bought the domain name Cars.com – according to GoDaddy, it’s now valued at $872m (£707m). Sex.com is worth about $13m (£10.5m) and shoes.com $9m (£7m).
The key to making cash this way is to identify a domain name that might become mega-desirable in the future and buy it while it’s still cheap.
Most of us like to upgrade our smartphones and other devices whenever a shiny new one comes out. This means that, across the UK, there are countless drawers and cupboards containing old smartphones, cameras, and games consoles.
According to MPB.com, which specialises in selling photography gear, half of UK adults have six or more devices sitting around. These could be worth an average of £1,332 if traded in.
If you’re upgrading your phone, you might be able to recycle it with your network. For example, O2 Recycle gives you a discount on a new device if you trade in your old phone.
It’s not just celebs making money from Instagram – ‘micro influencers’ are normal folk who make cash creating and sharing content. The key to success is building a large, engaged and enthusiastic following who will react to your social media posts with likes, shares and comments.
Most social media influencers start off by collaborating with brands by plugging and picturing their products (which they usually receive for free) before graduating to getting paid cold hard cash for product posts on Instagram and Facebook.
There are rules about this type of advertising though – you’ll need to use hashtags such as #ad to make it clear you’re being paid to post.
‘Compers’ make money by entering and winning online, TV or radio competitions.
Radio stations, in particular, regularly give away five-figures sums of money in competitions you can enter with just a quick text. Other typical prizes include cars, holidays, tech products, kitchen appliances, gig tickets and… just about anything.
Pro compers enter hundreds of competitions each week which they find by subscribing to Compers News or Theprizefinder.com. Before you get started, set up a separate email address just for competitions – otherwise your email index will get swamped with spam and newsletters.
In general, you have the best chance of winning competitions where you have to make some kind of effort to enter – thinking up a slogan, for example.
Selling items on eBay and Facebook is so last year – now it’s all about dropshipping, which is a ‘fulfilment method’ used by retail businesses. Dropshippers buy goods from a third party and then have these goods shipped directly to customers. Crucially, you don’t need to buy, or physically hold, any stock.
To make money you need to identify a product you think will sell in the UK. Chinese mega-website AliExpress is a good place to look for something suitable.
Next, you need to set up a shop on Shopify or account on eBay and find buyers – perhaps using ads on Facebook or Instagram. You advertise the product at a higher price than you’re buying it for – this mark-up will be your profit.
When someone buys the product, you buy it from your provider (i.e. AliExpress) and have it shipped directly to the buyer.
Aetna
An impressive 36 Aetna Medicare Advantage plans sold in 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, received top NCQA ratings (4.0 or greater) in 2021, with Connecticut and Maine being standouts. In 2020, Aetna Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans were made available in 264 new counties across the country, providing millions more Medicare beneficiaries access to an Aetna plan.
The insurer also sells Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) in all 50 states. In addition to these, they also offer a combination dental, vision, and hearing supplemental Medicare product in many states.
In the private arena, Aetna is a large provider of employer-based health insurance. A total of five Aetna plans serving Iowa, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island made the top NCQA ranks in 2022, and the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Commercial Health Plan Study ranked Aetna plans second-highest in Ohio and Texas. In addition, Aetna's pricing seems to be lower than many competitors' pricing.
In November 2018, Aetna became part of CVS Health Company, and synergies between the two are beginning to emerge. For example, Aetna medical plan subscribers with high blood pressure can get a free home monitor at CVS. Chronic disease monitoring may also be available at CVS stores.
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Hardwood floors are a popular, durable and visually appealing option. Oak and cherry give off a natural feel in any home. Hardwood floors often come as planks, parquets or prefinished boards that can be expensive and difficult to install. They’re subject to moisture damage, so they are better installed in parts of the home that don’t get wet often from showers or kitchen sinks.
Over time, they can get scratches or dents that may be expensive to fix, but these floors can be refurbished every several years and last decades.
Laminate floors are a less expensive alternative that seek to achieve that wood-floor look. The material is composed of wood-based materials that are laminated together and then layered with an imprint that mimics wood grains.
Besides wood grain, laminate floors come in a variety of colors and styles. They’re durable and easier to install than hardwood. Although laminate is useful in high-traffic areas, it’s subject to moisture damage in kitchens or bathrooms where the floor gets wet often.
Engineered wood floors are made up of plywood planks that are layered on top with a real but very thin hardwood veneer. They’re a great option for those who want something in-between laminate and hardwood. Because they have real hardwood layered on top, they more closely resemble real hardwood floors at a fraction of the cost. Unlike hardwood, refurbishing these floors usually requires the replacement of the surface.
Tile is a popular option for many homeowners with materials like porcelain, terra cotta, marble, granite and slate. Glazed porcelain is the most cost-effective. It’s nonporous, waterproof (making it great for kitchens and bathrooms) and sturdy enough for high-trafficked parts of a home.
Tiles come in a wide range of textures, shapes and finishes allowing a homeowner to be creative with tile selection. Overall, tile floors are durable, but they can be expensive and difficult to install. Chips and scratches can damage tile and are difficult to repair.
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and has a softer underfoot than tile or stone. Vinyl is a popular choice for basements, bathrooms or kitchens where moisture can be an issue. It’s generally affordable and comes in sheets or self-stick tiles, which makes vinyl a great DIY project choice. Vinyl flooring is sold in a range of widths and thicknesses. Choose a thicker vinyl for high-trafficked areas.
Concrete floors have become popular, offering long-lasting durability and lower maintenance compared to other popular flooring types. Gray concrete can be stamped or stained to look like other expensive materials like marble, granite, stone or brick.
Carpet is a common floor type in colder climates, especially in bedrooms. Carpet is cost-effective and is soft and warm underfoot. Carpet comes in a myriad of colors and styles and some are stain-resistant, which is preferable in homes with young children or pets. Carpets can be difficult to maintain; it’s best to have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Bamboo is an extremely durable floor type that’s made from lightweight woody grass. It can resist swelling and contractions that often happen to hardwood floors in warm, humid climates. Bamboo is also moisture-resistant, making it a good option for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Cork floors are an eco-friendly alternative. They have a light, cushiony feel that absorbs vibrations and sound. If cork floors get dented, they can often bounce back over a short period of time. Its natural, non-slip surface is ideal for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Linoleum is another eco-friendly flooring alternative. Linoleum is made from all-natural materials that make it antistatic and resistant to water, dings or scratches. Linoleum floors are often found in commercial buildings, like hospitals, because they’re easy to clean, comfortable underfoot and are made in a variety of colors.
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Medical Home Network was recognized for a unique approach to data interoperability in health care that provides important patient information at the right time in the right place
CHICAGO, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Home Network was honored in the 2022 Digital Health Awards, which recognize the world's best digital health resources. MHN received a Gold Award in the Connected Digital Health division for its cross-platform interoperable data solution, the MHN Baseball Card.
Medical Home Network was recognized for a unique approach to data interoperability in health care
The MHN Baseball Card summarizes high-level patient health information and leverages technology for better care management. In 2022, MHN started integrating the at-a-glance data integration across different electronic medical record systems (EMRs) for 13 providers and more than 160,000 Medicaid safety net patients in the Chicago area.
For the spring 2022 Digital Health Awards, the Health Information Resource Center organized a judging panel of 57 experts in digital health media to select gold, silver, bronze and merit winners from among nearly 700 entries. The Connected Digital Health award evaluated resources aimed at health professionals.
"MHN is helping healthcare providers have more informed conversations with patients by enabling easy access to patient data in one place," said MHN Senior Director of eSolutions Laura Merrick. "With a timely and comprehensive view of patient information, providers can make more informed decisions and ultimately deliver better care."
Predictive Analytics Improve Care Management
MHN's gold award recognizes an interoperability technology solution that organizes and integrates disparate sources of data within the provider EMR workflows. The MHN Baseball Card gives providers a real-time view of hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms, outpatient or skilled nursing facilities and home health visits, as well as predictive risk scores that help providers respond to their patients' needs.
"The MHN Baseball Card allows care managers to be more efficient," said MHN Vice President of Clinical Integration and Innovation Tina Spector. "They can instantly access the most up-to-date stats that are essential to their work with patients."
In Chicago, the MHN Baseball Card organizes hospitalization and emergency room visits for more than 30 area hospitals, plus pharmacy refill records that give providers a window into whether patients are taking medicines. Information is organized to guide more meaningful exam-room discussions with patients.
"I can get information in real time about medication adherence as well as any exact ER visits or in-patient hospitalizations," said Mary Dudek, a physician assistant at Heartland Health Centers in Chicago. "That's very valuable, as sometimes our patients don't always have the needed information to provide at their visit. I'm so glad that we have been able to move forward with this interoperability project so that all of the providers will have access to this valuable resource. It will really Improve patient care."
Using artificial intelligence, MHN calculates a Risk Management Score to prioritize timely and critical cases. Frequent updates to the MHN Baseball Card allow care teams to monitor patient progress between appointments. Providers share patient history and treatment records through the secure MHNConnect care management platform. The technology-enabled care management model has helped provider partners reduce inpatient utilization by 36% and hospital admissions for its managed Medicaid patients.
"We use digital tools and real time information to enable connectivity, and data liquidity to support seamless and intelligent communication and coordination of patient care across all venues," said MHN President and CEO Cheryl Lulias. "We're honored that our peers have recognized our work to enable care management without boundaries."
About Medical Home Network
Medical Home Network (MHN) is a nationally recognized not-for-profit focused on transforming care in the safety net and building healthier communities. Based in Chicago, MHN powers the future of healthcare delivery by creating clinically integrated, digitally connected and community-based systems of care that focus on the whole person. MHN's innovative approach consistently delivers leading health outcomes, savings, and quality results under value-based arrangements. For the second year in a row, Modern Healthcare named MHN one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Learn more at medicalhomenetwork.org and on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Medical Home Network
