(AP Photo)
By AAMER MADHANI, ZEKE MILLER and ELLEN KNICKMEYER undefined
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, charging that Russia’s Vladimir Putin “chose this war” and that his country will bear the consequences of his action. The sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors. The penalties fall in line with the White House’s insistence that it would look to hit Russia’s financial system and Putin’s inner circle, while also imposing export controls that would aim to starve Russia’s industries and military of U.S. semiconductors and other high-tech products. Biden, for now, is holding off imposing some of the most severe sanctions, including cutting Russia out of the SWIFT payment system.

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.)  At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many patients were unable to access care or were hesitant to go to a doctor’s office or clinic.

As a result, Highmark members turned to virtual care, and the health insurer saw telehealth utilization increase by more than 3,600 percent from 2019, with more than 3.5 million claims processed for telehealth services.

In 2021, even as many COVID-related restrictions were lifted and members felt more comfortable with in-person care, telehealth utilization by Highmark members remained virtually unchanged, with more than 3.3 million claims processed for telehealth services.

“What the data is telling us is that our members have really adapted well to virtual care,” said Dr. Timothy Law, vice president and executive medical director, Clinical Services, Highmark. “This is really great news because we are finding that virtual care can help to remove barriers to care such as traveling distance, scheduling difficulties and apprehension about going to a doctor’s office and being around other sick patients.”

Dr. Law said the data also shows that Highmark paid a total of more than $307 million in telehealth claims in 2021, with more than $303 million – or 98 percent – being paid to local doctors, hospitals and clinics.

Highmark’s claims data also shows that the most utilized service by its members was Behavioral Health, with more than 1.3 million claims, representing 42 percent of all telehealth claims.

“Telehealth and virtual care are really important for behavioral health,” said Dr. Law. “In addition to removing barriers such as distance and cost, we are finding that virtual care is also helping to remove some of the stigma associated with behavioral health, which means more people are getting the treatment they need at a time when we are seeing dramatic increases in depression and anxiety due to the pandemic.”

In fact, Highmark has added many new virtual behavioral care providers for members in recent months. Meru Health is a 12-week evidence-based program to treat depression, anxiety and burnout via a discreet smartphone app. To help improve diagnosis and treatment of OCD, Highmark is also now working with the provider NOCD to deliver virtual face to face therapy with therapists specializing in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP).

Earlier in 2021, Highmark contracted with Ria Health, a technology-enabled telehealth medical practice that focuses on treating alcohol use disorder by combining medically assisted treatment with digital tools to help members track and record progress.

Dr. Law said members have used telemedicine services for more than behavioral health. Flu, pink eye, rashes, strep throat and sinus infections have also been treated virtually through board-certified doctors 24 hours a day via phone, tablet or computer.

Highmark’s data also showed that women were more likely to utilize telehealth by a two-to-one margin, and that members age 19 and younger accounted for 21 percent of telehealth utilization in 2021, followed by members 20-29 and 20-39 at 18 percent. Members 60 or older accounted for just 13 percent of all telehealth utilization in 2021.

For more information on accessing telehealth services, members should visit the Highmark member portal.

(PITTSBURGH. PA) – Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) issued the following statement following the Russian invasion of Ukraine:

“This unprovoked invasion of Ukraine must be met with punitive economic sanctions by the United States and our allies.  Putin and those around him must be made to feel severe, lasting consequences for this unlawful attack.  I stand with the Ukrainian people and pray for their safety in defense of their country.”

(Photo Provided with Release)

(Harmony, PA) – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Steamfitters Local Union 449 officials today announced plans for a new, state-of-the-art outpatient center in Harmony. AHN Seneca Valley Outpatient Center will be located at the new Steamfitters Offices & Events Center (232 Wise Road) and will offer an array of primary, specialty and diagnostic services for residents of Harmony, Zelienople and surrounding communities.

AHN is partnering with Mascaro Construction to develop the south end of the existing complex at the Steamfitters Offices & Events Center into a 7,500-square-foot healthcare facility, which is expected to open in June.  RM Creative has been engaged to serve as the project architect.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Steamfitters Union in bringing this important new health care facility to the community, providing more convenient access to high-quality health care services closer-to-home for our patients,” said Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN President and CEO. “

Key clinical programs that will be offered at the new facility include sports medicine, orthopedics, and primary care, among other services.

Providing full-time primary care for patients at AHN Seneca Valley will be AHN primary care physician Judy Weslowski, DO. AHN orthopaedic surgeons rotating at the facility will be Timothy Sauber, MD, Nicholas Bonazza, MD, Stephen Hribar, MD and Peter Tang, MD.  Jared Ramsey, DO, an AHN sports medicine primary care and concussion management specialist will also be on site.

Complementing these physicians and programs will be a team of physical, speech and occupational therapists as well as a pelvic floor therapist and an oncology rehabilitation therapist.

Additionally, AHN Seneca Valley will offer diagnostic imaging and laboratory services on site. The center will feature patient-friendly wayfinding throughout and ample front-door parking.

“We’re hearing from people who live in neighboring communities that they are very pleased with AHN and Highmark Health’s decision to invest in this area,” said Joe Little, Financial Secretary-Treasurer for the Steamfitters Union. “The Steamfitters Union and Highmark have a long-standing collaborative relationship, which we greatly appreciate.”

Expansion of the original section of the Steamfitters Training and Technology building, which was built in 2017 began two years ago. Upon completion, the new construction will house offices for the union’s executives and will also feature an indoor-outdoor special event and conference venue. The third floor, which is currently undeveloped, will be available for leasing.

“Our plan for this site from the very beginning was to create a community asset,” said Little. “Partnering with Highmark and AHN to help us add this valuable dimension to make our goal a reality for the people of this area has been very exciting.”

(Darlington Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they were called to a location on New Galilee Road in Darlington Twp. on February 20, 2022 at 8:00 PM for reports of a trespasser.
Through investigation it was learned that 38-year-old Dale Tindell of Darlington Twp. entered the location on New Galilee Road while intoxicated without permission or authorization to do so.
He was placed under arrest and issued a non-traffic citation for simple trespass.

(File Photo)

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Water Authority Customers are under a boil water order this morning. Beaver County 911 is reporting that there has been a major water outage being reported by the Authority.
They will notify customers through Swift 911 of the outage.

Emergency Services says that the outage will be for an extended period of time and water buffalos will be set up at the Ambridge Fire Department.

Mayor  Gerald McCoy said the break has affected 9,000 Ambridge residents and the residents of Harmony Township who receive water from the borough many businesses had to close due to the break. Ambridge Borough Building is also closed.

Stay tuned to Beaver County Radio for updates as this story continues to develop.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

At one of the longest work sessions since the new trio of Commissioners came to be in 2020, the session was largely centered around a presentation by the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission in regards to the improvement plan for Brodhead Road in Beaver County.

The presentation focused on several intersections throughout the 11 miles road it occupies in the county, and showcased a focus on the possible easing of traffic with reconfigured road patterns at intersections such as the “Five Points” intersection with Route 151 in Hopewell. More details about the SPC’s findings can be seen here.

(AP Photo)
By JOE McDONALD AP Business Writer
BEIJING (AP) — World stock markets have plunged and oil prices surged by nearly $6 per barrel after President Vladimir Putin launched Russian military action in Ukraine. Market benchmarks tumbled in Europe and Asia and Wall Street futures were sharply lower. Brent crude oil jumped to over $100 per barrel on unease about possible disruption of Russian supplies. The ruble sank 7.5% against the U.S. dollar. The European Union said it planned “massive and targeted” sanctions on Russia. Surging prices for oil and other commodities are an added worry for investors already uneasy about the possible impact of the Federal Reserve’s plans to try to cool inflation.