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How to Choose the Best Healthcare Providers in USA

Source: Medium

Healthcare insurance is one of the most important parts of everyone’s life. Finding a new health insurance plan is not an easy task in America because there are many options and hundreds of providers. That’s why we have created a simple guide on how to choose the best health care provider in the USA.

What is Health Insurance?

If we break it down to the simplest term, healthcare insurance covers all the medical bills so that customers don’t have to pay them at the moment. Just like life insurance, it will cover users’ health and provide many benefits such as accidents and emergency care which is too expensive without any insurance. With it, customers can receive the best health care without worrying about the financial part of it. You can visit the official website to know more about Healthcare in the USA.

Types of Healthcare Plans

There are different types of health care plans available in the market and they all work differently and cover a different type of spectrum.

  • Exclusive provider organization plans (EPOs)

EPO is more flexible than other plans as they have a network of providers from which users can choose. One of the benefits is, lower out of the pocket cost and it doesn’t require a special referral to get treated. But it has a drawback as well, such as if a customer visits a clinic which is not in their list and if it isn’t an emergency, they have to pay for it on their own.

  • Health maintenance organization plans (HMOs)

This is one of the most popular health plans in the market. It has a lower cost and premium compared to other healthcare plans. In this plan, customers need to choose a primary care physician or PCP which will coordinate all their healthcare. If they need to take a new test such as a blood test then they need a referral from their PCP. This process makes it easier for the customer but it makes them limited to providers. If they wish to visit other doctors then they have to pay by themselves.

Source: Expat Network
  • High deductible health plans (HDHPs)

As the name mentions deductible, this healthcare plan requires users to pay their deductible beforehand. One of the main benefits of these plans is, the cost is lower and it qualifies the customer for a health savings account. HSA will help with taxation and provide more savings tax deduction as well.

  • Point of service plans (POS)

Just like the HMO, this plan also requires a customer to choose a PCP which maintains the healthcare issues. Customers can visit their PCP under any provider without any extra charges. Unlike the HMO, customers can also go out of the network provider but with higher charges. These charges need to be paid first and also to the provider first.

  • Preferred provider organization plans (PPOs)

PPO plans have a list provider in the network where customers can visit. The cost of visiting is pre negotiated which makes the plan much cheaper than others. Unlike other plans, a customer doesn’t need a Primary care physician to get any referrals and they can visit out of the network provider with a higher cost.

Source: Underdog

Compare Healthcare plans

The next step to choose the right health insurance is to compare the plans. Which plans to benefit the most and which is more affordable is one of the most difficult questions.  One of the main benefits with providers is that when customers visit in-network providers, the cost is lower and provides better care. On the other hand, out of the network will cost extra out of the pocket.

One of the main advantages of PCP is, if you have a preferred doctor, make sure they are covered under the network so that it will be easier for both doctors and customers as well.

If a customer lives in a rural area or doesn’t have any preferred doctor, go for the large network provider. This way, they have more options and most of the nearby clinics will be under that network provider. Make sure that you find a plan that covers your local doctor otherwise it will be hard to find a clinic and farther they need to visit.

Consider using telemedicine like Frontrow Health to have the convenience and accessibility of virtual healthcare consultations from the comfort of your own home.

Some of the biggest private insurance such as united healthcare provides AARPmedicare which covers more than other plans. They provide dental and other prescription drugs that cover under the AARP medicare at Myaarpmedicare.live. Also, they are one of the biggest healthcare providers for elders and senior citizens and that’s why most people choose Myaarpmedicare for that reason.

Source: Health Care Reform

Where to Find Health Insurance

Now when we understand the difference between each plan and decide to choose one, it’s time to find the health insurance provider. There is more than one way to find healthcare insurance providers, here is the list.

  • Workplace

Most employers in America provide health insurance to their employees. In order to use it, employees need to qualify first for health insurance. Most companies keep the provision based on the years of stay in the company and some just provide the higher end of the job. In this plan, the company pays fully or partially for health insurance and mostly covers the employee and their family. It also covers more than just one type of plan and under the umbrella of company healthcare, employees have the benefit of eye care and even dental as well.

  • Insurance agent

If you are not covered in your workplace or want other healthcare insurance, then go for the individual insurance agent. Mostly they provide just one type of plan or from one single company. Insurance brokers provide more options and different kinds of company as well.

For more information about healthcare insurance, customers can visit the official government site for benefits and plans at www.healthcare.gov.

How to choose the best healthcare provider

It’s easier to provide a list of things that need to be considered before choosing health care insurance, here is a list of things customers need to know before confirming a healthcare provider.

  • Find the marketplace for healthcare insurance and read about it
  • Choose the plan from HMO, PPO, EPO or POS, HDHP and find what you need and which plans covers it
  • Make sure to go for a plan that includes your local doctor or preferred doctor in their plan and exclude those plans that don’t.
  • Do you want more coverage and lower cost or lower converge and higher out of the pocket cost in your plan?

We hope that this article will provide the necessary information for the customer to choose their healthcare provider. If you need more health regarding health insurance, ask us in the comment section.

4 Benefits of Outsourcing Laboratory Billing Services

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many eyebrows of the healthcare practitioners in the last 4 months. This pandemic has hampered the cash flow of healthcare organizations which means that the lab billing services provided to the patients are not effective enough. This is where practitioners must try to evolve.

According to a statistic, a US-based billing company stated that 91% of the physicians prefer outsourcing their services to a reliable billing company. The reason is that they prioritize the overcoming of the financial challenges that this pandemic has brought them.

In this section, I have highlighted 4 effective ways in which outsourcing lab services to a reliable billing company can bring benefits to a practitioner.

Source: Business News Daily

1. Minimal administrative workload

If a practitioner trusts a reliable billing company like one from this website to outsource laboratory billing services, he will invest fewer dollars in comparison to the in-house billing services. Furthermore, a fully functional laboratory billing company stays up to date with the recent advancements of medical coding, CPT coding, modifiers and subsets.

As a result, a practitioner does not need to invest his time in dealing with his competencies (claim submission and cash flow maintenance). The biggest negative impact is the time consumed by the medical professionals in informing the patients about their financial responsibilities as well as their medications. The time invested is considered to be wasted as the core competencies are not highlighted as well as destabilization of the financial aspect of the healthcare organization.

Source: Law Technology Today

2. Utilization of billing codes

The laboratory billing services are based on two massive and effective barometers. They are called ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases) and CPT (Current Procedural Technology) code. The CPT codes are designed to provide a set of creative classifications for the medical service providers, patients and coders.

The billing specialists stay updated about all the billing and coding advancements. Therefore, they comply with evolving billing regulations and find ways to improve cash flow. This is important in bringing financial stability within a healthcare organization.

Source: PMR Press Release

3. Consistency in claim approvals

If a practitioner considers outsourcing laboratory billing services to a reliable billing company, it has a massive impact upon the RCM (Revenue Cycle Management). The phase of revenue cycle management probation starts after the finalization of medical codes. Usually, the laboratory creates a medical bill for the insurance company through a clearinghouse.

Once the medical bill is received, the claim handlers utilize the advice from the medical practitioners to visualize the billing procedures such as patient eligibility, insurance details, claim submission, implementation of billing codes, etc.

The claim approval means that the payer reimburses the service provider as per the initial demands for a portion of the implemented billing services. If the claim is denied, it is sent back to the EOB (Explanation of Benefits), who must rectify all the billing errors and resubmit the claim. In numerous cases, the resubmission of claims may happen frequently until the payer agrees on partial payments or installments.

Source: CNNFed

4. Association with an effective billing organization

The laboratory professionals who deal with the lab billing services must have a complete understanding of the services they are delivering to the patient. The laboratories should utilize effective billing software by integrating EHR (Electronic Health Record) and streamline information consistency.

They should allocate appropriate capital investment to implement an effective system for the billing services. If the practitioner is unable to afford the investment or innovative software, he should consider outsourcing the billing services. A laboratory billing company will take over the responsibilities regarding a fixed subscription rate. This billing organization also becomes effective in improving operational capabilities. Therefore, a simple innovative software will not bring welfare to the organization. The practitioner must find innovative ways to organize his billing data and develop skills to collect information regarding it.

Source: AAMC

Conclusion

The laboratory has a massive responsibility on its hands regarding the fate of medical services. They take considerable steps in improving efficiency, improving cash flow and look into the innovative methodologies for the growth of the medical business. However, there are many laboratories that suffer from expertise and resource deficit. This means that the billing procedures are unable to be implemented appropriately. Therefore, he must look into innovative billing solutions to keep the consistency of implementation. As a result, the practitioners have a massive opportunity to improve lab performances.

Do you want to improve your lab performances? You don’t need to look further than our medical billing agency. We provide all we can to ensure the success of laboratory management. Furthermore, we provide innovative features to ensure improvement in cash flow. We provide effective lab billing services to the patients to generate positive patient perspectives as well as encounter the financial challenges of the clinical laboratories. If you want to know more about our billing services or you want to know ways about improving your medical practice, contact us today to schedule a free demo.

Covid-19’s Impact on Four Different Industries

Source: Medium

The pandemic has been going on for several months, and it seems as though some people don’t want to acknowledge it anymore. States like Florida, Arizona, and Texas have seen spikes in both cases and deaths. Now, California is seeing a spike, and several counties there which had reopened must close again for the public’s protection.

Many different businesses feel Covid-19’s impact, and some of them are barely sputtering along. Others are thriving. Let’s look at a few industries and what the current situation is doing to them.

1. The Auto Industry

Source: Wikipedia

Car manufacturers aren’t having the best year due to Covid-19. For many months, there wasn’t as much traffic on the roads because the circumstances closed many businesses. In lots of major cities, rush hour was practically nonexistent.

The one silver lining is that car accidents were down, as Ryan Zavodnick of Philadelphia’s Zavodnick, Zavodnick, and Lasky Law Office can tell you. Fewer car accidents mean fewer fatalities, which is always a good thing.

However, as the pandemic has gone on, car companies have gotten desperate, because fewer people have the money to buy. This is because:

  • They’ve lost their jobs
  • Their employers have reduced their hours
  • They’re holding onto older vehicles rather than selling or trading them in

Car companies are running commercials offering 0% APR for several years. There are unheard-of deals right now for consumers, but no one wants to buy. It’s by no means certain what the car industry is going to look like next year.

2. Movies and TV

Source: Create Pro

Lots of people are complaining about reruns right now, and with good reason. Most TV shows have had to suspend shooting of their fall season because the actors can’t be in the same rooms with each other. It’s going to be hard for an audience watching Law and Order SVU to lose themselves in the story if the main characters are all wearing masks.

The same goes for movies. Some movies in postproduction when the pandemic began can still get a finished product into theaters for public consumption. The problem is that many movie theaters are still closed.

Most states can’t say with any certainty when they will open the theaters, and many movies that were in the middle of production have had to shut down. The studios have postponed their release dates indefinitely.

The only new entertainment the public is likely to get in these areas will be animated shows like:

  • Archer
  • The Simpsons
  • Family Guy

These should have no trouble coming back in the fall since the animators can practice social distancing and still create the show. The actors can voice the characters from studios, far away from danger.

3. Sports

Source: LawInSport

Sports is another area that is in chaos because of Covid-19. Professional wrestling is one example.

The WWE, the most popular wrestling company in the world, is seeing declining rating numbers for their flagship, Monday Night Raw on the USA network. No one wants to check out a show with no fans attending. It’s just not the same.

Major League Baseball eventually got their act together enough to start running some games with no fans. Still, half the Miami Marlins caught Covid-19 because the players did not have the discipline to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Basketball has started up again. It seems as though they might be able to get away with playing through to the end of the season because the players, coaches, and other staff members are living and working in a bubble, and they’re taking tests every day.

The biggest question mark going forward, though, is professional football. It is far more popular and makes way more money than baseball, hockey, or basketball.

America wants it back, but the players won’t be in a bubble. They’ll be flying from city to city to play one another, and they’ll be slamming into each other because that’s what the sport demands. It seems like a disaster in waiting.

4. Education

Source: G-Stic

Education is another area where the pandemic is shaking things up. That’s true at all levels, from grade school to college.

The Trump administration is pushing hard for grade school kids to go back to school, and some of them are. In Georgia, a picture recently went viral of teenagers packing a hall, jammed in like sardines, with almost none of them wearing masks.

This is, frankly, terrifying. The kids can catch Covid-19, and even though they don’t seem to die from it as much as older adults, statistically, it will probably kill at least a few of them.

Besides, some might catch it, stay asymptomatic, and then take it home and give it to their older relatives. Because of the pandemic’s politicization, some parents tell their kids not to wear masks to school. It could be fatal for the kids, parents, or both.

Colleges are trying to figure out if they can hold in-person classes in the fall. Each one is making their own decision since there is no government or CDC mandate. There is so much contradictory information that it’s hard for students to know what to believe.

Wall Street is feeling Covid-19’s impact, as is the real estate market. Some of the only companies that seem to be thriving include Amazon and food delivery services like GrubHub and Uber Eats.

It’s difficult to say where all of this is going. Many individuals report feeling stressed like never before.

Even the calmest and most focused are having a hard time staying the course. There is a strange, dystopian feeling when you go to the grocery store, and you see everyone wearing masks and trying to stay away from each other.

Infectious disease experts expected this to happen. Many felt that it was inevitable. But now that we are living in the thick of it, only one thing seems clear.

After this, nothing is going to be the same again. Covid-19 is shaking many industries to their very core, and some of them might never recover.

5 Best Marketing Strategies to Promote Your Mobile App

There is such a huge market of mobile apps and games that the competition is incredibly tough. Most developers can only dream about realization of really popular software with enormous amounts of installs. Though with the proper mobile app marketing at least you have a chance. The development and release of the app is just the beginning. If you don’t promote it properly, your software risks getting lost among other apps. The hardest part is to make the game stand out from the rest but that is the only way to convince people that your app is worth being installed.

1. Create a Website for Your Mobile Software

Source: WP Learner

Your website should be informative, mobile-friendly, readable and well-designed because it’s the main resource, where your potential users can find all the needed information about your software. Start a blog to publish the most important info, news about updates, etc. Don’t forget to mention your contact information there because your users may have questions or just want to leave feedback about your software. When you create a landing page, don’t forget about the importance of relevant keywords in your content, because it’s critical for your success. For example, if you have a video editing app and want to rank on the 1s page in Google search by this keyword, you need to find all main keywords people search for regarding your app’s niche. You can use Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs Keyword Explorer tool to create a list of keywords. Once it is ready you can start planning your content strategy. It is recommended to write articles using keywords you want to rank for. However, please keep in mind that the content should be interesting and useful for your blog’s readers and bring them value. At the same time it should advertise your mobile product or service to convert readers into app users. According to ComboApp digital marketing agency, it is recommended to write about 10 posts a month and the average length of each post should be longer than 1000 words.

2. Create a Promo Video of Your Software

Source: Thinkific

A video that is demonstrating the features of your app or stormy action of your game is far more informative and engaging than screenshots and descriptions in the mobile stores. For example, you can show how your mobile product differs from its competitors, what are the benefits of using it, and how your product can bring value to its users. Statistics shows that video ads bring more conversions than static banner ads. Therefore you can also use short promo videos for paid search ads.

If your mobile product has complicated features, it is a good idea to create instructional videos explaining how these features work and how to use them. As for promo video on mobile marketplaces, if you create app previews which are usually up to 30 sec long, this will help you to convert your app listing visitors into app downloads.

3. Reach Out To Bloggers and Reviewers

Source: Dorrance Publishing

Many bloggers and influencers have built up a database of people who are addicted to different types of apps and games and who listen to their opinions and watch reviews. That is why these bloggers are perfect partners for marketers who are aimed at attracting users to their software. The most popular platforms for this activity are YouTube and Instagram. Look for the influencers in your niche, start a dialogue with them on suitable conditions for both of you and wait for their professional review to be seen by your potential users. The same you can do with the IT journalists. Find good writers on the decent resources and submit your app for review.

For example if you have a language learning app, you will need to search for journalists and bloggers who have reviewed similar products. You can also look for reviews of your competitors’ apps. Once the list is created it is the time to search for bloggers’ contacts. Most of them have Twitter or Facebook accounts where you can contact them with your pitch if you have difficulties to find their emails. Once you have created the contact list, it’s the right time to write your pitch. Try to be creative and explain how your mobile product stands out from the competition and how it can be useful for potential customers, which value it will bring them. Make your pitch personal which means you need to explain why you are writing to this blogger and why you think that your app is a good fit for his or her audience.

4. Join Relevant Communities on Social Media Platforms, like Facebook and LinkedIn

Source: Prodware UK

You should always stay active on social media: from the first announcement of your app till the end. Remember to always post relevant content, tutorials, expert opinions, insights, and other useful information that can help your users. Ask your users to leave feedback, questions, etc. It will show you what are the weak and strong sides of your software, where you need improvement and what to do next.

Being active on social media means creating a buzz around your mobile solution. Try to be useful for these communities, check out relevant questions their members are asking and share your expertise in the answers. You don’t have to only advertise your product but you can recommend it where it fits to solve someone’s need or issue.

5. Optimize Your App’s Listings on Mobile App Stores

Source: The Appnext Blog

When it comes to search on the App Store and Google Play, these marketplaces have their own algorithms for how to range apps by certain keywords. You will have to work hard on the product description, screenshots, icon, and so on.

When you work on the app description, try to show the most valuable information in the first abstract as many people usually don’t click “Read more” to check the full information. Describe your app’s best features and how it can be useful to its users. Of course, the text doesn’t have to contain typos or grammar errors.

These are the best marketing strategies on how to make your mobile solution to stand out from the crowd!

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Entertainment

Everyone remembers that wedding when the disco was so loud they couldn’t hear themselves think or there was a rather insipid string quartet playing throughout the meal or the brides’ best friend murdering a piece on the guitar during the ceremony. When it comes to wedding music and entertainment, it can be hard to strike the right note. Read our guide packed full of helpful suggestions to help you make your big day memorable for all the right reasons.

Wedding entertainment these days is so much more than a disco or a live band, nowadays, the array of ideas to thrill and amuse wedding guests seems to be becoming bigger and more diverse every year, so you will be spoilt for choice. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking brought to you by Brideandgroomdirect.co.uk.

Source: NorFolkDance
  • Photo Booth – easy to hire with an amazing choice of backdrops, photo booths are such fun and give your guests the perfect memento of your big day. Guests can have their snap instantly printed or emailed to them, these are traditional photo booths but with a real 21st-century twist
  • DIY Cocktail Bar – allow guests to help themselves with a range of spirits, juices, and fruit all ready and prepared with some inspiring recipes on hand for cocktails and mocktails on a handy chalkboard for inspiration
  • Singing waiters – before you have visions of reluctant table staff being pressed into service, there is actually a company called Singing Surprise comprised of a group of West End performers who will dress up as wedding staff and then completely surprise your guests by bursting into song whilst the food is being served. This is so original and becoming very popular so plan ahead as this company are booking up fast
  • Jenga guest book – guest books are still a big part of the wedding day, and a Jenga guest book makes for a highly interactive device that will amuse and entertain and keep your guests coming back for more. Take a block from the stack, write a message and then place the piece back on the top
  • Fire performers – fire breathers are the new wedding wow and will amaze guests of all ages with their fiery performance, routines, and tricks
  • Table magicians – magic has never been so popular, especially amongst young people so why not fascinate your guests with some table magicians who can fill in a quiet time between courses whilst you wait for the speeches. They can also put on a magic show for the children
  • Silent disco – these can be a bit marmite as whilst lots of your guests will dive in and get their groove on, it can make for a rather strange atmosphere if the wedding reception is without any form of music and people are silently dancing in one part of the room. Why not balance this with some background music playing for those guests who are just sitting and chatting?
Source: Medium

Top tips to help you choose the right wedding entertainment

  • Choose entertainment that fits in with the theme of your wedding day. If you are going old school and vintage, then a jazz or Dixie band makes a great addition to the wedding reception. Perhaps you are opting for a stylish candlelit winter wedding, so why not consider a classical quartet or a harpist to add tone and occasion at the reception? Your choice of entertainment style should flow seamlessly through the day in keeping with your wedding theme
  • Make sure there is something for everyone. Elderly relatives may not appreciate a beat thumping disco, and if you overlook small children they can become bored and fractious if there is nothing for them to do
  • Choose entertainment that balances the size of the wedding. A loud disco might overpower a small and intimate reception of fewer than 50 guests, but equally, a couple of unobtrusive musicians would be swamped, and hardy make their presence felt at a large reception
  • Consider the budget. Some entertainers might provide that magic touch, but their actual input and presence timewise throughout your wedding reception could only add up to a small amount of time. What will you have for the rest of the reception? Wedding entertainment can be very expensive, and if you have a large reception then your guests will be with you for several hours
  • When you are planning wedding entertainment, think about it from the perspective of your guests, from the moment they arrive to when they leave. It’s easy to pick things that you like but your guests can have quite a different experience and this partly depends on their age. Visit Alive Network for a range of different wedding entertainment to match the vibe of the night. Things that might appeal to you may not be of any interest to say, young children or elderly relatives
  • Some of the best entertainment ideas at wedding receptions are those which guests can help themselves to, for example, lawn games like croquet or giant Jenga and giant Connect 4, these are always really popular
Source: Mad Hat Photo Booth

One of the biggest wedding challenges is hitting on the right music, and that is because music is so subjective; everyone has different tastes. There are literally thousands of DJs, tribute bands, musical entertainers, and other forms of trios, ensembles, and groups spanning literally every musical style and theme you can think of, so how can you make a final choice? Don’t pick something you really don’t like just to satisfy your guests, but it is really important that you consider the impact of your music choice from the perspective of your guests. There are loads of online resources to help you find the perfect music offering and hit the right note. It is worth being open-minded on style and music theme as there are some fabulously different types of groups that you may not have come across before, and many of these are well used to providing the eclectic range of music that weddings often demand.

Source: Pinterest

When you have chosen your entertainment, it can be helpful to let your guests know some of what is coming, so they are prepared. If you have a wedding website, then you can add the information to that or include some basic details on your wedding invitations, for example, ‘live music and dancing from 7 pm to midnight’.

How to Spy on Someone’s Phone Without Them Knowing for Free

Yes, yes, we know, spying is wrong. It is an invasion of someone’s privacy, and it is something that no one should do. Still, if we are being completely honest, we have all done it, at least once. Maybe you were worried about someone, so you had to check their communication with other people, or on the other hand, you were suspicious of your partner, so you just glanced at their phone while they were sleeping. We are not saying that this is okay, but we are simply stating that we have all been there.

However, due to the Internet era, we live in, and the fact that there are so many methods of communication nowadays, getting mixed with the wrong crew is quite easy. When talking about adults, they are mature enough to recognize if they are in danger or if a person who they have been communicating with via social media can harm them.

Source: YouTube

On the other hand, children and teens can be quite naïve. Simply put, they are too immature to comprehend that someone wants to hurt them. This is why most parents opt for spying apps that allow them to monitor their kids’ devices. Let’s be realistic, you cannot forbid a teenager from using social media platforms, so this method comes as a second-best thing a parent can do.

Still, the greatest problem is that if a teenager figures out that they are being monitored, it can cause some serious relationship issues with their parents. You know how sensitive kids can be at that age. In order to avoid and prevent this from happening, there is an app that enables you to monitor their phone without the fear of being caught. In this article, we are going to discuss this method further, and then we are going to give you some reasons why spying on your kids’ activity can be a good idea.

How to choose the right app?

Source: medium

Okay, so the secret to this whole ordeal is to find the right app that will provide you with all the services that you need, but that is, at the same time, private and can be well hidden in someone’s smartphone. This is the first requirement that the app must meet. Naturally, you should still talk with your kid and explain why you feel that this is necessary, and help them understand and observe the situation from your point of view.

Next, explore the features of the app. Due to the fact that many of these trackers are available to you, and some of them are even free to download and install, you should go with the one that provides you with all the services you need. For example, you will definitely need a GPS tracker. This is the best way to know, at all times, where your teenager is. As you know, they are not so keen on calling their parents and informing them about their whereabouts every time, so this is a very useful feature.

Source: Kapokcom Tech

Furthermore, if you don’t want to cross that thin line and read their texts, you should at least be able to see their contacts. This is the best way to always stay on top of everything, and learn who your kid is conversing with. There is also a feature called Free Reverse Phone LookUp that allows you to find out who owns a certain phone number in case that it is not memorized in the contact list. Yes, we agree, this one is quite beneficial, and you can learn more about it on the spyfone.com.

Finally, go with the app that has the Lost Phone feature. Even if people don’t leave their devices out of their sight, sometimes they forget them somewhere, or the phone gets stolen. This can cause numerous issues, but the biggest one is definitely regarding private info. We use our phones to store all sorts of data, and in most cases, these can include private information, such as full name, address, the name of the school or company we work in, and so on. You can see how dangerous this can be, right?

Why go through with this?

Source:Text Message Spy

Now that we have given you some tips on how to choose the right tracking app, we have to discuss why this is something that you should seriously consider. Yes, we know, not every parent wants to spy on their child, but in today’s world, it has almost become a necessity.

First of all, the Internet can be quite a dangerous place. The worst thing is that you cannot completely avoid using it. This is true for everyone, let alone young kids who converse with their friends, add posts and pictures on social media, play games, watch movies, and so on. Unfortunately, there are people who use the web to prey on their victims and finding a naïve one has never been easier. Due to this reason, you have to be familiar with all the people in your child’s circle.

Source: Big Snoops

While on the subject of people teens communicate with, we have to mention bullying. This is another problem of the 21st century, and unfortunately, one that is not only hard to deal with and prevent, but also one that can have serious consequences. A lot of teenagers won’t tell their parents that they are having trouble in school or even that someone is bullying them. By monitoring their contacts, you will be able to notice if there are some issues of this kind, and naturally, you will have to opportunity to react immediately and protect your family.

Finally, there is the question of explicit content. Regardless of the kid’s age, there are some things that they should never see. By using one of these apps, you have the opportunity to overview what they are doing online, what kind of websites they visit, and so on. This way, you will be able to block some of them that you believe can be harmful to your child’s development.

11 Backyard Design Tips From a House Flipper

If your home already looks like a million dollars on the inside, it might be time to start paying some attention to the outside of it. You want your landscaping and backyard designs to turn heads. You want them to boost your home’s curb appeal. Take a look at these fantastic tips from professional house flippers. This profession knows how to make the best of a backyard, so you will not want to miss these tips.

1. Lay Out a Path of Your Favorite Stone

Source: The Spruce

Not only will a path through your garden make your guests feel more welcome, but it will protect them from walking through grass, as well as protect your plants from being trampled upon. Use a cohesive stone with colors and a texture that will tie in with the rest of your landscaping. You can make both the outside and the inside of your home look like a dream.

2. Establish a Few Decorative Planters

Source: livpure

In addition to plants growing from the ground, a few large planters can look charming with some blooms growing from them. Make your own artsy mosaic-style planters, or re-purpose vintage ones. This is a great opportunity to recycle and make the backyard of your home look even more inviting. Planters are also great for a mobile garden. Plant some herbs in your portable containers and you can move them with the sun.

3. Create a Fire Pit

Source: Good Housekeeping

Even if your backyard is very small, it definitely has space for a gas-powered fire pit. These can come in any shape or size and can make the environment cozy and comfortable (this list has some great choices). Arrange some squashy chairs around your fire pit to make an entertaining area that your guests will not want to leave. A fire pit can make your favorite campfire treats or just provide a merry blaze for you to enjoy. There are many types of fire pits available, but a gas-powered one is very reliable.

4. Put in a Relaxing Hammock

Source: Shutterstock

The most important aspect of your backyard should be that it is comfortable and can entice you to spend a few hours out in nature. One of the best ways to do that is to add soft furnishings that will be as visually appealing as they are wonderful to sit upon. Include a hammock in your favorite shade to create a comfortable place where you can relax and forget about the demands of the world but also let your individuality show. Hammocks may be bought from everywhere in the world, both hands made and mass-produced.

5. Make It Entertainment Central

Source:Pinterest

Once your garden is charming and exactly to your taste, you might want to think about adding furnishings so that you can use it as a place in which to receive visitors. Add some bright and cheerful lawn furniture that will put people into a festive mood. You can customize the arrangement by choosing fabric for custom seat covers or by adding a fun tablecloth. Create a bar cart with just a potting bench and your favorite bottles of beverage.

6. Section Off Different Areas

Source: One Kings Lane

If you have separate areas in your backyard that are for different activities, adding a garden wall is a simple project that can put up a barrier between them. Add a mirror or use the wall as a small gallery for your most beloved artworks and it will get a new depth or flair. This is a great way to create little rooms, some private areas or establish little zones for a specific type of work. Any walls that you install can be completely customized to fit into your area.

7. Make Over a Shed

Source: Sunset Magazine

A standard piece of equipment in many backyards is a typical garden shed. Generally used for storage, these sheds can be put to so many uses! The first thing that you have to do is assess the area that is available to you. Do you have an existing shed or do you need to purchase a new one? If you have an existing shed, make sure it is all cleared out. Once you have a structure, you can decorate it however you wish. Use bright colors, an interesting palette or fun vintage finds. There is no wrong way to design your shed.

8. Make a Play Area for the Children

Source: Raising Children Network

Whether you have your own brood or just want to make your backyard inviting for the children of your guests, adding an area that is just for them to play in your backyard will make yours a home that is not to be missed. As well as providing some open space for them to use up some of their energy, think about providing equipment for them to use, like a jungle gym or a sandbox where their imagination can really come to life.

9. Light the Way

Source: Diana Elizabeth

Not only do you want people to use a path to avoid trampling your plants, but you also want to make their journey easier. When the sun goes down, even the smoothest and most stable of paths can become treacherous. Add a string of LED lights to show them the way to go and cut down on the chances of them tripping and falling. LED lights can come in any shape, color, and glow intensity, so you are sure to find a set that can fit perfectly into your style.

10. Plan an Enchanting Evening

Source: RUBRICORE

Once you have designed your backyard to suit your needs and your style seamlessly, there is only one thing let to do. Invite all your family, friends, and neighbors over to enjoy it. With comfortable, beautiful furnishings and ample opportunities for recreation, your backyard will be sure to delight any who come across it. Keep it well lit throughout the day and the night and you can be sure of being safe at any time. This is a great place either for a larger gathering or a more intimate, family-only affair. Your backyard can change the whole dynamic of your home.

11. Elevating Outdoor Spaces with Long Planters

Source: reddit.com

Long planters, an often-overlooked accessory in landscape design, have the unique potential to transform outdoor spaces into an enticing green oasis. By thoughtfully incorporating these planters into your backyard layout, you can introduce a vertical aspect to your greenery, dramatically enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.

These elongated containers offer ample room for an impressive variety of plants, allowing you to showcase cascading flowers, trailing vines, or vibrant foliage in a beautifully structured manner. Whether positioned against walls or fences, or standing alone as a centerpiece, they create visually striking displays that captivate and enchant.

Experimenting with a blend of vivid annuals, evergreen plants, or fragrant herbs in your long planters can add a delightful burst of color and texture. This array of greenery brings a dynamic element to your backyard that can be tailored to your individual aesthetic and preferences.

Beyond their visual allure, long planters are also a practical asset. Their linear structure makes them ideal for forming natural dividers, elegantly screening off specific areas of your outdoor space. This feature adds an additional layer of functionality, enhancing privacy and compartmentalizing your garden.

Ultimately, the charm and versatility of long planters lie in their ability to infuse your backyard with a unique sense of beauty. By exploring this underutilized design element, you can create an outdoor haven that truly resonates with your personal style while embracing the serenity of nature.

4 Best Ways to Send Large Files

It can get annoying when you cannot send some file because of its size since most of the email account services could send only a maximum of 25MB of data in one transfer. Considering the quality of digital material today, like photos, videos, and all kinds of projects, you will need some other way to send files bigger than that. Nevertheless, there are many other ways of sending large files from your computer, and most of them have no limitations at all.

Today, when we can watch movies in high resolutions such as 8K or 4K, sending such files can last a longer time, and require larger space on your hard drive. For example, 1 hour of video in 4K resolution is around 90GB. Also, since most smartphones today have high-quality cameras, one picture can have a size of over 25MB. Additionally, if you like music in the highest quality, the FLAC file has a size of over 20MB for an average song. In that matter, if you are looking for a method to send large files from your computer, we have selected some of the best and fastest ways to do that. Here are the best ways to send large files.

1. Online Platforms and Cloud Services

Source: TechRadar

There are many types of online services that you can use for sharing a lot of files in big sizes. However, most of them have some limitations when it comes to the size of the file, which means that you will have to pay for a subscription to send videos, photos, music, and other formats with size over 250MB. If you need to send gigabytes of files, you should check FileWhopper, which is a desktop platform, and the main benefit of it is that you will have a first free transfer for files up to 5GB. Also, FileWhopper is very simple to use, and you can send any type of format, no matter the size of it. Moreover, unlike most data-sharing platforms, you don’t have to pay for a subscription every month because you will need to pay a fee whenever you transfer files. Furthermore, this service provides its users with high security and encryption of files, along with the high speed of transfer. On the other hand, if you are looking especially for free services, some of the best are Firefox Send, which allows you to send up to 1Gb of files for free, We Transfer, with a maximum of 2GB, and Securely Send, with 2GB available for file transfer.

When it comes to cloud services, some of the best are OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. The main benefit of Google Drive is that you can easily access to it with your email account, and store all kinds of data there. You will get 15GB for free when you register, while you can pay 2$ per month for an additional 100GB. If you choose Dropbox, you will get 2GB for free, and another 1TB by paying 10$. OneDrive will provide you with 5GB of free storage, while you can pay for additional space, the price for 50GB is 2$ per month. You can use cloud services to send files though an e-mail by sharing your cloud account with the person you are sending the mail, and that person can easily download files by accessing your cloud storage.

2. USB Flash Drive

Source: HelloTech

With the development of technology, USB flash is also advancing in how much data it can hold and how fast can you transfer them. There is a wide selection of flash drives. You can choose between 2Gb and 1TB of memory. Also, with the development and introduction of modern, bigger, and faster flash drives, prices are falling, and you can get one with 64GB, which is decent storage, for around 10$. The price can also vary according to the quality and speed of the USB. For example, you can find 1TB USB stick with prices between 50$, and over 1000$, if you choose a high-security version of a flash drive.

3. Compression Software

Source: Fossbytes

One of the best ways to send a great number of large files at once would be to compress them in one file. That is possible with various compression software like WinZip, WinRAR, 7-zip, Zipware, and more. Another benefit of this software is that you can save a lot of storage space on your computer by compressing some files. Also, most of these programs are protecting your files with encryption and codes so you can send them without any risks. A program that supports most formats is PeaZip, which allows you to compress many other files besides music, videos, and photos.

4. VPN

Source: Comparitech

Another way to send large files is by activating VPN protection on your PC or laptop, which is advisable in case you use public Wi-Fi connection more often. A Virtual Private Network can protect your files and prevent potential cyber-attacks. Also, it will block most of the online ads that most people find annoying. The main reason for using a VPN for sending large files is because most of the internet providers are blocking the upload of such files. However, you should know that this method can slow down the VPN connection. On the other side, most VPN services are questionable when it comes to privacy. In that matter, if you need to transfer large files in high quality, the best way would be to choose some alternative such as compression or online services.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many methods for fast and quality sharing of large files. The digital technology is constantly advancing, and we are expecting higher limitations in the future, especially when it comes to standard e-mails. Having a lot of storage space available is especially important for big companies that need to save a lot of data. Online platforms for sharing and storing files represents the fastest and most convenient method for sharing of large files, while USB stick or an external drive have their benefits as well. Also, the main reason why cloud storage is so popular is that there are no limitations on how much files will you upload there. The current limit for uploading a single file on Google Drive is 5TB.

What Is Real-Time Web Scraping?

Kingdoms do rise and fall, and the time of content as king is quickly giving way to data. Increasingly digital applications and the Internet of Things that manage most aspects of life are underpinned by data. Consequently, studies show that at 79% of all business leaders warn that business that will not embrace Big Data will lose their market positions or go the way of the dinosaur.

One of the most popular Big Data mining methods is known as web scraping. Data web scraping is used to gather data from multitudes of webpages, analyze it, and save it to computer files or databases. Web scraping allows robots to access vast amounts of online data without the need to access a website’s database or API.

All that your browser needs to do is to access the website and then scrape it for data. The alternative to web scraping is a manual copy and paste process, which is not only labor-intensive but slow and expensive as well.

Source: Hacker Noon

Real-time scraping

Businesses are therefore using proxy mechanisms to perform heavy-duty web scraping from websites. Since the process of building robust scraping infrastructure is quite technical, most businesses turn to data scraping and proxy providers for a feasible solution.

These service providers provide data scraping tools that focus on e-commerce and search engine data extraction. They, for instance, provide real-time data scraping tools. These products have two main methods of data delivery, which include call back and real-time data delivery.

The callback method of real-time information delivery only sends notifications once the data crawling process is complete, and the data is analyzed and saved. Call back methods need a callback server for the data collection and delivery process.

Real-time information delivery processes ensure that the data collected is availed on the same connection, ensuring faster real-time data collection.

Source: Pack Of Coders

Advantages of real-time scraping

Data scraping is crucial for businesses such as e-commerce and travel companies that need to monitor thousands of online subcategories for price competitiveness. These business sectors change their pricing and product offerings regularly, which means that changes occur every other minute. As an illustration, the online flight ticketing processes can change the price of a ticket by a small percentage as the number of bookings increase or decrease.

Businesses are, therefore finding themselves not just in need of web scraped data, but data that is delivered to them in real-time. Real-time scrapers ensure that all the information gleaned from aggregators, e-commerce, and affiliate WebPages is not only in-depth but updated as well. There are many advantages of such data including;

  • Less need for large storage spaces for crawled data saved on-site or cloud storage. Since the data provided changes in real-time, then there is a lessened need for expensive storage features. Real-time scraping ensures that your business only saves its most recent searches.
  • When you are performing real-time web scraping services, you only need to scrape crucial searches constantly. This feature lowers your costs considerably since you do not need to keep your scraper infrastructure running at frequent intervals, updating all your pre-existing data.
  • Real-time scraped data provides up to date information, which ensures that your customers will get the best online deals compared to that of your competitors. This factor will help you to gain and sustain a loyal clientele.
  • Real-time data crawling services provide more significant success in data mining because they use larger pools of rotating IPs. Their data backup systems are also more robust to minimize errors and delays during data extraction.
  • These crawlers are designed and managed by respected industry players and are very easy to use. All you need to do is to provide the crawler tool with a URL, and it will give you analyzed and formatted real-time data in return.
Source: Medium

Types of businesses that rely on real-time web scraping

Real-time data scraping is used by companies that heavily rely on data scraping to build better pricing strategies. It is also relied on in content scraping in e-commerce sites in the search for an ad, product, and user review data. The process is also the real backbone of the brand protection web scraping, especially in crisis periods.

Real-time web scrapers allow businesses to keep track of competitor website changes allowing them to scale up their data collection as they wish. Such data, as mentioned, is highly profitable for SEO monitoring and price intelligence.

Conclusion

Real-time crawlers make the web scraping process more profitable for businesses by offering optimized data scraping prices since information is paid for per page rather than per IP. This optimizes data collection, ensuring that businesses only access data that applies to their trade.

These crawlers eliminate IP blocks and help businesses to access geo-blocked data all the while preserving their anonymity. A knowledgeable technical team supports the Oxylabs Scraper APIs, and its real-time data scraping functionality is invaluable for market research and seasonal pricing intelligence.

How to Get Car Insurance Coverage Online

Source: Mid-South Insurance Agency, Inc.

Insurance is a form of risk management, designed and created mainly to guarantee the policyholder the loss of something or certain benefits to family members or others on a policy. In each state in the U.S. people need to take out insurance to help them when unexpected accidents or events occur beyond their control.

One type of insurance that almost every person need is auto insurance. Almost everyone who owns a car and drives needs to be covered. The government maintains laws in each state for a reason, to help enforce drivers to carry coverage. Many people think auto insurance is just a waste of money until they get into a wreck and need to file a claim.

One of the reasons why other people do not get insurance is because of its price. It’s very expensive to obtain insurance depending on the coverage you get. According to DirectAutoInsurance.org, a leading car insurance comparison site, the average yearly car insurance rates are about $1,400 in the United State.

If you are patient enough and do your research, it’s possible to find affordable insurance for you and your family. The quotes are an estimate of how much you will pay for the coverage you need. It gives those who want to get an idea of how much they will pay if they get covered. Here are some tips on how to get an insurance quote.

Source: Guide to Car Insurance

Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes is Crucial to Getting Lower Rates

First, before receiving the car insurance quote, you must understand what type of coverage you want. You should also know that the insurance quotes are only estimates of how much you will spend to get the insurance. An estimate does not mean that if you pay an exact amount. You will actually pay more or you might pay less than the price you received.

There are two ways to get insurance quotes online and get them in your area. There are advantages and disadvantages in both cases, the advantage of getting it online is that you can find and receive insurance quotes faster. All you have to do is complete and send some personal information, then wait a moment and you will receive your rate quote.

However, the disadvantage of online offers is fraud sites, while the disadvantage of getting offers in your local area is it could take a long time. The advantage would be if you have the opportunity to speak with a person who has knowledge of insurance, in addition to being able to learn new information quickly.

Source: Acko

Get Quotes from Reputable Online Sites

If you decide to get insurance quotes online, you must be very careful to find a website that has more than 1 listings and a website that you can trust and that is reliable. A reputable site will give you up to 10 rates to compare. Once you have all the insurance quotes you need, you can compare them and choose the best price you can afford and what company suits your needs.

It is a known fact that shopping around is one of the smartest things to do irrespective of what we want to buy. We must compare car insurance in terms of their price and benefits offered if we want the best coverage within our budget. Many of the buyers are not aware of the fact that they are eligible to receive a number of discounts while buying their insurance policy. A consumer with a good credit rating can qualify for substantial discounts on insurance costs. Customers with a good driving history are also eligible to receive discounts from the insurer.

Source: Accesswire

Take Advantage of Auto Insurance Discounts

Many companies offer additional benefits to customers who buy a bundled offer that combines automobile coverage along with homeowner’s insurance. A car owner can make further savings by driving a less expensive car. The insurance premium is generally very high for luxury, sports and new vehicles. The cars with lower mileage are also eligible for discounts. A substantial amount of money can be saved by the customer when they know which company is offering the best discounts.

Another reason to compare car insurance is to find out the exact coverage a person needs and what insurer has the best rates for that coverage. Different policies differ in terms of what they offer. Many policies include add-on features that are not really required by the customers, but they contribute substantially to the overall price of the insurance plan. However, all the compared quotes must have the same features and coverage benefits. Otherwise, it is never easy to compare these quotes if you don’t read all of the policy terms.

If you truly want to get the best insurance coverage and the cheapest rates, then it very important that you compare online quotes. This may help you save a lot of money and save you time.

Source: Investopedia

Auto Insurance Tips That Will Help You Save More

  1. Growing old gives you an advantage. Every age category has some premium rate associated with them. You do not have to renew your car insurance every year, you just need to inquire and research rates when your policy is about to expire.
  2. Change your occupation or profession. You may not have realized that there are professions that offer you the best chance to save your money when you insure your car. Teachers and librarians pay lower rates than pizza delivery drivers for example.
  3. Change how you Drive. After you have either retired or you have obtained a new job in a different location, then you will always find out that the distance you drive might change drastically. This is a good reason to let your insurance provider offer you a new lower insurance quote.
  4. Change your location. When an insurance company is calculating your premium, they will always factor out several things, like where a person lives. This includes the security of the neighborhood or the potential risks available in that area that can potentially damage your car. If you change your residence, then you may find out that the insurance company may offer you a better rate.
  5. Have a Good Credit Rating. If the insurance company discovers that you have a poor credit rating, then you are likely to be charged higher premium rates. Keep your credit rating above 700 and save on auto insurance.

With these valuable tips, you can save hundreds on the auto insurance coverage you need online. Compare several quotes and lower your auto insurance premiums today.

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