CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Health insurance provided Humana has reached a new deal with UC Health.

The new agreement ensures that 400,000 Tri-State residents can continue using UC Health’s network of hospitals and physicians, including UC Physicians, University Hospital in Corryville, Drake Center in Carthage, and West Chester Hospital and University Pointe Surgical Hospital in West Chester.

“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Humana, and that nearly half a million citizens will continue to be able to visit their preferred UC Physician or UC Health hospital, including the region’s only academic medical center,” said James A. Kingsbury, President & CEO, UC Health. “Both of our organizations worked diligently to create an agreement which identifies key quality metrics that will improve the health and wellness of our community.”

DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI AND GREEN TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) - The Christ Hospital is pleased to announce Elizabeth Ruchhoft-Kissinger, M.D., gynecologist, has joined the hospital’s group of employed physicians. Her practice, The Christ Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates – Downtown Cincinnati, is located at 312 Walnut Street, Suite 1160 in downtown Cincinnati. She will begin seeing patients there Monday, Jan. 16 and will also be seeing patients in The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center in Green Township later in 2012.

“Dr. Ruchhoft-Kissinger is a renowned gynecologist in this community and has served the women of Greater Cincinnati for more than 15 years,” said Susan Croushore, President and CEO, The Christ Hospital. “We are proud to affiliate with such an accomplished physician and are looking forward to incorporating her into our growing network of the area’s most respected specialists and primary care physicians.”

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CINCINNATI (FOX19) - With more demands to manage than ever before, it’s essential that women—especially new moms and women undergoing surgery—take time to heal and make the most of their hospital stay. Beginning Monday, Jan. 9, The Christ Hospital will offer in-room massage therapy to new mothers in the Birthing Center and to post-gynecologic surgery patients. Patients who receive in-room massage can benefit from enhanced muscle recovery, better sleep and reduced anxiety. This can contribute to reduced pain medication and shortened length of stay.

The Christ Hospital is the first hospital in Ohio to contract with Bavia to provide these services designed specifically to address the emotional and physical needs of women undergoing childbirth or surgery. Bavia also supports patient satisfaction by transforming the typical hospital stay into a healing retreat with soft music, aromatherapy, candlelight and therapeutic massage.