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First Edition: January 13, 2011

Today's headlines feature reports about how House GOP leaders -- in the aftermath of last weekend's Tucson, Ariz., tradgedy -- are wrestling with how best to retool their health repeal effort and bring the measure forward for a vote.

13 Jan 2011

Next-generation hospital design can improve health and save money

Extra large private hospital rooms with plenty of natural light and artwork may seem like unaffordable luxuries, but new research shows that these and other architecture and design features can improve patient care and in the long run reduce health care expenses. They are among the elements of the “Fable hospital,” an ideal health care facility as conceived and analyzed by leaders in health care and design. Elements of the Fable hospital are being adopted on the ground today, with the imperative to improve quality and value.

13 Jan 2011

FRC opposes designating abortion as means of pregnancy-prevention

At a meeting today in the nation's capital of a federal advisory committee on the new health care law, Family Research Council (FRC) expressed its strong opposition to designating abortion as a means of pregnancy-prevention. The Institute of Medicine Committee on Preventive Services for Women is hearing comments about regulatory mandates for women's preventive services under Obamacare.

13 Jan 2011

Antibiotics need to be used only when diagnosis of acute ear infection is certain

A new study showed that antibiotics are more effective than previously thought in the treatment of acute ear infection (namely acute otitis media) in young children. However, half of the children became better without antibiotics. Expectedly, antibiotics caused more adverse events. Antibiotics should be used only when the diagnosis of acute ear infection is certain.

13 Jan 2011

WHO, Roll Back Malaria partnership launch initiative to contain artemisinin-resistant malaria

The WHO and Roll Back Malaria partnership (RBM) on Wednesday launched an initiative to "stop a form of drug-resistant malaria from spreading from Southeast Asia to Africa, where millions of lives could be at risk," Reuters reports. "It would cost about $175 million a year to contain and prevent the global spread of the artemisinin-resistant parasite which first emerged along the Thai-Cambodian border in 2007, the United Nations agency said," according to the news agency (Nebehay, 1/12).

13 Jan 2011

New York considers drawing on Wisconsin's efforts to contain Medicaid spending, faces overbilling charges

Even as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo attempts to focus on trimming the state's Medicaid spending, the federal government charges the state with overbilling.

13 Jan 2011

Largest long-term examination of children's health and development in the US

The National Children's Study (NCS) has begun inviting women in San Diego to participate in the largest long-term examination of children's health and development ever conducted in the United States.

13 Jan 2011

WSHA receives 2010 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award

The Washington State Hospital Association today received the 2010 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for work advancing the collaboration of hospitals around patient safety. This is one of the highest honors an organization can receive for patient safety and quality.

13 Jan 2011

Marshfield Clinic, Physicians Practice join forces to enhance patient care

Physicians Practice and Marshfield Clinic have joined forces to help provide area physicians, other providers, and their staff more time to devote to patient care. This new partnership is a unique program designed to help doctors in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan better handle the cumbersome and time-consuming issues of managing a busy practice.

13 Jan 2011

Washington Post examines theories on climate change's potential impact on disease spread

The Washington Post examines the debate among scientists over the impact climate change might have on the spread of infectious diseases, and the potential for a rise in the number of tropical diseases in the U.S. The article describes how extreme weather conditions, such as flooding and drought - "thought to be linked to the warming of the oceans and to changes in the precipitation cycle" - can create ideal conditions for waterborne disease.

13 Jan 2011

Study highlights states with largest aggregate Medicaid underfunding

A new study released today finds that Medicaid programs in states across the country underfunded nursing facility care by $5.6 billion in 2010, paying on average $7.17 per hour per patient, less than the nation's current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

13 Jan 2011

New study finds safety net holding together -- but future challenges are likely

A Kaiser Family Foundation study offers a detailed take on how states managed to maintain their health programs in face of the additional burdens brought by the recession (Kaiser Health News is a program of the Foundation).

13 Jan 2011

Tenet says Community Health's hostile bid falls short of company's value; Caritas has national aspirations

News outlets details the ongoing back-and-forth as Community Health Systems continues its pursuit of rival hospital group Tenet Healthcare Corp. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe details what may be in store for Caritas' hospital system.

13 Jan 2011

Viewpoints: Insurance rate increases; High risk pools; Mental health funding

In another sign of dysfunction in the U.S. healthcare system, Blue Shield of California has levied three rate increases in rapid succession that could raise some premiums as much as 59%. New state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has said he plans to scrutinize the increases, and that's a good thing, given that Anthem Blue Cross sought a huge increase in premiums last year based on faulty math. But Blue Shield's request also highlights why the country should stay the course on healthcare reform (1/12).

13 Jan 2011

Chamber of Commerce signals a 'low-key' strategy in support of repeal

In addition to the Chamber's approach, news outlets detailed the National Taxpayers' Union plans once the repeal vote is over to focus on certain tax provisions in the new law that the Obama administration may be willing to address. Also, experts on Minnesota Public Radio discuss the political positioning and implementation action at the state level.

13 Jan 2011

Although health repeal effort is currently quiet, GOP expected to renew push next week

News outlets offer analysis and viewpoints regarding how the events in Arizona may have altered the character of the House health law debate. Even with this different climate, GOP leaders have made it clear that the chamber will soon get back to work and the Republican repeal effort will continue.

13 Jan 2011

States struggle to adjust to tightening purse strings

News outlets examine how Washington's budget-cutting mood could lead to program changes — both in the short and long term.

13 Jan 2011

Roundup: Penn. and Conn. insurance issues; MD. hospital's uncompensated care; Calif. budget

Pennsylvania's subsidized health insurance for low-income working people will likely end next month, officials on Gov.-elect Tom Corbett's transition team said Tuesday, leaving more than 40,000 people with less palatable options and dashing the hopes of more than 400,000 on the waiting list.

13 Jan 2011

California insurance commissioner asks more insurers to delay rate hikes

Last week the new insurance chief asked Blue Shield Of Califorina to delay its increase. This week his attention includes Anthem, Aetna and PacifiCare.

13 Jan 2011

Sharp refines IT service management strategy to include BMC solutions

Sharp HealthCare is known for leveraging IT to support its culture of quality service, innovation and excellence. But as the industry faces new reforms affecting patient care and management of patient data, Sharp is relying on BMC Software for an integrated approach to maintain its reputation of IT innovation.

12 Jan 2011