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ACS awarded 2009 'Best in KLAS' ranking in national healthcare survey

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., today announced that its healthcare provider consulting business has been awarded a 2009 “Best in KLAS” ranking in a prestigious national healthcare survey.

24 Dec 2009

Eclipsys acute care EMR retains its No. 2 ranking in KLAS awards

Eclipsys Corporation®, The Outcomes Company®, today announced that the company’s focus on delivering an enterprise portfolio of high-quality health information software solutions is reflected in the findings of the 2009 “Top 20 Best in KLAS Award: Software and Professional Services” report (2009 Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards report).

24 Dec 2009

Bristol-Myers Squibb updates its 2009 guidance for GAAP and non-GAAP earnings

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company today updated its 2009 guidance for GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share from continuing operations.

24 Dec 2009

Oklahoma's largest health insurer redesigns web site

Because Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma recognizes that health insurance is becoming more and more complicated, the state's largest health insurer has redesigned its public Web site to better assist and educate customers as well as the general public. Now live, the new site provides an education that enables wise health care decisions, communicates a commitment to partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma customers and emphasizes the insurer's trustworthiness.

24 Dec 2009

Terri McCormick's statement on Senate healthcare reform bill

In the rush to pass the so-called "healthcare reform bill," U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) stomped his feet and held his breath until he extracted his presents from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. One such gift exempts Nebraska from paying the $45 million increase in Medicaid imbursement costs. Nelson was the 60th Democrat to get his stocking stuffed.

24 Dec 2009

Drug companies winners of the American prescription drug debate

On Dec. 15, the Obama Administration rejected a plan to allow the wholesale reimportation of cheaper prescriptions drugs from abroad, despite projected intentions to take on the drug industry and secure cheaper prescription for Americans.

24 Dec 2009

FRC Action launches campaign to protest Senate health care bill

As the Senate prepares for a Christmas Eve vote on Senator Reid's health care bill, Family Research Council Action (FRC Action) announced that it will immediately begin a last minute phone call campaign in six states -- Nebraska, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The phone calls will ask voters to contact their Senators and tell them "don't trade the lives of children for political power."

24 Dec 2009

National Council on Aging favors Senate health reform bill

The National Council on Aging supports the Senate for its Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), which, when passed, will bring America one giant step closer to the long-awaited goal of health care that is both accessible and affordable for Americans of all ages.

24 Dec 2009

Fitch Ratings affirms OMHS' Kentucky $502M revenue bonds 'BBB+'

Fitch Ratings assigns a 'BBB+' rating to the following City of Owensboro, Kentucky health system revenue bonds: -- $502.3 million series 2010 City of Owensboro, Kentucky health system revenue bonds (Owensboro Medical Health System).

24 Dec 2009

False Claims Act allegations: Visiting Physicians Association to pay $9.5M

Visiting Physicians Association, which is based in Farmington Hills, Mich., will pay the United States and the state of Michigan $9.5 million to settle allegations that the association violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare, TRICARE and the Michigan Medicaid program, the Justice Department announced today. Visiting Physicians Association is a Michigan professional corporation which has provided home health services at various times in Michigan, Ohio, Georgia and Wisconsin.

24 Dec 2009

Fitch Ratings affirms Siskin's TN variable-rate demand bonds at 'A-'

Fitch Ratings takes the following rating action on Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Inc. (Siskin) as part of its continuous surveillance effort: -- approximately $5.8 million Chattanooga Health, Educational, and Housing Facility Board, TN variable-rate demand bonds, series 1990A, affirmed at 'A-'.

24 Dec 2009

AARP calls on Senators to vote in favor of health care reform bill

While Washington, D.C. couldn't seem further away to most Idaho families this holiday season, rising health care costs are an issue that's hitting much closer to home. As Idaho's health care woes grow increasingly worse, AARP is calling on Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to vote in favor of the Senate health care reform bill expected to come up for a vote Christmas Eve, and is sending the Senators a "Christmas List" of Idaho's health care crisis.

24 Dec 2009

Lawmakers brace for conference as House Liberals vow not to give in on key issues

The Los Angeles Times reports that Democrats are looking ahead — and at each other — before beginning the "potentially difficult" process of reconciling the Senate and House versions of health care reform.

23 Dec 2009

Industries brace for health overhaul as Senate nears deal

Many companies and their lobbyists now believe the overhaul is inevitable and are hoping to ease changes that will affect their businesses.

23 Dec 2009

Costs of health overhaul may be felt before benefits accrue

The Associated Press reports: "The costs of health care reform being pushed through Congress by Democrats will be felt long before the benefits. Proposed taxes and fees on upper-income earners, insurers, even tanning parlors, take effect quickly.

23 Dec 2009

CBO questions democratic claims on Medicare savings

Roll Call: "Senate Republicans refused Wednesday to throw in the towel in their rhetorical war with Democrats over health care reform, accusing the majority of using accounting gimmicks to hide their use of Medicare Trust Fund money to pay for new programs in the overhaul,"

23 Dec 2009

AAAP celebrates 10-year anniversary of its California Eldercare Initiative

The Association of African American Professionals, Inc. (AAAP) hosted a holiday party with area senior citizens to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its California Eldercare Initiative. This Initiative helps seniors learn how to be their own eldercare advocates and understand public policy.

23 Dec 2009

SNM urges Congress to implement long-term solution for medical reimbursement rates

SNM is pleased that the U.S. Congress has passed a fix to freeze the conversion factor at the 2009 rate for physicians, which will ensure that millions of patients continue to receive medical coverage for critical diagnostic imaging tests and therapeutics.

23 Dec 2009

Bishops urge Congress and the Administration to fashion health care reform legislation

The current health care reform bill is "deficient" and should not move forward without "essential changes," the chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said December 22.

23 Dec 2009

St. John Health System to pay over $13M for settling False Claims Act allegations

St. John Health System, headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., has agreed to pay the United States $13,229,348.88 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.

23 Dec 2009