Healthcare News

RSS

States, federal government move forward with high-risk pools

The federal government began accepting applications for the high risk pools it will run in 29 states and the District of Columbia last Thursday, PBS Newshour reports. The other 21 states chose to run their own pools and may be on different schedules.

8 Jul 2010

Experts propose solution to burden of medical school debt

The Wall Street Journal Health Blog: "Educational debt is a serious burden for young [and middle-aged] doctors — the median amount owed for both premedical and medical school was $145,000 for those graduating from public med schools in 2008 and a whopping $180,000 for private school grads.

8 Jul 2010

Patients cope with navigating the health care system

Americans who lose employer coverage between now and 2014, when much of the health overhaul kicks in, "may find buying insurance on their own unaffordable." But for those without coverage and who can't afford to buy it "there are ways to cope."

8 Jul 2010

What do EMRs mean for patient privacy?

The Miami Herald: The federal government is spending billions to make electronic medical records a standard feature of physician offices and hospitals, but the change is not without a cost — to doctors' balance sheets, and possibly to patient privacy.

8 Jul 2010

Finance Committee lawmakers press insurer on failing to pay Part D claims

In a recent letter, Senate Finance Committee leaders Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, demanded that an insurer that was kicked out of the Medicare Part D drug program pay its outstanding claims.

8 Jul 2010

Community Health Systems subsidiary acquires Marion Regional Healthcare System

Community Health Systems, Inc. announced today that a subsidiary has acquired substantially all of the assets of Marion Regional Healthcare System located in Marion, South Carolina. The system includes Marion Regional Hospital, a 124-bed, full service acute care hospital, Mullins Nursing Center, a 92-bed skilled nursing facility, and other ancillary services.

8 Jul 2010

Crooks defraud health care system with fake insurance plans and phony Medicare, Medicaid claims

"Massive unemployment and a changing health care system is creating a breeding ground for con artists." Fake health insurance is one of the "fastest growing scams." Advertisements for such products are "stapled to neighborhood telephone polls, flyers left on your car or maybe you'll get a phone call from someone who's selling health insurance at extremely low rates, as low as $29.99 a month in some cases, says Jim Quiggle of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. The sad truth is that often these bogus policies pay little or nothing on claims, leaving consumers with exorbitant medical bills" (Haley, 7/6).

8 Jul 2010

Australian health makeover over the next few years planned

Australian health is about to get a massive make over according to the four year time schedule and plans announced by the Federal Government. The plans include major reforms that will be undertaken over the next two years.

7 Jul 2010

In depth look at Victorian ambulance services before November

After quite a few cases of delayed ambulance services the Victorian Auditor-General has now agreed to have an in-depth look at Victoria's ambulance services before the November state election. This is in response to a communication made by the State Opposition earlier this year.

7 Jul 2010

San Diego's Sharp Memorial Hospital named America's Most Beautiful Hospital

Soliant Health, a leading specialty healthcare staffing provider and part of Adecco Group, is proud to announce that San Diego's Sharp Memorial Hospital was named America's Most Beautiful Hospital by Soliant.com visitors.

7 Jul 2010

Wichita Clinic plans to implement Centricity EMR solutions from GE Healthcare

With more than 160 doctors covering 40 specialty care areas, Kansas' largest physician-owned practice is the latest to choose GE Centricity solutions to help drive patient care enhancements and cost reductions.

7 Jul 2010

Testimony on importance of addressing health literacy in healthcare communications released

Health Dialog today released testimony on the importance of addressing health literacy in healthcare communications. The testimony was presented before the ERISA Advisory Council during a hearing on July 1, 2010. The council advises the U.S. Secretary of Labor on a number of employee benefits-related issues.

7 Jul 2010

Changes in Medicare Part B therapy rates likely to reduce Kindred Healthcare's revenues by $11M per year

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. today provided its estimate of the revenue effect of proposed rate changes to Medicare Part B therapy services included in the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule. The proposed rule was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") on June 25. The proposed rule is subject to a 60-day public comment period and is scheduled to become effective January 1, 2011.

7 Jul 2010

ODA suggests tips for good oral hygiene to parents and kids

The Ontario Dental Association is asking parents to put oral health at the top of their kids camp preparation list. An oral care kit should be on the packing list, complete with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss.

7 Jul 2010

First Edition: July 7, 2010

Today's biggest health policy news surrounds an announcement by the White House that President Obama will install a new Medicare and Medicaid chief with a recess appointment the bypasses the confirmation process.

7 Jul 2010

CREW calls for antitrust investigation into drug companies

Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking for an antitrust investigation into drug companies that offer significant discounts to doctors for providing patients with only that company's vaccines. CREW sent its letter after learning that Sanofi Pasteur and Merck require physician healthcare groups purchasing their vaccines to enter into contracts prohibiting them from purchasing vaccines made by other companies.

7 Jul 2010

Specialist medical training should retain flexibility to help trainee doctors make right career choices: Study

Specialist medical training programmes should retain some flexibility to help trainee doctors make the right career choices, according to a study published on bmj.com today.

7 Jul 2010

Codex Alimentarius Commission provides new guidance to help improve food safety

The maximum amount of melamine allowed in powdered infant formula is 1 mg/kg and the amount of the chemical allowed in other foods and animal feed is 2.5 mg/kg, according to new rulings from the United Nations' food standards body, Codex Alimentarius Commission.

7 Jul 2010

Nation's emergency physicians urge parents to be aware of playground injuries

Summer for many Americans is a time for outdoor activities, including trips to playgrounds with children. The nation's emergency physicians encourage everyone to have fun and stay active in parks and playgrounds throughout the summer, but urge parents and guardians of children to be aware of injuries that can occur in a matter of seconds if everyone's not careful.

7 Jul 2010

UK expatriates no longer entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules

Long term health insurance in another country is an area UK expatriates will often not have considered in any detail, particularly if they were used to the free care available in the UK. The NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. Therefore, once a person has moved permanently away from the UK they are no longer entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules.

7 Jul 2010