Government: Page 215


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    Need for improved psychiatric services rises

    With a U.S. mental health system badly in need of help, what comes next?

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 26, 2014
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    Should med school graduates be allowed to deliver care?

    A bill pending in Missouri would create "Assistant Physicians," who would deliver primary care in underserved areas without completing residency. 

    By June 25, 2014
  • Survey finds newly insured are relatively sicker

    A new Gallup poll says newly-insured Americans are sicker than anticipated. What does it mean for the healthcare delivery system?

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 25, 2014
  • Deep Dive

    How one hospital is enforcing - and improving - employee health

    A regional health system based in Annapolis worried that its anti-smoking policies didn't go far enough.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 25, 2014
  • House panel wants to put information in consumer hands

    Advancing digital and personalized care means proper, but not stifling, regulatory controls.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 25, 2014
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    Meaningful Use shifts are long overdue

    ONC is retooling how it judges the EMR adoption process, and it's about time. The agency needs to focus on quality, rather than demand documentation.

    By June 24, 2014
  • Medical records left in doctor's driveway cost hospital $800,000

    Much of the recent focus on HIPAA compliance has been on electronic records. But paper files are equally protected — and more problematic in terms of sheer volume.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 24, 2014
  • PA 'private option' Medicaid expansion moves ahead

    The governor is optimistic that the alternative to Medicaid expansion will get a waiver from CMS. The state's hospitals and health systems are banking on it.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 24, 2014
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    GA hospitals launch primary care residency programs

    Like many states across the country, Georgia badly needs primary care doctors. Some hospitals are finding new ways to tackle the shortage head on.  

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 24, 2014
  • HHS Secretary Burwell makes management changes

    In a widely supported move, Burwell plans to appoint a CEO for HealthCare.gov and a second-in-command within CMS.

    By June 23, 2014
  • Teaching hospitals most likely to face new Medicare penalties

    In October, the third pay-for-performance program will come on board, and various kinds of hospitals are likely to be impacted very differently.

    By June 23, 2014
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    Congressman proposes meaningful use improvements

    U.S. Rep. Tom Price, MD argues that the program is forcing providers into an awkward adoption of EMRs, and offers a three-point solution. 

    By June 23, 2014
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    To make ACOs work: Act on data, shift fast to global payments

    The recommendations from a former CMS administrator come amidst a flurry of ACO formation across the U.S.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
  • Reports: VA underperforms on women's health, overpays senior execs

    The VA says it will "adjust quickly" to improve care to hundreds of thousands of female vets. Meanwhile, execs accrued almost $3M in bonuses last year.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
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    Communitywide screenings: Good for public health or a referral grab?

    Public Citizen has sent a letter to 20 hospitals urging them to back out of partnerships with community screening company HealthFair. Find out how some hospitals are responding. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
  • VA governor to expand Medicaid without General Assembly approval

    At the climax of a carefully-watched state debate, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Friday: "Let me be clear, I am moving forward to get healthcare for Virginian citizens."

    By June 20, 2014
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    Athenahealth's EHR dominates Stage 2 attestation

    Of the 500 eligible providers who have attested for Stage 2, over 50% use athenahealth's EMR athenaClinicals.

    By June 20, 2014
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    UPDATED: Two hospital antitrust cases you should be watching

    With courts and the FTC paying close attention, what M&A deals may be seen as pushing the envelope too far — and what are the latest developments in those two cases? 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
  • Telemedicine groups keep the pressure on

    Telehealth is held back by payer reimbursement policies and dated licensing policies, but if increased pressure on Congress works, there could be dramatic changes. 

    By June 20, 2014
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    Survey: Many hospitals to begin ACOs, risk contracts in next year

    The trend towards risk-based initiatives isn't slowing down any time soon. In fact, expect to see even more hospitals taking on this kind of arrangement next year. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
  • VT health system rebrands amid a growing national trend

    What's in a name? Increasingly, hospitals trying to position themselves in the market are seeking a competitive edge by rebranding themselves.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
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    Health exchange subsidies cut premiums by 76%

    ...but premiums vary from state to state, as well as the size of the subsidies and proportion of beneficiaries who qualify for financial help.

    By June 19, 2014
  • House committee explores barriers to health IT adoption

    A new white paper looks at the potential for data analytics and mobile medical apps — and asks hard questions about data security and patient privacy. 

    By June 19, 2014
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    Mass. nurses fighting hospitals at the ballot box

    State nurses have tried for years to change staffing ratios and publicize CEO finances. Lawmakers failed to act, so nurses are trying a new tactic.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 19, 2014
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    Aggressive enforcement of privacy breaches on the horizon

    HHS has recovered more than $10 million in connection with alleged HIPAA violations since mid-2013 alone, and that number is only going to rise. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 19, 2014