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Editor's Picks
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Innovative information storage
Speaking of innovation, this week's news was filled with stories of innovation in healthcare and beyond. For example, Google will test its much-touted health records management system by storing the records of a few thousand volunteer Cleveland Clinic patients. The password-protected medical profiles will include information on prescriptions, allergies, and medical histories. Critics say third-party record management systems like Google's put patient privacy at risk because they aren't covered by HIPPA. Risk? Uncertainty? Criticism? Sounds like innovation to me. [Read More]
Innovative patient care
More hospitals are adding pastels and music to their treatment methods in an attempt to shake healthcare's cold, sterile reputation. Proponents of gentler medicine say simple additions like natural lighting, food-on-demand, whiteboards, and soft music provide a calming atmosphere for patients, making them heal better and more quickly. [Read More]
Innovative accounting?
A 1.9-million-member union representing hospital and other service workers contends that Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center should restate its 2005 and 2006 financial reports using a new definition of charity care that doesn't include bad debt. Using the union's calculation for charity care, the amount of BIDMC's 2005 charity care would drop by 16 percent. Law experts expressed skepticism about the union's argument, calling it "creative lawyering" and a "shaky interpretation of the law." [Read More]
Innovative companies
While I was writing this week's innovation column, the March issue of Fast Company magazine landed on my desk. The cover story? The world's 50 most innovative companies. The top five companies include Google, Apple, Facebook, GE, and IDEO (the company behind Memorial Hospital's rapid prototyping process). Although there aren't any healthcare organizations in the mix, you can still learn a lot from these companies about what constitutes true innovation. And who knows? Maybe we'll see your name in next year's issue. [Read More]
HealthLeaders Media TV
 Video: Vendor Relations. Building a bug-free relationship with your IT vendor. Plus, news on higher interest rates for healthcare systems. Powered by Trinity Healthforce Learning. Watch the video now. |
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This Week's Headlines
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Health data storage sites might not be secure
San Francisco Chronicle - February 20, 2008
Next wave of medical tourists might include the uninsured
Wall Street Journal (Subscription required) - February 16, 2008
Broader idea of health pumping up full-service fitness clubs
Cleveland Plain Dealer - February 19, 2008
Parents protest dismissal of Carolinas HealthCare System pediatrician
Charlotte Observer - February 18, 2008
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Sponsored Headlines
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View from the Top
Countering the Physician Shortage: Contributor Jim Stone discusses the physician shortage and how a strategic approach to recruiting can make a big difference between hiring success and failure. [Read More] | |
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Audio Feature
What's Coming in 2008: As a healthcare management consultant, Barry Calogero helps healthcare organizations plan for the future. In this interview, Barry discusses his predictions for healthcare in 2008 and beyond. [Listen Now] | |
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