HealthLeaders Media Community and Rural Hospital Weekly
HealthLeaders Media Community and Rural Hospital Weekly - July 8, 2009
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ER Docs Will See H1N1 First?Don't Ignore Their Warnings
Cheryl Clark, Editor, Community Hospitals
Hospitals' front line teams are turning up the volume of their message that they think health executives absolutely must hear: The fall flu season is soon upon us, and this year, with novel H1N1 influenza threatening re-entry, emergency rooms better get serious about preparation. They're the ones who will have to identify it and help contain it first. Maybe it's time to listen up. [Read More]
    
 
July 8, 2009
 
Editor's Picks
Generation Gaps on the Medical Staff May Affect Physician Recruitment
My colleague Lisa Eramo defines the personalities of four generations of health providers, and how varying recruitment and retention efforts may be persuasive for each. Where older generations consider the practice a calling, younger ones want time off for fun, family, and other pursuits. [Read More]
Many Doctors Delay Hospital Discharges Because of Lack of Home Health Services
A Massachusetts survey suggests many patients are being kept in the hospital longer, and of course at greater expense, because of a lack of suitable home health services to provide proper care. The issue speaks to a potential for collaborations, especially as federal payers look to reduce costs. [Read More]
Countdown to Reform: Race Resumes This Week to Hammer Out Issues
The next few weeks are key in the health reform pile-up, as both the Senate and House each take their turn at bipartisan compromise. To tax or not to tax. To have a public option or not. Where will the cuts hurt most? Stay tuned. [Read More]
Primary Care Wins, Imaging Loses, Under New CMS Proposal
Radiologists may need to start trimming back with a proposed change to the Medicare fee schedule that will cut their reimbursements by as much as 30%. Recent federal reports have alluded to some waste and unrealistic pieces in the current pricing equation to conclude that imaging may not provide that much bang for the buck. [Read More]
Leaders Forum
Gain Control of Labor Costs While Saving Jobs
HealthLeaders Media contributors Jill Schwieters and Dave Harper explain how to implement creative solutions in reducing labor expenses while preserving relationships and the brand. [Read More]
This Week's Headlines
In health reform, a cancer offers an acid test
New York Times ? July 8, 2009
TV ad war begins over health overhaul
AP/Yahoo News? July 7, 2009
Paging study finds that the doctor is often out
Washington Post ? July 7, 2009
Wal-Mart endorses employer mandate
Washington Post ? July 1, 2009

Webcasts/Audio Conferences
Service Line Strategies Workshop 2009: Spine Care (Live)
Advanced Service Line Marketing: New Orthopedics Growth Strategies (Live)
Service Lines Strategies Workshop 2009: Gastroenterology (Live)
From HealthLeaders Magazine
Bundling By Decree
Can an industry addicted to payment for procedure survive episodic care? Geisinger has. [Read More]
 		 
Service Line Management
Faster, Safer Joint Replacements
Hospitals are fine-tuning the surgical process from start to finish in order to replace joints faster and safer than ever before. [Read More]
 		 
Community Call
Discussion Board
What can small hospitals do to prepare for a more severe strain of H1N1?
Audio Feature
Economic Impact Pretty Tough: This audio feature offers a discussion between Community and Rural Editor Cheryl Clark and Ray Hino, CEO of Mendocino Coast District Hospital, a 25-bed critical-access hospital in California. He speaks about the HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2009, and the lower scores for rural providers, in terms of prospects for growth, workplace morale, and job satisfaction. [