HealthLeaders Media QualityLeaders - September 17, 2009 | 45,000 Deaths Annually Linked to Lack of Health Coverage View as a Webpage | Subscribe for Free
45,000 Deaths Annually Linked to Lack of Health Coverage
Janice Simmons, Senior Editor
In the ongoing healthcare reform debate, one issue seems to hover over the discussion—but is rarely addressed: Is the inability to obtain health insurance associated with a higher probability of death? A new Harvard University Medical School study brings the topic out into the open by linking nearly 45,000 deaths each year to the lack of health insurance. [Read More]
     
 
Sept. 17, 2009
 
     
 
Editor's Picks
Community Hospitals May Provide Higher Quality, Value
Some of the highest-value hospital care actually may be provided by community-based facilities, according to the 2009-2010 Hospital Value Index that ranks hospitals by an analysis using publicly available data on quality, affordability, efficiency, and patient satisfaction performance data. [Read More]
Facilities Get Creative to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
As federal payers consider reducing or eliminating payments to hospitals if their patients must return for care in 30 or 60 days, California researcher Jan Eldred went looking for programs with creative transition solutions so discharged patients can remain safely out of the hospital. She found nine, from Boston to San Diego, and has chronicled their successes. [Read More]
Joint Commission Seeks Input on Assessing and Treating Tobacco, Alcohol
The Joint Commission is seeking public comment on candidate measures for assessing and treating tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use and dependence for all hospitalized patients. [Read More]
Boards Engage Patients in Their Own Care
In today's culture, many hospitals are increasing their focus on care that is involving patients in their own treatment decisions to improve outcomes. One route that facilities are choosing to take more often is creating a patient advisory board or committee. [Read More]
This Week's Headlines
New Collaborative Promotes Patient-centered Care, Accountability
Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media - September 17, 2009
AHIP Study: Medicare Advantage Provides Better Care Than FFS Medicare
John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media - September 16, 2009
More Research on Effective Care Needed If Health Reform Passes
Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media - September 15, 2009
Joint Commission, Eight Hospitals Tackle Hand-washing Failures
John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media - September 14, 2009
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