For breaking news and analysis throughout the day, visit HealthLeadersMedia.com or add the RSS Feed of our Daily News & Analysis.
By: Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media, October 23, 2009
Following an agreement completed on Thursday, the proposed House healthcare reform bill will include a provision that would change the way Medicare pays hospitals and physicians--by moving from a formula that pays for the volume of tests and procedures performed to a value-based formula that emphasizes quality care and cost-effectiveness.
By: John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media, October 26, 2009
A new independent study released this morning appears to support President Barack Obama's claims that the nation's $2.3 trillion healthcare system is fraught with waste. The study by the Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters estimates that between $505 billion and $850 billion—about one-third of the nation's total healthcare bill—is wasted each year through a combination of fraud, administrative inefficiency, unnecessary or redundant care, avoidable complications, errors, and lack of care coordination.
By: Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media, October 26, 2009
While a public insurance option appeared to be a sure thing in the nearly reconciled House bill, it seemed "iffy" at times for the emerging Senate bill—until last week. Now, a public option seems to be on track—although what form it will take remains under discussion. In the meantime, legislation that would overturn the federal health insurance antitrust law is quickly advancing in both chambers.
By: Andrea Kraynak, for HealthLeaders Media, October 23, 2009
St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston has been preparing for RACs for months now. But even though the work began long ago, it doesn't mean the rest of the RAC team is now sitting back and waiting for the audits to begin at the hospital.
By: Ben Cole, for HealthLeaders Media, October 23, 2009
Caritas Christi Health Care has announced a partnership with Microsoft on a system-wide data and patient relationship strategy that the Boston-based hospital network says will improve quality and reduce healthcare costs.
By: Cheryl Clark, for HealthLeaders Media, October 26, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration division that regulates medical devices does not systematically review adverse event reports to address safety concerns that hospitals, nursing homes or manufacturers are required to file, according to a review issued Friday by the Office of Inspector General.
By: Philip Betbeze, for HealthLeaders Media, October 23, 2009
Assuming Alegent Health CEO Wayne Sensor's resignation is based on the physician employment question, does this put Alegent on the wrong side of history?