FiatLux Imaging is introducing enhancements to its Visualize 3D Application at Radiological Society of North America Conference 2008. "Ushering in new possibilities for high-quality, affordable 3D medical image visualization, FiatLux Visualize harnesses the power of video game technology to set new standards in 3D image quality and processing speed," according to a FiatLux Imaging release.
Independent accreditation organization URAC has made revisions to its healthcare information technology standards that affect Web site accreditation and HIPAA privacy and security standards. The revised privacy and security standards emphasize the need for annual workforce training. "The revisions mirror advancements in the market, and strengthen the credibility of organizations that provide information and services on the Web," said Douglas Metz, DC, chairman of URAC's Health Standards Committee, in a statement. "Accreditation protects the public interest by giving organizations a framework to ensure they are protecting personal health information and providing beneficial health information."
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced an incentive for physicians to trade in their prescription pads and improve efficiency and safety by prescribing drugs online for Medicare patients. The initiative is included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2009. Physicians who use electronic prescribing systems to transmit prescriptions to pharmacies may earn an incentive payment of 2% of their total Medicare allowed charges during 2009.
Stung by a $73 million revenue write-down in fiscal 2008, West Penn Allegheny Health System posted an operating loss of $93.9 million for the year ending June 30, according to unaudited financial results. The $93.9 million loss from its core medical services in fiscal 2008 compares with a loss of $19 million during the same period in 2007.
North Oakland Medical Centers, a 336-bed Pontiac, MI-based hospital that closed, has reopened for business with last-minute promises of a $5.7-million bailout from Michigan's Medicaid budget.The bailout angered a nearby Pontiac hospital chief: "Unbelievable," said Jack Weiner, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, also in Pontiac. Hospital administrators "all are sitting here saying that the amount of money Medicaid gives to hospitals is less than our costs. I find it amazing they'd give that money away to a brand-new entity, especially a for-profit physicians group."
Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial Hospital is in pursuit of an "affiliation" with Lake Forest (IL) Hospital, executives from the two healthcare providers have confirmed. Like other Chicago-area hospitals, Northwestern Memorial has been looking at the suburbs to attract more insured patients. Some hospitals, mostly non-profit, say they need to generate revenue by opening facilities in areas with more insured patients to cover costs of those who cannot pay their bills. Though the exact deal has not been completed, neither side is not ruling out a merger or an acquisition by Northwestern Memorial as a way for Lake Forest to generate some cash to build a new hospital and upgrade its 215-bed facility.