Happy New Year and a prosperous 2011 to all of you, a prosperity which undoubtedly will be aided by the insights from our Potpourris, which this week include physicians' use…
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America's Health Insurance Plans piles on hospitals in regard to their pricing, using data from Oregon and California. The analysis might be more persuasive if it weren't coming from a…
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CMS released the initial report on its plan to modernize its computer systems, which understandably could cause trepidation among the millions of beneficiaries and providers who will be affected. The…
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Researchers and policymakers keep searching for solutions to the problem of inappropriate utilization of services. Fee-for-service payment is often targeted as a key cause, but a recent survey suggests that…
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A very happy and relaxing Christmas Eve and Day to all our readers. To aid in the pursuit of that happiness and relaxation we offer up our scraps of enlightenment,…
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Attention to management of chronic diseases is a common feature of health systems around the world. Germany has implemented an approach which is focused through primary care physicians and has…
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A new study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at common methods of calculating hospital mortality rates and found significant variation in the results, which has significant…
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Health Affairs carries several articles analyzing imaging use, particularly in regard to physician interests in imaging equipment. The findings support the idea that physicians are often driven by their own…
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The Medical Group Management Association does an annual survey of how its members view various payers. In general, Medicare is viewed most favorably but its payment system is viewed as…
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Another week, another Potpourri, this one detailing items including high deductible insurance and delay of care; another study looking at HDHP and well-child care; a quality comparison of Medicare Advantage…
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EHRs are coming and great benefits are promised in the quality of patient care. A new brief looks at the possible costs and cost benefits of EHRs, particularly for smaller…
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MetLife's Mature Market Institute does some excellent research in regard to aging the medical care and other needs of the elderly. Two new reports extend that tradition, describing long-term care…
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Research continues to accumulate suggesting that the patient-centered medical home can save money while improving care and patient satisfaction. A new report summarizes this evidence, but the applicability of the…
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A new report sponsored by a unit of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation describes the state of workplace clinics and interviews a number of participants to identify trends, challenges and…
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Government spending to support and encourage greater use of information technology in health care has accelerated dramatically in the last two years. An AHRQ report describes several success stories relating…
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About this Blog
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.