New research adds more caution to the promotion of great benefits from electronic medical records. The researchers found that in hospitals, costs actually increased and quality worsened by some measures, although improving by others.
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Another selection of medical delights, including a telemedicine study that didn’t show improved outcomes, a telemedicine study that demonstrated the value of teleaudiology, end-of-life care, physician quality measurement, hospital quality measurement, and telemedicine for CHF patients.
Another recent report looks at HIEs, which are part of the critical infrastructure for reform. The status of each state’s efforts and progress are detailed, as well as some general observations on lessons learned to date.
Medical errors have received a lot of attention since the Institute of Medicine published a seminal report almost a decade ago. A new analysis from the Society of Actuaries suggests that such mistakes cost the country at least $20 billion a year and potentially a much greater sum.
AHRQ released a statistical brief looking at state differences in the cost of employment-based health insurance and how much of that cost is borne by employees. Follow-up research to understand factors contributing to the variation would be interesting.
The Food and Drug Administration has been reviewing its 510(k) process, which is used for many medical device approvals. Two preliminary reports contain a series of recommendations designed to provide greater predictability in the process, while ensuring identification of significant safety concerns.
Wellness programs continue to grow in popularity as a method for companies to get health costs under control and to improve productivity. A new report summarizes evidence on what may make these efforts most effective.
Another Saturday, another Potpourri, featuring the acquisition of a hospital medical necessity company, Americans’ online health usage, analysis of prescriptions, California workers’ compensation, home monitoring of elderly parents, remote psychiatric evaluations and telemedicine to treat depression.
In a sign that the media is less willing to accept some of the Administration’s misleading pronunciations about health care, when HHS claimed that the Medicare Trustee’s report showed the new health law extended Medicare solvency by several years, most sources noted that the CMS Actuary disagreed.
Personalized medicine relies on genetic testing for much of its information. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing firms are widespread and a GAO report reveals that much of their work appears shoddy and their marketing deceptive. More regulation appears needed and on the way.
A Health Affairs/Robert Wood Johnson Issue Brief examines the accountable care organization concept, particularly as embodied in the recent federal health legislation. While there may be potential, as ACOs are structured for Medicare there will be many challenges on the road to meeting expectations.
An EBRI report summarizes what seems to be known to date about the effects of consumer-directed health plans and provides statistics on their use. One clear conclusion is the need for more and better research.
The American Medical Association has issued a report on the malpractice experience of physicians. Most will be sued at some point during their careers, and the fear of malpractice exposure likely affects how they practice.
Summer begins to wane, but not our Potpourris. Another one full of useful data, including health insurance costs for 2011, a new telehealth joint venture, use of kiosks in physician offices, prostate cancer screening, health care use cutbacks, teledermatology and sharing of physician notes with patients.
Wireless or mobile communication technologies are enjoying a rapid spread in health care. Two of the primary federal agencies which might impact the development and spread of these technologies are the FCC and the FDA, which have agreed to work together in regulating them.
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 [email protected].
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