An article in Health Affairs looks at new proposals for paying physicians on an at-risk basis in light of the historical experience with capitation, which operated in a similar manner.
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The National Academy of Social Insurance tracks workers’ compensation trends, among other items, and has issued a report which confirms that medical costs are rising faster than indemnity costs.
Consumers increasingly look for medical information and advice on the internet. Research, including a recent study relating to childhood health issues, suggests that many times the data given can be erroneous.
Obesity has been fingered as one of the villains of health care cost increases. A CBO analysis verifies that obese persons appear to have significantly higher annual health care costs compared to non-obese persons.
On the menu for this week’s potpourri–savings from wellness efforts for a large employer; drug reimbursement for Medicaid programs; using remote monitoring in a health plan context; the FDA’s regulatory approach to mobile health uses; the effect of tort reform on imaging rates and hepatitis C pay-for-performance measures.
Health Affairs publishes several studies addressing inappropriate use of the emergency room, finding that many visits could be dealt with in other settings, but that higher copays may not deter inappropriate use.
The meaningful use provisions of the stimulus bill provide incentive payments to providers who implement EMRs, and ultimately penalties for those who don’t or who don’t use those systems in certain ways. A pair of new briefs outline challenges for providers to meet the meaningful use requirements.
Not much is hotter in health care than wireless/mobile functionality and how it may affect many aspects of care delivery and health management. A PWC report looks at trends, opportunities and challenges.
The Kaiser Foundation released results of its annual survey of health insurance costs among companies providing health benefits to workers. The most prominent finding is the continued shift of cost to employees.
The Office of Actuary publishes its current estimate of national health spending in the wake of health reform. It finds that the law will slightly increase spending, but there is a big caveat because the projections assume Medicare payment cuts will stay in place.
Fall is a lovely time of year and what could be better than relaxing with a Potpourri, featuring health insurance increases, the true costs of EHRs, hospital pay-for-performance programs and quality, the impact of social networks on health behavior, and unenrolled Medicaid-eligible children.
Deloitte’s annual survey of consumers in six countries on health care issues provides some interesting insights on the citizens’ health behaviors, concerns and perceptions of their health system.
Fears have been expressed that increasing CDHP enrollment puts people at risk for skipping necessary health services. The GAO looked at this population and found healthier people enrolled and they spent less after enrollment than non-CDHP members.
Research shows that allowing nurse anesthetists to do their jobs without physician supervision does not pose additional risk to patients. Regulations and laws which limit this ability should therefore be eliminated.
A new study of the association between process of care measures and health outcomes for certain hospital episodes has encouraging results for pay for reporting and pay for performance programs.
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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