Cost-sharing by consumers is an issue of the greatest importance in an era of increasing premium share, high deductibles, and coinsurance. A new report looks at the potential health consequences…
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PWC gives its perspective on major trends for 2011 in a recently released report. The trends are what would be expected, but some useful consumer survey information is included.
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Off we go into 2011, with more snippets of health developments including the OIG's 2011 work plan; an international survey of internet usage for health purposes, physicians' understanding of patients'…
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The high prevalence of medications as the primary method of treatment especially for chronic diseases has led to focus on ensuring that patients take the drugs that are prescribed for…
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Venture capital funding has been in the doldrums since the recession began but has rebounded along with the recovery. Two new reports suggest that exits have improved, allowing a refresh…
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The Agency for HealthCare Research & Quality released a brief on hospitalizations among the elderly. This category of service accounts for a significant and growing portion of national health spending…
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The expansion in government encouraged HIT, particularly EMRs, has researchers busy trying to identify cost and quality effects. Another recent study suggests that the effect of EMRs on quality is…
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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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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.
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