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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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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