Thanksgiving approaches and we are thankful for the continuing stream of news to fill our Potpourri, including the effect of malpractice liability on Illinois' ability to retain physicians; the role…
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Another study, this time from the Center for Studying Health System Change, suggests that hospital market power plays a substantial role in health care cost increases and discusses some possible…
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Phillips releases its first in a projected series of reports on a global health and well-being index. The trans-country survey reflects commonalities and divergence around the world on levels of…
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Older Americans have a high rate of chronic disease and those patients are responsible for much of overall health spending. An article in JAMA explores programs designed to manage care…
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Concern about the growing number of uninsured Americans was one of the primary drivers of the health reform bill enacted earlier this year. Looking at the characteristics of the uninsured…
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A Towers Watson survey examined employees perspectives on their health plans. High cost sharing appears to be a major concern, but many employees are not taking proactive steps to help…
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The holidays approach, the Potpourri rolls on, this week unveiling information on potential savings for Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibles; EHR use's effect on physician revenue; likely physician reaction to…
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Cigna releases the latest of its annual reports on the experience of members in its high-deductible health insurance plans, finding that their medical costs continue to be lower in the…
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Studies continue to show the value of telecommunications technology in lowering the cost of managing chronic disease while improving outcomes. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports on…
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A New England Journal of Medicine article further solidifies the susceptibility of physicians to financial incentives to overuse care when it assists them economically. Removing those incentives does not seem…
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Although health care products like drugs and medical devices get blamed for much of the cost in our system, they also often provide better care for patients and the companies…
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New research covering aspects of end-of-life care in Canada and the US reveals that costs continue to be high, even though the use of palliative care in the United States…
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There was a big change in the balance of power between the parties in this week's midterm election but that change may or may not have a significant effect on…
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A new report from the National Bureau of Economics adds to the evidence that obesity is related to substantial health expenditures, but primarily concentrated in a few individuals.
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The annual survey of employers in regard to their prescription drug benefits conducted by the PBMI is out. It reveals lots of interesting information about design and cost trends.
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