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.
Read More
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'…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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.