Headlines – Page 362 – Healthy Skeptic

Feb 21 2013

ex

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

The federal government is going to end up running the majority of the health insurance exchanges mandated under the new law, although most large states are planning to operate their own. Serious questions have been raised about whether HHS is up to the task.

Feb 20 2013

mds

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A survey suggests that the most important factor in doctor selection is that the doctor accepts the patient’s insurance, followed by location, word-of-mouth references from friends or family and then website ratings.

Feb 19 2013

acc.

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

An Accenture report discusses physicians’ desire to be involved in concierge medicine, feeling such a model increases revenue, lowers costs, improves patient care and reduces hassles.

Feb 19 2013

smf

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A meta-analysis in the medical Journal Circulation confirms that smoke-free laws appears to reduce the incidence of cardiac and respiratory illnesses.

Feb 19 2013

ma

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

CMS has published preliminary Medicare Advantage rate information for 2014, indicating a significant reduction in payments, which caused a drop in health plan stocks and which ultimately will greatly upset many seniors, who will likely have to pay more. The rates probably reflect the ideological bent of the Administration to hate any private insurance, a dislike which they hid till after the election.

Feb 19 2013

prex

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A New York Times report discusses the closing of the federal reform law program for high-risk people who couldn’t get insurance. Apparently it cost much more than expected, exhausting the appropriated funds. Duh!

Feb 18 2013

aco

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

An editorial in the Wall Street Journal foretells the coming failure of accountable care organizations, with well-reasoned criticisms of the concept.

Feb 18 2013

hwys

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Healthways reported earnings below expectations. The company appears to be continuing to struggle to show growth or profitability and has a high level of debt and low cash.

Feb 18 2013

cern

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Cerner reported earnings that were above expectations and gave a positive outlook for the coming year.

Feb 18 2013

beds

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

A study has confirmed earlier suggestions that the availability of hospital beds is linked to the rate of hospitalizations–the more available beds, the higher the hospitalization rate. If you build it, they will come.