Headlines – Page 363 – Healthy Skeptic

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.

Feb 14 2013

card

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Cardinal, the large drug and medical supply wholesaler, has agreed to buy AssuraMed for over $2 billion to extend its presence in home care medical supplies.

Feb 13 2013

hum

By Kevin Roche Headlines No Comments

Humana reported profits that were basically flat, but above expectations, although revenue was below forecasts. The company seems to be struggling with its Medicare business.