| November 6, 2009 | America's Health Insurance Plans |
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| | HEALTHsuite® from RAM Technologies: Lose the Legacy Systems & Reduce Administrative Expenses.
In these difficult economic times health plans must find effective ways to reduce expenses — without compromising service levels or productivity. Let us show you how HEALTHsuite will cut your operating costs and provide your organization with the fully integrated capabilities you need. Click Here to Learn More. | |
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- Bad behavior common among nurses, doctors, survey finds
A survey by the American College of Physician Executives found more than 97% of respondents reported behavior problems among physicians and nurses. The most common complaints included degrading comments, yelling, cursing, inappropriate jokes and refusal to work with one another. Modern Healthcare (free registration)
(11/4)
     
- Physicians flock to rich locales, data analysis shows
Researchers who analyzed two decades of health care data found U.S. physicians tend to practice in more affluent areas, where often there are more than enough providers to meet patient demands, leaving poorer areas short of providers. The report also showed the clusters of doctors result in higher health care costs but not necessarily improved outcomes. Reuters
(11/6)
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- Most U.S. adults aware of COPD, fewer know of treatments
A government survey of 4,172 U.S. adults found 68% knew of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but only 44% were aware that it could be treated. While 74% of current smokers knew about COPD, 41% of them said they didn't want to talk to their physician about their symptoms because they didn't want to be told to quit smoking. HealthDay News
(11/4)
- CDC urges officials to review distribution of H1N1 vaccine
The CDC notified state and major city health departments to prioritize vaccinating pregnant women, children and other groups at high risk of H1N1 influenza, after government officials were criticized for distributing the vaccine to some Wall Street companies. "Any vaccine-distribution decisions that appear to direct vaccine to people outside the identified priority groups have the potential to undermine the credibility of the program," CDC Director Thomas Frieden said. The Wall Street Journal
(11/6)
| Emerging Trends | | |
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- Study finds U.S. lags in health IT use
Only 46% of U.S. physicians employ electronic medical records, which positions the U.S. far behind other nations in terms of health IT adoption, according to a new Commonwealth Fund study. "The study underscores the pressing need for national reforms to close the performance gap to improve outcomes and reduce costs," said Cathy Schoen, lead author of the research. Healthcare IT News
(11/5)
| Company News from PR Newswire | | |
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
OptumHealth's Medical Advancements in Solid Organ Transplant and BMT
Join OptumHealth as the nation's leading experts present clinical advances, best practices and management solutions for solid organ and BMT. The conference will include standards of care and expanded treatment options for this patient population. Click HERE for details.
Interested in learning more about advertising in the AHIP Solutions SmartBrief? Contact Matt Kavney at (202) 737-5500 x244 or mkavney@smartbrief.com.
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| Policy Watch | | |
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- House Democrats struggle for 218 votes to pass health care bill
As a likely weekend vote on a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system draws closer, House Democratic leaders intensified their efforts to line up the 218 votes they need to pass the measure. Party leaders said they didn't have enough confirmed votes to guarantee passage but were confident of having them by the time the bill comes to the floor of the House of Representatives, probably Saturday. The New York Times
(11/5)
, The Washington Post
(11/6)
- HHS taps Defense, VA systems for H1N1 flu vaccine monitoring
The HHS has enlisted the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs systems and databases to be used for its H1N1 flu vaccine monitoring initiative. "A robust plan for monitoring adverse events following immunization during mass vaccination for 2009 H1N1 influenza is a critical component to ensure the safety of these vaccines," the agency said. Government Health IT
(11/4)
| AHIP News | | |
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Two weeks until AHIP's Fall Forum
With just two weeks left to register, make your plans now to attend AHIP's Fall Forum. How will health care reform affect the operations of health insurance plans? Find out at AHIP's Fall Forum 2009, Nov. 16 to 18 in Chicago. From exchanges to the employer marketplace, Fall Forum sessions will help you and your organization prepare for a new landscape.
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Data Collection Toolkit Targets Racial/Ethnic Disparities
Several studies have demonstrated the importance of collecting race, ethnicity and language data to identify and understand where health care disparities exist. AHIP's toolkit, Data as Building Blocks for Change, highlights health plan strategies to collect these data and better equip organizations with developing culturally and linguistically appropriate quality improvement programs. Access your free toolkit today.
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| | Recent AHIP Solutions SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, November 05, 2009
- Wednesday, November 04, 2009
- Tuesday, November 03, 2009
- Monday, November 02, 2009
- Friday, October 30, 2009
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