PA trying to get more hospitals to adopt infection-tracking technology

December 31st, 2008

Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration is expecting more hospitals to adopt the technology under a sweeping 2007 state law designed to reduce infections contracted by patients during their hospital stays.

People with asthma/allergies required to use new inhalers

December 31st, 2008

A new government rule concerning inhalers use to treat asthma and allergies are worrying doctors for several reasons; though they concur that in the long run, the change is for the better.

REMINDER: Medicare enrollment ends tonight at midnight

December 31st, 2008

Seniors across PA who participate or wish to participate in Medicare drug plans have until midnight tonight to change or enroll in coverage.

The New York Times lists healthy foods that cost under $1

December 30th, 2008

If you’re one of those who avoids eating healthy foods because you say it costs too much, think of another excuse: The New York Times today features a lengthy list of healthy foods that cost under $1, borrowed from advice website Divine Caroline.

Times-Tribune editorial: Economy exposes sick health care

December 30th, 2008

The Times-Tribune editorializes on how the recession is also indicative of a healthcare crisis in America.

With the economy struggling, demand for publicly funded services is climbing exponentially, to the point that the incoming Obama administration plans to make increased Medicaid funding part of its stimulus package. And, recent studies have shown that the vast cost of uncompensated care — that is, care for which providers cannot collect payment — ultimately is paid by taxpayers.

The economic crisis is an event that calls not just for emergency measures, but for a complete reexamination of health care provision and creation of a true system that emphasizes health rather than insurance.

Posted on Dec 30 2008 under HealthPointPA Hot Topics
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More on Pennsylvanians with diabetes: A new study

December 30th, 2008

The Patriot-News reports on the results of a study that examined ways to improve diabetes treatment for blacks and Hispanics.

An update on the MCARE debacle

December 30th, 2008

Doctors and physician groups are continuing their fight for guaranteed help paying for their medical malpractice insurance.

Hospitals round-up for 12/29

December 29th, 2008

News on the Pocono Medical Center, Visiting Nurses Association of Western PA, and a personal care home in Washington County.

Mental health professionals seeing an increase in clinical depression

December 29th, 2008

They’re blaming it on the economic crisis, reports the Morning Call.

Times-Tribune editorializes on Blue Cross of Northeastern PA’s budget surplus

December 29th, 2008

In an editorial titled “Blue Cross gives; consumers bleed,” the Times-Tribune writes on what Blue Cross of NEP is doing with their budget surplus.

Such contributions also work to enhance Blue Cross’ regional business operations by strengthening its ties with health care providers. The question of why the company should be allowed to exponentially raise premiums, while accumulating surpluses well beyond what it needs to cover claims, never has been answered satisfactorily by the company or state regulators. Contributions to medical institutions are helpful, but lower premiums that would result in access to coverage for more regional residents also would improve the system.

The tax-exempt company’s contributions to health-care institutions with which it does business also calls into question, again, the presence on its board of state Sen. Robert Mellow, whose presence in that capacity could well serve as the insurance company’s own insurance against a more aggressive state regulatory posture.

The Legislature should draw much clearer lines on this issue.

Posted on Dec 29 2008 under HealthPointPA News
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