Helping patients make better decisions about their care
In this article for the Wall Street Journal, two physicians who are also on the faculty of Harvard Medical School examine one method patients should be using in order to make better decisions about their healthcare.
Lehigh Valley Health Network now uses advanced patient ID/medical record system
The palm-scanning system streamlines medical records, simplifies the check-in process, and greatly reduces the risk of identity theft.
NYT: Abnormal test results may not get to patients
A new study found that 7 percent of clinically significant findings were never reported to the patient.
Hospitals are changing their patient room designs and layouts
New hospitals are building mostly single-patient rooms, which are believed to result in better patient outcomes.
Many state healthcare groups support “apology legislation”
They hope that the bill, which would allow doctors to set forth apologizes without fear of automatic legal repurcussions, will reduce the number of medical malpractice suits.
Some doctors fighting online patient review websites
They worry that negative reviews could damage their practice.
More doctors are seeking fees at time of service
More and more physicians are asking for the patient’s share of that day’s medical fees, including any deductible set by the insurer, at the time of the visit, reports the Washington Post.
Doctor: Patients need to take more responsibility in their care
Today the Patriot-News published an op-ed by Mechanicsburg physician Dr. Nirmal Joshi, who says that patients need to be more proactive in discussing their care with their doctors.
Disappointment abounds with Bush admin’s last-minute regulation limiting patient care
Healthcare organizations,rulemakers, and citizens across the country are voicing their opposition to the Bush administration’s new healthcare regulation.
More on Pennsylvanians with diabetes: A new study
The Patriot-News reports on the results of a study that examined ways to improve diabetes treatment for blacks and Hispanics.