UPMC St. Margaret shutting down cardiac, pulmonary program
In light of increased costs for maintaining its services, while having to deal with lower reimursement rates from insurance companies and government programs, UPMC St. Margaret has announced that it will shut down its cardiac and pulmonary services on Jan. 5.
Suspension on UPMC’s community mental health services referrals lifted
After a monthlong suspension, the state will again permit referrals to certain community mental health services operated by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic; reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
UPMC ahead of the rest; technology-wise
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s new electronic medical record initiative is now linking the health system’s inpatient and outpatient records with medical offices across the county; allowing patients’ important health histories to be accessed by any medical professional who gives them care.
Director of UPMC Cancer Centers warns of cell phone risks
Dr. Ronald Herberman, the Director of UPMC Cancer Centers and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center, is planning to issue a warning to about 3,000 employees about the possible health risks related to cell phone use.
Allegheny Co. residents to get improved crisis mental health care system
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on Allegheny County’s plan for improved crisis mental health care services.
Changes for two Pittsburgh hospitals
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center plans changes to South Side Hospital and UPMC Mercy.
UPMC, GE team up to promote use of “virtual microscope”
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, partnering with GE Healthcare (a unit of General Electric Co.) is spending $20 million on a “virtual microscope” designed to replace glass slides with digital images and touted as a faster and more accurate way for doctors to identify diseases, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Pitt, UPMC recognized for ethical dealings with drug firms
A recent study conducted by the American Medical Student Association found that The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Health Sciences might have the nation’s strictest policies barring gifts and travel from the pharmaceutical industry, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Trib-Review series on liver transplants
Hundreds of patients each year undergo liver transplants when they don’t need them, and possibly never will, a four-month Pittsburgh Tribune-Review investigation found.
The exhaustive series includes print, video and graphics.