News

While some physicians are considering early retirement or leaving primary care if reimbursements are cut further, others are turning to a hybrid model of concierge medicine.

Government officials have launched a Healthcare Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) to combat Medicare fraud.

Hospitals that provide more intensive and costly care do not provide better-quality care, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

America's family physicians are increasing charity care, discounting fees and providing free screenings to help patients meet their healthcare needs during economically stressful times, according to an American Academy of Family Physicians national survey.

Eighty-five percent of New Hampshire hospitals are experiencing declining financial health as a result of the recession, despite implementing cost-saving measures such as reducing administrative expenses and cutting staff.

A toolkit to help physicians, preferred provider networks and payers develop a common understanding during contracting discussions has been released by the American Association of Preferred Provider Organizations and the American Medical Association.

The average annual medical bill for a typical American family of four increased 7.4 percent from 2008 to 2009, according to the annual Milliman Medical Index.

The Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Manchester, N.H., plans to roll out its existing automated billing system to some 150 specialty providers with practices in southern New Hampshire.

Overall hospital prices increased 0.1 percent in April, and were 2.4 percent higher than a year ago, according to a report by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A study of the healthcare systems of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Germany concludes that if implemented correctly, comparative effectiveness has the potential to improve care and reduce healthcare costs for Americans.