Quality and Safety
Using mediation prior to medical malpractice lawsuits can often save money and smooth the way for settlement, but doctors, hospitals and lawyers remain wary of it, a new study says.
What a year! How many times have you said that as the current year winds to a close and you continue trying just to catch up (or catch your breath)? 2010 has been "one of those years" for healthcare providers and professionals, and as we reach its end I'd like to share some perspective that will take us into 2011 and some "new beginnings."
Despite recommendations by healthcare accrediting agencies like the Joint Commission and the prestigious Institute of Medicine, to reduce medical errors, the number of adverse medical events has continue to rise over the past decade.
The University of Michigan Health System reports that a four-year Medicare physician group demonstration project, similar to an accountable care organization, has saved more than $15 million in the cost of care.
The Marshfield Clinic is among 10 large physician groups participating in a Medicare demonstration project that reportedly indicates they can provide quality patient care while saving Medicare millions of dollars.
Managed Health Services Indiana, the Centene Corporation's health maintenance organization, has achieved national Health Plan Accreditation with a commendable status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Jerry Buchanan, program manager at technology consulting firm eMids Technologies, shares five ways that consumer-driven healthcare proves to be game-changing.
To best meet the goals of optimized, coordinated patient care and also help curb costs, physicians should be at the center of accountable care organizations, the American Medical Association told the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in a Dec. 2 letter.
Because he thinks in stories, Atul Gawande - surgeon, author, professor - started a recent lecture about the costs and failures of the country's healthcare system with a story about a middle-aged car mechanic in Alabama.
New laws help feds dump 'pay and chase' approach.