SPOTLIGHT -
Reuters Names Top 15 Health Systems
Health care reform stimulated increased improvement in health systems, but a concerning number surfaced about mortality rates after patients leave the hospital.
Saying "No" to Your Patient
Physicians sometimes find themselves in the difficult situation of telling a patient "no" when he or she requests an unnecessary treatment or test.
Obama Administration Submits Brief for ACA
Although the Supreme Court won't hear arguments for and against the 2010 health care law until March, the Obama administration submitted its brief defending the law and the requirement that people obtain insurance.
CMS Extends Deadline to Drop Medicare Participation
Since Congress put delayed making a decision on the Medicare reimbursement cut, CMS is giving physicians until Feb. 14 to decide if they are dropping Medicare participation.
All the Gold in the World in 2011
At the end of 2011 there was approximately 165,000 metric tons of total mined gold in the world, which is worth close to $8.5 trillion.
Cost Pressures Trigger More Consolidation in 2012
In 2012 hospitals will have to simultaneously figure out how to increase patient volumes while combating limited capital and rising costs.
The Issue of Justices in Ruling ACA
The Supreme Court has the Affordable Care Act on its docket for this spring, but people on both sides are calling for two justices to recuse themselves from the case. Chief Justice John Roberts has an opinion on that.
Indiana ER Visits Highlight Need for Health Information Access
A study examining patterns in emergency room visits in Indiana finds 40% of patients visit more than one ER, challenging the concept that patients are bound to health systems and repeatedly visit local facilities.
The Top 12 Destinations in 2012
The hottest destinations of 2012, whether you're looking for adventure, cities, culture or isolation.
Medicare Cut Decision Put on Hold
Just before going on holiday recess, Congress voted to delay the Medicare payment cut, which was scheduled to go in effect Jan. 1, for two months. Congress will resume discussion on the cut when it is back in session.
Is it the End of the World as We Know it?
There's exactly one year until the supposed apocalypse in 2012. Considering how many false predictions there have been and the lack of any evidence how seriously should you take it? And if you believe, what can you do with your money?
Medicare Cut Stays Linked to Deadlocked Tax Bill
With less than two weeks left to go in the year, Congress has delivered disappointing and devastating news to physicians that the Medicare cut will stay linked to a tax bill that has deadlocked Congress.
The 10 Most Dishonest Professions
Considering how low approval ratings are, it's probably no surprise that members of Congress have one of the lowest honesty and ethics ratings.
The Honesty and Ethics of Medical Professions
Americans consistently rate doctors, nurses and pharmacists as the most honest and ethical of professions.
Physicians Pessimistic About Health Reform Changes
Physicians are mostly pessimistic about the benefits of health care reform and believe that the best and brightest who might have considered a career in medicine will now think otherwise.
Americans' Savings Goals for 2012
Despite the troubling economic events of the last year, the current market conditions are actually having a positive effect on Americans' financial habits in the long run.
Travel Trends to Expect in 2012
The five emerging travel trends for 2012 that arise from the new way consumers search for deals and discounts to vacation.
Link Between Rotating Night Shift Work, Diabetes
In addition to being associated with obesity and increased heart disease, rotating night shift work is also linked with a modestly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Waiting (Room) Game
The average time patients spend in the waiting room is 21 minutes, but that varies greatly by state. Typically, the healthiest states have the shortest wait time and the unhealthiest have the longest.
Unhealthy America in 2011
Despite three years of health improvements, the nation made no progress in 2011 and, in fact, there were dramatic increases in obesity and diabetes.
Physicians' Top 5 Concerns in 2012
There are a lot of changes happening in the health care industry right now, which means physicians have a lot of concerns on their minds for 2012.
How mHealth Encourages Better Quality of Care
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was the keynote speaker at the mHealth Summit, where she spoke about how mobile health technology is leading to better quality of care.
Physician Stress Factor
Considering how much stress physicians are reporting it's not so much of a surprise that the country is facing a physicians shortage. 86% reported being moderately to severely stressed on an average day.
E-Prescribing Hits a Wall with Renewals
Overall, pharmacies and physicians are pleased with e-prescribing technology, but there are some problems that can actually make the process more cumbersome and difficult instead of less so.
All-Important Health Issue for 2012
Health care is the second most important issue for the 2012 election, tying with the $15 trillion national deficit, and second only to job creation.
Wealthy Pessimistic About America's Economy
America's affluent, like the Fed, have a rather dismal outlook for the economy over the next six months.
Few People Consider Age When Planning Retirement
Worried about outliving their retirement savings, many Americans plan to work for years past "retirement age" and even during retirement.
Turning a Blind Eye to the Obese
Physicians will be more likely to turn away obese patients for being high-risk because of ACOs, which base reimbursement partially on keeping a low complication rate.
Shoppers' Holiday Spending Budgets Up From 2010
Overall, shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season than last year's, but they also plan to take advantage of more sales and deals.
Travel Restrictions to Galapagos Islands
Travelers with their sights set on the Galapagos Islands might find it a bit more difficult to visit. Ecuador will begin limiting the number of visitors to the Islands by putting into place new rules and regulations regarding cruise routes.