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Medical Professional Liability Reform

The Patriot-News reports that Pennsylvania data shows the frequency of medical malpractice lawsuits has decreased significantly since 2000, but there’s disagreement about what that means.

Advance Directives

A Washington Post physician columnist reports about a patient’s life he saved by mistake.

Member News

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the West Penn Allegheny Health System is considering changing its name, and is re-evaluating some of its services.

State Budget

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the House Appropriations Committee has approved Gov. Rendell’s proposed spending plan months ahead of the July 1 deadline.

Economic Impact of Hospitals

Healthcare Finance News reports that employment in the U.S. health care sector increased by approximately 12,000 jobs during February, while the national unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent.

Technology

Healthcare IT News reports that WebMD Health Corp. has launched WebMD Health Exchange, a new health social networking platform.

Quality and Patient Safety

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports about Abington Memorial Hospital’s efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections.

The New York Times reports about an interview with Dr. Peter J. Pronovost about his quest to find and share safer ways to care for patients.

State News

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Pennsylvania is getting $9.7 million during five years to promote “innovative models that deliver the highest-quality health care for children.”

National News

The Wall Street Journal reports that the number of elective cosmetic surgeries has decreased for the second year in a row.

The Washington Post reports that caring for multiple patients simultaneously has gotten a boost as the nation searches for sustainable models of health care.

HealthLeaders Media reports about a new study that found patients admitted to full or near-full hospitals increased their risk of dying by 5.6 percent.

Healthcare Finance News reports that the American Hospital Association has urged the Internal Revenue Service to improve its new Schedule H to better reflect the benefits non-profit hospitals provide to their communities.

The New York Times reports that the Senate Finance Committee has opened an investigation into patient deaths and allegations of substandard care at some long-term care hospitals and small specialty medical centers that treat chronically ill patients.

The Washington Post reports that liberal New York ex-congressman Eric Massa claims he resigned from the House after being set up by his own Democratic party for opposing President Obama’s proposed reform legislation.

Health Care Reform

The Washington Post reports that the White House has launched a “stinging, sustained broadside” attack against insurance companies as it enters the final stretch toward national reform.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports about President Obama’s planned week-long rally against insurers, adding that it’s part of a last-ditch effort to press for national reform.

In related articles, the Associated Press and the New York Times report about President Obama’s passionate speech as a “high-octane appearance” reminiscent of his campaign days.

FOX News offers a transcript of President Obama’s recent Pennsylvania speech.

USA Today answers consumer questions about the proposed legislation.

A Wall Street Journal opinion advises that the legislation incorporates virtually all of the broad ideas identified during the past year of debate that would result in cost reduction.

A New York Times opinion advises that the Democrats’ passion for expanding health coverage has swamped their less visceral commitment to reducing debt, and the result is a bill that is fundamentally imbalanced.

Medicare & Medicaid

Kaiser Health News elaborates about the increase in Medicaid beneficiaries expected to come with the passage of national health care reform.

Insurance & Managed Care

The New York Times reports that, while the proposal for more oversight for insurance companies carries political appeal, state officials are concerned the responsibility for doing so will fall to them.

Workforce

Healthcare IT News reports that a new survey of hospital nurses found that they estimate spending one quarter of their 12-hour shift on indirect patient care, with paperwork taking up much of the rest of their time.

The Washington Post reports that if Congress passes reform giving insurance coverage to millions more people, they may have difficulty finding a primary care physician.

Medical News

The Wall Street Journal reports about a new test that can more quickly distinguish between ovarian cancer and benign growths.

HealthDay News reports that African Americans and Hispanics are at the highest risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and the number of cases continues to increase.

The Wall Street Journal reports about one family’s challenge to find an elusive diagnosis for their son’s symptoms.

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