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Today's News: 07/30/2010

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:52:00 GMT

Member News

The News Item reports that Geisinger Health System is among a select group participating in a national pilot to promote evidence-based evaluation and treatment standards for patients with �non-small cell� lung cancer.

The Morning Call reports that St. Luke's Quakertown Hospital received accreditation as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

The Daily American reports about Meyersdale Medical Center's new Wound Healing Center.

The Daily Local News reports that Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is launching a program for people with disabilities to give them the necessary training and experience to obtain competitive employment in the health care industry.

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will establish a new research and technology incubator.

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the national Comprehensive Cancer Network, which includes Fox Chase Cancer Center, recently received two $2 million research grants.

The Daily Collegian reports about Mount Nittany Medical Center's state-of-the-art $38 million East Wing.

The Bucks County Courier Times reports that the Haitian toddler receiving care at Abington Memorial Hospital did well through her second surgery, and her recovery phase now begins.

WPXI reports about what happens �behind-the-scenes� with Allegheny General's Life Flight medical helicopter.

Technology

The New York Times reports about new technologies being developed that help adult children take care of their elderly parents.

Quality and Patient Safety

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports about a study done by Allegheny General Hospital emergency staff of patients transported via medical helicopter, which showed that the percentage of patients with MRSA from another health care facility was the same as those coming from non-health care sites.

The Bucks Local News reports about St. Mary Medical Center's partnership with Gilda's Club Delaware Valley to provide a holistic approach to patient-centered cancer care.

The Technology Review reports about a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based start-up that's developing a way to diagnosis infectious disease by reading the DNA sequence of pathogens, often within a day.

The Washington Post reports about breastfeeding mix-ups that sometimes occur in hospitals.

State News

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports about Senator Sean Logan's decision to leave the Legislature.

Health Care Reform

McKnight's Long Term Care News reports that Senate Republicans have introduced legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, part of the health care reform law.

Modern Healthcare and the Washington Post report about a recently-released Commonwealth Fund analysis about how national reform will benefit women.

The Daily American reports about the new options for consumers from national reform. Somerset Hospital cited.

The Tribune-Democrat reports about key aspects of reform legislation, adding that a governmental official during a recent local business meeting proclaimed that �health reform is here to stay.�

Medicare & Medicaid

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports about the possible loss of Pennsylvania's adultBasic program when the contract expires during December.

Healthcare Finance News reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make available $2.25 billion in state grants to support community-based alternatives to institutional long-term care.

Health IT

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that St. Clair Hospital is teaming up with a large physician practice and GE Healthcare toward becoming one of the most advanced in using electronic medical records in the region.

HFMA reports about the �secrets� offered by leadership at Holy Redeemer Health System about their successful implementation of a new computerized physician order entry system.

Insurance & Managed Care

The Courier-Express reports that the U.S. Census Bureau released estimates about the number of people covered by health insurance; Pennsylvania's data shows that about 11.2 percent of residents in the state are uninsured.

In a related article, the Centre Daily Times reports that Centre County has the highest rate in the state of uninsured, at 22.3 percent.

Workforce

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that a prominent surgeon who left a local hospital to join a rival will not be permitted to practice in Allegheny County until April.

Medical News

ABC News reports about �Dengue Fever 101,� and the risk of the disease spreading from Florida to other parts of the country.

The Los Angeles Times reports that calcium supplements not only provide no benefit to older patients, but can even be harmful, increasing the risk of heart attacks by nearly a third.

HealthDay News reports about newly-released study results that indicate too many men with low-risk prostate cancers receive aggressive treatment.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that, if you're having a heart attack, you may not need a hospital emergency room at all.

Today's News: 07/29/2010

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:29:00 GMT

Medical Professional Liability Reform

Healthcare Finance News reports that a new survey of physicians indicates between 26 and 34 percent of annual total health care costs can be attributed to �defensive medicine� practices.

Advance Directives

The New Yorker reports about modern medicine's inability to �let go� and, instead of continuing aggressive interventions, focusing on improving the days that a terminally-ill patient has left.

Member News

The Abington Journal reports that Mercy Hospital has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Pennsylvania Senator Sean Logan will resign from the Senate to work for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as vice president for community relations.

The Nashville Business Journal reports that Community Health Systems' profits were up 18 percent during the second quarter compared to the same period a year ago.

The Morning Call reports that Geisinger Health System received the Seven Seals Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense.

Quality and Patient Safety

The Wall Street Journal reports that insured Americans are using fewer medical services as they begin to pick up a greater share of the costs.

WPVI-TV reports that the personal information for about 21,000 patients from a local hospital was stolen after an employee broke company protocol and downloaded the information to his laptop.

National News

Healthcare Finance News reports that generic medications have saved the American health care system more than $824 billion during the past decade, and $139.6 billion alone during 2009.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports about growing conflict surrounding who controls the tumor tissue left over from surgery which is becoming more valuable as research surrounding �targeted� cancer treatments moves forward.

ABC News reports that scientists have shown for the first time that it may be possible to replace a human hip or knee with a joint grown naturally inside the body using the patient's stem cells.

The Washington Post reports that successful treatment for millions of people infected with HIV may not continue due to funding cuts.

The Washington Post reports that a federal judge blocked the most contested provisions of Arizona's new immigration law one day before they were to take effect, inciting national debate.

Reuters reports that the widely reported liver transplant at a New York hospital to an alleged killer never took place, according to hospital officials.

USA Today reports about California's whooping cough outbreak, now responsible for six infant deaths.

In a related article, MSNBC reports that public health officials are concerned that sporadic vaccination practices are contributing to dangerous outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Health Care Reform

USA Today reports about a provision in reform legislation that mandates most employers to provide unpaid break time and private space for nursing mothers to express milk.

Healthcare Finance News reports that health care legislation in Massachusetts contains payment reform principles that likely offer insight into national reform efforts.

The Washington Post reports that opposition to national health care reform declined during the past month, to 35 percent from 41 percent.

A New York Times op-ed advises that a strategy for keeping Haiti's private clinics open could also be a way to expand access to high quality care in the United States.

A Wall Street Journal columnist explains why employers' efforts to get workers to shed pounds, quit smoking, and otherwise improve their health are likely to fail.

Insurance & Managed Care

The Citizen's Voice and the Philadelphia Inquirer report about rallies at the offices of Independence Blue Cross and the state's other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to save adultBasic.

In a related article, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the candidates for Pennsylvania governor are divided about the future of the adultBasic program.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review also reports about the story.

Workforce

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that physician house calls are making a comeback.

Medical News

Reuters reports about a milestone in diabetes treatment: an implantable sensor that measures blood sugar continuously and transmits the information without wires.

The Wall Street Journal reports that chest compressions alone are as effective as both rescue breathing and compressions when trying to revive a cardiac arrest patient.

Today's News: 07/28/2010

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:53:00 GMT

Member News

The Patriot-News reports that Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been ranked among the top 100 U.S. hospitals in a newly-released Cleverley + Associates study.

The Central Penn Business Journal reports that the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been awarded a $54 million, seven-year grant to coordinate asthma research.

The Tribune-Democrat reports that quality standards used in Windber Research Institute's tissue banking program have created a valuable collection of materials for all areas of medical research.

The Progress reports that Mount Nittany Medical Center announced its expansion project, started during 2008, now is ready for its public debut.

State Budget

The Herald-Mail reports that Gov. Rendell soon will meet with legislative leaders about what they'll do without $850 million of federal funding already built into the state's budget.

Technology

HealthData Management reports that IBM will market and implement �smart room� technology developed three years ago by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The Wall Street Journal reports that colonoscopies now are available in hi-def.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune reports that the Mayo clinic is opening a school of social media for health providers.

Quality and Patient Safety

U.S. News & World Report reports that several hospitals across the country are pioneering the concept of accountable care organizations.

State News

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports about legislation passed with the state's budget that taxes hospitals for the first time while boosting hospital reimbursement for treating people on Medicaid. HAP cited

National News

The New York Times reports that executive compensation at nonprofit organizations is receiving state and federal scrutiny.

Reuters reports that the upcoming edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders could devalue the seriousness of mental illness and label almost everyone as having some kind of disorder.

The Bloomberg News reports that drug makers this year have negotiated more agreements to keep cheaper, generic medications off the market than they did during 2009.

Health Care Reform

The Washington Post reports that newly-released census data confirm a huge spread in uninsured from state to state, and a big difference in impact expected from the national health care overhaul.

The New York Times reports about an �awkward dichotomy� in many of the 21 states challenging the health care act; they have to adhere to it until their cases move through the courts.

WebMD elaborates about the new federal health insurance website, via a video clip starring President Obama.

A New York Times opinion recommends the Obama administration move quickly to help states establish health insurance exchanges.

Medicare & Medicaid

The New York Times reports that Dr. Donald M. Berwick is facing continued hostility in the Senate.

Insurance & Managed Care

CNNMoney reports that more employers, reacting to higher health insurance costs, are demanding from employees �proof of family,� including birth or adoption certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents.

Medical News

WTAE-TV reports that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is planning to test a new osteoporosis drug discovered locally.

The Wall Street Journal reports that insurer-endorsed remote-monitoring technology is gaining popularity, now with many heart patients beginning to take their own readings at home.

The Baltimore Sun reports about the growing concerns among medical experts that the use of stents may not be as safe or effective as previously believed.

The New York Times reports that transfusing patients with their own blood can halve the number of blood products used in hospitals and reduce costs, according to a new study.

The New York Times reports that zinc nasal gel products can cause some patients to lose their sense of smell.

Reuters reports that having good social relationships may be every bit as important to a healthy lifespan as quitting smoking, losing weight, or taking certain medications.

The Los Angeles Times offers advice and resources for the nearly 11 million Americans who are caring for 5.3 million people with Alzheimer's disease, a number expected to increase to almost 16 million by 2050.

Miscellaneous

ABC reports about a �tragic hospital mix-up� in Arizona in which hospital officials misidentified two traffic accident victims.

Today's News: 07/27/2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:40:00 GMT

Member News

The Morning Call reports about Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital's pediatric unit, where teens who have experienced serious trauma can recover.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that a fully marked paramedic unit may have recently been stolen from Taylor Hospital by a man who'd missed his bus.

The News Item reports that Geisinger Health System's president and CEO, Dr. Glenn Steele, Jr., recently was honored during the American Hospital Association's Leadership Summit.

The Lewistown Sentinel reports about Lewistown Hospital's strong alliance with local residents as a health care provider, a major employer, and an active contributor to the community.

The Carlisle Sentinel reports that Holy Spirit Camp Hill Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

State Budget

The Patriot-News reports about the impending state employee layoffs.

In a related article, the Daily Item also reports about the state budget and the anticipated layoffs.

Economic Impact of Hospitals

A Daily Review opinion advises that �meds and eds� are the area's future, with the Commonwealth Medical Center playing a central role.

Technology

The Carlisle Sentinel reports about PinnacleHealth's minimally invasive surgery option to control atrial fibrillation, now available for viewing via webcast at OR-Live .

Quality and Patient Safety

Medical News Today reports about newly-released findings from a Commonwealth Fund study identifying barriers that are preventing national health care from moving toward more integrated and accountable delivery models.

State News

The Patriot-News reports about newly-introduced legislation that would create a state Public Integrity Commission.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pennsylvania finally is recognizing �assisted living� as a new category of long-term care.

National News

The Associated Press reports that hospitals around the country are launching new research to determine if fresher blood really is better for patients.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a government program focusing on rare diseases has launched five pilot projects that are taking the National Institutes of Health in the new direction of developing drugs.

MarketWatch reports that state budget gaps now are expected to total $83.9 billion for fiscal 2011, with shortfalls to continue during the next couple of years. Pennsylvania cited

The Wall Street Journal reports that state governments expect tax collections to grow for the first time during two years as tax increases and a recovering economy lead to higher collections.

POLITICO reports that several health care reform-related issues threaten reelection campaigns for some Democrats this year. Pennsylvania cited

USA Today reports that the explosive growth of an older population is fueling a grass-roots �village� movement across the country to help people age in their own homes.

The New York Times reports about Florida's first outbreak of Dengue Fever since 1934.

The Indianapolis Star reports that a consumer group is calling on Indiana's major hospital systems to better identify the availability of charity care after a patient survey showed close to half have gone into debt to pay their bill.

The New York Times reports that Britain is planning to decentralize its health care system, and shift control to doctors at the local level.

Health Care Reform

The Associated Press reports that some insurers have stopped issuing certain types of policies for children, an unintended consequence of the health care legislation.

The Wall Street Journal reports about the government's change in its �social safety net� funding, from younger workers funding programs for the elderly, to tapping into existing programs for the elderly to help cover uninsured younger Americans.

Medicare & Medicaid

Modern Healthcare reports that a newly-proposed rule, if approved, will tie Medicare payment for end-stage renal disease services to performance and quality measures.

In a related article, a New York Times columnist also reports about the proposed rule.

Workforce

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports about financial ties between Pittsburgh area physician and nurse educators and pharmaceutical companies.

The Dallas Morning News reports about the rapidly changing nature of geriatric care and new approaches doctors are taking to meet their bottom line.

Medical News

The New York Times reports that the vast majority of uninsured Americans still do not get screened for colorectal cancer.

The New York Times reports that a potentially promising approach to treating Alzheimer's disease has been developed by researchers.

Miscellaneous

Reuters reports that people who send off their saliva for genetic testing are likely to get different results from different companies.

Today's News: 07/26/2010

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:27:00 GMT

Member News

The Intelligencer reports that Lower Bucks Hospital has spent at least $1.5 million in consultant and legal bills related to its bankruptcy, and has requested the court to grant it more time to file a reorganization plan.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that patients at HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital now can get inspiration from a new therapy cat, Scooter.

The Centre Daily Times reports that Mount Nittany Medical Center is putting the finishing touches on the soon-to-be-opened east wing expansion.

The Intelligencer reports that Doylestown Hospital recently was recognized as one of the nation's �Most Wired.�

State Budget

The Morning Call reports that, even with fewer slot machines and game tables, Pennsylvania collects more taxes from the gambling industry than any other state.

Technology

U.S. News & World Report reports about a new app for the iPhone that gives parents �pediatric advice� through a series of questions about their child's symptoms.

Quality and Patient Safety

Healthcare Finance News reports that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released its annual health care state-by-state quality report.

Charity Care

The Patriot-News reports that many patients are delaying elective surgeries and diagnostic tests, and some local hospitals are seeing a significant increase in applications for charity care consideration. HAP cited

State News

The Erie-Times News reports that Erie County has seen a dramatic increase of premature babies being born at local hospitals.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports about testimony for additional charges filed against state aides and others from the �Bonusgate� government corruption investigation.

National News

The Healthcare Finance News reports that health IT incentives, accountable care, and new payment models are at the top of health care executives' priority lists.

The Washington Post reports about the relaunch of the Federal Register's website.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports about the lack of dental insurance for millions of people.

The Healthcare Finance News reports that a new survey indicates patients in need of emergency department care are experiencing the longest wait times during the past several years. Pennsylvania cited

In a related article, HealthLeaders Media also reports about the story.

The Associated Press reports that health advisers say a government proposal to curb misuse of painkillers does not go far enough to fix the growing problem.

The Associated Press reports that patients treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics will be able to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it's legal, according to new federal guidelines.

Reuters reports that medical reviewers are concerned about cancer cases in some patients implanted with an experimental Medtronic device developed to treat lower back pain.

The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts hospitals say they have substantially slowed the rise in their costs during the past 18 months, as state lawmakers consider mandatory short-term cost controls.

HealthLeaders Media reports that the number of California physicians is increasing faster than the population, but still not enough to meet the state's needs.

Health Care Reform

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pennsylvania's Insurance Department still is working out the details of the high-risk insurance program and has yet to announce the selection of a contractor that will operate the plan.

A USA Today columnist reports that the public option has re-appeared in newly-introduced legislation.

Medicare & Medicaid

A Morning Call opinion elaborates about how Pennsylvania's children could suffer if additional federal funding for Medical Assistance isn't approved.

Insurance & Managed Care

The Washington Post reports that nonprofit health insurers may be setting aside unnecessarily large surpluses even as some of them continue to raise premiums, according to a consumer rights group.

Workforce

The Citizen's Voice reports that the National Labor Relations Board ruled against the registered nurses' union about charges filed against a local hospital.

The Healthcare Finance News reports that 90 percent of doctors are affiliated with at least one hospital, with an average of 1.7.

The Healthcare Finance News reports that $9 million in federal awards has been announced to support 15 preventive medicine residency programs at accredited schools of public health, schools of medicine, and hospitals.

Medical News

The Associated Press reports that more than 70,000 children and teens go to the emergency room each year for injuries and complications from medical devices, with contact lenses the leading concern.

HealthDay News reports that people with schizophrenia are at increased risk for medical injuries while staying in the hospital, a new study shows.

Reuters reports about concerns surrounding the safety and effectiveness of gastric banding for teenagers.

Miscellaneous

HealthLeaders Media reports that Captain �Sully� Sullenberger is urging hospitals to adopt the aviation culture of safety.

Today's News: 07/23/2010

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:49:00 GMT

Member News

The Daily Courier reports that Uniontown Hospital is focused on improving patient quality and safety, in addition to recent physical building expansions.

The York Daily Record reports that WellSpan's Summer Health Careers Camp gives local high school students a chance to experience the health care field.

The Observer-Reporter reports that Washington Hospital will receive a $6 million grant from the state toward its $69 million expansion and renovation project that was completed during March 2009.

The Herald-Standard reports that, with more than 40 new doctors, a stable balance sheet, and a completed $50 million expansion, Uniontown Hospital now is looking to future projects.

Economic Impact of Hospitals

The Patriot-News reports about a newly-proposed medical office building planned for the �medical district� that's growing around Carlisle Hospital.

Technology

Healthcare IT News offers 100 ways to use RFID technology in hospitals, from the practical to the more elaborate.

Quality and Patient Safety

A New York Times physician columnist discusses whether patients should have access to their doctor's notes from their appointments.

State News

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that area hospital kitchens are far more likely than food establishments to be out of compliance with food safety regulations, averaging six violations each during recent inspections.

The Lebanon Daily News reports that more than 100 patients now have been evacuated from the Lebanon VA Medical Center to local hospitals due to a malfunction of the air conditioning.

National News

Kaiser Health News reports that states and hospital groups continue to lobby for a six-month extension of Medicaid funding.

The Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post report about the newly-signed Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act that will incite new federal recovery audit initiatives.

The Wall Street Journal reports that five New York City hospitals have agreed to a pilot program to divulge medical mistakes early, offer settlements quickly, and use special state courts that will help negotiate agreements before cases go to trial.

Health Care Reform

Reuters reports that insurance companies now are lobbying to undermine a key provision requiring them to spend as much as 85 percent of revenues on medical care.

Healthcare Finance News reports that $88 million in grants, under the Affordable Care Act, have been awarded to support evidence-based home visiting programs focused on families with young children.

Medicare & Medicaid

HealthLeaders Media discusses whether physicians should be reimbursed for patient consultations.

Insurance & Managed Care

USA Today reports about the new regulations concerning consumer appeal rights in response to insurance company denials.

In a related article, the Los Angeles Times reports about the new regulations with a Q&A format.

FierceHealthCare reports that more hospitals now are seeking parity in their contracts with insurance companies. Hanover Hospital cited

Workforce

The Pittsburgh Business Times reports about the financial ties between physicians and drug companies, soon to be more transparent through legally mandated disclosure.

Medical News

The Bucks County Courier Times reports that surgeons at Abington Memorial Hospital have successfully performed the first surgery on a Haitian toddler with a rare congenital problem.

Miscellaneous

Fierce Practice Management reports about patient collections and effective strategies to use to get paid.

Today's News: 07/22/2010

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:35:00 GMT

Member News

The Youngstown News (Ohio) reports that Sharon Regional Health System has opened its new Liberty Family Medicine Center.

The Abington Journal reports that the new family room at Community Medical Center will enable families to stay much closer to their hospitalized children.

The Times-Tribune reports that Geisinger Health System was recently recognized by the Healthcare Financial Management Association with the MAP Award.

The Express-Times reports that Easton Hospital has been named one of America's 50 best hospitals for the fourth consecutive year by HealthGrades.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports about a new entranceway planned for McKeesport which will, among other things, help UPMC McKeesport market the hospital, which is the city's largest employer.

State Budget

A Philadelphia Daily News opinion discusses �the next big crisis� for the state budget: the real possibility of no additional Medicaid funding from the federal government.

Economic Impact of Hospitals

The Phoenix reports that Phoenixville Hospital's auxiliary recently �gave back� to the community with $21,000 in donations to local service organizations and clubs.

Technology

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that online donations to nonprofits jumped 23 percent from March through May, while more traditional ways of giving increased 6.2 percent.

Quality and Patient Safety

HealthLeaders Media highlights the proposed rule that modifies the current HIPAA privacy, security, and enforcement rules.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports about a local film created to help encourage more diverse participation in medical trials.

State News

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the city of Pittsburgh has received a $500,000 grand to aid West Penn Hospital employees soon to be out of work because of a health system consolidation.

Reuters reports about problems with test procedures, record-keeping, and handling of consumer complaints at another Johnson & Johnson manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania.

National News

The Washington Post reports about concerns surrounding the use of stun guns in hospitals.

The New York Times reports that many states facing budget shortfalls are cutting home care programs, even though such services keep people out of nursing homes and save money.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a stop has been ordered for clinical trials involving Avandia until the FDA decides if the drug should be removed from the market.

Health Care Reform

The Washington Post reports about new health reform rules that give patients the right to appeal insurer denials.

In a related article, the Associated Press also reports that new federal regulations about a patient's rights to appeal insurer decisions have been released.

Medicare & Medicaid

HealthLeaders Media reports that about 20 percent of physicians have reduced or eliminated their Medicare patients because of reduced reimbursement from the removal of five CPT codes previously used for consultations.

Health IT

Healthcare IT News reports that the Premier healthcare alliance is pressing Congress for a legislative fix to the meaningful use final rule to ensure that every hospital receives its fair share of incentive payments.

Insurance & Managed Care

Reuters reports that Blue Cross Blue Shield's nonprofit health plans raised insurance premiums even as they set aside millions of dollars in surpluses during the past decade.

Workforce

HealthLeaders Media offers tips to measure your hospitalist program's performance and effectiveness.

The New York Times reports about a new conflict-of-interest policy at Harvard Medical School prohibiting professors from accepting money, gifts, travel, or meals from drug or medical device companies.

The Times Leader reports about additional action by a registered nurse union against a local hospital during ongoing contract negotiations.

The Times-Tribune reports about the region's first dual-degree programs in medicine and health care administration.

Medical News

The Public Opinion reports that Chambersburg Hospital now offers single-incision gallbladder surgery.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports about a new brain implant being used by Allegheny General Hospital that may be able to significantly lessen the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

The New York Times reports about newly-released guidelines that aim to reduce the number of unnecessary Caesarean sections.

Reuters reports that most people who have a common knee ligament injury fare just as well with intense physical therapy as they do with surgery.

The Patriot-News reports about the psychological toll of uncomfortable environments, like the continuing heat wave. Holy Spirit Health System cited

Miscellaneous

FOX News reports about the new trend of sharing more on Facebook than photos, such as life-saving kidneys.