Big new analysis out this morning looking at the wide range of health services and outcomes across the US. This report is a project of The Commonwealth Fund and I’m linking you to Modern Healthcare’s coverage of its release. Pet Peeve: The Commonwealth Fund clearly states that they timed the release of this report… [Read more…]
March 6, 2012
Everyone is aware of identity theft these days. But did you know that one of the simplest ways for theves to get your private identifying information is through your health providers? The US government is pushing the use of electronic patient data systems. However, they are filled with problems – technology incompatability, contant need to… [Read more…]
February 22, 2012
USA: HAI’s (hospital acquired infections) have reached epidemic proportions in our nation’s hospitals. FYI: the term hospital acquired infections annoyed hospital executives, who successfully petitioned goverment agencies to water the term down to “healthcare associated infections.” As I’ve stated repeatedly, hosptials are the major source for this horrific and unnecessary filth-born plague so I continue… [Read more…]
February 18, 2012
Springfield, MO – The local Springfield News-Leader ran this story today regarding the legal aftermath of the Cox Health Brain Lab Overradiation scandal that rocked this community two years ago. Some 27 of 66 cases filed have been settled; the others are a work in progress. Naturally, no details have been released; a gag order… [Read more…]
February 15, 2012
This story is such a rarity I just had to call your attention to it. First, I’m used to reading bad healthcare news coming out Las Vegas, not something positive. Second, I’m not in the habit of praising insurance companies because, frankly, they’re a big part of what’s wrong with today’s industrial healthcare. However, this morning… [Read more…]
November 16, 2011
USA: You’ve probably already seen a version of this report, or heard someone talking about it on your preferred news outlet. The subject: Antibiotic overuse in children. The latest issue of Pediatrics ran the results of a study conducted by Dr. Adam Welsh and a team of researchers from the University of Utah. They revealed that… [Read more…]
November 14, 2011
CALIFORNIA: Wow, this one’s a zinger that’ll have Kaiser’s PR team hustling through the end of the year. This new report filed by Alexander Eichler for HuffPo, cites an astonishing lack of mental health services and staff pushed to the breaking point while the Blunt End rakes in billions in profit. Q: How do you paint this ugly… [Read more…]
November 1, 2011
USA: HealthCare PSI was mentioned in today’s Fierce HealthCare story about the lack of hospital reporting in the case of never events. Patient advocates know this is a regular occurance. But this bit of knowledge is a shock to the system and sensabilities of reporters and the general public, too. Remember, hospitals are supposed to… [Read more…]
October 24, 2011
USA: MedlinePlus published this report today about our nation’s hospital efforts to cut the use of unnecessary antibiotics, which is aimed at curbing the escalating problem of antibiotic resistant infections. The good news: the programs are working in participating hospitals! The bad news: only 1/3 of the nation’s hospitals are participating in these efforts. The excuse for… [Read more…]
October 19, 2011
It would seem that in order to be a top-ranked healthcare facility in this country, all you have to do is hire someone clever enough to creatively fill out treatment compliance forms, or simply claim you’re great. I’ve seen three reports in the last week confirming that this is exactly what’s going on in our nation’s hospitals. It’s about real… [Read more…]
March 19, 2012
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