> A new study by the Government Accountability Office has concluded that the systems used by CMS to send and receive bills and communicate with providers are riddled with at least 47 security gaps. Report [1]
> The feds haven't given up on getting back at least part of the $50 million in refunds they sent out to 230,000 Medicare beneficiaries. Article [2]
> Nashvillle-based Medicare Advantage health plan provider HealthSpring has filed for a $300 million IPO. Article [3]
> One FierceHealthcare reader argues that it's no longer appropriate to finance office-based, non-urgent care through health insurance plans. Letter [4]
> Two U.S. investment firms, Soros Private Equity Partners and Blue River Capital, are spending $50 million to pick up a 10 percent stake in Indian hospital chain Fortis Healthcare. Article [5]
> Christopher Smith of Minneapolis, MN, made a fortune through his online pharmacy Xpress Pharmacy Direct, but tomorrow Smith and three co-defendants will be brought to trial on charges that the pharmacy did little more than provide a conduit for prescription drug addicts to obtain controlled substances. Report [6]
And Finally... Digital mammography continues to improve breast cancer detection rates. Article [7]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercehealthit.com/story/cms-security-holes-expose-patient-data/2006-10-09
[2] http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4239226.html
[3] http://nashville.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2005/10/10/daily18.html
[4] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/node/3965
[5] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2100598.cms
[6] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/node/3966
[7] http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/LIFE03/610030347/1074/LIFE