ALSO NOTED: Providers build 7% bad-debt reserves; UnitedHealthcare, HealthAlliance keep arguing; and much more...

> According to newly-released research, healthcare providers are setting aside $129 billion annually to cover bad debt, or more than twice their net annual revenues. Release

> Patients continue to wait as UnitedHealthcare and HealthAlliance continue to duke it out over a contract dispute. Report

> Wrong-site surgeries may be 20 times more common than previously thought. Report

> The state of Ohio has begun a program monitoring prescription drug sales, intended to spot prescription drug abuse and "doctor shopping." Article

> LabCorp of America has entered into a $3 billion, 10-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare to provide laboratory services for the health plan across the U.S. LabCorp snatched the deal away from Quest. Release

And Finally... Want to know how Medicare drug coverage works? Just listen to the Bob Dole show. Having an iPod might help. Article