medical center
ALSO NOTED: States play important role in health IT; NJ physician cheats Medicare; and much more...
> In Los Angeles, many residents are concerned about the potential loss of King/Drew Medical Center. But an Op-Ed in the Los Angeles Times explains why everyone should be more than happy to see the hospital go. Op-Ed
> State governments are playing an …
... Read more...Debate surrounds elective angioplasties
Elective angioplasties are a lucrative service that hospitals can offer to add money to their bottom line. In Wisconsin, however, two cardiologists at Sheboygan's Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center have very different views on how and where these procedures should be conducted. Tanvir Bajwa, a cardiologist at the hospital, performs the elective angioplasties--angioplasties carried out when a patient isn't having a heart attack. But his colleague Aamer Shabbir stopped conducting the …
... Read more...USC sues Tenet over legal troubles
The University of Southern California has sued Tenet Healthcare to end the hospital chain's contract with the 329-bed USC hospital system. If the suit is successful, it would bring an end to USC and Tenet's 20 year partnership. USC claims that Tenet's constant legal troubles have damaged its reputation and negatively effected Tenet's ability to operate the medical center. In June, Tenet was ordered to …
... Read more...ALSO NOTED: FL expands Rx comparison site; Hopsital settles DEA charges; and much more...
> Officials in Florida have expanded a Web site that allows residents to compare costs of 100 common prescription drugs. Report
> Bryan, TX-based St. Joseph Regional Health Center has agreed to pay $750,000 to the U.S. government to settle DEA charges that the hospital didn't properly monitor controlled drugs. …
... Read more...A familiar tale: Veteran doc forced to sell out
It's a familiar story but to fellow MDs especially, still a poignant one. A recent article spells out a veteran doctor's dilemma, following the fortunes of a Arizona-based family practice physician who went from owning his own nine-physician practice to working for a local medical center as an employee. William McCabe has been in practice 44 years and never had a successful malpractice suit against him, but his premiums jump along with everyone else's. Also on the cost side, he was in the …
... Read more...Nurse ratios: One size doesn't fit all
This month, Massachusetts legislators are debating a bill that could mandate minimum nurse staffing standards. In 1999 California enacted nursing ratios and 14 other states are in the process of doing so as well, yet the debate continues as to whether or not state-mandated staffing standards are the key to creating successful health systems. The discussion centers around a simple concept: One size does not fit all.
The Medical Center, Beaver near Pittsburgh established …
... Read more...ALSO NOTED: Health Management warns on earnings; LA County fires King/Drew official; and much more...
> Health Management Associates warned that its quarterly and annual results will probably not match analyst expectations. Article
> Los Angeles County fires the head of a clinic run by King/Drew Medical Center, despite the recommendation of the consultant brought in to run the hospital. …
... Read more...LSU, VA plan New Orleans medical center
Louisiana State University and the Department of Veteran's Affairs announced a plan to build a new $1.2 billion medical center in New Orleans. The hospital will probably take over the role played by historic Charity Hospital, although no official announcement has been made yet on the older hospital. Construction is slated for October 2008. Some doctors groups have criticized the plan as unnecessary, arguing that damage to the first floor and basement of the hospital could be repaired …
... Read more...Pro-life groups criticize St. Luke's
Pro-life groups are launching a campaign to to prevent officials at St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston from removing a seriously ill woman from life support. 50-year old Andrea Clark has been on a ventilator since she developing complications following open heart surgery in January. The St. Luke's Ethics committee voted April 20 to suspend treatment, agreeing that prolonging her care served no medical purpose. Under Texas law, Clark's family has ten days to arrange a transfer after the …
... Read more...Charity Hospital closing draws protests
Doctors and healthcare workers rallied in New Orleans in an attempt to stop a plan that would shut Charity Hospital. Opponents say the damage the hospital suffered is nowhere near as extensive as officials say it is. Louisiana State University and the VA have developed a plan that calls for the old facility to be replaced by a medical center that would be jointly operated by the university and the government.
- see this article from the Houston Chronicle
