upmc

The Federal Trade Commission has asked for more information on a $120 million merger between a money-losing charity hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), slowing down what has already been a drawn-out process. Under the terms of the deal (which parties hoped would close last year), UPMC would take over Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital. Mercy is not doing well on its own, having lost about $42 million over the past three years on its hospital and primary care …

Over the past couple of years, executives at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have found a new way to deal with the threat of malpractice claims. The medical center has developed a formal mediation process which not only settles claims, but does so in creative ways. Of course, UPMC does offer cash to settle some claims, but it has also mounted plaques and named hospital rooms in an aggrieved patient's honor. It's also given patients a chance to discuss their negative …

> According to industry experts, HSAs are best for consumers who aren't afraid to become aggressively involved in their healthcare spending. Report

> Vanderbilt's cancer clinic is undergoing a $15 million expansion to double its size. expanding its cancer clinic.  …

While consumers may assume that high-touch smaller practices can provide better care, a new study suggests that larger integrated physician groups perform better on a series of standard quality measures. The study, which appears in the current issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, examined three preventative care measures and three chronic disease management measures. The researchers based their findings on data collected from 119 California groups contracting with PacifiCare …

> The Government Accountability Office has initiated two investigations into the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), examining whether the agency is properly overseeing state bioterrorism grants and if the agency is providing states enough guidance to deal with health emergencies. Report

> Georgia lawmakers have legalized electronic prescribing. …

> New Jersey's Saint Barnabas Health System is the target of two class action lawsuits filed on behalf of hospitals that allege the provider did not properly share outlier payments. Article

> In Massachusetts, nurses unions are competing to attract members and win influence in the state. …

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported much improved numbers for the first half of its current fiscal year. UPMC said revenues were up 13 percent to $2.8 billion for the six months ending December 31. The result: a much more profitable performance for the health network than last year. Profits jumped 73 percent to $225 million from $130 million. Notable bright spots included a 16 percent increase in outpatient activity and overall admissions. The hospital chain's investments …

> President Bush has been handed a great opportunity to make changes to the healthcare system. It is tempting to imagine what his predecessors might have done if placed in the same situation. Blog

> The approval of a new form of inhalable insulin last week may mark the beginning of a new era in diabetes care, but the real problem …

> The World Health Organization warns that global deaths from chronic diseases may top the 400 million mark. Article

> The Supreme Court heard arguments on Oregon's physician-assisted suicide law today. Analysts expect the court to side with the federal government. Article

> The …

> A wireless implementation led by InnerWireless at the University of Chicago Health System draws rave reviews. Story

> Tough times at Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Biogen, which says it will lay off 650 and sell assets to stay afloat. …