News From Around the Web
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has extended the deadline for applications to its Million Hearts Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model to Oct. 8. The initiative, which will enroll up to 720 physician practices, requires participants to not only to use certified electronic health record technology, but also to have attested to Stage 1 of the Meaningful Use program. The original deadline for applications was Sept. 4. Website
> Aprima Medical Software has announced the "expansion" of its "Rescue Plan" for providers considering replacing their current electronic health records. Aprima is offering discounted license rate fees to providers who transition to its software, as well as EHR and demographic data conversion, interoperability with other systems and ongoing support and upgrades. Announcement
> Accenture will acquire Lenexa, Kansas-based Sagacious Consultants, which specializes in the implementation, systems integration, upgrades and optimization of Epic EHR tools. Announcement
Health Finance News
> There's a significant pay gap in the practice of rendering patients unconscious, according to a new study by the California-based think tank RAND Corp published in the journal Anesthesiology. Female anesthesiologists earn on average nearly 30 percent less than their male counterparts, according to the study, earning an average of $313,000 in 2012, compared to $404,000 for men. Article
> Two new treatments have arrived to mitigate the effects of congestive heart failure, a growing problem in the United States. But their cost may be prohibitive, according to a new report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review and the California Technology Assessment Forum. Article
Health Insurance News
> Medicare Advantage premiums for next year are set to remain stable, while enrollment is projected to increase to an all-time high. The announcement comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which explained that the average MA premium will decrease by $0.31 next year--from $32.91 in 2015 to $32.60 in 2016. Article
And Finally... Even we Muggles can use it! Article