News From Around the Web
> Providers want the capability to obtain prior authorizations electronically through their electronic health records, according to a survey from Surescripts. Eighty-three percent of respondents said that adding electronic prior authorization functionality to their EHRs was a priority, and that it would provide more efficient workflow, time savings and reduced administrative burden. Blog post
> The CommonWell Health Alliance announced this week the addition of 11 new members, including the Delaware Health Information Network, the eHealth Initiative, PokitDok and DICOM Grid. Announcement
Health Finance News
> Some states pay more than twice as much for identical healthcare services than others, raising questions about what each state can do to better control their costs. The new price book by the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) concluded that 20 percent of the healthcare services delivered in Wisconsin and New Hampshire cost twice as much as the nationwide average. Article
> Calculation errors regarding the wages paid by a tiny 19-bed hospital in Massachusetts could wind up having an outsized impact on the Medicare payments given to the other acute care providers statewide. Article
Health Insurance News
> More Americans have healthcare coverage and access to medical care since the Affordable Care Act's provisions took effect, according to new research from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Article
And Finally... Perfect timing. Article