News From Around the Web
> Cerner is reporting a 27 percent revenue increase in the first quarter of 2015, lower than expected. The company attributes the shortage to a combination of lower than expected revenue from the recent purchase of Siemens' health unit and lower revenue in existing business. However, overall Cerner called it a "solid start" to the year; with bookings at an all-time high. Announcement
> A Web petition has been created to demonstrate consumers' demand to access their health records electronically and increase awareness about individuals' rights to their records. According to the website, the petition "is a good way to start a national conversation about consumer demand for online access and tools to manage health." The petition is being supported by a number of individuals and organizations, including former National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. Website
Health IT News
> The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has awarded $300,000 in funds to six digital health pilot projects. The winners will live-test new health IT applications in health care settings administered by their host partners. The projects include electronic care coordination for patients with uncontrolled hypertension and other conditions and the use of disposal wearables that capture and transmit electronic data to hospitals to reduce readmissions. Article
Health Finance News
> The healthcare sector--and hospitals in particular--had a boost in hiring in recent months, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hospitals added 11,800 jobs during the month of April. That's about a quarter of the sector's 45,200 jobs that were added during the month. Article
> Emergency room "super-users" may pose an annoyance to staff and management as they continue to show up like a bad penny. But new research suggests that their medical needs are unmet--many have chronic conditions--and they are at greater risk of dying. Article
Health Insurance News
> The Hawaii Health Connector will shut down operations on Sept. 30. The exchange site will cease new enrollment this week, discontinue its outreach programs at the end of May and transfer its technology assets to the state by Sept. 30. Article
And Finally... But it's OK to do it sober? Article