News From Around The Web
> Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Marilyn Tavenner has declined to give estimates as to how many Americans have purchased insurance through the federally-operated health insurance exchange, the New York Times reports. However, she did note at a recent Congressional hearing that it has processed 700,000 applications to date. Article
> An advocacy group has sued the California Department of Public Health, claiming the agency has lagged behind in investigating complaints surrounding specific nursing homes, The Sacramento Bee reports. The Foundation Aiding the Elderly claims the agency has sometimes taken years to respond to complaints of patients being endangered. Article
> Problems with Covered Oregon, that state's health insurance exchange, could leave as many as 11,000 residents enrolled in the high-risk pool without coverage as of Jan. 1, according to the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Article
Health Provider News
> An Office of the Inspector General audit reveals MedStar Health's Washington Hospital in Washington, D.C., overbilled Medicare more than $1.06 million in 2010 and 2011. According to the OIG report, the 926-bed acute care teaching hospital did not fully comply with Medicare billing requirements for 175 inpatient and outpatient claims. In addition to repaying the full amount to Medicare, the OIG recommended that the hospital strengthen its controls to ensure full compliance with Medicare requirements. Article
Healthcare IT News
> What's one of the worst things that can happen when a company doesn't shut off a former employee's access to protected health information? That former employee might just email herself that information--then refuse to give it back. Children's Hospital of Atlanta is suing Sharon McCray, a former corporate audit advisor, claiming she stole protected health information after announcing she was quitting on Oct. 16. Article
And finally...Is hot sauce factory a health threat? Article