News From Around The Web
> The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission ruled that Lahey Health's acquisition of Winchester Hospital could lower healthcare spending if the hospital refers complicated cases to Lahey instead of Boston hospitals, the Boston Globe reported. Article
> Oklahoma County saved more than $140,000 in the first few months of contracting with an Oklahoma City outpatient surgery center that bundles all the costs of a procedure into a single price and posts them online, KOKH-TV reported. Article
> A prominent Maine physician and state senator argues in the Bangor Daily News that price transparency will contain healthcare costs and believes a bill pending in the state's legislature is an important first step. Article
Provider News
> In an effort to reduce overcrowded emergency departments, many hospitals look to shift patients who don't have critical or life-threatening conditions to more appropriate care settings. One Massachusetts hospital's recent partnership with an urgent care center shows promise that other hospitals and health systems may want to consider. Article
Healthcare IT News
> The definition of population health management (PHM) differs depending on whom you talk to. But the lines are blurring between PHM and financial management, according to a blog post at Chilmark Research. Quality and care management groups might have a different definition than those dedicated to financial and risk management. But the financial tools can help healthcare organizations better manage population risk, it says. Article
And finally...VA hospital fines man $525 for refilling his soda. Article