News From Around The Web
> Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) has signed a bill redefining oral cancer drugs as medical rather than prescription treatments--a move that could save patients millions of dollars in out-of-pocket costs, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. Article
> Faced with an increasing number of frustrated patients, China now uses mobile apps to streamline how care is delivered and coordinated in hospitals, Forbes reported. Article
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has sent Louisiana additional questions regarding how it plans to finance privatizing its safety net hospitals, which one official termed as "routine," the Advocate reported. However, CMS earlier this year rejected the original financing plan. Article
Provider News
> Healthcare providers expect the industry shift to value-based contracts will negatively impact their organizations' bottom lines, according to a new survey by KPMG, LLP. Nearly one-third of the 240 representatives from hospitals, physician practices, health plans and pharmaceutical companies polled said they expect value-based contracts to hurt profits. More than 12 percent said operating income will likely fall 10 percent or more due to these agreements. Article
Healthcare IT News
> The Office for Civil Rights' crackdown on HIPAA violations over the past year will "pale in comparison" to the next 12 months, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services attorney recently told an American Bar Association conference. Article
And Finally...Sentinel event alert. Article