Seven of New York City's 25 largest hospitals reported decreases in operating expenses; Florida lawmakers block Medicaid expansion while receiving generous tax-subsidized healthcare benefits;

News From Around The Web

> Seven of New York City's 25 largest hospitals reported a drop in operating expenses between 2013 and 2014, Crain's New York Business has reported. Article

> Operating income among Pennsylvania's 170 hospitals dropped about 5 percent in 2014 as expenses rose, according to Healthcare Finance News. Article

Provider News

> Improving patient satisfaction scores is a top priority in healthcare, but this focus could hurt care quality improvement efforts, according to a paper from the Hastings Center. Although patient satisfaction is an important aspect of care, especially as a consequence of respectful treatment, use of satisfaction surveys can have troubling effects on care delivery, write Alexandra Junewicz and Stuart J. Youngner. Article

Health Payer News

> Florida lawmakers once again rejected expanding Medicaid in their state. Opponents of the bill--which was passed by the state's Senate last week--claimed the plan was an example of federal overreach, too expensive and a direct offspring of the controversial Affordable Care Act. Article

Healthcare IT News

> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services final rule on Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations, published late last week, finalizes a proposal that calls on ACOs to describe in their applications how they will promote the use of health IT to boost care coordination. Article

And finally...Argentinean province requires clowns be available at public hospitals. Article