> Bariatric surgery risk varies across hospitals, according to a new report from HealthGrades. Reducing in-hospital complication rates for such procedures will be important, given research projecting four in 10 Americans will be obese in 20 years. Report (.pdf)
> Hospitals in Arkansas contributed $10.3 billion to the economy in 2010, according to a new report by the Arkansas Hospital Association. The hospitals spent $2.67 billion on goods and services, while roughly $250,000,000 went toward infrastructure. Report
> The Missouri Supreme Court yesterday overturned a state law that caps noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases at $350,000, Medscape Today reported. The ruling determined that the law infringed on a person's right to trial by jury, particularly the right to have a jury set damages. Article
> Adding to the growing list of provider-payer accountable care organizations, Minnesota-based Park Nicollet Health Services and nonprofit payer Medica are launching an ACO, effective Nov. 1. Statement
> To shorten wait times and enhance ER efficiencies, Maine's Aroostook Medical Center expanded availability of family nurse practitioners and physician assistants during the busiest times of day, among other changes, reported the Bangor Daily News. Article
And Finally… This mom goes the extra mile to help her kids succeed in school. Article