News From Around the Web
> Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System and Temple-based Scott & White Healthcare have signed a letter of intent to merge, both systems announced Friday. The $7.7 billion organization will become the largest nonprofit integrated delivery system in Texas and possibly in the Southwest. Announcement
> Overall substance abuse treatment admissions of people ages 12 and older rose 4 percent to 1.82 million, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Statement
> The LSU Board of Supervisors on Friday unanimously approved plans to turn over the operations of public hospitals to private operators, the Monroe News Star reported. The privatization plan will help the LSU hospitals avoid severe budget cutbacks. Article
Health IT News
> A California chiropractor and his diagnostic imaging company must pay more than $7 million for attempting to defraud the Allstate Insurance Company. Article
Health Insurance News
> Health insurers are in for a roller coaster ride as they prepare for the fragmented regulatory landscape of different rules for each state-run health insurance exchange. Article
And Finally… Why your belly button isn't as cute as you think. Article