> Patients had longer lengths of stay under the care of seasoned physicians, compared to younger physicians who may recertify more often, according to a study abstract in the American Journal of Medicine, reports Reuters. Article
> Healthcare spending grew at an annual rate of 4.7 percent in the first four months of 2011, according to a report by the Altarum Institute's Center for Sustainable Health Spending. Any sharper increases in the next few months might be cause for concern, according to researchers. Press Release
> Faith-based rules following a hospital merger between University Hospital in Kentucky with Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare and Lexington-based St. Joseph Health System, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, will ban tubal ligations at the merged institutions, reports the Courier-Journal. Article
> Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas in San Diego on Saturday temporarily closed its emergency department after a radiation scare, reports NBC San Diego. Article
> Nearly 200 patients were transferred to a new $636-million facility at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. More than 600 medical staff trained for months for preparing to move each patient, reports the Los Angeles Times. Article
And Finally... Health insurance status is more attractive to potential mates than lingerie. Article