Indiana hospitals down $10M; HHS OIG may do RAC-like audits;

> Indiana hospitals will receive $10 million less to treat Medicaid patients under budget-cutting measures by that state's Family and Social Services administration. Agency officials say that Medicaid payments to doctors and "vital" social safety-net benefits will not be reduced. Article

> The HHS Office of the Inspector General's 2010 work plan has some items in it that could have a similar impact on hospitals to the RAC program. A bit scary, no? FierceHealthFinance

> According to health IT trade group HIMSS, healthcare organizations aren't prepared for the new HIPAA rules on privacy violations brought about the the stimulus act. It found that most organizations haven't thought through their security plans or budgeted for security improvements. FierceHealthIT

> The American Telemedicine Association has enlisted Vienna, Va., primary-care practice DocTalker Family Medicine in a pilot program to show how doctors can deliver care via telephone, email, Internet and video conferencing as alternatives to office visits in many instances. FierceHealthIT

And Finally... In honor of Veterans' Day, a story that will warm your heart...sort of...with a great punch line. Article