> Uninsured patients are discharged faster than those with private insurance or Medicaid--regardless of the medical condition, Reuters reports. According to the researchers, the findings suggest that either uninsured patients are more likely to be discharged "prematurely" or hospitals keep insured patients longer than needed because their payments are covered. Article
> Malpractice lawsuits can result in some harmful personal consequences for U.S. surgeons, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Researchers found that malpractice litigation was strongly linked to depression, career burnout, and professional dissatisfaction. Study abstract
> Hospitals don't necessarily see improved cardiac arrest survival from using automated defibrillators, reports The Washington Post. However, some doctors now say costly device may not be as effective in the hospital setting. Article
> New research finds that patients undergoing heart procedures do just as well at smaller hospitals, reports USA Today. The findings could redirect angioplasty patients away from larger (and oftentimes far-away) care facilities to community hospitals. Article
> Thanks to a fraudulent investment adviser, Sentara Healthcare executives lost their retirement plans, according to the Associated Press. Although Sentara lost $7.6 million in a retirement fund, the hospital said it is still legally obligated to honor the benefits. Article
And Finally... Squirrel knocks out hospital power. Article