> About one-third of older adults enrolled in a skilled nursing facility for end-of-life care under the posthospitalization benefit, according to a report published online in Archives of Internal Medicine. The findings suggest financial issues may lead dying patients to use SNFs over hospice services. Announcement
> Fall hunting season means hospitals can expect errant gunshots, heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones that send hunters to the hospital, according to Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic. Announcement
> The obesity epidemic will lead to more bariatric surgery procedures, according to a paper in the October issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The authors note surgeons need to understand the potential benefits and medical risks of patients undergoing such procedures. Statement
> If the Affordable Care Act gets repealed, the number of uninsured individuals will increase in every state and to 72 million nationwide by 2022, according to new estimates from the Commonwealth Fund. Report
And Finally… Who needs a pony when you can ride an endangered animal? Article