Obama visit to Phoenix VA highlights remaining work needed to improve care for veterans; U.S. spends more on cancer without reducing deaths;

News From Around the Web

> Although the Department of Veterans Affairs has made progress in fixing the problems highlighted during last year's scandal that uncovered secret waitlists to hide delays in care, President Barack Obama's visit to the Phoenix facility where it began indicated there is more work needed to improve care, the Washington Post reports. Article

> Although spending on cancer care in the U.S. is on the rise compared to that of Western Europe, there has been no corresponding drop in mortality, according to a study in Health Affairs. Study abstract

> Victoria, Texas-based Citizens Medical Center's physicians want to oust CEO Stephen Thames, arguing his leadership hurts staff morale and care quality, according to the Victoria Advocate. Article

Health IT News

> At Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama, Chief Information Officer Mark Kilborn has a lot to juggle--from cybersecurity to Meaningful Use attestation. But despite all of the 252-bed acute care hospital's projects, Kilborn cites the passion of his staff in helping patients as vital to the facility's success.  Article

Payer News

> The ongoing shift in the way consumers interact with health insurance companies forces payers to treat them as members first and patients second. Article

And Finally… Surprise baby shower. Article