> Patients cut back on prescription drugs and doctor visits last year, according to a report from IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, reported The New York Times. The findings suggest many Americans still are unable to pay for healthcare services. Article
> Seattle Children's Hospital has named Lisa Brandenburg as president, effective immediately, while California's Daughters of Charity Health System and Seton Medical Center have named James Schuessler as interim president and CEO, effective April 9.
> The growing Massachusetts hospital chain Steward Health Care System gets bigger with plans to acquire New England Sinai Hospital, reported The Patriot Ledger. The for-profit chain will invest $40 million into the 212-bed hospital. Article
> Children with moderate or severe asthma attacks who had early triage treatment in the emergency department were 16 percent less likely to be admitted to the hospital, according to a Canada-based study. Press release
> Mayo Clinic study finds patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation after having percutaneous coronary intervention have a 45 percent lower mortality rate, according to research recently published the results in Circulation. Abstract
And Finally... World's oldest practicing doctor dies at 114. Article