Physician shortage the 'perfect storm'; Hospital fountain leads to disease outbreak;

> A decorative fountain in the lobby of a Wisconsin hospital led to an outbreak of Legionnaires, reported The Washington Post. Although decorative water fountains and water walls can be soothing and calming, they also can pose dangers to patients and visitors in a healthcare setting. Article

> Dean Health is considering a close partnership with SSM Health Care, both in Madison, Wis., reported the Wisconsin State Journal. SSM and Dean already share ownership in Dean Health Plan and more than half of the Dean clinics in southern Wisconsin. Article

> Hospitals are trying a no-surgery option for some stabbing and shooting patients to cut back on unnecessary operations, prevent complications and ultimately save money, noted NPR's Shots blog. If doctors deem the patient okay to treat without surgery, a trained team monitors the patient while they heal. Blog post

> Healthcare blogger KevinMD explains why the physician shortage is the "perfect storm." Research last month concluded that the doctor shortage may not be as great as people feared. Blog post

> A woman who used fraudulent medical clinics and the stolen identities of physicians to defraud Medicare of more than $6.2 million will serve 60 months in prison, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced Monday. Carolyn Ann Vasquez also must pay $6.2 million in restitution. Press release

And Finally... "Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" viewers are deep. Press release