> University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City and Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids are forming an accountable care organization, the system announced last week. The collaboration will better integrate care while allowing both organizations to remain independent. Press release
> Senators are pressuring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to speed up implementing payment disclosures rules for physicians and teaching hospitals, according to iHealthBeat. Last month, more than 90 physician organizations argued that proposed rules under the Physician Sunshine Act could unfairly harm physicians' careers. Article
> Erlanger Health System in Tennessee is laying off 3 percent of its workforce in its third round of cuts, reported the Times Free Press. The system expects its employee reduction plan to save up to $11 million a year. Article
> Community Health Systems President and CEO made more than $21.58 million in total compensation, up from the $20.96 million he made in 2010, according to information filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, the CEO and chairman of Universal Health Services saw his pay jump 27 percent last year, from $9.85 million in 2010 to $12.5 million in 2011, according to the SEC info.
And Finally... World's most honest passerby turns in $10K. Article