Healthcare startups on the rise; Nurses union rails against 'unproven' medical technology;

News From Around the Web

> Since implementation of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare software startups have been more prominent, notes the Wall Street Journal. As health communications continue to attract investors, startups rely on venture capitalists--certain companies raised $237.5 million in Q1 of 2013. Article

> $11 billion is going toward overhauling the Pentagon's electronic health records system, reports Politico. The system--which covers nearly 10 million active duty and retired members of the armed forces and their dependents--will test the administration, especially after the disastrous launch of HealthCare.gov last fall. Article

> The Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights expects to send up to 1,200 pre-audit surveys to randomly selected organizations in the near future, according to HealthData Management. The survey hopes to identify the size, complexity and fitness of a respondent for an audit. Article

> National Nurses United has launched a campaign against what they call the risks of unproven medical technology and a lack of standardized care in the healthcare system, citing "an unchecked proliferation of unproven medical technology and sharp erosion of care standards [that] are rapidly spreading through the healthcare system." Announcement

Provider News

> South Carolina nurses have their work cut out for them. The state's hospitals aim to meet the Institute of Medicine's recommendation that 80 percent of direct care nurses hold bachelor degrees by 2020, according to TheState.com. Article

> It's a time of great uncertainty for hospitals and other healthcare providers. Senior leaders face many challenges in the wake of the Affordable Care Act,readmission penalties and financial shortfalls. Effective leadership is essential during this time of transition. To help healthcare CEOs successfully lead their organizations, FierceHealthcare offers three proven leadership strategies. Article

Medical Imaging News

> Research published this month in Health Affairs demonstrates the value that the implementation of electronic health records can bring to patient care when it comes to the radiological practice. Article

And Finally... Why can't these researchers leave well enough alone? Article