News From Around the Web
> Baptist Health is implementing a telehealth program to give new mothers real-time access to certified lactation consultants. For the program, nurses at Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia in Arkansas are using iPads to communicate with the consultants. The program is expected to extend to more hospitals by the end of 2014. Announcement
> In a commentary published to InformationWeek Healthcare, Deborah Graham, a senior programmer for a hospital system in Massachusetts, talks about why her hospital has chosen to halt all ICD-10 related activity until a firm date is set. Post
Provider News
> A gynecologist who secretly recorded thousands of women during pelvic exams using tiny hidden cameras in pens and key fobs cost Johns Hopkins Hospital $190 million in settlement claims--one of the largest on record involving sexual misconduct by a physician. Article
> Whistle-blowers who complained about delays in care, errors and poor-quality care were placed on leave or removed from clinical work, according to a report from the Project on Government Oversight watchdog group, based on complaints filed by nearly 800 current and former Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and veterans. Article
Health Insurance News
> During the troubled rollout of HealthCare.gov--which included glitches, delays and errors--the Obama administration hired technology company Quality Software Systems Inc. to rid the site of its problems. Yet because its sister company, UnitedHealthcare, sells plans on the marketplaces, many congressional Republicans are questioning the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services's decision to enlist help from the tech firm. Article
And Finally... I don't foresee this lawsuit getting very far. Article