News From Around the Web
> The use of an ambulance that contains a CT scanner--as well as a point-of-care laboratory, a telemedicine connection and a special prehospital stroke team--was able to decrease the time to treatment for ischemic stroke victims, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Announcement
> Imaging coronary arteries with CT angiography can help accurately assess arterial plaque and dramatically impact the management of diabetic patients with high risks of experiencing cardiovascular events or heart attacks, according to research published in Radiology. "Coronary plaque volume index by CCTA is not only clinically feasible and reproducible in patients with diabetes," said David A. Bluemke from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. "It provides a more complete picture of the coronary arteries that could be routinely applied in at-risk patients." Announcement
Provider News
> A Virginia man is suing a Maryland-based anesthesia provider claiming he was defamed and suffered emotional distress as a result of insulting comments that were aimed at him while he was unconscious during a colonoscopy. According to the suit, the defendant's cell phone allegedly captured two doctors making fun of him as soon as he was rendered unconscious. Article
Health IT News
> The FBI has issued two warnings this month that healthcare organization systems, including medical devices, could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. "The healthcare industry is not as resilient to cyber intrusions compared to the financial and retail sectors, therefore the possibility of increased cyber intrusions is likely," it said in a "private industry notice," or PIN, issued April 8. Article
Health Finance News
> Hospitals spent $41.3 billion between January and November 2011 to treat patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge,according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Article
And Finally... If it quacks like a duck ... Article