News From Around the Web
> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana plans to offer members the ability to consult with doctors via mobile devices, reported The Advocate. This telehealth benefit is debuting as part of the Quality Blue Primary Care plan, which aims to prevent patient readmissions. Article
> Researchers have developed a new stroke prediction tool using information pulled from Kaiser Permanente's electronic health system, the health system announced this week. The model provides more accurate guidance for physicians making therapeutic decisions for stroke prevention. Announcement
Provider News
> With healthcare reform adding millions of people to insurance rolls, New York doctors fear the federal overhaul will overwhelm primary care physicians. In New York, 2.7 million people lack insurance and 615,000 individuals and 450,000 small-business employees will get coverage through its health insurance exchange in 2014, according to New York Department of Health data. Article
> Ten hospitals have sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi for allegedly shortchanging them by more than $13 million by improperly reduced inpatient payments for a variety of services. The suit, which seeks to recover the money the hospitals claim they've been underpaid, contends that Blue Cross Blue Shield reduced its inpatient payments to the Health Management Associates-owned hospitals by rewording parts of the policy manual to reflect changes instead of actually negotiating any payment adjustments with the hospitals. Article
And Finally… I am in the market for a new boat. Article