News From Around the Web
> The Louisiana Clinical Data Research Network (LACDRN) recently was approved for a funding award by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to develop and expand a health data network that will be part of PCORnet: the National Patient-Centered National Clinical Research Network, according to an announcement. The LACDRN is one of 29 such networks that were approved nationwide for a total of approximately $93.5 million from PCORI last month. Announcement
> Cloud-based practice management vendor CloudCare and the University of Miami School of Businesses Administration announced a partnership to foster the healthcare information technology industry in South Florida, according to eWeek. The two organizations teamed up to launch CareCloud Scholars, a program that "helps graduate students to engage in, and provide insight into, South Florida's healthcare community in an effort to support its development as a hub for the industry." Article
Provider News
> Public frustration with HealthCare.gov continues after the government took steps last week to strengthen its security and replace the lead contractor responsible for the handling of the problem-plagued health reform website after the Oct. 1 launch. Article
> New Mexico is experiencing a primary-care provider (PCP) shortage, a serious issue as the state expects thousands of patients to enter into the state and federal health insurance exchanges, and a wave of physicians are set to retire, the Albuquerque Journal reported. Article
Health Insurance News
> As insurers prepare to compete in a new consumer-oriented healthcare market, they must deliver clarity early on in the consumer journey, according to a new survey by Siegel+Gale, sent via email to FierceHealthPayer. The survey involved 1,000 individuals covered by the five biggest health insurance brands, Kaiser Permanente, Humana, WellPoint, UnitedHealth and Cigna and found experiences related to clarity and ease of use have the greatest potential to affect customer satisfaction and loyalty. Article
And Finally... Who are you calling a pig? This one works out more than most. Article