News From Around the Web
> While teleretinal screening can be accurate, its use could cause a heavy influx of patients for ophthalmologists, causing "measurable resource burdens," according to research recently published in JAMA Ophthalmology. Abstract
> Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center last Friday notified 1,801 patients that their protected health information may have been accessed by an employee using his personal computer. The employee also used a removable storage device and personal email account in accessing the information. Announcement
Provider News
> An internal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) audit reveals that more than 57,000 vets are still waiting for care 90 days after requesting an appointment. The VA released the findings of its nationwide access audit today in the wake of allegations of secret waitlists to cover up the fact that thousands of veterans at a Phoenix medical center waited months for care. Article
> Medication errors contribute to more than 7,000 deaths a year nationwide but one hospital has found a way to reduce those mistakes: it added pharmacists to the emergency department (ED) staff. Article
Health Insurance News
> Michigan health benefit costs are growing at an average of 7 percent after plan changes, which is up from 4 percent in 2013 and above national projections of 5.2 percent, according to a survey released today by McGraw Wentworth. The survey looked at 453 Southeast Michigan-based organizations with 100-10,000 employees and found an increase in consumer-driven health plans--38 percent in 2014, an increase of 9 percent from 2013. Post
And Finally... A predictable outcome. Article