News From Around the Web
> Self-serve kiosks have been touted as a unique and convenient advancement in healthcare technology, but some are concerned about privacy at Walmart and Sam's Club, which next month will deploy 2,500 such machines in stores throughout the U.S., according to iHealthBeat. Article
> In India, healthcare spending is set to hit $1.05 billion for IT products and services in 2013, with the majority of the money going toward IT staff salaries. ZDNet reports that in a statement today, research firm Gartner reported that healthcare providers in the country will increase their IT spending by 7 percent this year from 53 billion rupees ($977.6 million) to 57 billion rupees ($1.05 billion) in 2012. Article
Health Insurance News
> The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released a final rule outlining the specific essential health benefits that insurers must cover, regardless of whether they're selling plans through health insurance exchanges. Perhaps the biggest change in the rule, unveiled Wednesday, is that it requires insurers to expand their coverage of mental health and substance abuse services, including behavioral health treatment, HHS said in a statement. Article
Provider News
> As of January, there are 428 total accountable care organizations, including commercial and Medicare ACOs, in 49 states, Health Affairs reported. More than 250 ACOs participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program and cover up to 4 million Medicare beneficiaries. Article
And Finally... Well, this is awkward, guy in seat 6D. Article