News From Around the Web
> The government shutdown has forced cancelation of Hospital Compare quality data updates, AHA News Now reports. The next scheduled update to the website data, including 30-day readmission and complication measures, is Dec. 12. "However, this date may be compromised if the shutdown is not resolved before the end of October," a notice on the QualityNet site states. Article
> Israeli engineering students from ORT Baurade College in Carmiel, Israel, have developed a computerized system to diagnose Parkinson's Disease, with 94 percent accuracy, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports."According to the students, the new system represents a significant change in how the disease is diagnosed, because for the first time it will allow uniform measurements by every doctor who treats Parkinson's," the article states. Article (registration required)
Provider News
> Prescription painkiller addiction--a deadly epidemic sweeping the United States in recent years--doesn't strike just patients, but often claims physician victims, as well. When researchers from the University of Florida asked participants in state physician health programs why they used the drugs--which they have easier access to than the general population--the most common reason cited was "self-medicating" for physical pain, depression, anxiety or stress in their personal or professional lives. Article
> Chalk another win up in the pay-for-quality column. Paying salaried physicians even small incentives tied to carefully structured metrics, priority setting, and clear communication can help change physicians' behavior in ways that drive quality and reduce physician stress, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. Article
> When it comes to CEO turnover, healthcare continues to outpace other industries, saying goodbye to the most chief executives so far this year, according to the latest report from outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Of the 949 CEO changes in 2013, healthcare leads with 195 departures. Thanks in part to changes under the Affordable Care Act, healthcare CEO departures hit a record high of 78 in the third quarter of 2013, with 26 changes in September alone. Article
And Finally... I'll bet all the kids' parents were thrilled. Article