News From Around the Web
> Researchers are tapping virtual reality technology to help understand falls in patients with glaucoma. In the study, published in Ophthalmology, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, used virtual reality goggles to measure balance and movement of patients. They found that those with glaucoma adjusted their balance 30-40 percent more than those without the disease. Announcement
> Pediatricians are turning to text messaging to help remind parents to vaccinate their children. At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, parents of babies born at the facility may choose to receive text reminders the week before a vaccination appointment, according to the school. "The most common reason [for missed appointments] is parents don't have information or forget when their children's vaccinations are due," Akshay Sharma, principle investigator of the research and a pediatric resident at Kentucky Children's Hospital, said in an announcement. Article
Provider News
> While providers and industry groups hailed Tuesday's long-awaited repeal of the controversial Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, some doctors who treat Medicare patients will still see the 21 percent reimbursement cuts that the Senate's last-minute vote was intended to avoid. Article
> In their first year, Medicare's Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) generated moderate spending reductions, with greater savings for ACOs that started out spending more, but the model may hurt future efforts to save money, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Article
Health Insurance News
> Two heavy hitters in the healthcare industry--UnitedHealth and Mayo Clinic--are partnering on revenue management to boost patient experiences and lower costs. UnitedHealth's Optum360 unit and Mayo Clinic are aiming to improve their interactions. The two companies will also streamline the prior authorization process, enhance claims editing functions and simplify administrative billing. Article
And Finally... Cutest nurse ever. Article