News From Around the Web
> A woman's identity was stolen after a photo posted to the University of Arizona Medical Center's Facebook account inadvertently revealed her personal information, the Green Valley News and Sun reported. The background of the photo--posted on June 9, but taken down after only 30 minutes--contained a computer screen that displayed the woman's information. The woman filed a police report after receiving a call from the state's Department of Economic Security informing her that her information had been used to try to qualify for food stamps. Article
> Surescripts announced an expansion of its clinical network this week, connecting electronic health record vendors Meditech and Vitera Healthcare Solutions. The move allows providers "to share information with community partners" and "provides a clear path to meet regulatory requirements," according to Surescripts CEO Harry Totonis. Announcement
Provider News
> Patients are far more at risk for complications or death at hospitals receiving low Healthgrades ratings, according to a new report from the Denver-based researcher. Based on three years of Medicare outcomes data for 40 million patient records, the report found that patients are statistically far more likely to die or experience complications in hospitals that received one star from Healthgrades than those that received five stars, even in hospitals within the same community. Article
> The proportion of Americans with heart disease will both increase and live longer, increasing healthcare costs, according to an October study in Health Affairs. In recent decades, some heart disease risk factors, such as smoking rates, have dropped, while treatment rates have increased. However, other risk factors have increased in the same period, including average body mass index and diabetes rates, according to the study. Article
Health Finance News
> As the Affordable Care Act begins its massive rollout in the coming months, there is a debate over what the final financial verdict will be for hospitals, reported USA Today. But providers are focused on patient volume above all. And while hospital executives are aware of the fact they will receive more money for the quality of care, it's unclear how they will handle the millions of new insured patients who enroll through Medicaid and state insurance exchanges. Article
And Finally... There's something fishy about this. Article