News From Around the Web:
> Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini announced Tuesday that the insurer has completed its $5.7 billion acquisition of Coventry Health Care. Bertolini said adding Coventry supports Aetna's growth strategy, reported the Hartford Business Journal. Article
> A new law passed in Montana allows state insurance regulators to review premium increases submitted by insurers and determine whether the hikes are fair, KULR reported. Article
> Breast cancer patients are increasingly undergoing breast reconstruction surgery after a 1998 federal law required that insurers cover the procedure, according to Reuters. Article
Health Provider News:
> Hospitals should consider implementing standardized clinical assessment and management plans to reduce variation and improve care, according to a new study in Health Affairs. Article
> Successful payment reform hinges upon Medicare and Medicaid providing stronger incentives for doctors plus even stronger incentives to discourage nonparticipation, the Center for Studying Health System Change wrote in an analysis. Article
Health IT News:
> The biggest health IT challenges and barriers revolve around the viability and security of mobile devices. Article
> The best way to train surgeons for robotic surgery is to incorporate varied teaching methods, including virtual reality, inanimate tasks and in vivo training. Article
And Finally… Go ahead and try that binky. Article