News From Around the Web
> Aetna is launching a new transitional care program for its Medicare Advantage members in Texas discharged from certain hospitals and nursing homes in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston to their home, the San Antonio Business Journal reported. Article
> Pennsylvania will not expand Medicaid under the health reform law because it would require almost $1 billion in new tax increases, Gov. Tom Corbett told U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, according to The Hill's Healthwatch. Article
> Young and healthy consumers in the small group and individual markets could see their premiums soar by an average of 169 percent, according to a new survey from the American Action Forum. Survey (.pdf)
Provider News
> A new study shows that when patients have more knowledge, skills and confidence in managing their own medical care, they have better outcomes and fewer healthcare costs. Article
> Some hospitals are using an old-fashioned healthcare practice--house calls--to avoid new federal penalties for high readmission rates while cutting healthcare costs. Article
> Some physician practices are trying to increase access, efficiency and effectiveness of the care they provide by implementing shared medical appointments. Group appointments can work for all types of medical visits, including primary care and surgical consultations, and typically include about 10 patients suffering from similar conditions. Article
Health IT News
> Online healthcare delivery is yielding financial and clinical benefits as HealthPartners of Minnesota's online clinic, Virtuwell, reduced costs by an average of $88 per episode compared with traditional care. Article
And Finally… Wash, rinse and spin … the kitty? Article