News From Around the Web:
> Aetna has sued Patient Care Associates LLC, an ambulatory surgical center in New Jersey, for $10 million. The insurer claims the center engaged in a scheme to overcharge for services while forgoing copays and other out-of-pocket expenses for patients, reported the Hartford Courant. Article
> Legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott removes Florida regulators' ability to challenge health insurance rates for two years, the Associated Press reported. Article
Health Provider News:
> Consumers are open to physician assistants and nurse practitioners playing a greater role in healthcare delivery, according to a Health Affairs study. Article
> Although conversations about smoking cessation aren't common between doctors and patients, it's worthwhile for doctors to spend even just three to five minutes on personalized, clear advice to help patients quit smoking. Article
Health IT News:
> Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) plan to reintroduce legislation that calls for the development of a publicly accessible and searchable Medicare payment database. Article
> By 2017, there will be 1.4 billion mobile sensing health and fitness app downloads globally, with health apps increasing the fastest over the next five years. Article
And Finally… Garlic breath can help avoid a premature birth. Article