News From Around the Web:
> Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina's request to raise rates by as much as 24 percent for reinstated plans has been approved by the state insurance department, reported the Charlotte Observer. Article
> Kaiser Permanente has opened a new retail store in Modesto, Calif., that offers iPads, personal computers and employees to help consumers shop for plans available on the state's health insurance exchange, reported the Merced Sun-Star. Article
> California's state-run online marketplace needs to do a better job at reaching out to Latino consumers. Covered California enrolled only 1,000 Spanish-speaking consumers in the first month, according to Kaiser Health News and McClatchy. Article
Health Provider News:
> Medicaid expansion under the reform law could exacerbate the looming doctor shortage, with many current practitioners unable to take on any more patients covered by the program. Article
> Healthcare organizations are moving forward with plans for value-based payments and population health management for the upcoming year, according to the Governance Institute's 2013 biennial survey. Article
Health IT News:
> Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have digitized 125 years' worth of weekly surveillance reports for reportable diseases. Article
> Thirty-four Chicago-area hospitals are set to exchange patient data as MetroChicago HIE launches early next year. Article
And Finally... Are chimps people? Article