News From Around the Web
> Blue Shield of California may lose its exclusive contract with the state's public employees' retirement system, which is considering replacing the insurer with up to four health plans, according to the Los Angeles Times. Article
> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is adding at least 200 new jobs in Columbus to help support its members as the reform law is implemented, WTVM reported. Article
> Vermont Business Magazine named Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont as the best employer to work for among large companies in the state, the insurer announced last week. Announcement
Health Provider News
> Patients often fail to take medications as directed because of high drug costs, thereby preventing doctors from successfully treating the patients' conditions. Article
> Early elective deliveries plunged 83 percent in one year at a group of hospitals that implemented policies guiding when labor should be induced or cesarean sections performed. Article
> Hospitals can save more than $1.5 million each year by using surgical complication prevention. Article
Health IT News
> Telehealth can increase patient adherence to hypertension treatment and helps improve communication among many different types of doctors involved in patients' care. Article
> Text messaging prompts didn't help compel influenza vaccination rates among a low-income, urban, ambulatory obstetric population. Article
And Finally… I don't just taste flavors, I see them. Article