News From Around the Web:
> California's health insurance exchange will be ready for a full launch on Oct. 1, despite concerns last month that it might need to issue a soft launch due to technical glitches, Reuters reported. Article
> UnitedHealth has recalled its Picis ED PulseCheck software used by hospital emergency departments in more than 20 states. An error in some of the software versions caused doctor's notes about patient prescriptions to be erased from patient files, Bloomberg reported. Article
> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has launched an accountable care alliance with two hospital systems, New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Wilmington Health, the insurer announced. Based on the accountable care organization model, BCBSNC's alliance focuses on achieving quality of care, patient satisfaction, access to care and affordability. Statement
Health Provider News:
> Nurse practitioners are asking the Obama administration to require insurers to credential them so they can practice independently of primary care physicians' offices. Article
> Nearly one in five older adults who have common operations on their hearts, hips, backs, colons and major blood vessels will end up in the emergency room within a month of their hospital stay, a new study shows. Article
Health IT News:
> U.S. consumers spend roughly 52 hours a year, or one hour per week, searching online for health information, according to a new survey. Article
> The top 20 most popular health, wellness and fitness apps, including WebMD Health, actively share user data with as many as 70 third-party companies. But WebMD denied that any information shared with third parties is personally identifiable. Article
And Finally... Anyone can get injured on a soccer field. Article