News From Around the Web
> Ceci Connelly, the managing director of PwC's Health Research Institute, will be the next president and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans. She will succeed Patricia Smith, who will retire at the end of the year. Announcement
> At the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' fall national meeting Nov. 21, a representative from California Health Advocates will brief NAIC's Consumer Liaison Committee on Medicare eligibility transition issues that have come up in recent years, LifeHealthPro reports. Article
> The proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services has backed Anthem's proposed merger with Cigna, recommending that its shareholders approve issuing Anthem's stock as part of the deal, according to the Associated Press. Article
Practice Management News
> Despite lobbying through initiatives such as Choosing Wisely, unnecessary tests and procedures continue to drive up overall healthcare costs in the United States. A part of the problem lies in our reliance on physicians to balance both high-quality, high-value care with their patients' expectations and satisfaction, according to a policy paper published in the American Journal of Managed Care. Article
Health Finance News
> Chief financial officers seem poised to continue capital expenditures as there are few economic headwinds ahead, according to a new survey by TD Bank. It queried 300 CFOs across all professions on the East Coast, including those in the healthcare sector. Article
And finally… Even jolly old Saint Nick charges a consulting fee. Article