News From Around the Web
> The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has signed a new contract with public relations firm Weber Shandwick to help promote the health insurance exchanges (HIEs). Weber will use various communications tactics, with an emphasis on paid media and digital outreach, reported The Hill's Healthwatch. Article
> The D.C. Chartered Health Plan, which will soon be out of operation, owes providers, hospitals and clinics a combined $85 million, including about $60 million in Medicaid claims that it hasn't paid and another $25 million in litigation costs, The Washington Post reported. Article
> Aetna introduced a new product that offers administrative support to its mid-sized employers. Under the plan, Aetna will provide benefits directly to employees while assuming the financial risk for their claims, according to Insurance Business Review. Article
Health Provider News
> Healthcare organizations trying to recruit physician leaders will have to offer more than top dollar to attract top talent. Article
> When medical centers use an interdisciplinary model of care tailored to elderly patients, they can reduce costs and improve care of elderly patients while hospitalized. Article
Health IT News
> Technology and social media played a critical role as hospitals coordinated care in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. Several hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Tufts Medical Center, used Twitter to update the public about everything from patient counts to reported suspicious activity. Children's Hospital Boston also posted advice for talking to children after tragedies on its pediatric health blog. Article
> The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is examining how HIPAA regulations could prevent states from reporting dangerous mental patients to a database used in background checks. Article
And Finally… Your personality defined--through your sneeze? Article