News From Around the Web:
> Humana is acquiring American Eldercare Inc., the largest provider of nursing home diversion services in Florida. The company has contracts with the state to provide long-term care for Medicaid seniors. Announcement
> Republican leaders increasingly are urging GOP leaders are trying to defund the healthcare reform law. In a letter to Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), 12 Republican senators said they wouldn't support a government funding bill if it provides funds for the law, reported The Hill's Healthwatch. Article
> The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved Kaiser Permanente's 5.25 percent rate hike for more than 45,000 public employees, even though the insurer wouldn't justify the premium increase, the Los Angeles Times reported. Article
Health Provider News:
> A new Institute of Medicine report says tying Medicare payment rates to the benefits and costs of care in geographic regions would be "impractical." Article
> Call volume to doctor offices has increased 25 percent to 50 percent since 2008, with most of the callers seeking diagnosis or other free medical advice. Article
Health IT News:
> A Milwaukee-based community health center has sued its former electronic health record vendor to restore access to its own EHR system. Article
> Spending on clinical mobility could reach $5.4 billion by 2016, according to an announcement about a new IDC Health Insights report. Article
And Finally... This lizard literally sees red. Article