News From Around the Web:
> Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) have introduced legislation to repeal the reform law's tax on health insurance companies, according to the Wyoming Business Report. They fear insurers will pass the tax costs onto consumers by raising premiums and cutting jobs. Article
> Humana has hired former Bloomin' Brands executive Jody Bilney to become its new senior vice president and chief consumer officer, reported Business First. Article
> UnitedHealth will add about 230 new employees in Colorado to help it administer a $20.5 billion contract with Tricare West, the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal reported. Article
Health Provider News:
> Understaffed neonatal intensive care units (NICU) lead to higher infection rates. Article
> Hospitals are considering setting up medical homes to provide homeless and uninsured patients services to help reduce their use of expensive emergency department care. Article
Health IT News:
> An Internet-based program that provided tailored feedback on multiple occasions to smokers trying to quit proved to be more cost effective than usual care that includes nurse interventions. Article
> Google's latest invention--new voice-activated "augmented reality" glasses--may yield important mobile healthcare applications for both consumers and medical professionals alike. Article
And Finally… No more body spray for you. Article