News From Around the Web:
> Massachusetts officials have started implementing workarounds to ensure residents have access to coverage between federal and state health insurance exchanges, the Associated Press reported. Article
> Maine lawmakers consider requiring private insurers to cover autism treatment for children, according to the Associated Press. Article
> A programming error with Maryland's health exchange sent Medicaid enrollment packets, including names, dates of birth and Medicaid ID numbers, for as many as 1,078 customers to the wrong addresses, the Baltimore Sun reported. Article
> When insurers implemented pay-for-performance programs, providers improved quality performance measures by 26 percent while reducing medical costs by $11.5 million within a six-month period, according to a Highmark study, reported the Pittsburgh Business Times. Article
Health Provider News:
> Uninsured patients and women are much less likely to undergo interhospital transfer, according to a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Article
> Wisconsin hospitals cut healthcare costs by more than $45 million through a special project aimed at reducing readmissions and controlling surgery-related infections. Article
Health IT News:
> Patient participation in health information exchange efforts would go a long way toward improving quality and safety efforts, according to an executive at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. Article
> Telemedicine isn't the best option for palliative care, though patients do have a positive attitude toward using it, a new study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health finds. Article
And Finally... They won't speak English at this Quebec hospital. Article