News From Around the Web:
> A Goldman Sachs analyst predicted the proposed Medicare Advantage cuts could result in insurers losing as much as 10 percent of their earnings per share next year, reported the Associated Press. Article
> Officials in charge of California's health insurance exchange are facing opposition over their plan to partner with Wal-Mart, the Los Angeles Times reported. Article
> Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa is launching a new accountable care organization with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa that focuses on coordinated care, according to Cedar Valley Business. Article
> Maine has granted a license to its first cooperative health plan, which will be operated by the Maine Community Health Options, reported the Morning Sentinel. Article
Health Provider News:
> Federal investigators say Littleton Adventist Hospital failed to properly screen patients for psychiatric problems in its emergency room and may have sent some of them to jail, detox or other medical facilities. Article
> In the wake of African-American nurses suing their hospital employer for acquiescing to a father's demand to ban black caregivers from treating his baby, the little-discussed "open secret" in medicine is drawing more attention. Article
Health IT News:
> Consumers are growing more comfortable with virtual doctor visits, with 70 percent of U.S. patients open to the idea, according a global survey by technology vendor Cisco. Article
> Home monitoring can help lower blood pressure, according to a study by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Colorado in Denver. Article
And Finally… Chew something to react faster. Article