News From Around the Web:
> Four more insurers, including a UnitedHealth subsidiary, want to join Washington's state-based exchange. The eight insurers that already sold plans last year on the exchange plan to return, bringing the total to 12 insurers offering policies for the next enrollment period, the Seattle Times reported. Article
> California officials focused on enrollment for its state-based exchange at the sake of Medicaid enrollment, a decision that largely caused about 900,000 backlogged Medi-Cal applications, reported the California Health Report. Article
> Anthem Blue Cross in California has launched a neighborhood pharmacy network for Medicaid members in 10 counties. The goal is to provide Anthem's low-income members with a choice between local and big chain pharmacies, the Sacramento Business Journal reported. Article
Health Provider News:
> Although hospitals and health systems continue to forge ahead with mergers and acquisitions, most of these partnerships will fail if history is any indicator. Article
> Seventy-five percent of doctors think their contemporaries order at least one unnecessary test or procedure a week, according to a new survey from Choosing Wisely. Article
Health IT News:
> When it comes to delays to ICD-10 implementation, healthcare providers feel like they're crouched at the starting line waiting for a firing gun that never goes off. Article
> Telemedicine can not only enhance healthcare delivery to key populations, but also improve the economic health of the community. Article
And Finally... Add an initial to seem smarter. Article