MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'contracts'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:12:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139699&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6BxVK7muBgc%2F By David BoazPresident Obama says that we are a  ”generous and compassionate” country and that “through government, we should do together what we cannot do as well for ourselves.” And to fulfill that “progressive vision,” he’s going to work on “making government smarter, and leaner and more effective. ” Today, under the rubric “Breakaway Wealth/Reaping Riches from Federal Spending,” the Washington Post gives us a front-page picture of where a lot of those generous and compassionate federal dollars actually go: Millions of dollars worth of federal contracts transformed Anita Talwar from a government accounting clerk into a wealthy woman—one who can afford a $2.8 million home in the Washington suburbs with its own elevato... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139699 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:08:13 +0100 5139699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096350&cid=t_156532_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F26606790%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EStronger-Contracts-Less-Trust.htm Business agreements are usually secured by written agreements that define the obligations of the parties and state what happens under various conditions. Having been party to a few business deals launched based mostly on enthusiasm and trust, I can certainly vouch for the importance of such agreements. Not everyone relies entirely on extensive documentation, though [...] CommentsGreat point, Roger. I really like this post. (Where are the ... by Ben MillerI think that in the world of business there is no place for ... by Jina ManRelated StoriesThe Upside of Irrationality by Dan ArielySecrets of the Moneylab by Kay-Yut ChenSands Research Targets 1.3 Billion Brains (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096350 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:46:04 +0100 5096350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062324&cid=t_156532_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Ftop-5-ehr-contract-pitfalls-identified-guest-post%2F The decisions don’t end after deciding on an EHR system for your medical practice. An EHR contract is an important and legally binding document, and it’s absolutely essential to consider every line of fine print before accepting the terms. O’Toole Law Group founder William O’Toole strongly believes that contract terms should be one of the top criteria in the EHR selection process. Consulting with a lawyer before you sign is the best way to avoid difficult and expensive problems in the future. The following five issues arise frequently in EMR/EHR contracts, which are being rushed to execution by many practices that are aiming to qualify for federal funding under ARRA/HITECH. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it aims to shed light on a few of the most frequent contract issu... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062324 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:21:58 +0100 5062324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028545&cid=t_156532_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2Fx2jHPP4ONKE%2F I can’t remember exactly where I saw someone talk about the “WIIFM” (What’s in it for Me) principle, but it really is an important principle that when understood can have an amazing impact for good. This post isn’t about whether you should live a life asking WIIFM. I’ll leave that question to people much smarter than me. Instead, I want to look at how applying the WIIFM principle to others can help those working on a successful EHR implementation. In most cases I’m talking about, the WIIFM should be changed to “What’s in it for Them?” Understanding the answer to this question can help you as an EMR consultant, an EMR vendor or even a practice manager or doctor that’s trying to work through an EMR implementation. One of the f... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028545 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:48:02 +0100 5028545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775351&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fperils-of-physicians-practicing-as.html A seriously chilling cautionary tale corroborated some of my previously expressed fears about the perils of physicians practicing as corporate employees.  It unlikely venue was the April 25, 2011 issue of Medical Economics.  The article, not yet on the web, was "Selling to a Corporation Poses Challenges," by Todd R C Neely.Here is how the case started:A start-up company with a new medical treatment became a publicly traded corporation. The company's top managers were not physicians; they were finance and business experts familiar with the ways of Wall Street.To meet the corporation's goals and Wall Street expectations, the company used stock sale proceeds to aggressively market itself to doctors and buy established physician practices around the country. It quickly captured ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775351 Mon, 02 May 2011 19:54:00 +0100 4775351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565865&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fcogs-in-corporate-machine-more-on.html This article underscores my previously expressed fears about how making physicians into corporate employees may remove the last barriers preventing patients from becoming corporate financial cannon fodder.  Physicians' most central professional value is to put patients' interests first.  Practicing physicians who practice as corporate employees are at risk of being pressured, or even threatened under the cover of contract enforcement to put their corporate employers' revenues ahead of patients' interests.  Physicians should not let their patients, and their own values be so threatened.  Physicians who have inadvertently, foolishly, or under duress signed contracts that could threaten their professionalism and their patients' welfare need to do the ri... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565865 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:01:00 +0100 4565865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489675&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foutpatient-cardiology-services-and-an-out-for-hospitals%2F2011.02.16 It’s no surprise that hospitals are acquiring cardiology and primary care groups groups in droves lately. It seems there’s a signficant financial incentive to do so for now, but doctors (and especially cardiologists) should read the tea leaves ahead. From Becker’s Hospital Review: While hospitals are limited to paying fair market value for practices, they can gain an edge over competing hospitals by offering longer employment contract terms or better electronic medical record systems and management services. If hospitals move forward with a transaction, Ms. Kaplan suggests they limit employment contracts to no more than two years if possible and rebase compensation annually based on productivity. “In healthcare you shouldn’t assume anything is permanent,&#8221... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489675 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4489675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203200&cid=t_156532_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fcomplaints-of-emr-documentation-arent-completely-the-emr-vendors-fault%2F One of the biggest complaints surrounding the implementation of an EMR is the way the EMR software handles the documentation method. Beyond just the learning curve, there are plenty of EMR software that have a terrible user experience. While I don’t want to totally let EMR vendors off the hook, I do think it’s worth noting that EMR vendors aren’t completely to blame for the unwieldy interfaces. I believe one of the biggest reasons that the EMR documentation interfaces are so terrible is thanks to the crazy insurance billing and documentation requirements. Seriously, it’s a total mess. Everyone that’s involved with insurance billing in healthcare knows what I’m talking about. Trying to code an application that’s easy to use, works well for the docto... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203200 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:28:28 +0100 4203200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833422&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgagging-orders-for-doctors%2F2010.08.07 From the article “Millions spent on doctor ‘gagging orders’ by NHS, investigation finds” in the “Health & Families” section of The Independent in London: Hospital doctors who quit their jobs are being routinely forced to sign “gagging orders” despite legislation designed to protect NHS whistleblowers, it is revealed today. Millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money are being spent on contracts that deter doctors from speaking out about incompetence and mistakes in patient care. Wow. I’m not being snarky here — I really have no idea: Does this happen in the U.S? *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833422 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 22:00:34 +0100 3833422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790658&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fstifling-whistle-blowers-old-and-new.html Discussions with my colleagues suggest that the problem is not limited to one pharmaceutical company ....We and many others have frequently discussed the conflicts of interest that may be generated by physicians or health care academics having financial relationships with industry. The Institute of Medicine's definition of conflict of interest (in a health care context) found in its report, Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice, is:Conflicts of interest are defined as circumstances that create a risk that professional judgments or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest. Primary interests include promoting and protecting the integrity of research, the quality of medical education, and the welfare of patients. Second... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790658 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:55:00 +0100 3790658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662671&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkeeping-patients-quiet%2F2010.06.14 Some things are just part of the problem in healthcare. The company Medical Justice is one such thing. I’ve written about them before. Medical Justice sees the medical malpractice crisis and devised a solution: Muzzle the patients. It’s as misguided as it is ridiculous. Medical Justice says doctors need to stop their patients from saying bad things about them. They charge doctors hundreds — even thousands — of dollars a year to help do this. Under one of their programs, they give doctors contracts to use with their patients. The doctor tells the patient that they must agree to the terms of the contract before the doctor agrees to see them.  Okay, so there are lots of forms that patients need to sign when they go to the doctor. What makes these so different? (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662671 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:33 +0100 3662671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185278&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F19%2Fthe-standard-nhs-contracts-for-acute-hospital-mental-health-community-and-ambulance-services-and-supporting-guidance%2F Title: NHS Standard Contract Acute Services 2010-2011 multilateral (NHS Standard Contract – Activity Plan 2010-11) Skinny: NHS standard contracts for Mental Health and Learning Disability and Ambulance Services.  The contracts support the  NHS Operating Framework for 2010-2011: The contracts should be read in conjunction with the  Principles and Rules for Co-operation and Competition and the PCT Procurement Guide.  The NHS standard contracts cover agreements between PCTs and all types of provider delivering  NHS funded services.  The contract will apply to agreements from 2009-10 for: NHS trusts NHS Foundation Trusts New agreements between PCTs and independent sector providers New agreements between PCTs and third sector providers Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 26p. Pub... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185278 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:13:59 +0100 3185278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167055&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fthe-new-eu-remedies-directive-proven-procurement-is-of-the-essence%2F Title: The new EU Remedies Directive: proven procurement is of the essence The Skinny: Briefing to raise awareness amongst NHS managers involved in procurement of the key changes to the rules and to highlight new provisions in the law which public authorities can use to protect themselves from challenge.  Key points: Revised EU rules will improve access to rapid and effective review procedures for suppliers who allege that public authorities have not acted in accordance with EU public procurement rules Risk of dissuasive new fines, the possibility of having contracts shortened and contracts overturned Ineffectiveness will apply where there has been a direct illegal award of a contract, a serious breach of procurement rules, coupled with a failure offer effective review. Ten-day ‘stands... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167055 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:32:14 +0100 3167055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083194&cid=t_156532_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsigns-of-compulsive-debting%2F 1. Being unclear about your financial situation. Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations. 2. Frequently “borrowing” items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, and failing to return them. 3. Poor saving habits. Not planning for taxes, retirement or [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083194 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:35:00 +0100 3083194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2664138&cid=t_156532_180_f&fid=38613&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stevepavlina.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F08%2Fhow-to-network-with-busy-people-part-6%2F This is a continuation of the “How to Network With Busy People” series. The first post in the series can be found here. Continuing on with our tips… Be discerning. Don’t try to network with someone just because they seem like a high-value target. When I started my computer games business in 1994, my networking strategy was pretty inane. I would network with everyone and anyone who was willing – especially anyone who seemed to be more successful or experienced than I was. My networking strategy was, “If someone wants to network with me, that’s good enough.” Of course that was a desperation strategy. I wasted a lot of time doing this. If I had done even a little bit of homework on some of the people I tried to network with, I’d have realized there were glaring incompatibili... Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2664138 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:15:00 +0100 2664138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653666&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fv4MERyzbrMU%2F The recent focus in Washington on mortgage modifications once again illustrates one of the most fundamental flaws in current political debate:  the notion of using government to threaten or force the “voluntary” transfer of wealth from one group of citizens to another. Just this week Rep. Barney Frank warned the banking industry if they don’t “voluntarily” do more to reduce foreclosures, Congress will step in and make them do so, by allowing bankruptcy judges to re-write mortgage contracts.  This proposal is really nothing more an ex poste transfer of wealth from investors in mortgage backed assets to borrowers. Of course, Rep. Frank and others respond that they are only trying to “bring lenders to the table” in order to keep negotiations going... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653666 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:42:48 +0100 2653666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613849&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fturning-patients-into-dialysis-dollars.html As we have discussed in previous posts (here and here), prior to a US Supreme Court decision in 1975, physicians (and other professionals) were left free to set up and enforce their own codes of ethics. Until about 1980, the US American Medical Association (AMA) stated,"in the practice of medicine a physician should limit the source of his professional income to medical services actually rendered by him, or under his supervision, to his patients""the practice of medicine should not be commercialized, nor treated as a commodity in trade"The Supreme Court decision was widely construed as meaning that any promulgation by US professional organizations of ethical regulations that constrained any economic practices of their members was a violation of anti-trust laws. Thus, in 1980, the AMA dropp... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613849 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:24:00 +0100 2613849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561214&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FNgWMnomrBTM%2F Today the Obama Administration released a 152-page draft bill to create a new Consumer Financial Product Commission. While intended to protect against consumer confusion and reduce the likelihood of future financial crises, the proposed agency will at best have little impact and at worst contribute to the next financial crisis, with the added effect of decreased homeownership and increased litigation. The president promises that “those ridiculous contracts with pages of fine print that no one can figure out – those things will be a thing of the past,” The president ignores that those “ridiculous contracts” and “fine print” are the result of previous rounds of so-called consumer protections. The disclosures one receives with a mortgage or a credit card are those mandated by so... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561214 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:34:00 +0100 2561214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510273&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZOD3T40B9_U%2F The “buy America” provision in the misnamed stimulus bill was supposed to protect jobs in the U.S.  Alas, by encouraging foreign protectionism, the measure is likely to end up destroying American jobs. Indeed, the provision has all the earmarks of a grand political fiasco.  Reports the Financial Times: Confusion reins. For fear of missing out on contracts, many companies are demanding that all their suppliers are Buy American-compliant regardless of any exemptions. “Those companies that can comply are of course thrilled and are trumpeting that in their marketing. Those that cannot are in agony and are losing business and cutting workers,” says David Ralston, a government procurement lawyer at Foley & Lardner. “The many companies that find themselves in the gray area... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510273 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:35:01 +0100 2510273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452334&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Fvariation-notices-for-gds-contracts-and-pds-agreements-to-bring-contracts-in-line-with-current-regulations%2F PCTs may wish to review their existing contracts and agreements in the light of the following RTF templates of the Standard General Dental Services Variation Notice 2009 and Personal Dental Services Agreements Variation Notice 2009 prepared by the Department of Health’s Solicitors. Both are prepared on the basis that the numbering adopted in the signed contract or agreement follows that used in the Standard General Dental Services Contract and PDS Agreement templates dated 2006. Revised standard contract and agreement templates, which incorporate these changes, are available for new contracts and agreements and supersede those published in 2006. 2009 GDS variation notice 2009 revised standard GDS contract 2009 PDS variation notice 2009 revised standard PDS agreement Posted in Dental Heal... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452334 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:14:43 +0100 2452334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441691&cid=t_156532_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F27%2Ftermination-10-tips-when-ending-psychotherapy%2F The end of the psychotherapy relationship is a difficult phase of therapy. Perhaps the second most difficult one, next to actually making the decision to try out psychotherapy in the first place and pour your heart out to a complete stranger (albeit a professional). Therapists call the end of therapy “termination,” which doesn’t help in the “let’s give this a warm, fuzzy-feeling name to make it sound as least scary as possible” department. In everyday society, we typically “terminate” bugs or contracts, not relationships. But that’s psychology for you, always promoting psychobabble when simply calling it “ending therapy” would’ve sufficed. Ending any relationship for most of us is not something that comes easily, or is... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441691 Wed, 27 May 2009 10:00:30 +0100 2441691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2423997&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fdeed-of-variation-for-2008-nhs-standard-acute-contract%2F A suite of documents is for those commissioners and providers who entered into the acute services contract that was published in December 2007, who are now working to a document that does not reflect changes brought about by the operating framework for 2009-1010. The Standard deed of variation is designed to vary those existing acute services contracts by incorporating the significant elements of the 2009/2010 standard NHS contract for acute services brought about by the operating framework. Guidance on the use of the deed of variation is also provided. Posted in Acute Services, Commissioning, Grey Literature, Hospitals, NHS, Primary Care Tagged: Acute Services, Commissioning, Contracts, Grey Literature, Operating Framework, Primary Care (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2423997 Wed, 20 May 2009 10:17:13 +0100 2423997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389658&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fqu-GTrriy9w%2F The coincidences that occur in Washington, D.C. are truly extraordinary.  According to the Washington Post: The headquarters of Murtech, in a low-slung, bland building in a Glen Burnie business park, has its blinds drawn tight and few signs of life. On several days of visits, a handful of cars sit in the parking lot, and no trucks arrive at the 10 loading bays at the back of the building. Yet last year, Murtech received $4 million in Pentagon work, all of it without competition, for a variety of warehousing and engineering services. With its long corridor of sparsely occupied offices and an unmanned reception area, Murtech’s most striking feature is its owner — Robert C. Murtha Jr., 49. He is the nephew of Rep. John P. Murtha, the Pennsylvania Democrat who has significant sway... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389658 Wed, 06 May 2009 12:42:54 +0100 2389658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1862653&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F09%2Fnhs-pay-modernisation-new-contracts-for-general-practice-services-in-england-2%2F from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has been published. Findings and Recommendations The new contract cost some £1.8 billion more than planned. Incomplete data on the cost of services provided by GPs led the Department to underestimate expenditure in the first three years of the contract.  Where possible in future major changes should be piloted. Since March 2003, 4,098 more GPs are working in primary care, an increase of 15.3%. ncreases in numbers of GPs are being seen in some deprived areas. General practice productivity has decreased annually by an average of 2.5%.  An agreed method for measuring productivity in primary care should be developed, which has the support of the NHS, the Department, the Treasury and the Office of National Statistics. A clear strategy and... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1862653 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:45:11 +0100 1862653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859404&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F08%2Fgovernment-response-to-health-select-committee-report-on-dental-services%2F The House of Commons Health Select Committee published its report on Dental Services on 2 July 2008.  This Command Paper sets out the interim Government response to Health Select Committee report on dental services. The new dental contractual arrangements are seen by the government as providing a better basis for Primary Care Trusts to commission services, the new system provides them with the power and flexibility to meet the needs of local people.  The government accept the view that progress on improving access has been disappointing to date.  Consultation with professional and patient groups will review how, both nationally and locally, we and the NHS can achieve the maximum benefits for patients reform. Strategic Health Authorities should consider the high-impact changes that will ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859404 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:40:42 +0100 1859404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1263360&cid=t_156532_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F28%2Fnhs-pay-modernisation-new-contracts-for-general-practice-services-in-england%2F (Executive Summary) from the National Audit Office notes that it has contributed to improved recruitment and retention of GPs, with numbers increasing from 26,833 to 30,931 since 2003. However, the contract has cost the Department £1.76 billion more than it originally budgeted for. In the first two years of the contract, productivity has fallen by an average of 2.5 per cent per year. GPs are working on average seven hours less per week than in 1992, partly because of the removal of the responsibility for out of hours care. While the number of consultations with patients has increased, these are not in proportion with the increase in costs. Primary Care Trusts’ spending on GP services has however now started to level off. The largest overspend of the contract was due to an underestimati... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1263360 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:48:49 +0100 1263360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027082&cid=t_156532_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fphysicians-and-contracts-cautionary.html A conversation yesterday with one of my colleagues reminded me of this issue. So forgive me if I reference some articles that are a few weeks old.The relevant news article by Lisa Girion was in the Los Angeles Times the beginning of November. The issue was that a major California insurer, Blue Cross of California, a subsidiary of Wellpoint Inc, was accused of putting a confidentiality provision into its contracts with physicians and hospitals that prevented them from consulting lawyers for their help in contract negotiation:The state stepped into a bitter battle Thursday between Blue Cross of California and the doctors, hospitals and medical labs that serve about 700,000 people covered by the state's largest health plan.At issue is the contentious financial relationship between medical pro... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027082 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:56:00 +0100 1027082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=956201&cid=t_156532_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F170743113%2F I am bringing you a list of 10 Hearty trivia facts. Some are oh so crazy and off the wall, others are expected. Enjoy! And don’t forget to check out all of my fellow science and health bloggers “top 10 lists”. I think it is a fun way to relay information, both clinically and personally… Top 10 Hearty Trivia Facts 1. Poet Mary Shelley kept her dead husband’s, Frankenstein author Percy Shelley, heart wrapped in silk until she died. Imagine how that smelled! 2. You can purchase the largest model of a human heart for a small price of $5795.95 US dollars. Um huh, I said five thousand. It is 8 times the size of an anatomical heart at 100×90x70 cm. Wow, that is a lot of money! 3. The smallest person believed to ever have open heart surgery was just over 25 week... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=956201 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:45:44 +0100 956201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=473745&cid=t_156532_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthcarebloglaw.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fone-space-or-two.html For years I've thought I was right on this one -- but finally -- proof. Should you use one space or two spaces after a sentence? Adams Drafting has the answer in this post, "One Space or Two?".I can't tell you how many legal secretaries I've tried to convince to stop hitting the space bar twice. I use full margin justification for my legal contracts and documents and adding two spaces after a sentence can leave too much white space between sentences. I remember taking typing in high school and being taught the two space bar rule after each sentence -- but that was on a manual typewriter.For this and other great posts on contract drafting be sure to check out Adams Drafting, a great lawyer niche blog on contract drafting. I've been a regular RSS reader for a number of months.Thanks to Alain... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=473745 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:16:00 +0100 473745