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 'health plan'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:13:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684485&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FsIIYXgtP5I8%2F Healthcare IT News just published its list of top issues for health plans in 2011: 1. Administrative Mandates (Compliance HIPAA 5010, ICD-10, etc.). 2. Care Management, Data Analytics, and Informatics. 3. Health Insurance Exchanges and Individual Markets. 4. New Provider Payment & Delivery Systems (ACOs, PCMHs, etc.). 5. Bend the Cost Trend. 6. Medicare and Medicaid. 7. Health Information Exchanges and EMRs. 8. Consumer’s Role in the Modernization of Healthcare. 9. Reform Uncertainties. 10. Payer/Provider Interoperability. Dear health plan colleagues, Wake up! The order of this list is totally out of whack. #2: Care Management, Data Analytics, Informatics. Good…sounds about right. However, #2 can’t happen before you address: #7: HIEs and EMRs #10: Payer/Provider ... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684485 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:15:37 +0100 4684485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615231&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F14qt2xM1Yms%2F   “If you’re a health plan, you either become a care delivery system or an information services company,” said David Brailer, a former George W. Bush administration health official who now leads an investment firm. “The traditional business is dead.”   Read more at Kaiser Health News. . Tags: health plan, strategy (Source: e-CareManagement) e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615231 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:03:46 +0100 4615231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522095&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FG6iAbe5Zn8w%2F By Michael F. CannonIn 2006, then-Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R) fought for and enacted a health care law now known as RomneyCare -- though the law is so nearly identical to ObamaCare that one could call it ObamaCare 1.0.  Romney is seeking the GOP nomination for president in 2012.  But since 84 percent of Republicans want ObamaCare repealed, the fact that he paved the way for ObamaCare is causing problems for Romney among the party faithful.  The most recent manifestation came in the form of a tongue-lashing from former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R), whose book criticizes Romney both for enacting RomneyCare and for refusing to admit it was mistake.  In a recent interview, Huckabee said: The position he should take is to say: "Look, the reason Obamacare won't work is bec... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522095 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:16:59 +0100 4522095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459920&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fpassport-to-fraud-amerihealth-mercy.html Back in November, 2010, we discussed the relatively opulent pay and perks given to and conflicts of interest affecting leaders of Passport Health Plan, a non-profit, state (Kentucky) supported Medicaid managed care organization/ health insurer.  This seemed to be another case of health care organizational insiders putting their personal gain ahead of their mission, which was particularly unseemly because their mission was serving the poor.  Now Passport Health is in the news again, and not in a favorable way, as per the Louisville (Kentucky) Courier-Journal:Passport Health Plan’s main contractor has agreed to pay more than $2 million in damages to the Kentucky Medicaid program to settle a fraud investigation, Attorney General Jack Conway announced Wednesday.The settlement with ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459920 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:45:00 +0100 4459920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159212&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FSkzPBmX6bQY%2F By Michael F. CannonThe following exchange took place yesterday on the Christian Broadcasting Network between host David Brody and Tea Party Express Chairwoman Amy Kremer. Brody: Mitt Romney…on the Massachusetts health care situation, you’re going to tell me that’s going to fly in the Tea Party movement? Kremer: Absolutely not…I’m being honest here…You can’t get away from that.  And that’s the thing is, the days of people being able to do one thing in their state in front of a microphone, and then going to Washington and doing something else. I mean, the Internet, and 24-hour news cycles changed it all, and these people don’t have short memories, they’re digging up everything from the past, and they’re not going to let go o... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159212 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:37:57 +0100 4159212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139235&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-your-health-insurance-can-save-your-life%2F2010.11.05 The Sacramento Bee recently ran the following opinion piece of mine below. A couple of additional comments not published follow. Enjoy.  ********* Viewpoints: Choice of health plan can be a lifesaver It’s that time of year when most of us pick a health insurance plan based simply on cost. It’s a belief that is often perpetuated by friends, family, and advice dispensed by many articles in magazines and newspapers. As a practicing primary care doctor, I can tell you that the advice is frankly wrong. Health insurance isn’t a commodity like auto insurance. It’s not just about the price. They aren’t all equally good at keeping you healthy and well. The recent annual report by the National Committee of Quality Assurance, which has been evaluating health plans for twenty years, contin... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139235 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4139235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134259&cid=t_173723_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZilZvwN50gI%2F A federal judge has ruled that Pfizer violated the California Unfair Competition Law by illegally promoting the Neurontin epilepsy drug. The finding stems from the same case in which a federal jury last March decided the drugmaker violated federal racketeering law for the same practices and must pay $142 million in damages - under federal RICO law, the original $47 million penalty is tripled. In a lawsuit, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, which are based in California, had charged Pfizer with illegally promoting Neurontin for unapproved uses, such as for treating migraine headaches, pain and bipolar disorder (background here and here). In her ruling, US District Court Judge Patti Saris determined that Pfizer fraudulently marketed Neurontin by making materi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134259 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:32:55 +0100 4134259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018247&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FMFllEgfzgTU%2F Care management software is intended to help patients make critical connections across the health care delivery system.  Today it’s used primarily by 3rd party care managers who are typically either employed directed or indirectly by payers. While not surprising, the state-of-the-art of care management software is that it continues to function as disconnected islands of information. The  2010 Health Information Technology Survey (available at no charge) provides an insightful yet sobering snapshot of care management software. The study was sponsored by TCS Healthcare Technologies, the Case Management Society of America, and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. The study consists of answers from 670 respondents who chose to fill out to a ... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018247 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:37:07 +0100 4018247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965524&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FW7-Cvm8tO98%2F Who has the most comprehensive data about YOUR clinical conditions? For most people, the answer today is “your health plan”, but it’s not at all clear that health plans will continue to have this role in the future. As physicians and hospitals adopt EHRs, it’s foreseeable that clinical data about patients will be far more available and accessible. Will patient data become: A jockeying point for control and business advantage between health plans and care providers, A collaborative opportunity to optimize clinical care and care coordination, or Both? (more…) Article Series - Stages 2 and 3 of HITECH: The Golden Era of Care Coordination or Bureaucrats Practicing Medicine?Overview: Here Come Stages 2 and 3 of HITECH!Megatrend Spotting: Health Plan Role of Having “Best Data... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965524 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:23:38 +0100 3965524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872542&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FSIpuH7u2XMc%2F By Michael F. CannonToday’s Washington Post contains an article titled, “FDA Considers Revoking Approval of Avastin for Advanced Breast Cancer.”  An excerpt: The debate over Avastin, prescribed to about 17,500 women with breast cancer a year, has become entangled in the politically explosive struggle over medical spending and effectiveness that flared during the battle over health-care reform: How should the government balance protecting patients and controlling costs without restricting access to cutting-edge, and often costly, treatments? A better question is: why should the government be the one to strike that balance?  Why shouldn’t some women be able to sign up for a health plan that covers Avastin, while others are free to make a different choice? (Source: C... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872542 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:57:33 +0100 3872542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3757852&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsaYXyH9Fags%2F By Michael F. CannonChristopher Weaver of Kaiser Health News has an excellent article in today’s Washington Post on the various government agencies that will now be deciding what health insurance coverage you must purchase, and how many of those decisions will ultimately fall to lobbyists and politicians: For years, an obscure federal task force sifted through medical literature on colonoscopies, prostate-cancer screening and fluoride treatments, ferreting out the best evidence for doctors to use in caring for their patients. But now its recommendations have financial implications, raising the stakes for patients, doctors and others in the health-care industry. Under the new health-care overhaul law, health insurers will be required to pay fully for services that get an A or B recomm... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3757852 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:32:20 +0100 3757852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714288&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F1pHczcOEMmE%2F Conclusion: Think Twice Before Signing Up 1) The Promise The sandbox metaphor was first used by the National Academy for State Health Policy: For the 10 or more states that are active stakeholders in multi-payer medical home initiatives, the promise of Medicare getting in the sandbox with them and playing (a.k.a. paying) is an exciting proposition. The addition of Medicare as payer to some of these state initiatives may be the critical tipping point that results in widespread primary care delivery system reform in states by involving more practices, payers and patients. (more…) Article Series - Medicare's New Direction for the Medical HomeCMS Shelves Medicare Medical Home DemonstrationMedicare’s Biggest Change in 40 Years on the Horizon?Three Years Of Medical Home Demonstrat... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714288 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:11:45 +0100 3714288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662653&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3ikrG5AMif4%2F By Michael F. CannonToday, the Obama administration issued new health insurance regulations as part of its effort to implement ObamaCare.  According to The New York Times: the rules appear to fall short of the sweeping commitments President Obama made while trying to reassure the public in the fight over health legislation. One of those commitments was that people who are satisfied with their health insurance will be able to keep their existing health plans. Of course, there is a tension between that goal and ObamaCare’s goal of requiring every American to purchase a minimum amount of health insurance coverage. The new regulations explain how the government will interpret ObamaCare’s “grandfather” clause, which allows some health plans to continue as they exist tod... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662653 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:47:27 +0100 3662653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542577&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsszwWtaGPKk%2F By Michael F. CannonA correspondent for The Economist, whose initials are M.S., posts this on the Democracy in America blog: [T]he new health-care-reform law passed in March is an entirely private-insurer, free-market-based reform. If someone were to refer to it as a “government takeover of the health-care sector”, that person would hold a factually incorrect ideological belief. I wonder what convinced M.S. that the new health care law is an entirely free-market-based reform.  Was it the expansion of the government’s Medicaid program to another 16 million Americans?  Was it the 19-million-plus other Americans who will receive government subsidies to purchase private health insurance? Was it the new price controls that the law imposes on health insurance?  Or the price ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542577 Fri, 07 May 2010 01:06:29 +0100 3542577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378451&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3DXZtVECpxU%2F By Michael F. CannonGeorge Avery is an assistant professor of public health at Purdue University.  In today’s Daily Caller, Avery rebuts claims that the Obama health plan would improve public health: The idea that health care contributes significantly to population health is both intuitively appealing and untrue…. In fact, federal “reform” often hurts the public health system. Both public health and health care experts have criticized Medicare and Medicaid, enacted by Congress in 1965, for changing the focus of health care practitioners from prevention to treatment…. Requiring all Americans purchase health insurance, which the current bills hope to do, would not address the underlying socio-economic issues at the root of most public health problems…. Indeed, ac... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378451 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:38:51 +0100 3378451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374108&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FKC4ZNnXHHFE%2F By Michael F. CannonI’ve already posted two series of such queries.  But every day brings new questions to mind.  So here are a few more: What does it say that pharmaceutical-industry lobbyists are meeting with House Democrats to write this legislation behind closed doors?  Or that the pharmaceutical industry is preparing to spend millions of dollars on advertisements in support of the legislation? Does it trouble you that a former federal judge writes, “Under Article I, Section 7, passage of one bill cannot be deemed to be enactment of another“? Does it trouble you that Speaker Pelosi says of the proposed “deeming” strategy, “I like it because people don’t have to vote on the Senate bill“? (Emphasis added.) What does it say that left-of-... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374108 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:09:39 +0100 3374108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374110&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fo6bHglWcXtw%2F By Michael F. CannonMassachusetts state treasurer and recent Democrat Timothy Cahill has harsh words for the health plan foisted on his state and the identical plan that President Obama is trying to foist on the nation.  From The Boston Globe: “If President Obama and the Democrats repeat the mistake of the health insurance reform here in Massachusetts on a national level, they will threaten to wipe out the American economy within four years,” Cahill said in a press conference in his office. Echoing criticism leveled by congressional Republicans in recent weeks, Cahill said, “It is time for the president, the Democratic leadership, to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan that does not threaten to bankrupt this country.” [T]he state’s health insurance l... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374110 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:55:19 +0100 3374110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358963&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FcTe5RcfvNgw%2F By Michael F. CannonEzra Klein quotes the Congressional Budget Office’s latest cost estimate of the Senate health care bill when he writes: “CBO expects that the legislation would generate a reduction in the federal budgetary commitment to health care during the decade following 2019,” which is to say that this bill will cover 30 million people but the cost controls will, within a decade or so, leave us spending less on health care than if we’d done nothing.  That’s a pretty good deal. But it’s not a very well-understood deal. Indeed, because that’s not what the CBO said. First, the CBO said the “federal budgetary commitment to health care” would rise by $210 billion between 2010 and 2019 under the Senate bill.  Then, after 2019, it w... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358963 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:53:40 +0100 3358963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354301&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FNhKpCeZLjag%2F By Michael F. CannonNoting that premium increases, such as Anthem’s proposed 39-percent hike in California, have caused individuals and employers to purchase less coverage, Kaiser Family Foundation president Drew Altman writes: Rising health care costs and insurance company practices are leading not just to more expensive premiums, but to skimpier, less comprehensive coverage as well; slowly redefining what we have known as health insurance. To be sure, some economists argue that this is precisely what should happen…But this is not likely how regular people see it. Appropriate cost sharing is one thing, but we may be reaching the point in the individual market where the policies many people have simply cannot be considered meaningful coverage. Of course, this is the whole idea ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354301 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:57:34 +0100 3354301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354303&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F8hO8LijGrCU%2F By Michael F. CannonWhat does it say that the American polity has consistently rejected a wholesale government takeover of health care for 100 years? What does it say that public opinion has been consistently against the Democrats’ health care takeover since July 2009? What does it say that Democrats are having this much difficulty enacting their health care legislation despite unified Democratic rule?  Despite large supermajorities in both chambers of Congress, including a once-filibuster-proof Senate majority (see more below)?  Despite an opportunistic change in Massachusetts law that provided that crucial 60th vote at a crucial moment?  Despite a popular and charismatic president? What does it say that 38 House Democrats voted against the president’s health plan? What does it say... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354303 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:40:33 +0100 3354303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331273&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FPRv9cOR422k%2F By Michael F. CannonPresident Obama evidently thinks that if he promises not to kill health savings accounts (HSAs), opponents will swoon for his government takeover of health care.  If that doesn’t do the trick, he should make clear that his health plan would not eliminate other things too, like the Defense Department and puppies. Of course, that hollow gesture didn’t win the president any Republican support.  But it may have cost him some Democratic support — or at least frayed the nerves of a few House Democrats.  According to CongressDaily: Liberals, meanwhile, are fuming over an addition Obama made to his proposal to make the effort appear bipartisan and possibly switch the votes of moderate Democrats who opposed the House bill last year. The Congressional Progres... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331273 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:42:23 +0100 3331273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294570&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FuS6K1FQoagw%2F By Michael F. CannonOr it may even be worse. This morning, President Obama released his latest health care blueprint, which he hopes will breathe life into his moribund effort to overhaul one-sixth of the U.S. economy.  The new blueprint is almost exactly the same as the House and Senate health care bills that the public have opposed since July.  It mostly just splits the difference between the two. One new element, however, is the president’s proposal to impose a new type of government price control on health insurance premiums.  I explain here how those price controls are a veiled form of government rationing that helped sink the Clinton health plan. If anything, those price controls make the president’s new plan even more bureaucratic and government-heavy.  The Senate bi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294570 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:49:03 +0100 3294570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294576&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEC6-I7P_zjE%2F By Michael F. CannonHoping to revive his increasingly unpopular health care overhaul, President Obama has invited Republicans to a bipartisan summit this Thursday and plans to introduce a new reform blueprint in advance of the summit.  On Sunday, the White House announced that a key feature of that blueprint will be premium caps, a form of government price control that helped kill the Clinton health plan when even New Democrats rejected it. The New York Times reports on President Obama’s blueprint: The president’s bill would grant the federal health and human services secretary new authority to review, and to block, premium increases by private insurers, potentially superseding state insurance regulators. It bears repeating what Obama’s top economic advisor Larry Summers thi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294576 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:41:15 +0100 3294576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231461&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FN3IPr6YMUV0%2F By Michael F. CannonThis is big. The federal tax code creates a large tax preference for employer-sponsored health insurance.  As a result, 61 percent of non-elderly Americans obtain health insurance through an employer.  That tax preference creates all sorts of problems.  It encourages more comprehensive health insurance and wasteful health care spending.  It deprives many workers of their health coverage at the moment they need it most: when they get sick and can no longer work.  And it denies workers the benefits of being able to choose their health plan.  Eighty percent of those who work for an employer that offers health benefits have at most two health-plan choices, which are typically both run by the same insurer. To date, no one had really quantified the damage done by denyin... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231461 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:14:16 +0100 3231461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223323&cid=t_173723_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F29%2Fobama-rules-for-mental-health-parity-issued%2F Remember the federal legislation passed in late 2008 that requires insurance companies to bring their mental health coverage in parity with their health coverage? Well, technically that law took effect 29 days ago, but the Obama administration got around today to publishing the rules that put the law into effect. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury today jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. The rules are a part of the governmental process that implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). First, to be clear, what the new federal law does not cover: Employers with less than ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223323 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:54:25 +0100 3223323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197609&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FFuq8gN2Wdcw%2F By Chris MoodyYesterday, Cato released a new study, “The Massachusetts Health Plan: Much Pain, Little Gain,” which showed that official estimates overstate the gains in health insurance coverage resulting from a 2006 Massachusetts law by at least 45 percent.  The study also finds: supporters understate the law’s cost by nearly 60 percent; government programs are crowding out private insurance; self-reported health improved for some but fell for others; and young adults are responding to the law by avoiding Massachusetts. Given that the Massachusetts health plan bears a “remarkable resemblance” to the Obama plan, the study should serve as a warning sign to members of Congress, says Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies. The study has received coverage in Investor&#821... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197609 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:52:45 +0100 3197609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182169&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FleTUXXseucI%2F By Michael F. CannonEven if Democrat Martha Coakley wins 50 percent of the vote in the race to fill the late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s (ahem) term, there are other numbers emanating from Massachusetts that present a problem for President Obama’s health plan. On Wednesday, the Cato Institute will release “The Massachusetts Health Plan: Much Pain, Little Gain,” authored by Cato adjunct scholar Aaron Yelowitz and yours truly. Our study evaluates Massachusetts’ 2006 health law, which bears a “remarkable resemblance” to the president’s plan. We use the same methodology as previous work by the Urban Institute, but ours is the first study to evaluate the effects of the Massachusetts law using Current Population Survey data for 2008 (i.e., from the 2009 March suppl... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182169 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:12:07 +0100 3182169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096839&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FaCbxPsbbYOI%2F By Michael F. Cannon So yes, enacting the Obama health plan would be an historic achievement.  But its supporters don’t know if it would be a good historic achievement or one of those bad historic achievements — like slavery, unequal suffrage, Jim Crow, etc. Oh, and they don’t care. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096839 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:29:06 +0100 3096839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084880&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fcongress-has-best-health-plan.html Why can’t Congress, design a program for us, that provide the same benefits they enjoy? Our best hope would be to adopt the health care that Congress has for them.As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Visit drneedles is blogging" at the end of each blog for a complete alphabetical list of all my blogs Visit http://... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084880 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:41:00 +0100 3084880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082393&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FO-y6arazt18%2F By Mark A. CalabriaUndoubtedly President Obama inherited an economic mess.  Also undoubtedly, he’s made it worse.  Barring substantial revisions to recent job loss estimates, we have now crossed the line where as many jobs have been lost during this recession under President Obama as under President Bush.  From the start of the recession, in December 2007, until President Obama took the oath of office at the end of January 2009, there have been 3.36 million nonfarm payroll jobs lost.  From February 2009 until now there have been about 3.36 million nonfarm payroll jobs lost (estimates from ADP employment report). Even during the best of times, the economy experiences substantial job loss.  However, we consider those times good because the labor market is also creating lots of job... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082393 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:47:33 +0100 3082393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008069&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FKau_XyoF57Y%2F Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has finally unveiled his massive 2,074-page health care bill.  The Congressional Budget Office reports that the insurance-expansion provisions would cost the feds $848 billion over 10 years.  To raise those funds, the bill would tax wages, medical devices, prescription drugs, sick people, health insurance premiums (twice), HSAs, FSAs, HRAs, and — why not? — cosmetic surgery.  The remainder would supposedly come from $491 billion of Medicare cuts, even though Medicare’s chief actuary says such cuts are “unrealistic” and “doubtful.”  But don’t worry.  Somehow, this thing’s gonna reduce the deficit. Of course, that $848 billion only accounts for part of the federal government’s share of t... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008069 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:05:27 +0100 3008069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999509&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FC5rpiwLoIPw%2F Report: New threats to free speech. The politics behind the health care overhaul. Mass corruption in Afghanistan. Malou Innocent: “Washington has already surged into Afghanistan once this year. The United States should not spend more American blood and more of its ever-diminishing financial resources to prop up Karzai’s ineffectual regime.” A government takeover of health care is not pro-choice — for anyone: “Whatever your views on abortion, the fight over abortion in the Obama health plan illustrates perfectly why government should stay out of health care. When the government subsidizes health care, anything you do with that money becomes the voters’ business. And rather than allow for choice between different ways of doing things, the government ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999509 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:17:20 +0100 2999509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943908&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2Fsny5F8u6dgs%2F Earlier this week CMS issued a typically cryptic Announcement indicating that they were shelving the Medicare Medical Home Demonstration (MMHD) and instead would focus on the recently announced Multi-Payer Advanced Primary Care Initiative (MAPCI). My blog post from Tuesday provides details and asks the question “What does all this mean?” Today’s blog post will tackle: Medicare’s biggest change in 40 years? The rise of MAPCI The fall of MMHD Implications/discussion Medicare’s Biggest Change in 40 Years? (more…) Tags: business model, care coordination, care management, conference, EHR, health plan, health reform, HIE, hospital, meaningful use, medical home, Medicare, Medicare Medical Home Demonstration, multipayer, network effect, primary care, readmission (Source: e-C... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943908 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:35:37 +0100 2943908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934830&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgive-us-your-health-plan-mr-senator.html As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Visit drneedles is blogging" at the end of each blog for a complete alphabetical list of all my blogs Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on mind, body, and spirit healing.GIVE US YOUR HEALTH PLAN MR SENATOROur senators, congressmen, their staff, an... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934830 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:15:00 +0100 2934830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920166&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FI8UNFfiDDkE%2F At his White House forum on health reform back in March, President Barack Obama offered: If there is a way of getting this done where we’re driving down costs and people are getting health insurance at an affordable rate, and have choice of doctor, have flexibility in terms of their plans, and we could do that entirely through the market, I’d be happy to do it that way. In a new Cato study titled, “Yes, Mr. President, a Free Market Can Fix Health Care,” I take up the president’s challenge and explain that markets are indeed the only way to achieve those goals.  I also explain how Congress can remove the impediments that currently prevent markets from doing so: Give Medicare enrollees a voucher (adjusted for their means and health risk) and let them purchase any ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920166 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:46:37 +0100 2920166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2898925&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZE8sgxC9zbI%2F Yes, you read that right.  And I had to do the same sort of double-take when I read David Broder’s op-ed in The Washington Post this morning. Broder writes, “Obama has steered the enterprise to the point that odds now favor a bill-signing ceremony.  But the hardest choices still lie ahead….”  Whaa??  How can the odds be better than 50-50 if the biggest fights haven’t even happened yet? Broder’s optimism continues, “Two things will be needed to reach [a majority in the House and 60 votes in the Senate]: first, a plausible plan for making affordable and comprehensive health insurance available to millions…. And second, a way of financing the coverage….”  But that’s been the whole challenge all along.  Is Broder actually ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2898925 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:12:57 +0100 2898925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871810&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FZ3Qe5zM6HCw%2F How big a network will the Health Internet (aka National Health Information Network) be? My BOTE (back-of-the-envelope) calculation is that this network could consist of about 301 million nodes.  Here’s my math (pls. clarify or amplify): 300 million individuals in U.S. 700 K doctors 5 K hospitals 295 K — other B2B healthcare entities Very rough…but I hope you get the point. So let’s put into perspective press releases from Google or Microsoft announcing that they have developed new “partnerships” (i.e.nodes in the network) for Google Health or Microsoft HealthVault. As an example, today Google announced partnerships with APWU Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan. (more…) Article Series - Healthcare Crosses the Chasm to the Network EconomyIntro to a New S... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871810 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:01:41 +0100 2871810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846348&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F4BthC-N0unI%2F In my recent Cato paper, “All the President’s Mandates: Compulsory Health Insurance Is a Government Takeover,” I explain that if Congress compels Americans to purchase health insurance, it would “inevitably and unnecessarily open a new front in the abortion debate, one where either side—and possibly both sides—could lose.” Slate’s William Saletan explains how the pro-choice side could lose: This week, the Senate finance committee is considering amendments that would bar coverage of abortions under federally subsidized health insurance. Pro-choice groups are up in arms. After all, says NARAL Pro-Choice America, “In the current insurance marketplace, private plans can choose whether to cover abortion care—and most do.” If Congress enacts subs... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846348 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:33:42 +0100 2846348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832130&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F_vLaTtpIhq8%2F Obama can twist words all he wants, but a government mandate to buy health insurance is still a tax. “Think of it this way: If the government took money directly from you, then turned around and gave it to an insurance company, everyone would agree that you’ve been taxed.” Nobody considers it a tax? Even his advisers call it a tax. More on the health care mandate: “Compulsory health insurance could require nearly 100 million Americans to switch to a more expensive health plan and would therefore violate President Barack Obama’s pledge to let people keep their current health insurance.” Why the U.S. slapped a trade tariff  on Chinese tires: “President Obama’s decision was guided strictly by selfish, political considerations: He felt he ow... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832130 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:30:14 +0100 2832130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812474&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fanyone-happy-with-health-plan.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs.Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.NO ONE IS HAPPY WITH HEAL... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812474 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2812474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803890&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FMSF4xQlER04%2F Quantifying misery in Iran. Why sending more troops to Afghanistan would only weaken the authority of Afghan leaders and undermine the U.S.’s ability to deal with security challenges elsewhere in the world. Plus, an exit strategy for Afghanistan. Grading the Baucus health plan: The good, the bad and the ugly. Who’s really indoctrinating the nation’s schoolkids. Podcast: How to quietly tax the poor, anger a giant nation, and reward a labor union, all at the same time! (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803890 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:43:49 +0100 2803890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796539&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2Fp5se2G_011g%2F Updated 6:10 pm, September 14, 2009 One bad deal can ruin your day. Today, LifeMasters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  According to its press release: “The Chapter 11 filing is the most efficient path for the company to restructure liabilities that are a result of Demonstration Projects previously performed under contracts with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), ” said George D. Pillari, President of LifeMasters. Mr. Pillari, named President of LifeMasters today, is a Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group, LLC and had been working with the company and its board as a restructuring advisor prior to the filing. During the last four years, LifeMasters participated in three CMS Demonstration Projects aimed at testing ce... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796539 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:43:51 +0100 2796539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782011&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FpchSQtigQgA%2F Cato health care experts dissected President Obama’s address Wednesday night, providing live commentary throughout the speech. Overall impressions: Michael D. Tanner:  Can’t see this as a game-changer. I would give him an ‘A’ on delivery, but at best a ‘C’ on substance.   There were surprisingly few details and very little new. Patrick Basham:  Strikingly political/partisan rather than statesmanlike speech. Obama chose to pressure Republicans to support his plan rather than attempt to persuade them to do so. He risks a another wave of (effective) opposition from conservative talk radio  & cable TV. Michael F. Cannon:  Translation: My health plan cannot work if you are free to make your own decisions. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782011 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:15:20 +0100 2782011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774607&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsQnzXQxW7fE%2F President Obama continues to portray the debate over health care reform as a choice between his plan for a massive government-takeover of the US healthcare system and “doing nothing.”  Those who oppose his plan are said to be “obstructionist” or in favor of the status-quo.  Yesterday, the President again said, “I’ve got a question for all those folks [who oppose his plan]: What are you going to do? What’s your answer? What’s your solution?” Well, I can’t speak for all his critics, but the Cato Institute has a long record of supporting health care reform based on free-markets and competition.  If the President wanted to know more he might have read my recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Times or Michael Cannon’s piece in Investors Business Daily.  H... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774607 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:15:10 +0100 2774607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744049&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FM7rUTJ2Rhbk%2F Nearly 30 European countries have agreed to end their government mail monopolies in the next five years. The U.S. Postal Service has estimated losses of $7 billion this year. It’s time to privatize. If you are curious about how President Barack Obama’s health plan would affect your health care, look no further than Massachusetts. You might not like what you find. How the outcome of the health care debate will affect our greatest liberty — life. Keep an eye on the troubling voting procedures in Europe. Podcast: The Age of Reagan (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744049 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:09:03 +0100 2744049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737833&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FbH0pN3YZ4vc%2F This post is a foundational overview of characteristics of network industries.  Much of the terminology will deserve deeper discussion, but we have to start somewhere. In his book The Economics of Network Industries, Professor Oz Shy lists four characteristics of network industries. The main characteristics of these markets which distinguish them from the market for grain, dairy products, apples, and treasury bonds are: Complementarity, compatibility and standards Consumption externalities [network effects] Switching costs and lock-in Significant economies of scale in production In this essay, I’ll quote from Dr. Shy in explaining each of these characteristics.  I’ll also offer a few thoughts as to how these characteristics apply to healthcare. More specifically, I’ll dis... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737833 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:01:13 +0100 2737833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727263&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fwhere-are-votes-on-health-plan.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs.Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing. WHERE ARE THE VOTESA h... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727263 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:07:00 +0100 2727263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719776&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2Fjp_2OUrAwoQ%2F   “We need to make care linkages a core competency of American health care.”  George Halvorson, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospital   There’s a double meaning to the title of this new series: Healthcare Crosses the Chasm to the Network Economy At the level of technology, it’s a reference to Geoffrey Moore’s bestselling business/technology book — “Crossing the Chasm”. The Chasm here is the huge gap between early adopters of technology and mainstream users. The book describes the process of bringing specific technologies into mainstream usage. At the level of clinical care, its a reference to the landmark 2001 report by the Institute of Medicine — “Crossing the Chasm”.  Here, the Chasm is a reference to the quality/safety... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719776 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:09:37 +0100 2719776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716070&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fhealth-plan-is-all-about-dollars-and.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs. Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.HEALTH PLAN IS ALL ABOUT... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716070 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:13:00 +0100 2716070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712077&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FfdCvXr5ynvE%2F Recent editorials in both the Boston Globe and The New York Times contained some staggering falsehoods about the cost of Massachusetts’ health reforms.  Here is a poor, unsuccessful letter I sent to the editor of the Globe: The editorial “Mass. bashers take note: Health reform is working” [Aug. 5] states that “the cost to the state taxpayer” of the Massachusetts health reforms is “about $88 million a year.”  That claim is unquestionably false.  The cost to state taxpayers is 19 times that amount, while the total cost is 24 times that amount. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation explains that the $88-million figure represents not the total cost to the state government, but the average annual increase in the state government’s costs.  Worse, the editorial completely... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712077 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:37:16 +0100 2712077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709114&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FG2ojSPhCFNI%2F Having Congress charter a health insurance “cooperative” is just another way of creating a new government-run program that would drive private insurers out of business. The definition of a cooperative is a health plan governed by its enrollees. Since a government chartered co-op won’t have any enrollees at first, it will be governed like any other government program. So when the Obama administration and congressional Democrats say, “We’re going to create a co-op,” what they mean is, “We’re going to create a new government health program but we will turn it over to the members in five years. We promise.” As I explained in a recent Cato study, a government-chartered co-op would become just another Fannie Med: It makes no difference whethe... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709114 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:11:34 +0100 2709114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699695&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2Fno1LFrhNDCM%2F by Vince Kuraitis, Steve Adams, and David C. Kibbe MD, MBA Over the past several years, many diverse initiatives have arisen offering partial solutions to systemic problems in the U.S. health care non-system.  We see Meaningful Use Criteria recommended by the HIT Policy Committee as a unifying force for these previously disparate initiatives. These initiatives have included: Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs)/Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) Payer Disease/Care Management Programs Personal Health Record Platforms — Google Health, Microsoft HealthVault, Dossia, health banks, more to come State/Regional Chronic Care Programs (e.g., Colorado, Pennsylvania, Improving Performance in Practice) Accountable Care Organizations — the n... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699695 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:41:48 +0100 2699695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695473&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fdear-uncle-sam-here-is-my-health-care.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs. Visit http;//www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.DEAR UNCLE SAM:I know I ... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695473 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:36:00 +0100 2695473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691608&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fhealth-plan-solutions.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs.Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.HEALTH PLAN SOLUTIONS We ... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691608 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:22:00 +0100 2691608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674372&cid=t_173723_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fdetails-of-obama-health-plan.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs.Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.DETAILS OF OBAMA HEALTH P... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674372 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:22:00 +0100 2674372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645271&cid=t_173723_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FW6UiPilyNFU%2F Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), commenting on President Obama’s health plan: “The only thing bipartisan about the measure so far is the opposition to it.” (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645271 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:52:05 +0100 2645271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458186&cid=t_173723_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNcefKI_MCsM%2F There’s nothing worse than seeing people get suckered into giving their hard earned money away to a scam. Accept maybe this - when someone gives their money expecting insurance coverage and getting nothing in return. Apparently online insurance scams are one of the latest trends in online crime. One article says that the “Federal Trade Commission and at least eight states have taken action against more than two dozen health cards for offering discounts services that don’t exist.” If you suspect you’re being scammed, contact the police. If you buy a discount card or other medical insurance type of protection online, pay attention to the following list of points. 1. You learn of the discount card from a blast fax or Internet popup ad. 2. They promise a certain ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458186 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:44:30 +0100 2458186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416994&cid=t_173723_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F18%2Foptimism-software-special-offer%2F As a person starts upon his or her road in recovery from a mental health concern, a common question arises — how will I know I’m getting better? Therapists will often encourage (or even require) an individual to track their progress in treatment. Of course, such tracking requires some organization on the individual’s part, and can often be more hassle and work than they expect. Optimism Software is a simple, easy-to-use tracking tool. Optimism prompts you to keep a detailed record of all things that affect your state of mind. By monitoring patterns in your life you can identify negative influences that you need to avoid, early warning signs that your health is deteriorating, and the inputs and activities that benefit you most. Simple charts highlight cause and effect rel... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416994 Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:54 +0100 2416994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376782&cid=t_173723_140_f&fid=38154&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPatientTimes%2F%7E3%2FPZ-yEBlrtQU%2F A few well-reasoned articles that describe something that is pretty obvious to anyone who has been paying attention: In Obama plan, rationing of health care is inevitable Obama Will Ration Your Health Care Obamacare Means Healthcare Rationing, Summers Says Don’t think it will happen?  Wanna bet?  Nobody blinked when a few billion dollars were slipped into the Change you can believe in! stimulus package to create a new Federal agency– the Office for Health Information Technology.  Just what did you think this agency is FOR?! My patients don’t like their personal psychiatric records going to their insurance company;  I can’t imagine many of my patients being thrilled with the MANDATORY sending of their personal psychiatric records to the Federal Governement!  The... Patient Times blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376782 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:55:19 +0100 2376782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458860&cid=t_173723_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F294535195%2F The city and its health program, which covers more than 50,000 low-income residents, is suing the wholesaler illegally conspiring to manipulate prices going back to 2001. The 88-page complaint filed in federal court in Boston alleges a scheme to increase the markup on more than 400 brand-name meds, forcing consumers and health plans “to make hundreds of millions of dollars of excess payments.” The suit is related to a class action lawsuit originally filed in 2005 in Boston. Two months ago, US District Court Judge Patti Saris certified consumers and third-party payors as classes. San Francisco, however, becomes the first government plaintiff to seek to recover damages caused by the alleged price-fixing scheme attributed to McKesson and First DataBank, a publisher of prescription... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458860 Tue, 20 May 2008 20:43:12 +0100 1458860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451936&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F293236048%2F This third and final post in the series addresses questions about the future of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCHM): What’s problematic about using the RUC methodology with the PCMH? What’s the optimal level for a PCMH care management fee? Should primary care leaders pull the RUC out? How?  What’s Problematic About Using the RUC Methodology with the PCMH? There are at least two reasons for not having the RUC methodology seen anywhere in the same county country as the PCMH. First, the RUC methodology doesn’t account for technology and services needed for optimal care management. Second, the RUC methodology is conceptually flawed. 1) The RUC methodology doesn’t account for technology and services needed for optimal care management. Here’s what the RUC recommended meth... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451936 Mon, 19 May 2008 04:49:20 +0100 1451936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423963&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=36694&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrossoverhealth.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F05%2Fsoap-apply-rinse-and-repeat%2F SOAP (sōp) n. A cleansing agent, manufactured in bars, granules, flakes, or liquid form, made from a mixture of the sodium salts of various fatty acids of natural oils and fats. A process of medical evaluation and management which involves subjective, objective, assessment, and plan components. Slang. Money, especially that which is used for bribery. I have my 10 year Medical School reunion this year. It is hard to imaging that 10 years have flown by since those halcyon days at the University of Utah. Ahhh, the memories: the incredible pervasiveness of the anatomy lab smell, the 12 hour study sessions in the library, the all night test preparation, the 12 hour study sessions, the incredible pathetic instruction (I eventually completely bailed on going to class), getting introduced t... Crossover Healthcare blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423963 Tue, 06 May 2008 05:43:19 +0100 1423963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322414&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F256844786%2F When using a search engine, should results be customized based on your personal health information (PHI)?  Should your search engine of choice take into account your previous history of medical searches, or even provide results tailored from data about your personal medical history? Two companies — Aetna and Microsoft — have come up with 180 degree different answers. In this post, I will: Describe how Aetna’s and Microsoft’s approaches differ Speculate on why their approaches make strategic sense for the respective companies Explore how technology and expectations about using PHI for search are likely to change over time Aetna’s SmartSource and Microsoft HealthVault  Aetna has adopted a more aggressive strategy of using your PHI to improve search results. Microsoft Healt... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322414 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:09:29 +0100 1322414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1300456&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F250829885%2F Aetna recently made another big announcement relating to their PHR.  While the concept of what they’re doing is very appealing, it strikes me that health plans in general face an uphill battle in getting consumers to adopt and use personal health records (PHRs). I’ll describe 4 factors behind my thinking: Lack of Trust Lack of Access to Clinical Data Lack of Permission Lack of Convenience in Consumer Workflow (more…) Share This Related posts (and # of comments) A First Comparison of Google Health and MS HealthVault (5) Four Misconceptions About HealthVault and the Emerging Personal Health Information Ecosystem (PHI-Ecosystem) (7) Connecting the Dots…Google Health Promises to Create AND Dominate Next Generation PHRs (44) Birth Announcement: th... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1300456 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:53:02 +0100 1300456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1298804&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2F250451981%2F About three weeks ago Cain Brothers Investment Bankers released a report that foreshadowed the collapse of HMO stock prices that has occurred over the past few days.  The report was entitled: FAREWELL TO A TIME OF PLENTY? Health Plan Strategies for Growth in a More Challenging Market.  Here are a few highlights from the report: (more…) Share This Related posts (and # of comments) Resources (1) e-Newsletter archives (0) Disease Management and the Medicare Health Support (MHS) Project: “Houston, we have a problem.” (4) The Medical Home: Advancing, But Still Many Questions (1) Medicare Health Support: “Do not go gentle into that good night” (0) (Source: e-CareManagement) e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1298804 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:03:04 +0100 1298804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1233392&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=36694&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrossoverhealth.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F14%2Fcovering-your-asset-the-body-shop-insurance-company%2F Asset (ăs‘ĕt‘) n. A useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource. A tangible or intangible item that can be applied to cover liabilities of a person or a business (cash, stock, inventory, rights, or goodwill). I have previously made the argument that our personal health status should be considered a form of currency, or an asset, that we manage, protect, and work to improve over time. Our health is something that we often take for granted, until it does not exist in the form we want or are used to, and then its paucity gives us uncomfortable, and occasionally, painful pause. The failure to consider health as an asset and apply the familiar concepts of “asset management” to its maintenance, creates an unpleasant and expensive downstr... Crossover Healthcare blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1233392 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:32:59 +0100 1233392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147493&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=36694&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrossoverhealth.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F31%2Fblogging-one-year-inout%2F I just noticed that this December 31, 2007 note had not been published. Blogging (blŏg) n. 1. A website that displays in chronological order the postings by one or more individuals and usually has links to comments on specific postings. 2. The act of writing entries, creating materials, or maintaing a weblog. I published my first blog post last November 20, 2006. After making my blog publicly available at the beginning of the new year, I have since been amazed to see the network effect in my own personal life. Having had alot of pent up ideas, I found that blogging became an immediate and highly effective medium from which I could communicate, share, and respond to readers I would never otherwise had the opportunity to meet. While this experience is certainly not unique, it really brought... Crossover Healthcare blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147493 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:16:38 +0100 1147493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147494&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=36694&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrossoverhealth.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F21%2Fmicrocapitation-a-closer-look-and-new-perspective-on-capitation%2F Microcapitation (mī‘krə kăp’ĭ-tā‘shən) n 1. A healthcare delivery mechanisms wherein a service provider contracts with an administrator to provide health care services on a per capita basis. 2. A financing mechanism wherein a service providers assumes financial risk, is compensated at a fixed per capita rate, usually for predetermined services as appropriate for subscribers to the service. I have taken my sons on occasion to the Science Discovery Center located in Santa Ana, California. It is a wonderful play land of hands on scientific exhibits designed to entertain while they inform young minds about the physical world around us. My boys love going to explore and roughly handle the well worn exhibits. One of my favorite exhibits is the one that starts way, way . ... Crossover Healthcare blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147494 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:59:47 +0100 1147494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147495&cid=t_173723_113_f&fid=36694&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrossoverhealth.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F19%2Fdyscoordinated-healthcares-line-item-problem%2F Dyscoordinated (dĭs-kō-ôr‘dn-āt‘ĭd) n. To purposefully prevent harmoniously working together To purposefully prevent pleasing combinations; or matches of form and function To purposefully prevent harmony of common actions or efforts In addition to doing a little Health 2.0 Experiment in my last post, I have to followup with the actual delivery and payment of the service as well. I am really focused now on these two areas, particularly as they relate to the creation of Health Plan 2.0. The simple outpatient procedure that my son had done, performed at a well respected surgery center, was instructive of how far we have to go and how much opportunity exists to redefine how health care is actually consumed. First, I showed up at 6AM to sign in as a patient. Fortunately, my... Crossover Healthcare blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147495 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:18:37 +0100 1147495