January 2010

Telemedicine has different aspects, and one is the seemingly simple connection of a doc and a patient. When the stars are aligned, such an encounter can save money and time.
Ten percent of newborns are admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. NICU costs are high but controllable.
Just because a benefit package costs a lot doesn’t mean it pays for everything or improves outcomes. Many variables come into play.
Pennsylvania’s mining of infection info, and the use of insurers’ own statistics in Maine are seen as great examples of measuring quality
Rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility lacks the intensity that most patients need, studies suggest
It is customary to think of this payment method as a cost-control mechanism, and it is, but it can raise quality of care too
CDHPs and catastrophic insurance plans can save consumers money, but do high deductibles add to overall costs down the line?
Departments
Legislation & Regulation
Charges by lawmakers that insurers don’t spend enough on medical services lead to provisions in health reform bills in the Senate and House
John Carroll
Medication Management
Although effective treatments are available, helping patients cope is a minefield of administrative and legal barriers
Martin Sipkoff
Compensation Monitor
The Formulary Files
Tomorrow's Medicine
If the Food and Drug Administration approves the bronchial thermoplasty system, it will be the first device specifically approved to treat the condition
Thomas Morrow, MD
Plan Watch
A unique health plan-provider partnership focuses on giving practical knowledge to those to whom the CEOs report
Frank Diamond
Managed Care Outlook