Business Intelligence

Providers utilize business intelligence to monitor referral patterns and collaborate with clinicians who order their services. Such analytics tools have also been deployed in the specialty to improve productivity, track patient satisfaction and bolster quality.

Congressional candidate physician sues hospital and doctor for death of father
Some of the claims in the lawsuit, brought against Novant Health by Kyle Horton, MD, are backed by a report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Industry Watcher’s Digest
HHS isn’t waiting to see what its incoming secretary does before filling some key leadership positions.
FTC, DOJ and HHS release report warning of private equity consolidation in healthcare
The agencies said private equity firms are rolling up healthcare sectors through serialized purchases that fly under the radar of regulators, creating an unsustainable level of consolidation.
Report highlights flaws in FDA rapid approval of Alzheimer drug
A new report from the Office of the Inspector General found the FDA failed to properly record meetings with drug manufacturers, ultimately approving drugs later shown to have safety and efficacy issues.
Telehealth diabetes management offering now part of Amazon marketplace
The integration was announced during the annual JP Morgan Health Care Conference in San Francisco. The program works through Amazon Benefits Manager to remotely help patients with weight and blood pressure management.

CMS Proposed Rule for Stage 2 MU Includes ACR ‘Asks’

The ACR expressed an initial thumbs-up on the proposed rule for Stage 2 Meaningful Use, released by CMS on February 23.

FDA Approves Revised Label for Rubidium Compound CardioGen-82

The Food and Drug Administration approved revised labeling for CardioGen-82 this month, signaling a return to the market soon for an important compound in cardiovascular nuclear medicine.

Accreditation Council Chooses Radiology Among First to Revamp GME

Diagnostic radiology has been chosen as one of seven specialties to follow a new accreditation process for graduate medical education beginning in July 2013.

Colon Cancer Screening Advocates Urge Medicare to Cover Virtual Exams

The Colon Cancer Alliance and the American College of Radiology are both calling on Medicare to cover virtual colonoscopy procedures after a recent study showed they were just as good as standard colonoscopy.

After Anxious Wait, Stage 2 Meaningful Use Draft Rule Published

After promises to see official drafts of the proposed Stage 2 Meaningful Use EHR rules today, the scuttlebutt from HIMSS12 was that some technical hang-ups in the federal release process would delay the document at least another day; possibly until Monday. Then, just before the end of the working day on the East Coast, the Office of the Federal

Canadian Scientists Find Safe Way to Produce Nuclear Isotopes

Canadian scientists think they have a solution to producing an important medical imaging isotope without a nuclear reactor.

Siemens and Dell Partner on Cloud-Based Solution

Siemens Healthcare and Dell announced this week a key partnership to deliver a cloud-based vendor-neutral image sharing solution.

Colorado Legislature Considering Bill to Limit Hospital Cost and Require Price Transparency

The Colorado Legislature is considering a bill that would limit the amount hospitals can charge uninsured patients with low to moderate incomes. In addition, hospitals would be required to disclose prices of various services.

Business Intelligence

Congressional candidate physician sues hospital and doctor for death of father

Industry Watcher’s Digest

FTC, DOJ and HHS release report warning of private equity consolidation in healthcare

Report highlights flaws in FDA rapid approval of Alzheimer drug

Telehealth diabetes management offering now part of Amazon marketplace