Federal News
New Report, Documentary Debunk Myth; Show that Heartland favors Health Care Reform
Rural Americans cleared the air about their position on health care reform at the "Rural Issues in Health Care Reform" congressional briefing. According to the eye-opening report, "Sweet the Bitter Drought: Why Rural America Needs Health Care Reform," rural Americans are more likely to be underinsured, less likely to have choices in insurance coverage, travel greater distances and often face shortages in health care providers, medical services and technology. [Read article]
Rural Communities Need Health Care Reform More Than Anyone
Blog: The lie that health care reform would hurt rural communities has been one to which progressives and moderates have been slow to respond, perhaps because there have been so many myths and distortions to keep us busy. [Read article]
Health Care Reform, Back of the Napkin Version
Confused about health care reform? Dan Roam, of Back of the Napkin fame, explains what’s going on, in his signature visual style. Worth revisiting if you’ve seen this already. [Read article]
"Meaningful" Progress Toward Electronic Health Information Exchange
A message from Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology about the important term “meaningful use” of electronic health records (EHRs) – both as a concept that underlies the movement toward an electronic health care environment and as a practical set of standards that will be issued as a proposed regulation by the end of 2009. [Read article]
Uninsured People May Have A Higher Risk Of Death Than Once Thought, Study Finds
In a study published in the American Journal of Public Health it reports that the uninsured might be about 40% more likely to die than the privately insured. [Read article]
The Improvement Map
Improvement Map is an online tool that distills the best knowledge available on the key process improvements that will lead to better outcomes for patients. The site includes research around best practices, links to external resources and explanations of compliance requirements and tips for how best to reduce costs and improve outcomes on 70 care processes. [Read article; Website]
A Look At Health Care Plans In Congress
A look at various proposals. [Read article]
House Dems Have Often Waived Read-The-Bill Transparency Rules
Pelosi has committed to allowing lawmakers to scrutinize the healthcare reform bill 72 hours before it is voted on, but other members say this policy should apply to all legislation, without exception. A new Rasmussen poll of 1,000 voters found that 83 percent of the public wants Congress to post legislation online two weeks before voting on it. [Read article]
