Federal News
"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]
Pelosi Moves To Center On Public Health Option
Pelosi is shifting to the center on a government-run public health insurance plan, warming to a version that is being supported by some Blue Dog Democrats. [Read article]
Senator Eyes Health Co-Ops For All 50 States
The Senate Finance Committee voted down a measure for the federal government to offer its own insurance plan, the so-called public option. That same Senate panel is now offering an alternative - health insurance cooperatives. [Read article]
Seniors Worry As Medicare Advantage Is Threatened
For more than 40 million senior citizens, questions about plans to overhaul the nation's health care system come down to one word - Medicare. [Read article]
