In the News This Week…

Garner doctor spares limbs from amputation, 3-7-12, WRAL.com
WRAL reported that NCMS member George Adams, MD, performs a new procedure that allows patients to keep limbs that would otherwise be amputated.

House panel votes to ax health law’s cost-cutting board, 3-6-12, Healthwatch
Blogger Sam Baker writes about the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s voice vote to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).

First look at the next stage of meaningful use, 3-5-12, amednews
Writer Charles Fiegl provides an update on CMS’ proposed rules and how physicians can strive for EMR adoption bonuses and avoid Medicare penalties.

Survey puts hospital’s Medicaid/Medicare funding in jeopardy, 3-5-12, Statesville Record & Landmark
Reporter Bethany Fuller accounts that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) surveyors issued a health and safety warning to Iredell Memorial Hospital, which may halt agency funding to the hospital. 

Judge dismisses part of Carolinas HealthCare lawsuit vs. Mecklenburg Co., 3-7-12, Charlotte Business Journal
Writer Jennifer Thomas reports on the judge’s ruling in Carolinas HealthCare System’s lawsuit against Mecklenburg County.

Three local hospitals recognized in statewide ranking, 3-7-12, Mountain Xpress
Reporter Caitlin Byrd writes that Mission Hospital, McDowell Hospital and Angel Medical Center made top rankings statewide according to Business North Carolina magazine.

Mission Health offers safety tips for National Patient Safety Awareness Week, 3-5-12, Mountain Xpress
Reporter Caitlin Byrd writes that Mission Health, North Carolina’s sixth largest health system, participated in and educated its patients about National Patient Safety Awareness Week.

FDA weighs over-the-counter switch for key drugs, 3-7-12, The News and Observer/Associated Press
Writer Matthew Perrone reports that some widely used prescription drugs could be available over the counter under new government proposal.

GlaxoSmithKline seeking approval for new flu vaccines, 3-5-12, Triangle Business Journal
Writer Lauren K. Ohnesorge reports that GlaxoSmithKline is seeking approval for two new flu vaccines, including a quadrivalent influenza vaccine and an H5N1 vaccine, in the United States and Europe.

Garner gives go-ahead to WakeMed Healthplex, 3-8-12, The News and Observer
Writer Sarah Nagem reports on the approval for WakeMed to build healthplex in Garner, which will create 150 jobs.

High-cost patients get closer care to keep them out of hospitals, 3-8-12, The News and Observer/Contra Costa Times
Writer Sandy Kleffman reports on a new style of patient care  with the goal to lower the cost of treating the one percent of patients whose chronic issues account for 20 percent of the nation’s health care spending.

Physicians and hospitals must make websites more patient-friendly, study says, 3-5-12, amednews
Pamela Lewis Dolan reports on the findings of a Journal of Healthcare Management study that health care providers should take into consideration accessibility, content, marketing and technology when creating a more patient-friendly website.

BCBSNC appeals to smartphone users, 3-6-12, The News and Observer
Blogger David Ranii writes that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) will provide a simplified version of its website for mobile devices.

 
 

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