Medical Malpractice Insurance Rate Decreases in North Carolina, 5-31-12, PR Web
Cliff Hickam of Diederich Healthcare reports that the liability insurance company is able to offer medical malpractice insurance to North Carolina medical professionals at an average rate of 15 percent less than what was available in 2011.
Digital detection flags possible fraud, 5-31-12, The Star News
Writer Brian Freskos reports that analytics software designed by IBM makes detecting fraudulent billing practices easier, detecting over 200 outpatient behavioral health providers around the state.
Questions Linger on Resolving Housing Problem for Mentally Ill, 5-31-12, North Carolina Health News
Writer Rose Hoban reports that a $50 million provision tucked into North Carolina’s budget would go to addressing long-standing problems with housing for people with mental health disabilities.
NC House OKs toxic air pollution program changes, 5-29-12, WRAL
WRAL reports that North Carolina lawmakers are closer to scrapping the state’s program measuring toxic air pollution.
Proposed Cuts to North Carolina’s Highly Successful Tobacco Prevention Programs Will Hurt Kids and Increase Health Care Costs, 5-25-12, Market Watch/PR Newswire
Tobacco-Free Kids released a statement urging the North Carolina General Assembly to reject a legislative committee’s proposal to slash funding for the state’s highly successful tobacco prevention programs and instead maintain funding at the current level.
WNC hospitals and health departments create regional initiative, 5-30-12, Mountain Xpress
Writer Caitlin Byrd reports that hospitals and health departments in 16 western North Carolina counties have developed a regional initiative known as WNC Healthy Impact, which will assess current health data along with the community’s perception of its health.
Novant Health to cut 289 jobs, including 103 in Charlotte, 5-29-12, WBTV/The Charlotte Business Journal
Reporter Jennifer Thomas writes that Novant Health Inc. will eliminate 289 jobs, including 103 at Presbyterian Healthcare in Charlotte, citing economic pressures to make healthcare more affordable.
Efforts mount to cut improper use of antipsychotics for seniors, 5-30-12, The News and Observer
Reporter Thomas Goldsmith writes that prescriptions for the wrong medicine, or too much of the right one, can cause dullness, danger or even death for older people.
Patient records to get digitalized at NHRMC, 5-31-12, The Star News
Reporter Jim Ware writes that patient information sharing among medical professionals will take a giant step forward Saturday at New Hanover Regional Medical Center when they go live with Connect electronic health record system.
