In an effort to raise awareness of hospital price variation, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and Anthem Blue Cross started a “reference pricing” initiative in 2011. It appears to be having an impact.
In the face of projected doctor shortages and debate about the future of medicine, a record number of students applied to, and started, medical school this year.
Dr. Thomas Bellavia transformed his traditional medical practice in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., into a so-called medical home where patients are seen by teams of doctors and nurses. He says it has paid off in better, more coordinated care for his patients and healthier income for the nurse practitioners and physicians in his group.