Quality and Safety
The percentage of the nation's population without health insurance increased from 15.4 percent in 2008 to 16.7 percent in 2009, according to data released in September by the U.S. Census Bureau.
In recent news reports, medical billing companies were named in connection with a medical records data breach, one of which apparently involved medical records found in a public dump.
Annual performance-based incentive plans are on the rise for physicians, according to a recent survey of provider organizations.
Medical group practice leaders from around the country are set to visit The Big Easy at the end of October for the Medical Group Management Association's 2010 Annual Conference.
The Integrated Healthcare Association, a statewide-based leadership group that promotes quality improvement, accountability and affordability of healthcare in California, has named its top 45 performing physician organizations for 2009, based on the IHA statewide Pay for Performance program measures.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded $13.7 million to six states to design background check programs for jobs involving direct patient care.
Hundreds of healthcare human resources executives braved the stifling heat and swarms of Pittsburgh Steelers football fans descending upon Tampa Bay this weekend to attend the 46th annual conference and exposition for the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration.
The patient mortality rate at Pennsylvania hospitals decreased significantly from 2002 through 2009, although the readmission rate increased considerably, according to the state's annual Hospital Performance Report.
Hospitals can support patient-centered medical homes by linking them with affiliated physicians and offering health information technology, staff and management expertise, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Hospital Association.
Accredited hospitals in the United States are providing higher-quality, evidence-based care for heart attacks, pneumonia, surgical care and children's asthma, according to a new report by The Joint Commission.