MASSDEVICE ON CALL — A newly identified molecular signature might help doctors predict likelihood of death in sepsis patients. Sepsis, a disease caused by uncontrolled infection, usually triggers the body to "switch on" a metabolism-boosting process, which enhances survival chances.
Researchers identified a specific molecular signature in patients who responded this way, an important indicator that they will survive the infection. Their findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Nearly 25% of OR mistakes caused by tech problems
A staggering number of operation room errors are caused by technical difficulties, with about 1 in 4 medical mistakes attributed to inability to use equipment or to lack of available equipment. An analysis published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that 15% of malpractice claims stem from technology problems.
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IOM report digs into health cost disparities in the U.S.
A 178-page report from the Institute of Medicine found that huge disparities in health spending across America’s diverse geographies are associated with differences in post-acute services and insurance billing. The IOM attributed health consumption differences to how often Medicare patients use post-acute services, like nursing homes or at-home care. The report also found a big difference in the rates certain hospitals charge commercial insurers.
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Obama says HC reform is on track in his speech on the U.S. economy
This week, President Obama spoke to Americans about the U.S. economy and said the administration is "well on our way"
a full roll-out of healthcare reform. He spoke out against his opponent’s "politically motivated misinformation campaign," and assured the public that the federal insurance exchanges will be open for business on Oct. 1.
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2 patients allegedly died as part of a hospital kickback scheme
In the latest chapter of Chicago’s Sacred Heart Hospital scandal, families accused hospital leaders and doctors of liability in the deaths of 2 patients whose surgeries were allegedly tied to a Medicare fraud scheme. Sacred Heart executives and 4 doctors were sued this month for wrongful death, with plaintiffs asserting that the deceased were recommended for unnecessary tracheotomies as part of the scam. The hospital shut down earlier this month.
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