Federal Budget Fights Cause Frustration At Hospitals

From KUNC:

The fighting in Washington over potential cuts to Medicare has created worry and uncertainty at hospitals throughout Colorado, particularly in rural areas.

Various possible reductions could reach a total of 22 percent of Medicare payments for dozens of the state’s smaller hospitals.

What’s most frustrating, says Stephan Wilson, the chief financial officer at Montrose Memorial Hospital, is that he doesn’t know which cuts are coming – or if they’re coming at all. He’s left unsure how much revenue to expect.

“We have no way to figure out what’s going on or to plan,” he said.

The reductions could prompt some hospitals and doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients. It could become harder to find a doctor as early as next month.

ER staff given place to chill

From the Sunshine Coast Daily:

Dealing with seriously ill or injured patients is all in a day’s work for medical staff at Nambour General Hospital’s emergency department.

Often confronted with incredibly stressful situations, it makes sense for them to have a place to relax, enjoy the fresh air and unwind.

A relaxing haven for emergency staff has now become a reality in the form a Tuscan themed outdoor garden complete with tables and chairs, umbrellas, plants, flowers and herbs thanks to $44,000 donated by Wishlist.

EPs Take Healthcare Fight to Washington

From Emergency Physicians Monthly:

Next November, when Americans enter the polling booths, there will be five emergency physicians who are either seeking re-election or running for a seat in the US House of Representatives.

The emergency department in an ACO world

From KevinMD:

In the era of accountable care, you’ll notice that many hospitals and health systems are already driving towards more collaborative workflow. The integrated delivery network (IDN) is changing significantly, and for the better. But in high-acuity care areas, like the emergency department (ED), the challenge of treating patients more holistically in what is already a fast-paced environment is concerning for physicians evaluating the pay-for-performance model.

Iowa Issues Safety Alert on Synthetic Drugs

From KCRG:

State officials issued a warning for parents about synthetic drugs on Thursday. Substances that mimic pot, cocaine and other illegal drugs are landing more teens in the emergency rooms.

K-2 and seven other synthetic drug compounds were banned in Iowa in July, 2010. That hasn’t stopped teens from turning to other substances like incense, bath salts, and potpourri for the same hallucinatory effect.

“They may get their high but they also can do real severe damage to their body,” said Donald Linder, an ER Physician at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Why This ER Doctor Decided That Business Is Way Better Than Medicine

From Business Insider:

After several years as an ER doctor, Christine Tsien Silvers decided to quit clinical medicine to become the Chief Medical Officer of a small company and, therefore, leave behind the days of having to see an “average number of patients per hour.”