Report: Case management cuts costs, satisfies patients

Seriously ill patients involved in a case management program incurred 26 percent lower costs and were admitted to the hospital 26 percent fewer times, a study reports. Patients in the study rated themselves as satisfied with their care. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Editor’s Note: The word is getting out on the value of case management practice. If your organization is making a difference, contact your local news paper to share the news and get the word out about the benefits of case management!

Analysis: Corporate giants seek fix for healthcare

This Associated Press analysis looks at how firms such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., General Motors Corp. and Intel Corp. are rallying to change the United States healthcare system. The Philadelphia Inquirer/Associated Press

Grocer’s plan aims to hold costs in check

Safeway offers all of its nonunion employees a low-premium, high-deductible health plan that covers all preventive care and provides a 24-hour advice line. The company has found its focus on prevention has resulted in savings and the fostering of healthy habits such as exercise. San Francisco Chronicle

Editor’s Note: These two articles show how corporate America is taking steps to make serious changes in today’s healthcare system. Case management will be a part of many of these plans so as you evaluate where you are in your profession, keep this opportunity in mind for a career move.

FDA gives guidance on development of anti-obesity treatments

The FDA announced draft guidelines to help pharmaceutical firms in the development of drugs and devices to treat obesity. Among other points, the guidelines urge companies to prove their products can help people lose weight and keep it off for at least one year. MSNBC/Reuters

Editor’s Note: Case managers who want to review the FDA’s draft guidelines can scroll to the end of the article.

Just-in- time approach to doctor’s appointments can work

Kaiser Permanente has found success in its shift to an open-access scheduling model in which patients, no matter how serious their condition, can get same-day appointments. Even so, it can be difficult to balance providers’ availability with patient demand. BusinessWeek

Editor’s Note:This article looks at innovative approaches that providers are trying in order to meet consumer needs.

Johns Hopkins admits loss of sensitive data tapes

Johns Hopkins University said it has started the process of informing more than 135,000 university employees and patients that backup computer tapes containing sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and bank account information, have been lost for seven weeks. Officials also have said that they believe the information has been destroyed and not used or compromised. The Baltimore Sun

Editor’s Note: Data integrity is an essential issue that providers and payers must take seriously. Read this article to see what one organization did when they realized that tapes with personal identification information were confirmed missing.

Study: Ailments caused by eye problems cost Medicare $2 billion

Researchers estimate that medical conditions caused by, but not related to, eye problems cost Medicare more than $2 billion a year. The extra expenses are needed to cover treatments for depression, injuries and nursing home care that result from patients having eye problems, including AMD, cataracts and glaucoma. The Washington Post/HealthDay News

Editor’s Note: This was an interesting article that underscores the importance of regular checkups for the entire body.

Michigan’s laid-off auto workers to help with nursing shortage

Michigan’s health industry is making the most of the state’s auto industry layoffs by helping former auto workers move into nursing. Hospitals and universities are teaming up to train students to become nurses in as little as a year, and interest in the programs appears strong. The Detroit News

Editor’s Note: This article details an innovative approach that may address the nursing shortage while helping displaced workers find new careers in Michigan.