Culture Change Needed to Reduce Healthcare Spending
The CEOs of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross say the merger of their companies will help them compete with larger insurers as well as educate consumers about the true costs of health care. “We need to change the culture, how we deliver health care and how we as consumers should expect to receive care,” said Kenneth Melanie, CEO of Highmark Inc. Click here to read more.
Editor’s Note: As case managers will be an important part of this effort it will be important to follow this story.
CDC: 8% of Americans Have Diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 24 million people in the United States, or about 8 percent of the population, have diabetes, an increase of about 3 million over two years. According to the report, about 57 million people have pre-diabetes. Click here to read more.
Best-performing Hospitals See Fewer Birth Complications
The fifth annual Women’s Health in American Hospitals report by HealthGrades shows the best-performing hospitals had 51 percent fewer complications during vaginal births and 76 percent fewer problems during Caesarean sections when compared with poor-performing facilities. Click here to read the report and to learn what some hospitals are doing to improve outcomes.
More Americans Finding Access to Care Difficult
A weakening economy and rising healthcare costs are causing more Americans, including those with insurance, to delay or skip medical treatments, according to a new study from the Center for Studying Health System Change. Click here to read more.
Editor’s Note: Cost, quality and access are the three pillars to quality health care. Read the report from the Center for Studying Health System Change to see some of the barriers to our system.
Leadership: Seven Guidelines for Chaotic Times
Contagious passion. Inspirational communication. The ability to instill confidence. These are some of the qualities of leaders who are successful during chaotic times. These seven tips can help you stay on top of your leadership style and help you navigate the times. Click here to read more.
Do You Have a Recruitment Plan?
Nearly half the civilian workforce in the United States will be eligible to retire over the next decade or so — yet many companies have no recruitment or retention plans. Here are some questions to ask as you begin your plans, as well as four key strategies. Click here to read more.
Getting to Know the Four Generations of Workers
If you can create a corporate culture that embraces four generations of workers, you’ll be better able to attract and retain people — and be ready for the future. This white paper explains why “leaders who understand change” are the most effective, and it offers five strategies to manage the change. Click here to read more.
