May 15, 2013
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Hospitals lose $8.3B a year on outdated communication technology
A study done by the Ponemon Institute in Traverse City suggests that the use of pagers and other outdated communication technologies decreases health care professionals' productivity and increases the amount of time it takes to discharge a patient — collectively costing U.S. hospitals more than $8.3 billion annually. Read More
Growth in health care spending, hiring and prices slows
National health care spending in March grew 3.8 percent compared to March 2012, one-tenth of a percent below the February growth rate — putting it below the record low levels that were seen from 2009 to 2011. Read More
More cost and lots of confusion
Cost and confusion are the two main factors confounding employers these days as they prepare to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act starting Jan. 1. Read More
And how much will that cost?
There is a lot of debate these days about the lack of transparency in fees charged by hospitals and physicians. Read More
Questions remain on mental health insurance coverage
LANSING — When new provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act take effect next year, a number of things could change, but don’t expect a clear answer as to what those changes will be.
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Results mixed in new air quality study
LANSING — Michigan has reduced overall air pollution since 2012, but its most populous counties still don’t earn a passing grade, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.
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Start Garden invests in circus for the mind and prescription app
The Start Garden team has invested $5,000 in Snap Script, an idea for a mobile app that would help people manage their medicine. Read More
Memorial Medical Center plans to merge with Spectrum Health
Memorial Medical Center in Ludington signed a letter of intent Friday morning to join Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids. Read More
Perrigo earns $111.9M in 3Q
Perrigo reports that its net income slipped 3 percent in the fiscal third quarter on costs related to two acquisitions. Read More
Inside Track: Entrepreneur leaving legacy for those with disabilities
Jim Albright wants to leave a legacy for disabled people. Read More
Riverside Senior Care gets authority’s OK
A Harbor Springs multi-family housing developer had its plan amendment approved by the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a new senior living center on the city’s northeast side. Read More
Counting to 50 — under Affordable Care Act
The first and most important determination small businesses must make before the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act takes effect Jan. 1 sounds easy — but it isn’t. Do you have 50 or more full-time employees or full-time employee equivalents? Read More