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VM to launch health services research center

The purpose of the new center is to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital’s improvement initiatives more rigorously and publish the results in medical journals and other publications.

Medicare to penalize hospitals with high readmission rates

Starting next fall, Medicare will begin penalizing hospitals if their readmission rates are higher than expected for three conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.

1 million in Washington now lack health insurance

In several counties, more than 1 in 5 residents has no health coverage, according to a new report from Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “If anyone doubts the need for health care reform,” said Kreidler,”there are a million people out there that they should talk to.”

Hospitals use drug company sales tactics to pitch services to doctors

A growing number of hospitals nationwide are hiring former drug and device sales representatives to visit doctors’ offices to persuade them to use their services over competing facilities.

Insurance often does not cover weight-loss surgery for teens

As obesity among young people continues to rise, a growing number of clinicians say that weight-loss surgery may be their best chance to take off significant weight. But although health plans frequently cover bariatric surgery in adults, coverage for patients under age 18 is spotty.

Seattle Times investigates Washington state’s methadone policy

The Seattle Times has launched an investigative series on Washington state’s policy towards the use of the pain killer methadone for the treatment of chronic pain. The paper argues the drug is dangerously unpredictable and responsible for the deaths of hundreds, particularly among the poor.

Group programs effective in preventing childhood depression

Group-based prevention strategies may offer a means of reaching more individuals than most treatment approaches.

Health on the Web: This week’s top picks

A drug that wakes the “near dead.” Romneycare and abortion. Low-birthweight affects adult cognitive abilities. Technology to connect doctors and caregivers. Trisomy 18 and Rick Santorum’s daughter.

Free college prep for high-school students with disabilities

The University of Washington’s DO-IT Scholars program is inviting applications from Washington state high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities who are interested in preparing for college.

Health law may accelerate growth in urgent care centers

Besides their convenience, urgent care centers attract patients because their fees at least half those charged at a hospital ERs. Those lower fees have drawn the attention of hospitals and insurers — both of which increasingly see the facilities as a way to hold down costs and boost their bottom lines.