Skype or not to Skype?

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/02/28/skype-revolutionizing-mental-health-care/

http://www.fiercehealthit.com/story/skype-successful-home-care-infants/2013-02-11

This is the second article I came across with this month using skype to communicate with patients. One article showed using skype in a home care setting for pediatric population. They both brought in positive reactions from the users (the patients and the providers). Do you think skype is a the new trend in communicating with the health care providers? What to do you think?

Primary Care Medical Home and Joint Commission

http://www.jointcommission.org/joint_commission_to_offer_pcmh_certification_hospitals_critical_access_hospitals/

I found this article which I thought was interesting model of care. It seems that with this model, patients have better access to care, thus increases their satisfaction. This is a nice follow up article on how to improve your scores with patient satisfaction. According to Joint Commission website, this add on certification is now available for accredited hospitals.

Long Island Hospitals and Patient Satisfaction

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/li-hospitals-can-ill-afford-low-patient-satisfaction-scores-1.4553813?p=879862

With patient satisfaction tied in to reimbursements, many hospitals are working towards improving their scores. Check out where your hospital ranks and let us know how you are doing it!

A Chance To Be Heard

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2013/02/01/irs-releases-proposed-regs-for-health-care-law-whos-covered-whos-exempt-and-what-happens-if-you-dont-want-to-pay/

The IRS is inviting all taxpayers to comment on the proposed regulations for Health Care Law until May  2, 2013. These regulations are expected to take effect in 2014. Read the article and send in your public comments!