As investigators dig deeper into the mind of the shooter from the recent Colorado tragedy, a concept is being revisited: Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. The electronic database system is designed to monitor drug prescriptions of patients and address issues such as drug abuse and addiction. But more timely, it also assists in the detection of adverse side effects when multiple prescription drugs potentially collide. Currently, 37 states utilize PDMPs. This begs the question, can a Physician be held responsible if the use of multiple prescription drugs turns deadly? This debate will be quickly propelled to the forefront as a lawsuit was allegedly filed by one of the theater shooting victims. Could PDMPs assist in the freeflow of information between Physicians and prescriptions decreasing a Physicians liability? Or should the patient ultimately be held responsible for their own choices? There is a duty of care owed to each and every patient. But the debate lies in where this duty begins and ends; hence the gray area of medical care.
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You’ve seen the he said she said commercials already. Policies and views are being polished and presented. All of this can only mean one thing: it is election time in Greece. Say what? Ok yes, on our home turf it is an election year as well. But why is Greece’s political arena taking the spotlight? Unlike before when P/E ratios and earnings strongly determined our financial markets, global economies are the game changer investors are closely monitoring. Foreign economies are indeed playing a big role in the future of the stability of our financial markets. And coupled with the upcoming November election which will indeed determine if the the markets are further government influenced, this year proves to be an important election year for many countries stretching from China to the United States. History has shown election years are typically bullish, but if I were a betting woman, I would hang on to a few puts as well.
“Any hospital that doesn’t have meaningful use of IT by 2015 will see a cut in reimbursements.” Ouch. That’s a sobering statement. Now here’s an even bigger eye opener: only 3.5% of the $2.5 TRILLION now spent on healthcare is allocated to IT. This number, well let’s be honest, both of these numbers will grow substantially in the upcoming years. There are multiple companies that offer platforms to propel hospitals and yes, small practices into the ring of the future. Healthcare IT is a barreling freight train that shows no signs of slowing. Arming yourself with knowledge to choose the best fit software for your practice, making sure they offer setup and ongoing support, will save headaches and $$ down the road. Cerner, Allscripts and GE offer such software. But due diligence is key, you’re marrying into a system where you must trust and love the in-laws. Next dropoff: Health Insurance companies as we currently enjoy will no longer be aboard. Well Mr. Patterson of Cerner, that’s a totally separate blog.
There is always something admirable about going against the grain, and Microsoft is hoping it pays off…literally. Recognizing that tablets are here to stay in a big way, Microsoft’s Windows 8 is catering to the trend. Let’s face it, social media has definitely found its way to the workplace, camouflaged within tablets and smartphones. Perhaps not so great for productivity between the 9:00-5:00 time frame, but consider the opportunity to utilize this device for a little work from home. After 5:00. That is the basis of Windows 8, to connect the mobile device to the workplace computer. So perhaps if employees check their email from home on a weekend, the opportunity is there to tap into work and complete a task rather than allowing it to sit in the inbox until Monday. An Employer’s dream or nightmare? Windows is rolling the dice and betting on 8.
Under the Affordable Care Act, in 2014, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to any American with a pre-existing condition. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program is currently providing insurance to nearly 50,000 people with high-risk pre-existing conditions nationwide. The program is available in 50 states and the District of Columbia and open to U.S. citizens and people who reside in the U.S. legally (regardless of income) who have been without insurance coverage for at least six months, and have a pre-existing condition, or have been denied health insurance coverage because of a health condition. Enrollment in PCIP has seen a nearly 400 percent increase from November 2010 to November 2011. PCIP enrollment is anticipated to trend upwards of 50,000 enrollees within the coming month.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in a chicken in every pot and a roof over every head. The National Mortgage Statement Pact will be landing upon our economy within the next year, whereby $25 billion, yes B as in Billion, will be allocated to all 50 states based on financial relief needs of homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments. For example, Kansas is estimated to receive $50 million, while California is projected to receive $10 BILLION. My main concern lies in the outcome: is this a solution or an enabling mistake? Unemployment is still a major concern and the last time I checked, companies weren’t eagerly turning on the help wanted sign. And if these homeowners are struggling to afford their mortgage payment then, what have we seen to make us believe they will be earning sufficient money 1-3 years from now? In contrast, couldn’t we have taken the $25 Billion, pumped it into SBA to create more loans for small businesses and work to create jobs? Call me crazy, but wouldn’t this huge sum of money be more beneficial to a broader audience?
