HMOs put brakes on hospital use, costs in California

Article Abstract:

California hospitals in areas with high penetration of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) experienced a 44% decrease in predicted expenditures, according to an article in the Oct 2, 1996, JAMA. Average length of hospital stay and other patient counts dropped more rapidly in areas with strong HMO representation. HMOs reduced costs by steps including limiting hospital admissions, curtailing length of stay, cutting psychiatric confinement and increasing outpatient surgery.

Health Maintenance Organizations, HMO Medical Centers, Economic aspects, Statistics, California, Ambulatory medical care, Ambulatory care

---

Bridging the gap: video conferencing brings the medical center to the boondocks

Article Abstract:

Videoconferencing can help urban specialists treat rural patients. Although start-up costs are high, videoconferencing can save money later. Clinics can buy the necessary equipment for as little as $40,000-$50,000. For example, Giddings Hospital in Giddings, TX, spent $65,000 on video conferencing equipment in 1990 and is already saving 14% over traditional treatment delivery systems. Additional benefits of teleconferencing are also discussed.

Communication services, not elsewhere classified, Other Telecommunications, Teleconferencing, Telecommunications systems, Videoconferencing, Rural health services

---

N.C. health systems join forces to create statewide company

Article Abstract:

Carolina Medicorp Inc. and Presbyterian Healthcare System plan to merge their hospital and related operations by Sept 30, 1997, into a new company called Novant Health. Novant will operate in 18 counties in central North Carolina and parts of South Carolina and Virginia. The merging entities wanted to keep their local administration and nonprofit standing. Carolina Medicorp has three hospitals, while Presbyterian Healthcare has five.

Management, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Health care industry, North Carolina, Hospital administration, Presbyterian Healthcare System (Charlotte, North Carolina), Carolina Medicorp Inc., Novant Health

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: IRS examining salary packages at non-profit hospitals. Surge in outpatient surgery brings end to inpatient dominance
• Abstracts: IG asks why more hospitals don't report adverse actions. California doctors restructure
• Abstracts: Jobs: hidden element in health care system. Public's health care expectations must change
• Abstracts: Collagenase, its inhibitors, and decorin in the lower uterine segment in pregnant women. Onapristone and prostaglandin E2 induction of delivery in the rat in late pregnancy: a model for the analysis of cervical softening
• Abstracts: Surveillance of HIV infection and zidovudine use among health care workers after occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.