July 2011

FRI, JUL 29, 2011

Studies Show Anesthesiologists Improve Colon Polyp Detection

Anesthesiologists play a key role in the detection of polyps discovered during a colonoscopy. Dr. Brooks C. Cash of the National Naval Medical Center presented findings from a large retrospective study of over 4.5 million index colonoscopies. Dr. Cash and his colleagues reviewed outcomes from procedures performed between 2001 and 2010. Approximately one... Read More

FRI, JUL 29, 2011

Reviewing the Value-Based Purchasing Program Final Rule

In the first of a four-part series on the value-based purchasing (VBP) program, we looked at the background and the influence of healthcare reform on this significant change in healthcare reimbursement. Part 2 examines the final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Key Provisions of the Final Rule On April 29, 2011,... Read More

THU, JUL 21, 2011

Somnia's Tools for Anesthesia Onboarding and Change Management

Changing anesthesia providers is challenging. It starts with recognizing the need for change and managing the process for best results. Somnia developed tools to guide hospitals considering this type of change. Free Webinar Presentation The webinar, Best Practices for Anesthesia Onboarding and Change Management, offers a real-world guide through the change process. Presented by a... Read More

WED, JUL 20, 2011

Value-Based Purchasing Series

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the value-based purchasing (VBP) program. Over the next few weeks, we will share information about this important product of healthcare reform. A four-part blog post series will define VBP, the history behind it, key provisions of the final rule... Read More

WED, JUL 6, 2011

Child’s Surgery Motivates Parents to Quit Smoking

No parent wishes surgery for his or her child. However, for many parents, their child's surgery is a motivator to quit smoking. Unfortunately, the reason for quitting does not ensure success. Mayo Clinic Study A recent study by researchers from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, published in the July issue of Anesthesiology, evaluated... Read More