Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Optimus Healthcare Partners has launched an accountable care organization (ACO) that will include 42 primary care practices and 104 primary care physicians that treat more than 40,000 patients in 11 counties.

Implementing a collaborative quality initiative can reduce inappropriate use of cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) by 60 percent, according to results of a study published online Aug. 8 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. All referring physician specialties lowered inappropriate use rates in the study.

The increasing number of integrated health systems mostly includes commercial organizations, but integrated public health systems are necessary to provide quality care to patients relying on a safety net, according to research published in the August issue of Health Affairs. Their investigation of 10 California counties that have attempted to integrate safety net healthcare services offers a glimpse into what healthcare will be like when millions join the ranks of the insured and payment reforms begin taking hold.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule aims to align the physician quality reporting system with similar quality reporting initiatives to reduce the burden on providers, according to an Aug. 7 National Provider Call.

Emerging healthcare payment models underscore the widespread belief that reducing hospital admissions will reduce healthcare costs, and although there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to accomplishing this goal, there are lessons hospitals can look to, according to a CSC report published in July.

BOSTONSuccessful mHealth innovation projects start with an idea to enhance patient care, move from idea to development with clinician assistance and end with a practical tool that makes clinicians jobs easier. Childrens Hospital Boston Chief Innovation Officer Naomi Fried, PhD, and her co-panelists shared their tips for mhealth innovators on July 25 at the 4th annual mHealth World Congress.

Medicare works better for its beneficiaries than private insurance. Those enrolled in Medicare were more likely to receive care, had fewer problems accessing care due to cost, were less likely to be financially burdened by medical bills and more likely to be satisfied with their insurance than those enrolled in employer sponsored insurance plans, according to an article published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

While physician profiling programs have the potential to positively influence physician behavior and facilitate practice improvements, the information contained within physician data reports can be difficult to understand and utilize. To improve these potentially useful tools, the American Medical Association (AMA) has published guidelines for reporting physician data.