5 Must-Read Healthcare Resources

The 2013 healthcare media are understandably a bit focused on Affordable Care Act (ACA), or “Obamacare”.  Much of the media’s obsession has to do with the blue state-red state declarations of supporting the insurance exchanges…or not.  In this mix, most of what is worth reading has to do with coordinating the stream of care and associated cost reductions in the delivery of those healthcare services, plus, the affordability of those services by federal and state governments.  And, these are the very areas that should be emphasized.

To become relevant, healthcare providers and suppliers must become better informed about this re-forming market.  A well-read, well-informed hospital executive, or supplier sales rep, makes higher value decisions throughout their day.

The following resources certainly aren’t all encompassing.  A solid understanding of your customers’ clinical, operational, and financial business is imperative.

1. PWC CFO Direct should be a constant daily read.  In a divisive climate, where you need less commentary and more clean and clear information, this Price Waterhouse Coopers site has what you need – without website dazzle.  Currently, you can access a whitepaper on New tax law extends research & development tax credit and another on HR Innovation – Winter 2012/2013 – The opportunities and obstacles facing employers in a post-health reform world. 
2. The Health Leaders Media Council Buzz Surveys are a quick and easy temperature check on hot topics near to and on top of your concerns.  The pages dedicated to finance and technology decision makers are especially helpful.
3. John W. Loonsk, MD has a commentary, How will national health programs fare in an electronic world, in which he quickly examines the “hydraulic” system behind PPACA.  He speculates that  leadership can always drive healthcare IT models that mesh and merge information traffic – to save money and improve outcomes.  But, he is not confident this will happen soon.
4. As 2013 Begins, Get Ready For An ObamaCare Tax Onslaught by Grace-Marie Turner appears in Forbes.com which reliably carries a lot of valuable press.  Her article pays pointed attention to all the tax impacts healthcare professionals can expect in 2013 – in addition to the medical device tax.
5. The anticipated medical device tax is the topic de jour.  None of the press is good, and none of it seems to accept the regulation as a fait accomplii. 

• Eric Cantor’s Bold New Vision for America: No Medical Device Tax by Alex MacGillis is a critical commentary on Cantor’s failure to address bigger issues.
• Radiologists Should Worry About Medical Device Tax, Too by Whitney L.J. Howell shifts the focus to the impact of the tax on radiologists, an arena that may need the information.
• IRS Issues Guidance and Regulations on Medical Device Tax by Michael Cohn puts the bright light on the down and dirty IRS impact.

Of continuing interest and a reliable alternate is Shots – Health News from NPR, a free wheeling blog sponsored by National Public Radio.

Is there something that we missed on this list?  What would you add?