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John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Computer Technology Really Does Improve Patient Care

February 6, 2009

Analysis of:Health Info Technology Saves Lists, Costs: Study | news.yahoo.com

Information technology in healthcare saves lives if it is frequently used by doctors for medical practice.  Scientific papers in the past have suggested that information technology saves lives by preventing medication errors but this paper suggests that the way doctors practice medicine may be modified to saves lives as well. 

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Why hasn't EHR been adopted faster

November 26, 2008

Analysis of:Survey: Hospital EHR Adoption Rate is Below 12% | www.govhealthit.com

The lack of a comprehensive EHR implementation suggests that we are failing at our goal of improving the healthcare system.  While the article highlights many problems, very few solutions are offered to remedy this part of our healthcare crises. The key implications are: 1. The adoption rate of electronic health records in nonfederal U.S. hospitals is low 2. The percentage of these electronic record systems may be classified as "fully functional is low 3. The companies that can fill the enormous gaps in adoption have laid the foundation for future adoption.

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Theword of mouth

November 16, 2007

Analysis of:Cigna reaches deal on doctors' rankings | news.yahoo.com

Missing in the article is the fact patients will still go to the physicians that they like regardless of the rating system.  This rating system of doctors is really economic credentialling.  Insurance companies will lower reimbursement unit values of physicians that are not rated well. 

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Pain has not killed anyone

October 1, 2007

Analysis of:FDA Warns About Misuse Of Fentora Cancer Pain Drug | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Because the FDA warns about the misuse Of Fentora as a Cancer Pain Drug,  I hope that physicians will be very carefull about prescribing this very potent opiate medication.  Fortunately, the company Cephalon is correcting the problem without taking away the important role of this drug in controlling breakthrough pain.  Patience, education, and vigilence could make this drug safer.  Pain has not killed anyone but opiates have killed many.  

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

New medicare regulations to force hospitals to do more with less

September 6, 2007

Analysis of:New Medicare Regulations Adopted To Reduce Certain Hospital Infections And Medical Errors | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Under new Medicare regulations, hospitals will no longer receive higher payments for the additional costs associated with treating patients for certain hospital- acquired infections and medical errors. The new rules will give hospitals a powerful new incentive to improve patient care, according to Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Concierge Medicine : The underlying benefit

August 17, 2007

Analysis of:MDs offer new services, for $3,600 yearly fee | www.boston.com

Is access to healthcare equal for everyone or only for the wealthy.

John HsuDirector of AnesthesiologyPRESBYTERIAN INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL, INC.

Health Courts may streamline the medical malpractice course

May 30, 2007

Analysis of:Senate bill could transform medical malpractice | www.fiercehealthcare.com

In the article referenced, the idea was brought up to discuss the virtues of a establishing health court in which attorney's and judges knowledgeable in the healthcare would be present in the court and attorney's fee would be capped at 20 percent of the verdict. This idea attempts to establish a court in which the virtues of the case are decided by a court of physician's peers and not by juries.  The benefits of the concept include streamlining the medical malpractice course, saving money for the healthcare industry while maintaining the intergety of the judicial system.

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