WH

In this article by Molly Gamble and posted to Becker's Hospital Review on March 10, 2015, the writer reports:

The Next Generation ACO Model is an initiative for ACOs that are already experienced in coordinating care. CMS expects approximately 15 to 20 ACOs to participate with representation from a variety of provider organization types. The model consists of three initial performance years and two optional one-year extensions...The new initiative from CMS Innovation Center...is part of HHS' efforts to shift 50 percent of all Medicare provider payments to an alternative payment model by 2018.

WIM

Policy makers and payors are eager to shift risk to providers. This should result in lower costs and better outcomes. That said, not everyone is convinced particularly physicians who may pay for healthcare reform via reduced incomes.

WH

In the print edition of the Miami New Times dated March 12, 2015, Trevor Bach writes:

...<Coral Gables based> Baptist Health South Florida wants to open <an>...urgent-care center in South Beach...a series of actions by the city's planning board and its Chamber of Commerce have blocked quick development of the facility...

...Part of the problem may trace to two of the planning board's six members who have strong ties to <Miami Beach based> Mount Sinai, Jonathan Beloff...a lawyer....an Executive VP of Mount Sinai's Foundation and Randolph Gumenick ...a member of Mount Sinai's executive committee.

Meanwhile in an article posted online the same day to the Miami Herald entitled Miami Beach Chamber reconsiders and accepts Baptist Hospital as a member, Joey Flechas reports:

After the executive board of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce initially voted down Baptist Health's membership 10 days ago, the full board approved Baptist as a chamber member Thursday... Mount Sinai has raised concerns about the neighborhood impact of the proposed Baptist facility, which would include diagnostic services, outpatient surgery and medical offices.

WIM

It appears the Mount Sinai contingent ultimately bowed to public pressure. While most hospital executives speak of collaboration and cooperation with other hospitals in their press releases and speeches, the fact remains that the hospital industry is very competitive. Both Mount Sinai and Baptist Health South Florida operate as not for profit entities. Despite this, each is looking to grow market share and revenue. As healthcare reform intensifies its efforts to reduce costs, fierce competition, backroom deals and political maneuvers will escalate.

WH

A compromise worked out with various hospitals, and physician organizations has cleared the way for a telemedicine proposal to get through the legislature.

WIM

The benefits of telemedicine - to the patient, the provider and the economy in general - are so obvious that even Republicans and Democrats can agree.