Nuclear waste gridlock risks research, ups treatment cost

Article Abstract:

Hospitals are hard-pressed to find safe storage for the low-level radioactive waste they create during nuclear medical treatment and research. With dumps for such material difficult to access, some research is being curtailed. In addition, hospitals are forced to store the material on-site. Physicians say that they are being forced to obey the same government standards designed for high-level nuclear power plant waste with half-lives of up to 100 years. They are calling for separate storage sites for medical waste which would not need to meet such strict requirements.

Refuse systems, Environmental aspects, Storage, Radioactive wastes, Medical wastes, Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, Michigan)

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Price caps threatened to 'cure' cost shifting

Article Abstract:

Health care cost shifting, or the practice of overcharging private patients to cover the costs incurred by poor patients, is coming under criticism. Cost shifting has increased as hospitals have received less and less money for Medicare patients. One strategy for eliminating the practice is price regulation, where all payers would be charged the same price. In addition, the Clinton administration hopes to reduce health costs overall by encouraging price competition.

Analysis, Hospital administration, Cost shifting (Medical care)

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Feds take aim at PHOs; IRS ruling could leave doctors facing more risks than benefits

Article Abstract:

Physician-hospital organizations (PHOs) offer solutions to managed care threats, but federal regulators are concerned about the possibility that PHOs may offer doctors financial incentives for medical referrals. The Internal Revenue Service has suggested that even if physicians provide 50% of a PHO's capital they should retain only 20% representation on the board. Also, tax-exempt hospitals wish to protect their status.

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors, Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Health Regulation, Models, Taxation, Laws, regulations and rules, Physicians, Medical professions, Medical referral, Medical law, Hospital-physician joint ventures

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