Medicare fines over hospitals' readmitted patients
Oct 1st, 2012 - National News
WASHINGTON (AP) — Starting today, Medicare will start fining hospitals that have too many patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge because of complications.
The penalties are part of a broader push under President Barack Obama's health care law to improve quality while also trying to save taxpayers money.
The government estimates that some 2,200 facilities will be hit with penalties averaging around $125,000 per facility this coming year. That's about two-thirds of the hospitals that service Medicare patients.
Industry officials say they have misgivings about being liable for circumstances beyond their country. They also say that facilities serving low-income people, including many major teaching hospitals, are much more likely to be fined, raising questions of fairness.
Consumer advocates say Medicare's nudge to hospitals is long overdue and not nearly stiff enough.
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Calvin College cuts 22 faculty, staff positions
May 24th, 2013 - Local News
— Calvin College is cutting 22 faculty and staff positions as the Christian liberal arts school looks to cut long-term expenses and its 2013-14 budget.
The staffing reductions were done through lay...
32 new charter schools plan to open in Michigan
May 23rd, 2013 - Local News
— Officials say 32 new charter schools plan to open this fall in Michigan.
The Detroit News and The Flint Journal report many of the schools will be in urban areas where charter schools are alrea...
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Michigan panel OKs 3 pct. raise for K-12 schools
May 24th, 2013 - State News
— Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures nearing final approval...
Mich. lawmaker seeks to make small business office
May 23rd, 2013 - State News
— A Michigan lawmaker wants to create a new state office with the goal of helping small businesses get started and thrive.
Democratic Rep. Collene Lamonte of Montague introduced a bill this week ...
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I-5 bridge collapse caused by truck hitting span
May 24th, 2013 - National News
— The Washington State Patrol chief says the Interstate 5 bridge collapse into the Skagit (SKA'-jiht) River at Mount Vernon was caused by an oversize truck.
Chief John Batiste told an overnight ...
First OK funeral today
May 23rd, 2013 - National News
— The first of the funerals is scheduled today following the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla.
It will be for 9-year-old Antonia Candelaria, one of seven children who died at a destroyed elementary...
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Syria govt to take part in peace conference
May 24th, 2013 - International News
— Russia's foreign ministry says the Syrian government has agreed to a conference on the country's future proposed by Russia and the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevic...
UK emergency committee meets after attack
May 23rd, 2013 - International News
— The British government's emergency committee has met today after yesterday's attack by two men near London's military barracks.
An active duty British soldier was killed. One of the attackers ...
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Red Wings top Blackhawks 2-0, take 3-1 series lead
May 24th, 2013 - Sports News
— Jakub Kindl scored on a power play in the second period, Daniel Cleary had an empty-net goal and Jimmy Howard made 27 saves to help the Detroit Red Wings hold on for a 2-0 victory over the Chicago...
Cabrera, Tigers down Indians 11-7 on rainy night
May 23rd, 2013 - Sports News
— Justin Verlander overcame a rocky start and rain delay to get his fifth win and Miguel Cabrera hit another homer as the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 11-7 on Wednesday night, sweeping ...
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FDA will investigate added caffeine in foods
Apr 30th, 2013 - Health News
— Looking for a new way to get that jolt of caffeine energy? Food companies are betting snacks like potato chips, jelly beans and gum with a caffeinated kick could be just the answer.
The Food an...
New Diabetes Drug Treats Disease Differently
Apr 1st, 2013 - Health News
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved a first-of-a-kind diabetes drug from Johnson & Johnson that uses a new method to lower blood sugar.
The agency cleared J&J'...