WH

WIM

The approximately 42 million remaining smokers in the U.S. (about 18% of U.S. adults) need to quit as soon as possible.  There are tremendous business opportunities for the developers and distributors of products and services that help Americans kick the habit. 

WH

According to the Washington Post, in a February 10, 2015 article by Ellen Nakashima:

The Obama administration is establishing a new agency to combat the deepening threat from cyberattacks, and its mission will be to fuse intelligence from around the government when a crisis occurs.

The agency is modeled after the National Counterterrorism Center, which was launched in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks amid criticism that the government failed to share intelligence that could have unraveled the al-Qaeda plot.

WIM

Cyber threats primarily target energy, health and other privately-run enterprises that are critical to the nation's functions. After the Anthem incident, it's apparent we are not secure in our healthcare transactions.

WH

In a Modern Healthcare article posted February 12, 2015, Sabriya Rice reports:

The CMS Innovation Center plans to test a new oncology payment model intended to address the spiraling costs of cancer care and improve quality for beneficiaries. 

As part of a broader federal push to reward hospitals and doctors for value rather than the volume of services they provide, the CMS is inviting oncology practices and solo practitioners to join a five-year test set to begin in the spring of 2016.

Read More (complimentary registration/log in may be required)>>

WIM

Although many practitioners are unimpressed by the push toward value-based care, the train has left the station. See related article entitled Quality-based health care is based on false assumptions by Thomas D. Guastavino, MD and posted to KevinMD.