Something old is something new again: structuring physician practice acquisitions

A physician employment contract should give careful consideration to: Hours of practice. Control that can be exercised by the hospital. The ability of the hospital to relocate the physician's practice. Compensation formulas and benefits. Covenants not to compete.

Cardiology prices seen levelling off in '03

The price outlook for nearly 200 product categories, complied by Consorta, is featured this month.

Higher revenues, lower prices seen in 2002

Economic growth will pick up in 2002, with higher revenues for most industries, while prices will remain stable or continue to drop. That is the prediction of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), formerly National Assn. of Purchasing Management.

Leaders of the PACS in radiology. Clinical imaging technology helps hospitals enhance accuracy, savings, service

The image of radiology is changing rapidly. Hospitals are chucking the old light boxes and plugging in high-performance, filmless clinical image networks that not only enhance the accuracy of diagnoses but also cut long-term costs and improve service to referring physicians.

Rationalizing the purchase and use of gloves in health care

The last two decades have seen a substantial increase in the use of protective gloves in healthcare establishments. This is attributed to the widespread publicity regarding the risks of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C from blood and body fluid contact. Further, directives from official agencies stressing the need to protect staff from blood-borne viruses in the workplace led to the introduction of a variety of disposable gloves, each claiming total or adequate protective ability. The resulting sensitization to latex in some users has caused concern. This article reports on the process used within one NHS trust to explore glove use and determine the level of latex sensitization among staff. The audit identified an irrational approach to glove purchasing as well as inappropriate use of different types of gloves. The audit was followed by a trial aimed at rationalizing both the purchase and use of gloves.