Opacity (ō-păs'ĭ-tē) The quality or state of being opaque. Something obscure, impenetrable Dullness of mind I have been intrigued by the recent settlement by United with NY regarding underpayments to physicians based on faulty estimates of what constitutes a fair market rate (Ususal aNd Customer or "UNC")...
Unnecessary (ŭn-nĕs'ĭ-sĕr'ē) adj. Not necessary; needless. Serving no useful purpose or function You have got to love it, huh? Did you see the most recent series of lawsuits just announced by the AMA. They must just be loving the opportunity to pile on their arch nemesis insurance companies...
Reconsider (rē'kən-sĭd'ər) v. To consider again, especially with intent to alter or modify a previous decision. To take up for reconsideration, as a matter previously acted on by a legislature. Almost one year ago I posted a note regarding Practice Fusion's claims to be partnering with...
Magnitude (măg'nĭ-tūd') n. Greatness in size and extent. Greatness in significance or influence. Two recent news items caught my attention. They follow on the heels of some of my recent writings on VistA EHR, MUMPS based systems, and the idea of virtuous cycle investments as a true...
Stimulus (stĭm'yə-ləs) Something causing or regarded as causing a response. An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates an activity or response. Something that incites or rouses to action; an incentive. I am completely NAUSEATED . . . this entire stimulus package is going...
Cognitive Surplus (kŏg'nĭ-tĭv sûr'pləs) n. The surplus brain power available as a result of the free time made possible through technology advances, cultural changes, and new politico-social arrangements I have had this blog queued up for a long time and an article describing Yahoo's renewed focus on...
Crossover (krôs'ō'vər) n. The adaptation of a musical style, as by blending elements of two or more styles or categories, to appeal to a wider audience. A recording designed to appeal to wide or diverse audience I have been blogging for just over two years at Crossover Health...
Scheme (skēm) n. A systematic plan of action A secret or devious plan An orderly combination of related parts "Usual and customary" just became "Transparency and consistency" The United Health Group, in what will become a sweeping decision (interesting interview with author here) within the Health Insurance industry, ...
Epic (ĕp'ĭk) n. An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. A series of events considered appropriate to an epic Epic is a beautiful surfing slang word to describe a day, a swell, or a...
Platform (plăt'fôrm) n. A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public. The basic technology of a computer system's hardware and software that defines how a computer is operated and determines what other kinds of...