Scribbles and Bits

Physicians at the University of arizona and at the University of North Carolina have developed a quick reading test to help assess patients’ individual cognitive levels to help them tailor their teaching accordingly. Patients are asked to read a nutrional label on a product and are then asked six simple questions. This test, which the doctors have called ”the newest vital sign,” can be completed in the span of time in which the patient’s other vital signs such as pulse, temperature, respirations and blood pressure are measured. The February issue of Healthcare Financial Management points out a study indicating on average, that those with a 3rd grade reading level or less cost Medicaid $10,000 annually while patients with more developed skills average only $3000.

According to USA today, America is enjoying a historic building boom in new-hospital construction. Construction spending for the past five years has exceeded spending in the previous five years by 47%. Bed capacity however, has fallen. Bed capacity in 2004 fell by 18000 to 808,000. Some of the change may be attributable to long anticipated regulatory rules requiring ”private-room-only” for all patients.

Modern Healthcare reports that over two thirds of US hospital CEOs interviewed cited finances as their biggest worry. Healthcare staffing ran a distant second. Interestingly, Hospitals in the USA have reported an average 5.2% margin for 2004 with a slightly hire margin anticipated for 2005 when all accounts are in. On the other hand, another recent article suggests that 4% would be a more realistic estimate for 2004. With that kind of ambiguity it’s hard to know what to worry about the most.