To a Mouse…

10/15/2013

It is doubtful the great romantic poet Robert Burns was contemplating governmental shutdowns when he penned his 1785 poem, “To a Mouse on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough.” John Steinbeck’s classic 1937 novel Of Mice and Men was named after a line from the Burn’s poem, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men.” But who would … Read More

Texas Poor – Left out of the equation

10/10/2013

For the past week, we have heard about health insurance marketplaces, enrollment, computer glitches, insurance pricing and essential health benefits. Hopefully, the enrollment process for health insurance will go more smoothly over the next few weeks as the volume levels out. We recall the initial Part D Medicare enrollment experienced similar problems with computer glitches corrected in about 30‐45 days. … Read More

Fall, Football and Fiscal Cliffs

09/18/2013

It’s that time of year when we finally begin to enjoy cooler weather, football weekends and, well, annual fiscal cliffs. Why is this year different? Critical decisions surround the three fiscal cliff deadlines. Hospitals have experienced significant reimbursement reductions over the past three years, including two percent sequestration cuts. The 2014 inflation rate adjustment of 2.5 percent is offset by … Read More

Hope for the best, plan for the worst

08/23/2013

Imagine this. You’ve finally done it. After devoting decades of your life to studying and training, you’re a practicing physician. You love what you do, you’re making a difference and you’re earning a good living. And then it happens. You’re suddenly unable to work due to a disabling illness or injury. This scenario is more plausible than you might think. … Read More

Sept. 24 event offers education on collection of sexual assault evidence

08/21/2013

As a result of Senate Bill 1191, starting Sept. 1 all Texas hospitals with emergency rooms will be required to have staff trained in at least basic collection of forensic evidence from sexual assault victims. On Sept. 24, the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) will sponsor “Rape Kit Responsibility: The impact of Senate Bill 1191” from 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. … Read More

New trustee award named in honor of Kerney Laday, Sr.

08/19/2013

The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today the creation of a new trustee award to be presented for the first time at the Annual Awards Luncheon, October 24 at Arlington Convention Center. The award will be named in memory of Kerney Laday, Sr., who served on the Texas Health Resources Board of Trustees for 10 years. He was chair … Read More

Jessica Rangel O’Neal named Young Healthcare Executive of the Year

08/16/2013

The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today Jessica Rangel O’Neal, vice president of operations of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, was chosen as the 2013 Young Healthcare Executive of the Year. The award honors youthful North Texas professionals who display the impressive abilities of future healthcare leaders. “Jessica Rangel O’Neal has been a skillful and productive executive at her hospital,” … Read More

Hospitals support Community Needs and Social Responsibility

08/14/2013

On Sept. 24, 2013, the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) will sponsor the educational event “Rape Kit Responsibility: The impact of Senate Bill 1191” at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The bill allows sexual assault survivors access to care at any hospital with emergency rooms in Texas. The 85 member hospitals of DFWHC provide crucial healthcare services in North … Read More

Florence Shapiro to be honored at luncheon

08/14/2013

The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced it will present the 2013 Distinguished Health Service Award to Florence Shapiro for her career dedication to North Texas healthcare during the 65th Annual Awards Luncheon, Oct. 24 at the Arlington Convention Center. Shapiro has served 30-plus years in public service including her long tenure as Texas State Senator from 1993 to 2013. … Read More

The Uninsured in Texas – Not Just a Health Care Problem

07/12/2013

We all know that Texas leads the nation in the uninsured rate for health care approaching 28 percent of the population and even higher in some North Texas counties. Approximately 6 million people, including 1.2 million children, have no health care coverage. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Association estimate if the Patient Protection and … Read More