Hospitals in western European countries spent $3.2 billion on health IT in 2010, and the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT Industry (COCIR) estimated that spending will grow to $3.5 billion annually by 2015, based on results of a survey conducted by the Brussels-based nonprofit trade association.

Despite recognizing that success with new healthcare delivery and reimbursement models will depend on commitments to quality, service and efficiency, hospitals havent done enough to prepare for ongoing and planned healthcare initiatives, according to a report by Towers Watson, a financial management firm.

Cigna and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization, an 850-member group practice in New York City, are partnering to create a collaborative accountable care organization (ACO) initiative, which will adopt a healthcare delivery model similar to the ones demonstrated by accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes.

The Supreme Court is filling its entire court calendar the week of March 26 with arguments relating to the impending review of the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA); totaling five and a half hours over three days with a decision expected in late June.

The Department of Health and Human Services released a bulletin Dec. 15, outlining proposed policies that will give states more flexibility and freedom to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).