January election to maintain critical services

Two January 26 ballot measures could dramatically impact Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefits. CareOregon's Martin Taylor discusses the state’s anticipated 12–15 percent budget cuts and which benefits may be lost if the ballot measures fail to pass.

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A CSSI project

Oregon hospitals take aim on improving surgical outcomes

Silverton Hospital Team
If every hospital in the United States adopted the Surgical Safety Checklist developed by the World Health Organization, the reduction of complications and preventable death could save the country up to $40 billion each year.

About half of Oregon's hospitals are taking the challenge to adopt the checklist. Silverton Hospital shares its experience. Read the full story...

Silverton Hospital's Surgical Safety Checklist implementation team includes Andrea Beyer, Judy Borgen, Miriam Shelton, Ray Willey and Pam Kloft.
Photo courtesy Silverton Hospital

What it means to YOU

The new Oregon Health Authority

A new agency now oversees the medical programs of the Oregon Department of Human Services and other state agencies. Erin Fair explains the changes and their impact on health care systems, providers and policy.

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H1N1

Nurses dispense advice to flu sufferers statewide

In an effort to share influenza knowledge with Oregonians from Brookings to Joseph, from Astoria to Denio and all points in between, the state has launched the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline.

One call to 1-800-978-3040 will give callers advice on flu symptoms, prevention, how to take care of others and when to see a doctor.

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Triage nurse Gary Palmer speaks to a caller about their H1N1 symptoms.
Photos by Eleanor Gorman

A CareOregon project

Clinic teams learn quality improvement methods

It’s been key to the success of manufacturers for decades. Recent attention to health care reform has encouraged process improvement training among CareOregon providers.

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2013 looms

ICD-10 planning in Oregon shifts to higher gear

Health care’s numerical coding system is so ingrained that many providers aren't aware how often they use it. That is going to make adopting a new system a real challenge.

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