Baxter Ventures will use $200 million for early-stage companies (Best of MedCitizens)

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Baxter Ventures will invest $200 million in early-stage companies. Baxter International put aside $200 million in equity to invest in early-stage companies that ’complement’ its portfolio. The newly established “Baxter Ventures will invest globally and focus on innovative technologies with sustainable long-term growth” under the watch of the Deerfield, Ill.-based company’s chief scientific officer Norbert Riedel, according to a press release.

A government takeover of healthcare: two views. In my view, this mixed system of financing is one reason the US health care system is in a tough spot. Since the government is the single biggest customer for most provider organizations, that’s where providers place the bulk of their attention. Add on all the regulatory requirements and opportunities for harsh civil and criminal punishments the government imposes, and the focus becomes even more central.

Elliott still reshaping Boston Scientific despite upcoming retirement. The shakeup at Boston Scientific last week proved that while the sheriff may be headed for the sunset, he’s not ready to hang up his spurs just yet. With little more than a month past his two year anniversary of taking the helm at BSX, J. Raymond Elliott continues to re-shape the Natick, Mass.-based medical device colossus, despite the fact that he is essentially a lame duck with just a few months left in his current position as CEO until his scheduled retirement at the end of December.

Medicaid EHR Incentives ’ the way to go for the eligible professional. We all know that Eligible Professionals have the option of participating in either the Medicare or Medicaid EHR incentive programs. Since an eligible provider can only participate in one of the programs there is no doubt that if they are eligible for both programs, Medicaid is always the option of choice. I’m surprised that Medicaid EPs (defined as having 30 % Medicaid volume, 20 % for pediatricians) are not jumping into this incentive program with both feet.