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Over the past several years, large and wealthy hospital systems have been investing in technology and dedicated staff to meet the goals of the Affordable Care Act and better coordinate patient care among different healthcare and social-service providers. But for hospitals that serve largely low-income residents, it can be difficult to pay for the programs to attain this level of coordination. A training program called the New Jersey Innovation Catalyst Initiative and funded by the Nicholson Foundation, aims to close the gap between wealthier providers and those that serve as a safety net for patients who are uninsured or receive Medicaid. (Kitchenman, 9/8)

Hospitals likely would see a reduction in their savings from the 340B drug discount program if a new Health Resources and Services Administration proposal is adopted without major changes. That would be a win for pharmaceutical companies, which have complained about the recent expansion of a program intended to expand medical services in communities where many people live in or near poverty. One of the major changes in HRSA's proposal would end the 340B discount for medicines that people take after they are discharged from hospitals, said Elizabeth S. Elson, an attorney with Foley & Lardner, who specializes in federal health programs. (Young, 9/8)

MinuteClinic pioneered the concept of convenience health care more than 15 years ago. Since then the number of walk-in clinics in retail stores, supermarkets and pharmacies has exploded nationally. Now several companies around the country are taking convenience a step further with low-cost primary care that includes house calls. (Zdechlik, 9/9)