Yashaswini Singh, a health economist at Johns Hopkins University, and her colleagues analyzed private equity acquisitions in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and dermatology and found that practices charged insurance an extra 20%, or an average of $71, more after the acquisition. Subscribe to KFF Health News' free Morning Briefing. ![]() “The problems are accumulating and driving up prices,” added Aditi Sen, director of research and policy at the nonprofit Health Care Cost Institute, which provides data and analysis about the economics of health care. But he warned that private equity companies’ quest to maximize profitability runs the risk of compromising patient care. The investments that private equity groups provide can help doctors market and expand their practices, as well as negotiate better prices for drugs and supplies, Wiggins said. And such services can take place in outpatient and stand-alone surgery centers, both of which can be more profitable than in a hospital setting. Often, patients pay out-of-pocket for those extras - a health care payday unconstrained by insurance reimbursement negotiations. For example, doctors can use lasers instead of cutting eye lenses manually, offer multifocal eye lenses that can eliminate the need for glasses, or recommend the astigmatism fix that Green said she was sold. The profit potential for private equity investors is clear: Much like paying to upgrade plane seats to first class, patients can choose expensive add-ons for many eye procedures, such as cataract surgery. They often then resell the practices at a higher price to the next bidder. Private equity groups, backed by wealthy investors, buy up these practices - or unify them under franchise-like agreements - with the hopes of raising profit margins by cutting administrative costs or changing business strategies. They are scooping up eye care physician practices nationwide as money-making opportunities grow in medical eye care with the aging of the U.S. Wiggins Jr., president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In the past decade, private equity groups have gone from taking over a handful of practices to working with as many as 8% of the nation’s ophthalmologists, said Dr. ![]() Acquisitions have escalated so much that private equity firms now are routinely selling practices to one another. Other private equity groups are building regional footprints with practices such as Midwest Vision Partners and EyeSouth Partners. Another eye care giant, Texas-based Retina Consultants of America, was formed in 2020 with a $350 million investment from Massachusetts-based Webster Equity Partners, a private equity firm, and now it says on its website it has 190 physicians across 18 states. Switzerland-based Partners Group bought EyeCare Partners in 2019 for $2.2 billion. Louis and counts some 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists in its networks across 19 states. ![]() Ophthalmology Consultants is part of EyeCare Partners, one of the largest private equity-backed U.S. “You’re a cow among a herd as you just move from this station to this station to this station,” she said. Green, 69, said she ended up feeling more like a dollar sign to the practice than a patient. It can be republished for free.īut the former English professor said her 2019 surgery with Ophthalmology Consultants didn’t get her to 20/20 vision or fix her astigmatism - despite a $3,000 out-of-pocket charge for the astigmatism surgical upgrade.
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As long as you can keep things straight, the added flexibility can be helpful. You can add an unlimited number of tracks, and rather than each track being a dedicated “video track” or “audio track” like most editors, you can put any type of media into any track. You can drag and drop media into the program to import it, and drag and drop to work with the clips on the timeline. Combined with the built-in tutorial when you first launch the software and the full user guide available on the website, OpenShot makes video editing easy for beginners and experts alike. OpenShot’s simple, user-friendly interface shows some extra polish you don’t always see in a free, open-source video editor. There’s also an online course available for purchase that has been reviewed and officially approved by Shotcut’s lead developer.Ĭan be slow or have common operating issuesįewer editing options than some other programs The advanced features have some learning curve to them, but the Shotcut YouTube channel offers a collection of video tutorials to help. There is also a strong selection of video/audio transitions and stackable filters, from stabilization to chroma key (green-screen effects). The timeline has a full range of editing capabilities including adding tracks, splitting and trimming clips, and shortcut keys for these functions. But you can still open and preview files in Shotcut just like in other editors, create a “playlist” of the media you’re using for the project, and drag clips into your timeline. ![]() You won’t see an “Import” button, though the software boasts “native timeline editing” with no import required. Shotcut can work with a wide range of video and image formats, including 4K-resolution content. Each panel can be un-docked, moved around, and re-docked or left floating, giving you nice control over how to arrange your workspace across one or more monitors. But once you start adding more modules depending on the functions you want to use, Shotcut starts to show its depth. ![]() The free cross-platform program-available on Windows, Mac, and Linux-opens up to a clean, minimal interface, ideal for new or casual editors who want to keep things simple. ![]() It might not look overly impressive at a first glance, but Shotcut is a robust non-linear video editor with enough tools to satisfy most levels of video editing skill. Fewer audio and transition options than some other servicesĬan be difficult to learn time viewing tutorials is necessary for many users ![]() These are just a few ideas and is by no means exhaustive. The Bardstown area has some good distillery choices, My Old Kentucky Home and a nice little downtown area once voted the most beautiful small town in America. Louisville is a foodie town and will have good vegan options for you but I personally don’t know about them. The Corvette Museum is about 20-30 minutes south of Mammoth Cave on the way to Nashville if you go that route. Early life May was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, 2 and raised in Clarksville, Arkansas. ![]() There are some nice State Parks including Cumberland Falls and Red River Gorge. Ralph Duren May 1 (Febru October 6, 2017) was an American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his extensive touring and comedy specials on multiple media platforms. Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill is a nice visit. There are plenty of bourbon distilleries to tour in the Lexington, Louisville and Bardstown, KY areas. Lexington area has the thoroughbred horse farms you can tour. In celebration of the life of Ralphie May, were compiling some of the best of the best from the beloved larger-than-life comedian for his fans to continue to enjoy. In this Clip from Too Big To Ignore, Ralphie May pontificates on the dynamics of a relationship and how men need to make their women feel alive and sexy.kis. It’s extremely popular and the most visited National Park in the country.Ĭheck this recent thread for ideas of what to do in the Louisville area: October will be very busy in that park as the leaves change. You can’t tour on your own and some schools have a Fall Break in October so best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.Ĭheck the Tennessee forums for information on the Smoky Mountain National Park and other locations in that state. October is still a busy time so make your tour reservations in advance. Ralphie May opines on a few of the many virtues of Mexicans and imagines a world in which white people have to pick their own produce. In contrast, 2004s Just Correct was a full on attack on the listener with its routines and attitude stopping just short of grating. Answer: Kentucky has one National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park and it would be on your route to Nashville. Back once again with the ill behavior, Ralphie Mays sophomore release finds the hip-hop comedian sounding just as excited as he was on his debut, but twice as comfortable. "Bluetooth Communicator 2" is the successor of successful app "Bluetooth Communicator". Publisher "Ali Dar" brought "Bluetooth Communicator 2" with most rich features and popular app in images/mobile/ios-manager to share files over Bluetooth. Sometimes a little bit lag but occasionally. "Shake" makes easier to find nearby Bluetooth devices. User interface provides easier understanding.įiles transfer got the easier way with contacts transfer and voice calls facilities. Supports and allows iCloud to transfer data via internet/ Wi-Fi.Īllows sending files from email clients directly on Bluetooth. ![]() "Shake" helps to connect automatically with nearby devices running iOS and launch "Blue Me". Provides support for voice calls and contact sharing between iOS devices. Photo sharing and management in the device library can be done. Text messaging is a great addition to "Blue Me". ![]() Multi-file transfer is featured via Bluetooth.Ĭonnect multiple iOS devices like iPod Touch or images/mobile/ios-manager to share captured videos over Bluetooth. HyTech Professionals's publishing this tiny but essential app can be downloaded free from here. It has been achieved the great downloaded record of more than 2 Million times. "Blue Me" is one of the top images/mobile/ios-manager apps for sharing files wirelessly via Bluetooth technology. ![]() JUMP IN AND PLAY: Collect trophies in multi-event Championships and tons of individual quick events including Race, Drift Attack, Firework Fury, and more. ![]() ![]() ADVENTURE MODE: Explore a massive interactive map as you rise through the ranks of the Beach Buggy Racing League.Collect and master over forty-four unique powerups in an epic race for the ultimate trophy. Unlock and upgrade moon buggies, monster trucks and a ton of other wacky vehicles. Match your kart racing skills against a rag-tag bunch of rivals as you explore a mysterious island packed with ancient temples, dragon-infested castles, and post-apocalyptic ice cream stands. Play any part of the game solo or with friends in split-screen - from the story-driven Adventure mode to multi-event Championships, adrenaline-pumping Races, skill-mastering Drift Attacks and more. Xbox and Switch players can pre-order the game with a 10% discount starting today, and Steam PC players can download the full game starting today (also with a 10% discount until March 17) as it switches from Early Access to full release.īeach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure is an action-packed, mayhem-filled kart racer with split-screen competition and game rule customization. Vector Unit is pleased to announce that Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure, the long-awaited sequel to its popular kart racer, will be available on Wednesday, Mafor Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation.
This version is the official prayer book of the Catholic Church, however, it is suitable for all Christian faith traditions. If you are unable to pray in community, but love the contentment of praying with others, an added feature of The Divine Office App lets you view locations where other Christians around the world are simultaneously praying with you. A great way to keep a daily prayer life strong."by Branson Shaffer on Aug 4, 2014The Divine Office App is an opportunity for you to participate in the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, an ancient and meditative collection of psalms, hymns and scripture that represent the public prayer of the Christian community. Perfect companion to pray while commuting." by bernie5412 on Aug 9, 2014"Wonderful - It's great to be able to take the divine office with me wherever I go: on the shuttle ride across campus, at work, studying in the library, anywhere. Highly recommend it."by Barbara Rado on Aug 9, 2014"Excellent - As laity I find this app perfect for learning the daily prayers. It brings prayer home & creates a true sense of universality in prayer."by Ahims Ovie on Aug 15, 2014"Outstanding app. Let me repeat "Simply Outstanding." by Anthony Sep 15, 2014"Recommended by our parish priest." by Rosettegcb on Aug 28, 2014"A Gift, daily it continues to give and bless." by Chasw.hal on Aug 20, 2014"I found this software extraordinary. This app is an opportunity for you to participate in the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours: the public prayer of the Christian community.Don't take our word for it: read the reviews."There is positively no need to waste time with words. ![]() ![]() The Divine Office App is The Best Catholic iPhone and iPad App, having won Reader's Choice Awards for the last three years in a row. ![]() While the Mgalekgolo won most of the time on the ground, they faced extinction and were forced into the Covenant by the superior starship technology of the Sangheili. ![]() However, the Lekgolo initially resisted, leading to a conflict between them and the Covenant. Recognizing the potential of the gestalts, 'Lcmutee returned to High Charity and suggested that the Lekgolo be inducted into the Covenant. It was there that the Arbiter witnessed the Lekgolo combine into Mgalekgolo to battle him, forming around a series of rocks to support their bipedal forms. After facing considerable difficulty eradicating the creatures, Arbiter Jeht 'Lcmutee was sent to study the Lekgolo for a full year on Rantu, one of Te's moons. Īn Arbiter facing off against naked Mgalekgolo in their natural unarmored form.Įnraged by the Lekgolo's "desecration" of Forerunner relics, the Covenant began a military campaign against the Lekgolo. ![]() The relics had been the Lekgolo's food for millennia, and the orbital rings were actually composed of digested-and-destroyed Forerunner relics that some of the Lekgolo had been consuming. The rings were in fact the destroyed remains of an ancient Forerunner installation in orbit. While the San'Shyuum and Sangheili hoped to find a treasure trove of Forerunner artifacts, they instead found hives of Lekgolo inside orbital rings surrounding the planet. Īfter the formation of the Covenant, early experiments with the Luminaries reverse-engineered from the Forerunner Dreadnought in High Charity led the Covenant to the Lekgolo homeworld Te, which was located near Urs, the home system of the Sangheili. They will fight by our side." - A Special Operations Sangheili during the Battle of Installation 05. " The Hunters have come to our aid, Arbiter. While the term "Mgalekgolo" is formally limited to this particular type of Lekgolo gestalt with the other forms having different names, it is sometimes applied to other Lekgolo colonies as well, such as that used to operate the Deutoros-pattern Scarab, or the Goliaths employed by the Banished. Ironically, the Mgalekgolo is among the least common Lekgolo configurations, but due to their formidable combat capabilities they are most commonly fielded by the Covenant. Of the myriad Lekgolo collectives, the best known is the Mgalekgolo or Hunter, a bipedal form that is used for heavy assault. The Mgalekgolo ( Ophis congregatio, meaning "serpent union"), is a gestalt of Lekgolo, which are small worm-like creatures that group together to exponentially increase their intelligence, strength, and maneuverability. " They're all scary and angry and they like to smash things." - Bungie ![]() ![]() In the current April-June quarter, the economy is believed to be slowing further but still managing to maintain its growth. In another sign of the job market’s continuing durability, the Labor Department reported that the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week by 26,000 to 239,000. And employers have added a healthy average of 314,000 jobs a month so far this year, with the unemployment rate, at 3.7%, still close to a half-century low. Government reports have shown recent gains in new-home sales and orders for long-lasting manufactured goods. Retail sales rose last month despite pressure from still-high inflation and rising borrowing costs. ![]() The central bank’s rate hikes have led to higher costs for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and business borrowing and widespread predictions that an economic downturn is inevitable.īut the economy has proved unexpectedly durable. The Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate 10 times since March 2022 in its attack on inflation, which hit a four-decade high of 9.1% last year but has since slowed to 4%. The economy managed to expand at a decent pace even though a cutback in business inventories shaved 2.1 percentage points off the quarter’s growth rate. Their spending, which fuels about 70% of the economy, rose at a 4.2% annual rate in the January-March quarter, the most since April-June 2021.Ī surge in petroleum and other exports also contributed to the upgraded estimate of growth during the first quarter. Yet Thursday’s report on the nation’s gross domestic product - the total output of goods and services - showed why the economy has so far managed to defy expectations of a coming recession: Consumers continue to spend despite ever-rising borrowing costs. The economy has been slowed by the Federal Reserve’s aggressive drive to tame inflation through a series of interest rate hikes beginning early last year. Thursday’s revised figure from the Commerce Department sharply upgraded its assessment of first-quarter growth from its previous estimate of a 1.3% annual rate.ĭespite the uptick, the government’s third and final report on January-March economic growth still marked a deceleration from the 2.6% annual rate from October through December and the 3.2% growth from July through September. economy grew at a 2% annual pace from January through March as consumers spent at the fastest pace in nearly two years. WASHINGTON (AP) - Showing surprising resilience in the face of higher interest rates, the U.S. |
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