Health Care Buzz Today

iPhone To Dominate US Physician Smartphone Market. In a recent survey, 61% of US physicians said they intend to own an iPhone by year-end, 2011. That’s up from 39% at the beginning of the year. Among US smartphone users overall, 25% own iPhones.

CDC Offers $35,000 in Prizes for Best Flu Educational Applications. Awards will go to developers who create the best mobile or Web applications that educate the public about influenza prevention.

Indiana to Cut Planned Parenthood Funding. Republican Governor Mitch Daniels plans to sign restrictive abortion legislation and make Indiana the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood.

Hair Loss Prevention Robot Approved by FDA. The Artas System, by Restoration Robotics, identifies and harvests permanent hair follicles which can then be implanted manually where needed.

HHS Launches Value-Based Purchasing Program. The program will reward hospitals for the quality of care they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. Measures to determine quality will focus on how closely hospitals follow best clinical practices and utilize health information technology.