The Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), a health research initiative led by payors Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare, was launched to allow researchers and policymakers access to a collection of health plan and government payor data. The HCCI said this initiative will offer new insights into healthcare costs, utilization and intensity, as well as inform the public policy process and assist in developing new solutions to long-term problems confronting the healthcare system.

Siemens Healthcare has appointed neurologist Gregory Sorensen, MD, as CEO of Siemens Healthcare in the U.S., effective June 1. Sorensen succeeds Randy Hill, who has served as interim CEO. Sorensen also will oversee the Canadian activities of Siemens Healthcare.