SPOTLIGHT -
Mass General Brigham doubles down on hospital-at-home program
The organization named Heather O’Sullivan as the system’s first president of home-based care. A key leader says “the future of healthcare is in the home.”
Epic is joining TEFCA, and urging others to follow: 'We need everyone'
America’s largest electronic health record company will be a part of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. Epic’s Matt Doyle says the company will encourage its thousands of partners to follow suit.
Fewer hospital mergers, but bigger deals, may be a growing trend
The number of transactions in the second quarter was the lowest in years, Kaufman Hall reports. But the small number of deals involved some big players.
Pharmacies can’t refuse to provide abortion drugs or contraception, Biden warns
President Biden’s administration sent a letter to America’s 60,000 retail pharmacies to ensure Americans have access to reproductive healthcare.
Deloitte warns health inequities could cost $1 trillion, and it's everyone's problem
Health equities cost Americans $320 billion, and could surge to $1 trillion by 2040. Deloitte’s Andy Davis talks about ways healthcare leaders can make progress in addressing disparities.
Life science, pharma leaders worried about scarcity of talent
It’s their top pain point, according to a new survey of executives. Leaders are focused on recruiting and retention, but may need to focus more on diversity efforts.
CarePort CEO Lissy Hu talks about using data to ease staffing shortages
In an interview with Chief Healthcare Executive, Hu discusses the challenges for hospitals and post-acute providers, the potential of data and how health systems need to collaborate.
Hospitals must provide abortions in medical emergencies, HHS says
Secretary Xavier Becerra told providers federal law supersedes state laws restricting abortion. Providers that don't follow the law could lose federal funds.
NewYork-Presbyterian’s chief medical officer talks about ‘meeting patients where they are’
Deepa Kumaraiah spoke with Chief Healthcare Executive about using data to provide better care, new approaches from the COVID-19 pandemic, and caring for staff.
Eight health groups say it’s time to integrate behavioral health and primary care
The organizations make a case for combining physical and behavioral health, but they say policymakers and insurers must step up to make it a reality.
COVID-19 immune response could be causing brain damage, study finds
NIH researchers said the body’s own defenses, triggered by the virus, are attacking cells within the brain’s blood vessels. The insight could have implications for treating patients.
Facing ransomware, health systems can’t use ‘hope as a strategy’
Cyberattacks have become an increasingly dangerous threat to hospitals. Jeff Schmidt, president of Avertium, said health systems must recognize the danger and take action.
Pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid, to the dismay of doctors
The FDA has given authorization, with some limitations. The American Medical Association says only doctors should be prescribing the drug used to treat COVID-19 patients.
Mobile clinics can address health equity and cut costs
Advocates for mobile clinics say they can reach patients in underserved communities and help keep some from requiring costly hospital stays.
Care New England opts to stay independent
The Rhode Island system said it weighed other options. While Care New England is looking for partnerships, the board voted to continue operating independently.
North Korea-sponsored cyber attackers targeting healthcare, feds warn
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies issued a warning Wednesday to public health organizations. Health systems are urged to take steps to protect patient data.
After Supreme Court win, hospitals press for 340B payments ‘without delay’
The high court ruled that Medicare improperly reduced reimbursements in the federal drug discount program. Hospitals are pushing the government to cough up the money.
Mayo Clinic, Sheba Medical Center team up on healthcare technology
The two organizations announced a partnership to develop cutting-edge innovations that can improve healthcare around the globe.
Texas healthcare leaders grapple with end of abortion services
Gary Floyd, the head of the Texas Medical Association, said his group aims to do all it can to support doctors. The organization is still analyzing what doctors can do under the state’s law.
Many Americans are living longer, but gaps are seen in some groups
Some members of minority groups had increases in life expectancy, but wide differences are seen among Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic may have erased those gains.
CMS plans new designation of ‘Rural Emergency Hospitals’
The Biden administration is touting it as a lifeline to help save smaller providers. More than 130 rural hospitals have shut their doors since 2010.
Supreme Court ruling on EPA authority carries ramifications for public health
The American Medical Association said the court’s decision improperly curbs efforts to fight climate change and harms the public. More broadly, some suggest it could limit the scope of all federal agencies.
Hospitals and health companies vow to reach Biden’s goal to cut emissions. See who took the pledge.
More than 60 hospitals and health groups said they would strive to reach the Biden administration’s target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.
Donna Shalala talks about COVID-19, telehealth, abortion rights, and leadership
The former health and human services secretary offered lessons for healthcare leaders in a forum with Kevin Sowers, president of the Johns Hopkins Health System.
Federally Qualified Health Centers battling issues with staffing, digital technology
A survey of executives find recruiting and retention are top challenges, along with improving the patient experience and expanding digital health options.
These hospitals are rated as America’s most socially responsible
Only 2% of the nation’s hospitals earned recognition from the Lown Institute. Some were singled out for their success even with a high concentration of COVID-19 patients.
Hospital margins mired in red for 5th straight month: Kaufman Hall
Even with some improved financial performance in May, the outlook for the rest of the year remains uncertain, the firm says.
HHS secretary announces steps after abortion ruling, warns providers to protect patient privacy
Xavier Becerra pledged to expand access but said there's no "magic bullet." He said his agency will investigate any leaks of patient information.
Hospitals wrestle with Supreme Court ruling on abortion
The high court struck down Roe v. Wade, and with some states already enacting laws to prohibit abortions, health systems face some difficult decisions.
Cyberbullying tied to suicidal thoughts among kids, study finds
Healthcare professionals should be asking young people if they are being bullied or harassed online, the authors wrote.