Higher health costs make it harder for companies to hire workers, employers say
Most say it’s affecting their ability to offer better compensation, according to a new survey. Employers are angry about the price of drugs and hospital costs.
Supreme Court suggests colleges, and medical schools, shouldn’t consider race in admissions
The court’s conservative majority demonstrated skepticism about the practice. Medical schools say it’s a vital tool in ensuring diversity in enrollment and training better doctors.
Doctors in pediatrics are battling burnout, and health systems must pay attention
Children’s hospitals are packed with patients, and many doctors have been pushed to their limits. Healthcare leaders must recognize and acknowledge the stress on physicians and ask them what they need.
Hospitals, health groups press Congress on big issues before year ends
The final two months before the next congressional session is known as the ‘lame duck’ period, but health systems want lawmakers to deliver on some key priorities.
MED MOVES: Tufts School of Medicine names first woman dean, and more
HCA Houston Southeast selects a CEO, Seattle Children's chooses a new chief operating officer, and other leaders take new roles.
CMS should do more to ensure hospitals aren’t overpaid, watchdog days
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services overpaid 12 hospitals an estimated $82 million, according to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.
After Dallas hospital shooting, nurses call for greater protection
Nursing groups say violence is on the rise. Following the killing of two healthcare workers, nurses are asking lawmakers to pass legislation to improve safety.
Children’s hospitals filled with RSV cases, concerns of ‘tripledemic’
Health systems are reporting unusually early surges of the respiratory virus, and they are worried about the possibility of rising flu and COVID-19 cases.
Healthgrades ranks top hospitals in specialty care
More than 4,500 hospitals were analyzed across 17 different specialty areas. The group says it hopes consumers use the rankings to make informed choices.
Ransomware gang focusing on healthcare sector, authorities say
Federal agencies say a cybercrime group known as the Diaxin Team has hit healthcare organizations with ransomware and stolen patient data.
Black patients less likely to receive heart transplants, heart pumps: Study
Researchers found racial disparities are evident in the treatment of patients for advanced heart failure. The gap could be due to racial bias, they said.
Dallas hospital shooting marks latest attack on healthcare workers
Three deadly shootings have taken place at U.S. hospital campuses since June. Groups representing nurses and doctors are urging lawmakers and health systems to do more to protect staff.
FTC opposes SUNY Upstate Medical University’s plans to acquire Crouse Health System
The Federal Trade Commission said the deal would lead to higher healthcare costs and lower quality. Federal regulators have applied more scrutiny to hospital deals.
Doctors treating doctors, and the risk of ‘VIP syndrome’
Researchers said some physician-patients were able to get care more quickly and have longer conversations with their doctors. A study may offer lessons for treating patients who aren’t physicians.
Advocate Aurora Health discloses data breach, 3 million could be affected
The system says there’s no evidence of fraud or misuse of information. The breach stems from an online tool meant to track patient trends, and other health systems have reported similar incidents.
VA says it is working to improve electronic health record project
The VA said last week it is delaying the rollout of the new system until June 2023. The VA said it is working with Oracle Cerner to address a host of issues, including some which could affect patient safety.
Hospitals are facing the worst financial year of the pandemic. Here’s what they’re doing.
Health systems are struggling with labor shortages and higher costs. Leaders say they are boosting pay and offering incentives to recruit and retain workers, a Kaufman Hall report finds.
Fewer women are getting breast cancer screenings: 'Get people back in'
Breast cancer screenings have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and providers are seeing some patients with more advanced cancers.
CommonSpirit Health ransomware attack: Questions and answers
The health system continues to deal with a cyberattack that has affected some systems and led to some patient appointments being canceled or rescheduled.
‘Get this right’: VA delays rollout of new electronic health record system until June 2023
The new system has been plagued with problems and drawn the ire of lawmakers. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it’s working with Oracle Cerner to resolve the issues.
Hospital mergers and acquisitions may be picking up
The number of transactions this year is on the lower side, but they are bigger deals. And three health system deals were announced within a week.
CommonSpirit Health says system hit by ransomware attack
The system says it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts. Some hospitals have rescheduled patient appointments and some systems are offline.
Essentia Health, Marshfield Clinic Health System discuss merger, tout ‘exciting opportunity’
If they agree to come together, a merger would produce a system with 25 hospitals and more than 26,000 employees. The deal comes during a fairly slow period for hospital consolidations.
Health groups ask Biden to declare national emergency for mental health of kids
More than 130 organizations signed a letter asking the president to do more to help children. Emergency departments are treating more young people for suicide attempts.
Maternity care deserts: 1 in 3 counties have no obstetric services
Millions of women live in areas with no access or limited access to maternity care because of the closure of hospitals or obstetric care units, the March of Dimes says.
‘Unsustainable’: Medical groups say regulatory burdens are rising, and hurting patients
About 9 out of 10 groups say they are facing greater demands, according to a survey by the Medical Group Management Association. Prior authorization tops the list.
Core mission: Merged Beaumont-Spectrum system now known as Corewell Health
The Michigan organization includes 22 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient facilities. The system says it aims to provide affordable and equitable care.
After Hurricane Ian ripped off part of its roof, a Florida hospital is open again
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital is offering emergency services. Ian disrupted hospital service across the state and some facilities are still recovering.
LCMC Health plans to buy 3 hospitals from HCA Healthcare in $150M deal
LCMC is also partnering with Tulane University on efforts to expand academic medicine. The deal would leave two main players in the New Orleans hospital market.
The Flint water crisis, mental health, and lessons for other disasters
Roughly a quarter of residents exhibit PTSD, suggesting many need treatment, or never got the help they needed. Policy makers should consider early action in responding to other crises, researchers say.
