Most women unaware they’re at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease
A survey by the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement at Cleveland Clinic found women aren’t talking to doctors about possible risk factors.
U.S. ramps up testing for monkeypox
The CDC is sending tests to five large laboratories. More than 150 cases have been reported in the United States.
VA postponing rollout of new electronic health record system
The Department of Veterans Affairs said some facilities won’t get the new system until next year. The delay comes amid reports of problems with the system harming patients at a veterans hospital in Washington state.
Women more likely to develop long COVID
A new study suggests women have significantly greater odds than men of developing complications after the initial infection. The authors called for additional research.
Healthgrades names top hospitals for patient experience in 2022
The organization evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals, but only a small portion were honored. Two hospitals improved in every category.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare starting hospital-at-home program
The Kentucky-based system is partnering with Biofourmis, a digital health company, to serve patients and participate in a study of acute care at home in rural areas.
After FTC opposition, two hospital deals abandoned within days
HCA Healthcare and Steward Health are dropping plans involving the sale of five hospitals, while RWJ Barnabas Health and Saint Peter’s have called off their effort to merge.
ChristianaCare aims to buy shuttered hospital from Tower Health
The Delaware-based system is buying Jennersville Hospital, which closed its doors Dec. 31. Executives say they haven’t decided what services will be available.
Medicare needs better data on race and ethnicity
The Office of Inspector General said the inaccurate and incomplete data makes it harder to improve health equity, a major goal of the Biden administration
Hospitals brace for another Medicare cut next month
The American Hospital Association is pressing the government to stop additional sequester cuts slated to take place July 1.
Healthcare groups back bill to protect hospital workers from assault
The bipartisan legislation was introduced about a week after four people were shot and killed in a Tulsa medical center. Advocates say it is long overdue.
FTC taking a close look at hospital mergers
The Federal Trade Commission is suing to block HCA Healthcare from acquiring five Steward Health hospitals in Utah. The commission has taken action against other deals, saying reduced competition will hurt consumers.
MED MOVES: HCA Healthcare names CEO of Women’s Hospital of Texas, and more
An HCA hospital in Florida gets a new chief executive, and a Dignity Health hospital leader announces plans to step down.
Oracle chairman Larry Ellison envisions national electronic health database
Now that the tech giant has completed its $28-billion acquisition of Cerner, Ellison outlined how the merged company aims to transform the healthcare industry.
CMS issues first fines for violating hospital price transparency law
The Northside Hospital system in Atlanta has been fined more than $1 million by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Many hospitals aren’t complying with the law, a recent study found.
Bain Capital takes majority stake in LeanTaaS
The California company, which provides software to hospitals to improve scheduling procedures, said the deal will allow LeanTaas “to accelerate its rapid growth.”
Nemours Children’s Health’s first chief equity officer looks at health beyond medicine
Rachel Thornton talks about her new role at Nemours and the importance of equity and early intervention to improve the health of kids.
Few hospitals complying with federal price transparency law: Study
The study finds very low adherence to a federal law compelling hospitals and health systems to offer more information on prices for consumers.
Patient groups oppose CMS plan to suppress reporting on some safety measures
The agency said some data would be skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics say the move could harm patients and deprives the public of vital information.
FTC opposes merger of RWJBarnabas Health, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
The Federal Trade Commission is suing to block the deal, arguing it would hurt competition and lead to higher prices.
MED MOVES: Baptist Health CFO plans to retire, and more
In other news, a veteran Baltimore hospital CEO says he's stepping down after 20 years, and other leaders take new roles.
Tulsa medical office shooting shows health systems must be prepared
Four people were killed in the Oklahoma medical center, and another deadly shooting took place in an Ohio hospital on the same day. Healthcare leaders need to have strong policies to protect patients and staff.
Hackers backed by Iran targeted Boston Children’s Hospital, FBI says
FBI Director Christopher Wray said authorities thwarted the attack. Authorities have warned the healthcare sector to fortify their network defenses.
Oracle expects to complete $28B acquisition of Cerner next week
The software giant says it has received all regulatory approvals and should close the deal within days. Oracle says the merger will transform the healthcare industry.
Most registered nurses are women, but men get better pay, survey finds
The 2022 Nurse Salary Research Report finds a gap between male and female registered nurses, and it is widening.
Hospital margins remain in red for 4th straight month
Health systems saw drops in volume and revenue in April, according to the latest monthly report from Kaufman Hall. The outlook isn’t that promising for the rest of the year.
Hospitals delay exams due to dye shortage, and face new supply chain challenges
Many health systems won’t see normal supplies this summer. Hospitals must plan wisely to manage supplies of the dye used in imaging, and other key items.
Care New England still seeking partners for merger: Report
The Rhode Island-based system hopes to have some options this summer, CEO James Fanale says.
Health spending drops for first time in 12 years: Report
Per-person spending dipped with many consumers using healthcare less in the early months of the pandemic. But health spending rose over a 5-year period.
MED MOVES: RUSH chooses new CEO, Cedars-Sinai hires equity leader, and more
In other moves, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute names a new senior vice president, and Hot Springs Health selects a new chief executive.