Business

Nearly half of adults with medical debt have been contacted by collection agencies, and some patients with lower-incomes aren’t getting discounted rates, according to the Urban Institute.

Most doctors say delays in approval for treatment are impeding patient care. They also say excessive delays are undermining the argument that prior authorization helps control costs.

Across the state, hospital expenses are $3.5 billion more than pre-pandemic levels. The Connecticut Hospital Association is asking federal and state officials for help.

During an AMA webinar, healthcare leaders outlined ways to help doctors. Nearly two-thirds of physicians say they experience burnout.

The system broke ground on the new $246M facility in December 2020. And BayCare has other building projects underway.

The two systems said they are exploring a partnership. If they come together, the merged organization would operate more than 40 hospitals.

Steward Health Care is preparing to shut down the Texas Vista Medical Center. Steward wants University Health System to take over the hospital, and the organizations are clashing over the situation.

The retailer is adding 28 new locations in Texas, Arizona and Missouri. It comes as other retailers are getting into healthcare delivery.

The two systems announced their plans to join forces in September. MercyOne is part of Trinity Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit systems.