Management

CMS said healthcare workers in half the states must be fully vaccinated by Feb. 28. Later this week, the U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments about the government’s vaccine mandate.

The Omicron variant has triggered an unprecedented spike in new cases. Anthony Fauci said the spike in hospitalizations isn’t at the same pace as infections, but he noted it’s still early.

The University of Vermont Health Network selects a new executive, and HCA Healthcare chooses new VP of investor relations.

At the end of the day, it’s all about meeting the needs of patients. Take a look at our most-read stories on how healthcare systems are finding new ways to serve patients.

Take a look at these stories and features examining the technology that’s changing the healthcare industry.

Over the past year, leaders are putting more focus on virtual care, home-based options and the increased use of data.

Over the past year, CHE examined the challenges of vaccine mandates, payments, staffing, and improving data and technology. Check out these stories from the past year.

Healthcare organizations must make learning new methods to improve safety a constant process. Staff, patients and families should offer input.

Healthcare staff with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic can go back to work after 7 days with a negative test, the CDC said. The isolation time can be reduced if there are staffing shortages.

In a surprising move, the justices said they’d hear arguments on Jan. 7. A Biden administration order requires 17 million healthcare workers to get vaccinated.

New cases have surged 80% as the city has become a hotbed for the Omicron variant. Healthcare systems in upstate New York have already been increasingly challenged in recent weeks.

Joe Nicholson, DO, chief medical officer at CareAllies, talks about the importance of providers and payers having a good working relationship as well as tips for nurturing that relationship.

The study found many doctors and nurses plan to reduce their hours or leave due to overwhelming stress. Employees who feel highly valued were less likely to want to walk away.

The positions will be targeted toward hospitals in rural areas and underserved communities. They will be phased in over five years.

The rapidly spreading variant now appears to be responsible for nearly three quarters of new infections nationwide.

National health expenditures rose nearly 10% in 2020. But some consumers delayed care and avoided hospitals.

They are at greater risk of maternal mortality and more likely to have a wide array of complications. Doctors need to gain more comfort in treating women with disabilities, the study suggests.

Berkshire Health Systems names successor to retiring chief executive, and VCU Health announces first VP for diversity

Gov. Larry Hogan ordered hospitals to postpone non-urgent procedures when COVID-19 hospitalizations exceeded 1,200. Maryland joins other states taking similar steps and struggling to contain the latest surge.

This year, hospitals aren’t just battling the coronavirus; they’re treating more people with other health issues and dealing with staffing shortages. Hospitals are delaying procedures and diverting patients.

Many Americans have postponed or gone without some medical services in the past year, a KFF poll found. Members of minority groups and those with lower incomes are more likely to have trouble with medical bills.

In a full-page advertisement in Minnesota newspapers, healthcare CEOs said their hospitals are filled. More than 40 states are seeing increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

West Virginia University Health System has shifted top leaders into new roles. Medical City, Doctors Hospital and the University of Maryland system named new executives.

The Pennsylvania-based system made the announcement less than three weeks after saying it had an agreement to sell them. Tower has been dealing with serious financial issues after a costly expansion.

The Senate approved the measure preventing the cuts and President Biden is expected to sign the legislation. Healthcare advocates pressed for a remedy before the end of the year.