Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

Hospital pays $32.5M to family of baby who suffered brain damage during birth
The incident happened in 2018 when clinicians at Reading Hospital failed to recognize fetal distress and respond accordingly.
Measles is on the march from airports to places near us
The U.S. eradicated measles in 2000. Today it’s making a comeback. What explains the unhappy revival?
Active surveillance of cancer won’t expose docs to malpractice
A new study from researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center should put minds at ease that the conservative management approach will not result in litigation when guidelines are followed.
HBO’s John Oliver skewers state medical boards over ‘oopsies!’
"[S]ome states, including—until recently—Texas, even employ an honor-system approach, which relies on physicians to self-report. But guess what? The bad doctors tend not to do that, because they’re bad doctors."
Daylight saving time boosts malpractice severity, payouts
As most of the U.S. shifts to daylight saving time this week, a new study reveals that malpractice severity and payment decisions are higher in this part of the year than during standard time.

Nearly 1 in 4 physicians report workplace mistreatment

As physician burnout continues to plague the healthcare industry, a new survey reveals a high prevalence of workplace mistreatment.

May 9, 2022

Alice L. Walton Foundation to help launch new health system

The Alice L. Walton Foundation has teamed up with Washington Regional Medical System to create a new health system in Northwest Arkansas. Alice Walton is the only daughter of Sam Walton, who founded Walmart.

May 6, 2022

Engagement down among healthcare workers

Amid a tight labor market and nationwide labor shortage, healthcare organizations already have their work cut out when it comes to filling vacant roles and retaining staff.

May 5, 2022

Best and worst states for nurses in 2022

Not all states are equal when it comes to the best places to work as a nurse.

May 4, 2022

CVS: Mental health concerns are rising

Nearly 6 in 10 Americans (59%) have experienced concerns about either their own mental health or that of family and friends.

May 4, 2022

Prior authorization under fire in Inspector General investigation

An investigation from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans revealed concerns about access to care.

April 29, 2022

The new recall includes five lots of medications distributed from December 2019 to April 2022. Similar products were also recalled back in March for the same reason. The FDA recalled Accupril from Pfizer.

Pfizer recalls hypertension drug over cancer risk

Drug maker Pfizer has voluntarily recalled a hypertension drug due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing nitrosamine.

April 26, 2022

The 10 healthiest cities in the United States

San Francisco is the healthiest city in the nation, according to a recent ranking from WalletHub.

April 26, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist salary update: Compensation jumps to $525K per year, No. 3 among all specialties

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties.

Cardiovascular Business

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.

Cardiovascular Business

Johnson & Johnson to acquire Shockwave Medical for $13.1B

The rumors, it seems, were true. Once the deal is finalized, Shockwave Medical will operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

Quality

Hospital pays $32.5M to family of baby who suffered brain damage during birth

Measles is on the march from airports to places near us

Active surveillance of cancer won’t expose docs to malpractice

HBO’s John Oliver skewers state medical boards over ‘oopsies!’

Daylight saving time boosts malpractice severity, payouts

Around the web