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.

FDA drug approvals are up 11%

The FDA accepted 137 new drug approvals (NDAs) and biologics license applications (BLAs) in 2018, up 11% from 2017 and 36% from 2012 to 2017, according to a new report.

August 1, 2019

Mayo Clinic tops best hospital list for 2019

Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic is the nation’s best hospital for 2019-2020, according to U.S. News & World Report, which ranked hospitals overall and based on specialties.

July 30, 2019

Breast implants linked to rare cancer, deaths recalled

Allergan, a global pharmaceutical company based in Dublin, has issued a voluntary recall for Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders after the action was requested by the FDA. The implants have been linked with several health problems and complications, including a rare form of cancer and death.

 

July 24, 2019
Opioids

Opioid overdose deaths fell in 2018

According to provisional data from the CDC, overdose deaths from opioid abuse in the U.S. likely fell in 2018, representing the first decline in roughly 30 years.

July 22, 2019

Why turning 26 ups the risk for people with diabetes

For people with diabetes, turning 26 is a cliff that can turn deadly. That’s because, at that age, young adults are kicked off their parents’ insurance plans and must find their own coverage and continue taking life-saving medication they simply cannot afford.

 

July 22, 2019

Medical mistakes harm 1 in 20

British researchers are homing in on just how many medical mistakes occur and how many are preventable.

July 19, 2019

Three diagnostic mistakes account for 75% of malpractice claims

Just three categories of diagnostic errors account for roughly 75% of all serious misdiagnosis-related harms to patients, according to a new study published in Diagnosis. 

July 11, 2019
Target health care costs.

One nonprofit hospital is aggressively pursuing the poor for medical debts

Methodist University Hospital, based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a nonprofit hospital operator with its own collections agency that ruthlessly pummels low-income patients over unpaid medical bills by taking them to court, according to a sort by ProPublica.

June 28, 2019

Around the web

More than 5,000 U.S. physicians joined forces to launch the new group. They say they are focused on limiting private equity's involvement and influence in healthcare. 

Just 10.5% of U.S. physicians said they view private equity ownership in healthcare in a positive light. 

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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