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.

UnitedHealthcare, AMA collaborate to better address social determinants of health

UnitedHealthcare and the American Medical Association on April 2 announced they’re collaborating on a project aimed at better identifying and addressing social determinants of health.

April 3, 2019

Weekly Watchdog: Convictions in $20M healthcare fraud scheme

Catch up on all things fraud and ethics in the healthcare industry with HealthExec’s weekly watchdog report.

February 28, 2019

Healthcare companies make most ethical list

Several healthcare companies have made it onto the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list for 2019.

February 26, 2019

CMS: All Children’s Hospital failures were widespread

A CMS report found the problems at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, were more extensive than the pediatric heart unit, The Tampa Bay Times reported.

February 26, 2019

Physician burnout varies by specialty

Burnout among physicians improved slightly over the last few years, but not all specialties have seen much of a difference, according to data published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

February 25, 2019

Weekly watchdog: CVS employee stole $2.5M worth of test strips

Catch up on all things fraud and ethics around the healthcare industry with HealthExec’s weekly watchdog report.

February 15, 2019

Physicians provide better care when their bonuses are bigger

A bigger bonus size for physicians is associated with higher-value medicine, according to a recent study published in JAMA Open Network.

February 14, 2019

Weekly watchdog: Hacienda HealthCare to close

Here are some of the top stories from around the web covering healthcare fraud and ethics issues.

February 8, 2019

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