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.

High costs limit the value of dapagliflozin, empagliflozin as heart failure treatments

SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are associated with improved outcomes among many heart failure patients. The medications are not cost-effective, however, limiting their overall value. Read the full economic analysis to learn more.

March 8, 2023

Ulcerative colitis AI identifies activity vs. remission, predicts future flareups

Researchers across the pond have developed and externally validated an AI model that can predict flareups of ulcerative colitis.

March 7, 2023

Diabetes and obesity rates in the US are climbing

Reviewing the records of nearly 13,000 young adults, researchers have found several cardiovascular risk factors increased in prevalence over time.

March 6, 2023

Medicare money payment physician. The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule.

Hospitals still facing financial struggles in 2023

Hospital margins were -1% in January 2023, compared to -0.7% in December 2022.

February 28, 2023

artificial intelligence AI deep learning ChatGPT OpenAI Microsoft Google

AI in healthcare? Many patients seem unimpressed

60% of U.S. adults would be uncomfortable if their healthcare provider relied on AI for their medical care.

February 24, 2023

UnitedHealth Group closes $5.4B acquisition of LHC Group

UnitedHealth Group has closed its $5.4 billion acquisition of home health care giant LHC Group, the company confirmed in a new filing.

February 22, 2023

A team of cardiologists from Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University recently tested ChatGPT, the popular artificial intelligence (AI) model, to see if it could accurately answer questions about preventive cardiology and cardiovascular disease. The model performed well, only missing a handful of questions, and the researchers concluded that ChatGPT showed considerable potential. Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Ashish Sarraju, MD, was the lead author of that study. #ChartGPT

ChatGPT and cardiology: A close look at the strengths and weaknesses of AI chatbots

Ashish Sarraju, MD, a cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic, discussed his recent research on ChatGPT, its potential to change patient care and more.

February 17, 2023

Atrium Health and CEO indicted in $407M healthcare fraud scheme

The scheme allegedly included cheating employees, committing mail fraud, providing inadequate care to residents and more.

February 9, 2023

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