As the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches, hospital executives are alarmed by the impending expiration of telehealth waivers and significant cuts to Medicaid funding, both of which could severely impact healthcare access. The waivers, which have expanded virtual care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in underserved areas, are set to expire on September 30, raising concerns about continuity of care for many patients. Additionally, the planned $8 billion cut to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments threatens the financial stability of hospitals that serve vulnerable populations. These developments underscore the urgent need for Congress to address these issues to sustain essential healthcare services.

Government Shutdown Threatens Key Healthcare Services and Telehealth Access Becker's Hospital Review

CommonSpirit Health, based in Chicago, has significantly scaled its use of artificial intelligence (AI), increasing from 160 to 230 AI applications in just two years, generating over $100 million annually. This growth highlights the organization's commitment to innovation while prioritizing patient safety and data security through a robust governance framework. Led by the Ethics, Data, Algorithm, and Governance Committee (EDAG), which includes diverse healthcare professionals, the organization implements a careful review process for new AI tools, ensuring only safe and effective technologies are adopted. Their phased approach to AI integration, starting with administrative functions before expanding to clinical applications, sets a model for other healthcare institutions considering similar technology investments.

CommonSpirit Health Pioneers AI Adoption in Healthcare, Boosting Earnings by $100M Becker's Hospital Review

Microsoft's discontinuation of support for Windows 10 on October 14 presents significant challenges for healthcare organizations, as they face potential cyber vulnerabilities during the lengthy transition to Windows 11. This process can take six to nine months and is further complicated by the need to maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations. While Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides necessary security patches, it lacks new features, leaving organizations reliant on cost-prohibitive strategies to manage their software environments. Healthcare professionals must act promptly to address these transitions to mitigate risks associated with outdated systems and maintain patient data security.

Healthcare Faces Cybersecurity Risks as Windows 10 Support Ends Security Magazine

Wickenburg Hospital Boosts Efficiency with Strategic EHR Optimization Initiative Healthcare IT News

As the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches, hospital executives are alarmed by the impending expiration of telehealth waivers and significant cuts to Medicaid funding, both of which could severely impact healthcare access. The waivers, which have expanded virtual care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in underserved areas, are set to expire on September 30, raising concerns about continuity of care for many patients. Additionally, the planned $8 billion cut to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments threatens the financial stability of hospitals that serve vulnerable populations. These developments underscore the urgent need for Congress to address these issues to sustain essential healthcare services.

Government Shutdown Threatens Key Healthcare Services and Telehealth Access Becker's Hospital Review

CommonSpirit Health, based in Chicago, has significantly scaled its use of artificial intelligence (AI), increasing from 160 to 230 AI applications in just two years, generating over $100 million annually. This growth highlights the organization's commitment to innovation while prioritizing patient safety and data security through a robust governance framework. Led by the Ethics, Data, Algorithm, and Governance Committee (EDAG), which includes diverse healthcare professionals, the organization implements a careful review process for new AI tools, ensuring only safe and effective technologies are adopted. Their phased approach to AI integration, starting with administrative functions before expanding to clinical applications, sets a model for other healthcare institutions considering similar technology investments.

CommonSpirit Health Pioneers AI Adoption in Healthcare, Boosting Earnings by $100M Becker's Hospital Review

Microsoft's discontinuation of support for Windows 10 on October 14 presents significant challenges for healthcare organizations, as they face potential cyber vulnerabilities during the lengthy transition to Windows 11. This process can take six to nine months and is further complicated by the need to maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations. While Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides necessary security patches, it lacks new features, leaving organizations reliant on cost-prohibitive strategies to manage their software environments. Healthcare professionals must act promptly to address these transitions to mitigate risks associated with outdated systems and maintain patient data security.

Healthcare Faces Cybersecurity Risks as Windows 10 Support Ends Security Magazine

Wickenburg Hospital Boosts Efficiency with Strategic EHR Optimization Initiative Healthcare IT News