Prolonged wait times for emergency hospitalization, known as "boarding," have significantly increased in the U.S. since mid-2020, with over 25% of patients waiting more than four hours for a bed during non-peak months, and this figure rising to 35% in winter. A study analyzing 46 million emergency visits across 1,500 hospitals predicts that by 2024, nearly 5% of patients could wait a full day for a bed during peak times, raising concerns about patient safety and overall healthcare efficiency. These prolonged boarding times are worsening emergency department overcrowding, potentially compromising the system's ability to handle new patients and increasing the risk of collapse during future healthcare crises. Moreover, the research indicates regional disparities, with the Northeast particularly affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in healthcare management.

Prolonged ER Wait Times Threaten U.S. Healthcare System Stability newswise

Highmark Health has appointed Dr. Alistair Erskine as its new Chief Information Digital Officer to advance its digital health initiatives. Dr. Erskine, recognized for his leadership in digital transformation within healthcare, will focus on enhancing telehealth services, improving electronic health records, and implementing innovative digital solutions. His role reflects a growing industry emphasis on leveraging technology to address rising costs and the demand for personalized care. This strategic appointment underscores the importance of experienced leaders in guiding healthcare organizations through complex digital landscapes.

Highmark Health Appoints Dr. Erskine to Spearhead Digital Transformation Pittsburgh Business Times

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is actively advocating against significant Medicaid cuts enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which could lead to a $1 trillion reduction in provider revenues and displace 11.8 million individuals from healthcare coverage. Despite securing concessions such as delaying tax cuts and maintaining essential payment structures, AHA President Rick Pollack emphasizes the detrimental effects these cuts will have on healthcare providers and vulnerable populations. As the AHA shifts focus to assist members in adapting to these changes, the implications for healthcare technology remain profound, warranting attention to how financial pressures may affect investment in innovative solutions and patient care. The situation underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and strategic navigation within a challenging legislative environment.

AHA Vows to Counter Devastating $1 Trillion Medicaid Provider Cuts HealthLeaders

U.S. News & World Report has published its "Best Hospitals" list for 2025-26, recognizing 504 hospitals as "Best Regional Hospitals" out of over 4,400 evaluated, a number that has increased from 466 last year. This annual ranking is crucial for hospitals, enhancing their visibility and marketing potential while aiding consumers in finding quality care close to home. The updated methodology focuses more on patient outcomes, indicating a growing trend in healthcare technology towards evaluating and highlighting quality metrics. The U.S. News website also provides a user-friendly interface for patients to easily compare local healthcare providers based on specific needs, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare data.

U.S. News Unveils 2025-26 Best Hospitals, Emphasizing Local Access Chief Healthcare Executive

Prolonged wait times for emergency hospitalization, known as "boarding," have significantly increased in the U.S. since mid-2020, with over 25% of patients waiting more than four hours for a bed during non-peak months, and this figure rising to 35% in winter. A study analyzing 46 million emergency visits across 1,500 hospitals predicts that by 2024, nearly 5% of patients could wait a full day for a bed during peak times, raising concerns about patient safety and overall healthcare efficiency. These prolonged boarding times are worsening emergency department overcrowding, potentially compromising the system's ability to handle new patients and increasing the risk of collapse during future healthcare crises. Moreover, the research indicates regional disparities, with the Northeast particularly affected, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in healthcare management.

Prolonged ER Wait Times Threaten U.S. Healthcare System Stability newswise

Highmark Health has appointed Dr. Alistair Erskine as its new Chief Information Digital Officer to advance its digital health initiatives. Dr. Erskine, recognized for his leadership in digital transformation within healthcare, will focus on enhancing telehealth services, improving electronic health records, and implementing innovative digital solutions. His role reflects a growing industry emphasis on leveraging technology to address rising costs and the demand for personalized care. This strategic appointment underscores the importance of experienced leaders in guiding healthcare organizations through complex digital landscapes.

Highmark Health Appoints Dr. Erskine to Spearhead Digital Transformation Pittsburgh Business Times

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is actively advocating against significant Medicaid cuts enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which could lead to a $1 trillion reduction in provider revenues and displace 11.8 million individuals from healthcare coverage. Despite securing concessions such as delaying tax cuts and maintaining essential payment structures, AHA President Rick Pollack emphasizes the detrimental effects these cuts will have on healthcare providers and vulnerable populations. As the AHA shifts focus to assist members in adapting to these changes, the implications for healthcare technology remain profound, warranting attention to how financial pressures may affect investment in innovative solutions and patient care. The situation underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and strategic navigation within a challenging legislative environment.

AHA Vows to Counter Devastating $1 Trillion Medicaid Provider Cuts HealthLeaders

U.S. News & World Report has published its "Best Hospitals" list for 2025-26, recognizing 504 hospitals as "Best Regional Hospitals" out of over 4,400 evaluated, a number that has increased from 466 last year. This annual ranking is crucial for hospitals, enhancing their visibility and marketing potential while aiding consumers in finding quality care close to home. The updated methodology focuses more on patient outcomes, indicating a growing trend in healthcare technology towards evaluating and highlighting quality metrics. The U.S. News website also provides a user-friendly interface for patients to easily compare local healthcare providers based on specific needs, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare data.

U.S. News Unveils 2025-26 Best Hospitals, Emphasizing Local Access Chief Healthcare Executive