Stay ahead of the headlines

Sep 4, 2024·paulconnelly

The article discusses the challenges of maintaining human connection and empathy during crises, highlighting how stress and uncertainty can lead to isolation. It emphasizes the importance of fostering community and support systems, as well as the need for open communication and understanding among individuals facing similar struggles. The author advocates for intentional efforts to stay connected, emphasizing that nurturing relationships can provide resilience in difficult times.

Aug 30, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, Idaho, will host focus groups to address community concerns following a Facebook controversy criticizing its emergency department (ED). The call for action comes after local resident Cassidy Chun posted about her grandfather's prolonged wait and indifferent care at the hospital's ED, which garnered over 200 similar complaints online. Hospital officials have acknowledged these grievances, noting a disconnect in patient feedback, and plan to involve community members and local officials in the focus groups starting in early September to improve patient care services.

Aug 29, 2024·healthsystemCIO

In an interview with healthsystemCIO, Dr. Rob Bart, CMIO at UPMC, explores the transition to an enterprise imaging environment at UPMC. The initiative aims to consolidate various picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and move those images to a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA). This approach ensures images are easily accessible for clinicians and patients, enhancing care delivery and efficiency. Dr. Bart emphasizes the importance of managing change and securing buy-in from clinicians, illustrating how the integrated platform will reduce cognitive load and improve clinical workflows. He also outlines the steps and challenges in migrating to a unified imaging system, reinforcing the need for collaborative change management to achieve successful implementation.

Aug 20, 2024·PYMNTS

**Jassy Touts Amazon Pharmacy’s ‘Resonance’ With Customers** Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted the growing success and customer satisfaction of Amazon Pharmacy during the company’s Q2 earnings call. Launched in November 2020, Amazon Pharmacy has expanded its offerings, including the RxPass program for Medicare beneficiaries, which provides unlimited access to 60 common generic medications for $5 a month for Prime members. The service, which allows users to manage prescriptions digitally and receive discounts, is expanding same-day delivery to more U.S. cities. E-commerce experts credit Amazon's competitive pricing as a major factor in disrupting traditional pharmacy models, although online pharmacy remains a small market segment. **Account Onboarding Gets Its AI Makeover** Garrett Laird, director of product management at Amount, discusses the crucial role of proactive anti-fraud measures for financial institutions (FIs) during the "What's Next in Payments" series. Laird emphasizes that waiting to address fraud until breaches occur can be costly. Leveraging AI and machine learning in the onboarding process can enhance both security and customer satisfaction, making onboarding seamless while preventing fraud. Amount’s technology enables FIs to verify identities and detect fraud in real-time, thus striking a balance between blocking fraudulent activities and

Aug 15, 2024·HealthLeaders

The emphasis on patient experience has heightened its value in the healthcare revenue cycle, adapting to a patient-consumer market where individuals bear more care costs. Patient portals have expedited processes and increased patient engagement in their care, aiding tasks like billing, scheduling, and payment plans. Allegheny Health Network utilized a financial engagement platform for integrated billing, while Lake Washington Physical Therapy saw a 47% reduction in accounts receivable with electronic billing. The pandemic-driven need for telehealth expanded digital services, with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital boosting portal usage significantly through targeted initiatives. Digital tools, like at Springfield Clinic, streamline front-end tasks and reduce administrative burdens, aiming to enhance patient interactions through technology.

Jul 12, 2024·MultiCare

MultiCare is implementing a new billing policy for responses to MyChart messages that require over five minutes of clinical time and medical expertise, starting July 1, 2024. This change addresses the increased volume of messages substituting for in-person or virtual visits, which demand significant provider time. While most messages will remain free, patients may incur costs ranging from $0 to $35, depending on their insurance. Further details, including the types of billable messages and cost breakdowns by insurance type, are available for readers.

Jun 19, 2024·Jarrard Inc.

A recent survey by Jarrard Inc. highlights key factors influencing healthcare consumer preferences. The findings emphasize that patients value a personal connection with their healthcare providers, defining "quality" as care that is attentive, caring, and easy to access, rather than through awards or rankings. Insurance acceptance, location convenience, and positive online reviews are crucial for choosing a provider, while recommendations from trusted sources significantly influence final decisions. Relationships with providers are essential for patient retention, even in the face of logistical changes. Virtual care is generally well-regarded but underutilized due to a lack of awareness and a preference for face-to-face interactions. Additionally, consumers are divided on digital tools, with a need for providers to balance online and phone-based scheduling methods and enhance patient education on digital options. This comprehensive insight helps Marcom leaders better position their healthcare organizations in a competitive landscape.

Apr 10, 2024·Managed Healthcare Executive

**Patient Portal Use is Growing, But Physician Billing in Medicare Hasn’t Caught Up** A study reveals an increase in Medicare beneficiaries using patient portals for communication with physicians, yet only a small fraction (~0.05%) of these communications result in a bill for Medicare, primarily for high blood pressure or diabetes management. Despite CMS's Medicare compensation for virtual services necessitating medical decision-making over five minutes during the COVID-19 pandemic, billed e-visits have plateaued since an initial surge. The study, headed by the University of Michigan, suggests providers might be wary of billing for portal messages due to concerns over patient costs, highlighting a need for clearer guidance on billing for digital patient interactions. **More than a Third of Americans Have Skipped a Healthcare Visit Due to Inability to Pay** According to a Payzen report surveying over a thousand Americans who had a hospital visit or surgery in the last two years, over a third of insured Americans and 83% of uninsured individuals have forgone healthcare visits due to cost concerns. The average American can only afford up to $97 a month out-of-pocket for healthcare expenses, with significant disparities across racial groups. The most commonly skipped services include preventative visits, prescription refills, mental health care, and diagnostic testing, underscoring the pressing issue of healthcare affordability in the United States.

Apr 8, 2024·Maximus

In her article, Monica Rosser discusses the evolving landscape of the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach to healthcare delivery amidst challenges such as demographic shifts, clinical staffing shortages, and the imperative for equitable service provision. Rosser highlights the considerable demand for additional healthcare professionals across various specialties and the population aging, which is placing unprecedented stress on healthcare infrastructure. She argues for the adoption of advanced technology, like AI, machine learning, and data analytics, to facilitate personalized care, improve the customer experience (CX), and streamline healthcare administration. Rosser points to the “Whole Health” approach as a key goal, focusing on integrated, patient-centered care that transcends traditional service silos, as illustrated by initiatives like the VA’s Whole Health program. The article projects a future where federal health leaders leverage technology to address provider shortages and demographic changes, ultimately leading to an improved, more personalized healthcare system.

Apr 8, 2024·Medical Economics

In the article by Zeev Neuwirth, MD, the crisis of American healthcare is highlighted, underlining the need for a radical change in approach to address increasing medical debt, healthcare errors, and disparities that are contributing to a decline in life expectancy. Neuwirth discusses foundational principles to humanize healthcare, focusing on building trust, addressing health inequities, and expanding primary care. He presents examples like the Veterans Administration's transformation through the Trust Index and the Whole Health Initiative to provide holistic care, emphasizing the importance of addressing non-clinical factors affecting health. ChenMed’s approach to elder care, shifting language from “walk-in” to “person in need,” showcases simple yet impactful changes towards humanizing healthcare. Neuwirth encourages starting with small, actionable steps towards a humanistic transformation within the healthcare system.

Apr 1, 2024·LinkedIn

In the blog post by John A. Marzano, the focus is on strategizing healthcare marketing to ensure meaningful medical support precedes any marketing endeavors. Marzano emphasizes the importance of prioritizing medical deals to ensure health systems provide comprehensive emergency care during events and leveraging these medical relationships to promote community health care initiatives. The strategy is built around multi-channel marketing that highlights the extension of care from teams to communities, fostering additional partnerships, co-branding to meet broader health needs, and boosting employee engagement with the brand. Examples from MedStar Health and Orlando Health are cited to validate this approach, positioning it as an effective strategy for healthcare organizations aiming to authentically support and market their services within the community context.

Mar 27, 2024·The Wall Street Journal

The article discusses the widespread frustration faced by patients attempting to see a doctor, highlighting long wait times for appointments, operational inefficiencies, and the challenge of navigating digital patient portals. Contributing factors include a national shortage of healthcare providers, decreasing rates of Medicare payment affecting physician practices, and the trend toward healthcare consolidation, which can hinder timely access to care. Solutions being explored include centralized patient-access centers, advanced scheduling systems, virtual care options, and changes in appointment management to ensure more efficient and effective patient-doctor interactions. Additionally, the article touches on efforts to streamline post-appointment communications via patient portals and the potential of artificial intelligence in managing patient queries more efficiently.

Mar 21, 2024·CFAR

In the article "Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Nursing, Moral Injury, and Culture," the experience of ICU nurses and the broader implications of moral injury in healthcare are explored. Moral injury, as defined, occurs when healthcare providers undertake actions, or fail to prevent actions, that conflict with their core values, often leading to significant psychological stress. This concept is highlighted through a narrative involving a hospital chaplain's intervention, allowing a care team to pause and reflect after a patient’s death, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging loss to mitigate burnout. Rabbi Rebecca Kamil’s insights underscore the systemic nature of moral injury, suggesting that solutions require a cultural and organizational shift rather than merely individual coping strategies. The discussion extends to how healthcare systems and culture contribute to or mitigate moral injury, with the call for leadership at all levels to adopt systemic solutions that empower healthcare professionals, thereby addressing the root causes of burnout and moral injury.

Mar 21, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

In a January 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare, a staggering 85% of hospital nurses indicated plans to leave their roles within a year, reflecting serious concerns over job satisfaction and emotional well-being. However, contrary to these alarming predictions, a mass exodus of nurses from hospitals did not materialize by early 2024. Efforts by health systems to improve retention, through strategies like flexible work schedules and increased educational opportunities, have shown some success in keeping nurses on board. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, including widespread burnout among nurse leaders and the ongoing need for healthcare organizations to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their nursing staff. Future strategies may need to go beyond short-term incentives, focusing instead on creating work environments that genuinely support nurses' professional and personal goals.

Mar 15, 2024·Health Populi

The article discusses the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of including patients as co-creators and end-users to ensure the technology meets their needs effectively. Dr. Grace Cordovano highlights the proactive efforts by patient communities in leveraging AI for better healthcare outcomes, challenging the industry to recognize and value their contributions. Deloitte's report on Generative AI (GenAI) in healthcare and the Pew Research findings reveal mixed sentiments among providers and consumers regarding the pace of AI adoption, underlining the potential trust and efficacy issues. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recommends a patient-first approach to GenAI, focusing on personalized healthcare, education, and management interventions to foster trust and mitigate biases. Meanwhile, initiatives like CHAI and TRAIN aim to promote responsible AI use in healthcare, addressing inclusivity and algorithmic biases. The article also highlights successful applications such as ambient listening technologies for clinical note-taking, demonstrating AI's potential to enhance patient-clinician interactions and health equity. Finally, it calls for comprehensive inclusion and responsible AI implementation, aligning with WHO's guidance on AI ethics and governance, to ensure no patient is left behind in the digital transformation of healthcare.

Mar 14, 2024·Harvard Business Review

Alice Boyes outlines strategies for managing feelings of being overwhelmed by workload in her article. She suggests beginning with deep breathing and positive self-talk to focus on one task at a time. Monitoring how one spends their time can also lead to natural, positive changes in behavior. Boyes encourages verifying assumptions about work expectations with others and reevaluating one's own definitions of success. Lastly, she advises that changing behaviors, such as developing better systems for work, can lead to a reduced sense of busyness. These steps aim to assist individuals in more effectively managing their workload and reducing stress.

Mar 14, 2024·San Diego Union-Tribune

In his article for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Dr. Karandeep Singh, Chief Health AI Officer at UC San Diego Health, explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He began by referencing Dr. Warner Slack's work in the 1960s, which laid the foundation for computers in patient care, highlighting how AI, particularly deep learning, has followed a similar trajectory into clinical practice. Singh discusses AI's current applications at UC San Diego Health, such as the sepsis detection tool that has improved patient outcomes, and explores the potential of generative AI in personalizing care by alleviating the administrative burden on clinicians, hence fostering more patient-focused interactions. He underscores the ongoing evaluation of AI applications for safety and equity and stresses the importance of ethical AI use through UC San Diego Health's commitments and collaborations. Singh concludes by reflecting on the profound possibilities AI presents for enhancing patient safety and care quality without replacing the invaluable human element of healthcare.

Mar 4, 2024·Prnewswire

WebMD acquires Healthwise assets, integrating them into WebMD Ignite, and forming a leading healthcare growth platform serving 650+ organizations. Acquisition enhances engagement solutions with personalized content technology. WebMD Ignite to serve over 50% US hospitals and 85% top 20 payers with advanced patient education. Healthwise's ongoing mission realized under WebMD's wider solutions and delivery platforms. Acquisition terms undisclosed.

Feb 29, 2024·CBS News

Sungida Rashid died at a hospital owned by private equity-backed company Steward Health Care due to lack of immediate care. Her death has sparked public criticism against private equity ownership of hospitals. Steward owns 33 US hospitals and is accused of prioritizing profits over patient needs. Rashid's death results from unavailability of a life-saving device as unpaid bills led to its repossession. Massachusetts officials investigate her preventable death and Steward's potential hospital closures amid financial struggles. CEO Ralph de la Torre purchased a $40 million yacht while company faces supply shortages.

Feb 26, 2024·Beckers Hospital Review

Walmart curbs health costs, directing 1.6 million employees to Centers of Excellence, high-quality care providers. Program covers travel, treatment costs; works with predefined, contracted providers. Employers reimbursed via bundled payments. Plans include referral to 18 health systems/providers in 2024.