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Nov 5, 2023·Beckers Hospital Review

104 rural hospitals closed since 2005, more closures since 2020 due to financial challenges, workforce shortages. CMS launched rural emergency hospital designation to address reduced care access, only 16 have converted. Mobile health, partnerships, new payments seen as solutions; need for collaboration, diversified services for financial sustainability.

Nov 4, 2023·LinkedIn

Despite high average salaries and interest, the US faces a doctor shortage due to lengthy, costly training and policy-induced limitations on number of doctors. By 2033, the US could lack 124,000 doctors, leaving many without sufficient primary care physicians or mental health professionals. Aging boomers increase retirees and medical need, while Covid added worker burnout. Policy has capped funding for residencies and discouraged foreign-trained doctors from entering US healthcare, constraining supply. Osteopathic degrees and other medical roles partly alleviate the issue but a perceived rigged labor market persists.

Nov 1, 2023·Business Insider

AI expert Andrew Ng suggests Big Tech stokes AI fears to promote strict regulations, curb competition. Ng asserts such strategy could harm open-source community. Several tech CEOs compared AI risks to nuclear war, pandemics. Widespread belief in AI's potential to obliterate humanity may lead to stifling AI licensing policies. Thoughtful approach required for needed AI regulations.

Nov 1, 2023·SEC.gov

SEC charges SolarWinds and CISO Timothy Brown for fraud and control failures due to known cybersecurity risks. Allegedly from IPO in October 2018 to December 2020 attack, they overstated their cybersecurity practices and understated or didn't reveal risks, misleading investors. SolarWinds' statements contradict internal assessments of defects and high risk. SEC alleges Brown knew risks but didn't resolve them or alert the company more. After incomplete disclosure about the attack, SolarWinds stock dropped around 35% by the month's end. Complaint seeks penalties and officer/director bar against Brown.

Oct 21, 2023·FierceHealthcare

Lobbying groups argue lift on ban for physician-owned hospitals (POHs) could save $1.1bn across Medicare's 20 most expensive conditions in 2019. Study backed by physician lobbying groups found lower healthcare costs possible at POHs. As lawmakers consider lifting the ban, a draft proposing permitting new POHs, introduced by Rep. Michael Burgess, receives supportive responses. Critics argue limiting new entrants impacts market competition, with June report suggesting POHs offer reduced prices. Physician advocates claim proposed changes enhance patient care and reduce costs.

Oct 15, 2023·AI in Healthcare

Government, Big Tech discuss AI regulation; Sens. Blumenthal, Hawley present AI legislation framework with license requirements, clear AI identification, transparency, accountability, consumer/kid protection. Tech leaders comment—Facebook's Zuckerberg supports safeguards; policy researcher Huddlerston favors light-touch innovation; IBM CEO Krishna advises risk, not algorithm regulation; Musk calls for referee; AI Now's West questions broad public interest representation.

Oct 13, 2023·Healthcare Finance News

Aetna alters commercial policy, discontinuing certain telehealth services from Dec.1, including audio-only and text-based visits expanded during public health emergency. Despite changes, Aetna's coverage for telehealth services, including routine care, sick visits, and prescription refills, more extensive than pre-pandemic. Other stakeholders in healthcare assessing telehealth flexibilities post-emergency period, expecting key decisions by 2024.

Oct 12, 2023·CNBC

CCS Insight predicts generative AI will face slowdown in 2024 due to increased costs and hype fading; small developers may find operation too expensive. It also anticipates EU AI regulation delays due to technology's rapid advancement. Next, CCS Insight predicts a search engine will add AI-generated content warnings and expects the first arrests for AI-based identity fraud in 2024.

Oct 11, 2023·Beckers Hospital Review

Commercial reimbursement faces decline as corporations increase scrutiny and demands due to rising healthcare costs. Hospitals and health systems supplement loss from governmental payers with private insurers, though payments frequently go unpaid for lengthy periods. The provider-commercial relationship is vital for hospitals' financial sustainability but is becoming volatile. Employers may pass more costs to employees, negotiate strict contract clauses with insurers, or even drop coverage. Despite having numerous cost-containment strategies for healthcare costs, employers have been hesitant due to needing to attract talent. However, increased emphasis on healthcare cost containment or quality control will impact providers in various ways. Employers can shift health plans toward accountable care models, wherein physicians manage cost and quality across care delivery. Entities like Walmart have acted on variations in employee healthcare, noting numerous lapses in care quality employees received from un-appoved healthcare providers.

Oct 3, 2023·Healthcare IT News

AHA urges OCR to withdraw regulation of online tracking tools, alleging the rules impede hospitals' ability to assess patient web usage and access to health info, violating HIPAA and impairing public health. Persisting HIPAA rules maintain effective patient info sharing, and should not face major revisions, argues AHA.

Sep 30, 2023·Becker's Hospital Review

Hospitals and health systems nationwide are increasingly rejecting Medicare Advantage plans, citing high authorization denial rates, slow insurer payments, and billing fraud allegations. San Diego's Scripps Health, facing a $75 million loss from MA contracts, is terminating contracts impacting 30,000 seniors. St. Charles Health System is encouraging seniors to avoid private Medicare plans. Many other hospitals are also terminating contracts or considering alternatives to Medicare Advantage plans.

Sep 24, 2023·LinkedIn

Bill Gurley discusses 'Regulatory Capture' and Epic's dominance in healthcare industry. Gurley points to CEO Judy Faulkner's involvement in Obama's Health IT council and subsequent measures benefitting Epic: doctors receiving $44k for software purchases, an extra $17k for its use, and regulations likely inspired by Epic's features. Gurley criticizes an environment inhibiting startup disruption.