COVID-19 hospitalizations fall to 24% below their latest peak, HHS says
The latest COVID-19 surge appears over, as positive rates and hospitalizations are declining nationally, says the Department of Health and Human Services.
Employers pivot from value-based payment to virtual care amid the pandemic
Employer-sponsored health plans are pausing value-pay expansions in favor of adding virtual care options in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a business group survey..
New data analytics hold the key to promoting consumerism in healthcare
Panelists at HFMA’s Digital Annual Conference in August explored how recent advances in data analytics are helping to improve the patient experience of care and advance consumerism in healthcare.
Rural payment pilots could pave the way to revamped hospital business models
A new rural payment model will test capitated and ACO payments and could encourage major changes in hospital business models.
HHS reopens applications for COVID-19 provider assistance
Providers that rejected the first round of federal coronavirus grants will have another chance in August to seek some of those funds, as will other categories of providers.
More hospital consolidation is expected post-pandemic
Supporters and opponents of hospital mergers and acquisitions expect such deals to increase in the aftermath of COVID-19..
Fauci says additional lockdowns’ not needed in response to COVID-19
Anthony Fauci, MD, says states can control the spread of the virus without additional lockdowns, even as some move to reinstitute sharp restrictions on healthcare services.
OPPS proposed rule would eliminate ‘inpatient only’ list of procedures
The CY21 OPPS proposed rule would eliminate the inpatient-only list of services over three years while increasing the number of ASC-eligible procedures, and also would increase 340B payment cuts and overhaul the hospital star-rating system.
Trump orders new rural payment model, permanent expansion of telehealth
President Trump ordered HHS to develop a new payment model for rural healthcare providers and to use its regulatory authority to make telehealth expansion permanent.
A scarcity of rural ICU beds means little revenue amid the COVID-19 resurgence
Half of low-income rural areas lack ICU beds, which is depriving hospitals of revenue during ongoing COVID-19 surges.