Addressing U.S. healthcare system challenges requires a focus on improving health, not just care
If we are to effectively address the huge cost challenges facing the U.S. health system, we must begin to better address the cost effectiveness of health, says Todd Nelson, HFMA’s director of professional practice and partner relationships. And it has to be through a collaborative process involving all stakeholders, he says, including not just hospitals and health systems, physicians and health plans but also patients and their communities, as well as society overall.
Study shows reduction in hospital readmissions, costs for medically complex patients seen in an outpatient critical care transition clinic
In a recent study, a large group of patients with medically complex chronic conditions were referred to and seen at an Indianapolis-based outpatient critical care transition clinic saw fewer posthospital inpatient admissions and realized decreased costs of care when compared with those who were referred but did not attend the clinic. HFMA’s Shawn Stack provided insight into the importance of the study.
Healthcare News of Note: Many new cancers in the U.S. may be going undiagnosed, a study by Quest Diagnostics shows
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: Many new cancers may be going undiagnosed, research and media exposure leads to a reduction in hospitals suing patients for unpaid medical bills, and positive interactions with leadership boost healthcare worker well-being.
Healthcare News of Note: Hospital employment continues to decline despite an increase in jobs for the healthcare sector
A continuing drop in hospital job numbers, President Biden’s plans for the ACA and how COVID-19 affected stroke care during the pandemic are all topics covered in this week’s Healthcare News of Note.
HHS to provide funding for administration of COVID-19 advanced therapies in vulnerable communities
HHS announced a $150 million investment to make available monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments for patients in vulnerable communities nationwide.
It’s all in the breath: An argument for improved outcomes and reduced costs in healthcare
Effective breathing is known to promote good health, but our healthcare system has given relatively little attention to the concept of breathing therapy. COVID-19 has increased the need for a greater focus on this issue, and there are simple steps healthcare organizations can take to address it.
Healthcare News of Note: 14 healthcare providers unite to launch new data platform to glean more insight on medical conditions
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles, including the debut of a provider-led data platform, delayed care during the pandemic and the impact of the recent winter storm on Texas hospitals and health systems.
COVID-19 magnifies impact of SDOH on U.S. healthcare system
Population health management expert Jenifer Leaf Jaeger, MD, MPH, examines why the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more critical than ever for the U.S. providers to address the needs of people whose health and well-being are compromised by social determinants of health.
Amid some resistance by healthcare workers, COVID-19 vaccine delivery continues to roll out
Amid the early rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, provider organizations are urging reluctant clinicians and other employees to take the inoculation.
Hospitals begin to receive first doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Hospitals and other providers that were prioritized in state COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans have begun to receive and administer their first doses.