COVID-19

Outside of the loss of human life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have greatly affected hospitals, health systems and the way providers deliver care. Healthcare executives are grappling with federal monetary assistance, growing burnout rates, workforce shortages and federal oversight of vaccines and testing. This channel is also designed to update clinicians on new research and guidelines regarding COVID patient treatment strategies and risk assessments.

Americans' mental, physical health in steady decline since COVID-19 pandemic
The numbers are the lowest seen by Gallup in 25 years, with the percentage of adults reporting their health as “excellent” dropping in both categories.
Nursing home sued after horrific wound found on dementia patient
After a bout of COVID-19, an 81-year-old woman developed bed sores that became infested with maggots. A lawsuit claims the facility failed to take proper action to treat the injury.
Walgreens resolves $595M lawsuit over COVID testing
The dispute was with Everly Health, a telemedicine provider contracted to fulfill orders for COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. Walgreens was accused of violating provisions of a service agreement.
Data trove of 1.6M patient records discovered online
A cybersecurity researcher made the discovery. The database, in the care of a clinical trials company, was not password protected or encrypted.
DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations
The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the adoption of some COVID-era prescription practices around certain controlled substances. The agency published a framework to guide any such changes Jan. 17.

Americans' mental, physical health in steady decline since COVID-19 pandemic

The numbers are the lowest seen by Gallup in 25 years, with the percentage of adults reporting their health as “excellent” dropping in both categories.

Nursing home sued after horrific wound found on dementia patient

After a bout of COVID-19, an 81-year-old woman developed bed sores that became infested with maggots. A lawsuit claims the facility failed to take proper action to treat the injury.

Walgreens resolves $595M lawsuit over COVID testing

The dispute was with Everly Health, a telemedicine provider contracted to fulfill orders for COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. Walgreens was accused of violating provisions of a service agreement.

Data trove of 1.6M patient records discovered online

A cybersecurity researcher made the discovery. The database, in the care of a clinical trials company, was not password protected or encrypted.

DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations

The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the adoption of some COVID-era prescription practices around certain controlled substances. The agency published a framework to guide any such changes Jan. 17.

Monitoring acute heart patients at home linked to considerable cost savings

The new report could go on to help guide decisions made by CMS and hospital leadership teams for years to come.

Brazen marital healthcare scheme ends with guilty pleas

A former Alabama doctor and her wife faced a slew of charges related to healthcare billing fraud, misuse of PPE loan funds and illegal distribution of opiates.

CityMD agrees to $12M settlement over alleged COVID claims fraud

The company cooperated with a DoJ investigation into COVID-19 tests being erroneously billed to the federal government.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

ACC urges RFK Jr. to make Medicare reform a priority, warns against mass layoffs

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns.

Radiology Business

FDA announces recall of Medtronic interventional radiology devices after 17 injuries, 4 deaths

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

AI in Healthcare

What federal regulators can learn from the states about AI oversight

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?