Economics

This channel highlights factors that impact hospital and healthcare economics and revenue. This includes news on healthcare policies, reimbursement, marketing, business plans, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain, salaries, staffing, and the implementation of a cost-effective environment for patients and providers.

4 marketing strategies to improve patient engagement

Improving patient engagement by utilizing Google products and engaging on social media could lead to improved outcomes, according to a blog post by DocASAP.

3D holographic measurements meet gold standard

Measurements taken from projected 3D holographic models were able to match “gold standard” measurements in accuracy, according to a study set to be presented at the ARRS 2018 Annual Meeting.

Smart thermometer predicts flu 3 weeks in advance

Researchers from the University of Iowa have developed a “smart thermometer” capable of predicting influenza activity in both large populations and individuals. Findings were published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Health IT can lead to improved clinical outcomes

Utilization of health information technology (HIT) can improve medical outcomes, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

STREAM management system improves quality of life in cancer patients

The online stress management system STREAM improved cancer patients' quality of life following diagnosis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Webcam measures heartbeat through reflected light

Researchers from Utah State University have developed a webcam with specialized software capable of measuring a person’s heartbeat.

Fitch Ratings: Medicaid work requirements add pressure to for-profit hospitals

For-profit hospitals’ struggles with declining admissions will be made worse if more states enact work requirements in their Medicaid programs, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings.

Patients fearful of Anthem's ER policy: ‘They’ll have to force me into an ambulance’

Brittany Cloyd went into the emergency room in July 2017 with a worsening fever and stomach pain, she told Vox. The 27-year-old's family thought it might be appendicitis. Instead, she was diagnosed with ovarian cysts, a condition her insurer, Anthem, said wasn’t worth a trip to the ER—so it wouldn’t cover her $12,596 hospital bill.

Around the web

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. 

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

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?