Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

MA appeals overturn 75% of claims denials

Appeals for payment denials were overturned 75 percent of the time by Medicare Advantage Organizations from 2014 to 2016, according to HHS Office of Inspector General.

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80,000 Americans died of the flu last year

A new estimate from the CDC puts the number of Americans who died of flu and complications at 80,000, the Associated Press reported. The figure was the highest death toll in at least 40 years.

Hospitals settle with HHS for $1M HIPAA violations for documentary filming

Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have settled with HHS for compromising patient privacy by allowing crews to film an ABC television network documentary series without receiving authorization from patients.

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Cancer could kill nearly 10 million people in 2018

In 2018, cancer deaths will rise to 9.6 million worldwide, according to new data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

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JAMA studies suggest bundled payments are working

Two new studies underscore that Medicare’s bundled payment for care improvement (BPCI) programs are helping provide better quality care to patients.

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Hospital prices for services have little consistency

Hospital prices remain somewhat obscure—and they vary widely for the same procedures, according to an analysis by Axios.

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Hurricane Maria death toll closer to 3,000

While the official death toll of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, was estimated at 64 people, the actual count may be closer to 3,000, according to a new, independent study.

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STD rates skyrocket to new record levels

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are skyrocketing across the United States, according to a new report from the CDC.

Around the web

In the post-COVID era, wages for permanent RNs are rising, and wages for travelers are decreasing. A new report tracked these trends and more. 

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market. 

These companies were already part of the Johnson & Johnson family, but they had still retained their previous brand names. Now, each one is officially going by Johnson & Johnson MedTech. 

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