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.

RSS icon
Thumbnail

Opioid deaths in hospitals quadrupled between 2000 and 2014

The mortality rate for patients hospitalized for opioid-related conditions more than quadrupled between 2000 and 2014, with increases in admissions related to opioids among whites, people aged 50 to 64, Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities and people from lower-income areas.

VA hired docs with history of poor care

A USA Today investigation found the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) knowingly hired physicians with past malpractice claims, poor disciplinary records or who had even had their license revoked—with some going on to be sanctioned by the VA for the same infractions outlined on their applications.

Thumbnail

Report highlights safety deficiencies commonly found at hospitals

Emergency management, physical environment and life safety codes were the most frequently cited areas for deficiencies at healthcare facilities surveyed by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) in 2016, according to the organization’s latest quality report.

Thumbnail

Fewer quality measures considered by CMS in 2018 pre-rulemaking list

The annual list of measures being considered by CMS for inclusion in Medicare quality reporting and value-based programs is less than a third of the length of the previous list, reflecting the agency’s new commitment to reduce what physicians see as burdensome reporting standards.

Thumbnail

VA hospitals failed to report potentially dangerous physicians

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) failed to report disciplinary action taken against providers and delayed reviews of complaints against physicians, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Thumbnail

More hospitals reporting eCQMs

Just 34 hospitals voluntarily submitted electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) data to the Joint Commission in 2015. For 2016, the number reporting skyrocketed to 436 hospitals, according to the commission’s annual report.

Joint Commission’s new emergency management standards take effect Nov. 15

Dozens of new or revised elements of performance have been included in the Joint Commission’s new emergency management standards, which will be the basis for accreditation surveys beginning on Nov. 15.

Hospital safety grade report leads to lawsuit

Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Leapfrog Group, alleging it knowingly used incorrect information in downgrading the hospital’s safety rating from an “A” to a “C” in its fall 2017 safety grade report.

Displaying 393 - 400 of 659

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.