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.

Should hospitals withdraw from US News & World Report rankings?

In an op-ed in Health Affairs, two physicians are pushing for the end of ranking U.S. hospitals by calling on hospitals to pull out.

Pfizer recalls 4 million units of migraine medicine

The recalled products are not child resistant, posing a poison risk if the contents are swallowed by young children.

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Physicians sound off on prior authorization burdens on patients

Recent survey findings underscore that the vast majority of physicians believe prior authorization has a negative impact on patient care. In fact, some specialists think it leads to worse outcomes.

 

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Medtronic, Edwards among the healthcare organizations chosen as World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2023

The annual list, now in its 17th year, was designed to celebrate companies that make ethical business practices a high priority. 

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Most US adults with medical debt owe hospitals

A significant portion of U.S. adults have some past-due medical debt, according to a recent study from the Urban Institute, and the majority of those with debt owe non-profit hospitals.

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Former CEO indicted for fake medical device implanted in patients

Laura Perryman, the former chief of Florida-based Stimwave, allegedly created a non-functioning “dummy device” that was used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.

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FDA announces recall of two more eye drop brands

Use of the contaminated eye drops could result in eye infections that could lead to blindness, the FDA said.

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High costs limit the value of dapagliflozin, empagliflozin as heart failure treatments

SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are associated with improved outcomes among many heart failure patients. The medications are not cost-effective, however, limiting their overall value. Read the full economic analysis to learn more. 

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“Without a more concrete and stable policy on these tariffs from the current American administration, it is likely that most manufacturers will be forced to continuously change their internal forecasts and production plans," one analyst said.

SCAI and other healthcare groups want changes made to how healthcare providers are paid after performing office-based lab procedures. "As much as we love delivering care as doctors, if we are losing money doing something, we cannot sustain it," one cardiologist explained. 

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology made its voice heard, pushing for legislation to repeal Medicare payment cuts and tie payments to inflationary increases. Prior authorization and a proposed tariff on radioisotopes were also discussed.