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.

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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. 

Ulcerative colitis AI identifies activity vs. remission, predicts future flareups

Researchers across the pond have developed and externally validated an AI model that can predict flareups of ulcerative colitis. 

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Diabetes and obesity rates in the US are climbing

Reviewing the records of nearly 13,000 young adults, researchers have found several cardiovascular risk factors increased in prevalence over time.

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Hospitals still facing financial struggles in 2023

Hospital margins were -1% in January 2023, compared to -0.7% in December 2022. 

 

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AI in healthcare? Many patients seem unimpressed

60% of U.S. adults would be uncomfortable if their healthcare provider relied on AI for their medical care.

UnitedHealth Group closes $5.4B acquisition of LHC Group

UnitedHealth Group has closed its $5.4 billion acquisition of home health care giant LHC Group, the company confirmed in a new filing.

Around the web

HHS has thought through the ways AI can and should become an integral part of healthcare, human services and public health. Last Friday—possibly just days ahead of seating a new secretary—the agency released a detailed plan for getting there from here.

Philips is recalling the software associated with its Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry devices after certain high-risk ECG events were never routed to trained cardiology technicians as intended. The issue, which lasted for two years, has been linked to more than 100 injuries. 

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.