A survey of physicians conducted by the American Medical Association found a slew of complaints about the prior authorization (PA) process, with doctors saying it’s a burden on their practices, delays care for patients, worsens outcomes and even leads to patients abandoning their recommended course of treatment.

Since 2009, the days Medicare beneficiaries have spent in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) have fallen by 15 percent on a per capita basis, which may be the result of value-based payment models leading hospitals to rely more on observational stays which wouldn’t make patients eligible for a SNF.

Intensive remote therapy (IRT) was able to improve blood glucose control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, according to a study published Feb. 21 in Pediatric Diabetes.

Fitbit, the popular manufacturer of wireless-enabled wearable technology devices, has announced the development of fitness trackers for children.

Telling families their loved one has died or admitting a medical error isn’t an easy conversation. But students at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) will now have to be tested on it in a first-ever requirement for any medical school.

The University of Michigan’s health system, Michigan Medicine, has rolled out a pilot program promising personalized service, reduced wait times and more time with a primary care physician for patients willing to pay a $2,700 annual fee. Hundreds of the system’s own doctors and staff, however, are criticizing the program as conflicting with its mission as a nonprofit system tied to a public university.

Nihon Kohden, producers of precision medical products and services, announced the launch of the Nihon Kohden Dimensions Augmented Reality (AR) app.

Health information exchanges (HIEs) can be part of an effective response to natural or manmade disasters, according to CMS and ONC officials, but that requires agencies and healthcare organizations have a plan before a disaster strikes.