Healthcare Associations

This page includes news coverage of primary healthcare business and policy setting associations. Find news specific to each organization by following these links: American Hospital Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Find focused news coverage for Cardiology societies or Radiology associations.

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use
U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?
AMGA condemns FTC ban on noncompetes in healthcare
The healthcare employers’ trade group said a nationwide ban on noncompete contracts will stifle investment in new technologies.
Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments
CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.
Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals
Private equity is becoming more and more influential in many healthcare specialties, including cardiology. This has prompted increased speculation about the impact such investments may have on patient outcomes.
AMA takes physicians’ collective temperature on current, planned use of AI
For AI to achieve sweeping adoption across U.S. medicine, physicians will need to be assured they won’t be held liable should clinical algorithms make mistakes.

Presbyterian Health Services names new CFO

Roger Larsen has been selected as the new CFO for Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Presbyterian Health Services, ending a five-month search for a replacement for Dale Maxwell, now the system’s president and CEO.

July 31, 2017

Hal Wolf named new president, CEO of HIMSS

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has selected Harold “Hal” Wolf III, an alum of the Chartis Group and Kaiser Permanente, as its new president and CEO.

July 26, 2017

Cleveland Clinic names Edward Marx as new CIO

Edward Marx will take over as the new chief information officer at Cleveland Clinic, effective Sept. 1.

July 19, 2017

Q&A with Experian exec: Embrace payment plans before going to collections

Jason Considine, senior vice president of patient collections and engagement at Experian Health, argued at the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) conference in Orlando that providers should first rely on leveraging data and crafting flexible payment options before paying any contingency fees to collectors. He spoke with HealthExec about mistakes providers are making with their collection practices and what data they need to improve the process.

July 12, 2017

Neal Patterson, CEO and co-founder of Cerner

Cerner CEO Neal Patterson dies from cancer complications

Neal Patterson, the co-founder and CEO of health IT giant Cerner, died July 9 at age 67, according to a company statement.

July 10, 2017

Q&A with TransUnion execs: Patients are the new payers

One of the most frequently discussed topics from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) conference was the need to increase patient engagement when it comes to payment as out-of-pocket costs and deductibles continue to rise.

July 7, 2017

Value-based care doesn’t have to end independent practices

The transition to value-based care has led to consolidation and increased physician employment, but smaller practices may find a different option in pursuing alignments with other organizations which don’t involve giving up their independent status.

July 5, 2017

Providers won’t be able to avoid downside risk much longer

Among hundreds of healthcare finance professionals at a Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) conference presentation, no one could say their systems were taking on downside risk above 5 percent of their total revenue. Francois de Brantes, MS, MBA, vice president and director of the Altarum Institute’s Center for Payment Innovation, said that needs to change.

July 3, 2017

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”