Hospitals Ramp Up Hyperbaric Therapy for Diabetics, Despite Concerns
The American Diabetes Association does not recommend the treatment. Some experts say hyperbaric therapy’s increased use for diabetic wounds owes more to hospitals’ pursuit of Medicare revenue than to the treatment’s proven value.
Hospital Successfully Fends Off OSHA Citation
More than 18 months after being cited by OSHA for allegedly failing to guard adequately against workplace violence, one of the largest public hospitals in the United States is claiming victory. Bergen Regional Medical Center (BRMC) in Paramus, N.J., defended its program and recently reached an agreement with federal officials, who dismissed the citation.
The New War on Sepsis
The sepsis program in the St. Joseph Hoang network seems to be working. The death rate for all of its hospitals from 2015-2016 has dropped from 15 percent to 12 percent for severe sepsis/shock, and from 12 percent to 9 percent for all sepsis cases.
CDC Updates SSI Guidelines for the First Time in 18 Years
Between 2006 and 2009, roughly 1.9% of surgical procedures in the United States resulted in SSI complications; however, it’s likely that number is much higher since about 50% of SSIs don’t become evident until after discharge. Estimated costs of SSIs range from $10,443 to $25,546 per infection, although it can cost more than $90,000 to treat an SSI involving a prosthetic joint implant or an antimicrobial-resistant organism.
Time Out Day for Patient Safety
June 14 is National Time Out Day , a Joint Commission and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) campaign to promote patient safety before, during, and after surgery. The organizations are also reminding healthcare facilities to commit to conducting a safe, effective time outs for each and every surgery.
Quantity Over Quality? Minorities Shown to Get an Excess of Ineffective Care
Minority patients face a double whammy: Not only are they more likely to miss out on effective medical treatments than white patients, but, according to a new study, they’re also more likely to receive an abundance of ineffective services.
CMS Publishes New Emergency Preparedness Interpretive Guidelines
On June 2, CMS published its final rule for emergency preparedness guidelines and survey procedures. These rules affect all 17 providers and suppliers and the rules will be enforced starting November 15, 2017.
Handshake-Free Zone: Keep Those Hands – and Germs – to Yourself in the Hospital
Testing a new method for limiting the spread of germs and reducing the transmission of disease in the hospital: a handshake-free zone.
Molina Healthcare, a Top ACA Insurer, Investigates Breach of Patients’ Data
Molina Healthcare, a major insurer in Medicaid and state exchanges across the country, has shut down its online patient portal as it investigates a potential data breach that may have exposed sensitive medical information.
CMS Report Reveals Gender Disparities in Care Quality
Two of the most significant healthcare gender disparities are related to follow-up care and alcohol/drug treatment, according to Gender Disparities In Health Care in Medicare Advantage, a report released by the CMS Office of Minority Health in April based on 2015 data.
