SPOTLIGHT -
Number of data breaches continues to rise
Report to Congress finds 39% increase from 2017-2021, though numbers fell in last year covered by report
Amazon enters primary care field by closing $3.9B deal to buy One Medical
Seeing a physician to be ‘easier, faster, more personal, and more convenient,’ CEO says.
Inflation affecting majority of consumer health care decisions
Many are losing confidence in their ability to pay for health care
Coronavirus Omicron variant, vaccine, and case numbers in the United States: Feb. 22, 2023
How many novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were announced today?
Why advances in telehealth are an impactful and growing necessity
Use data to track how patients want to interact and how insurers will cover costs as 'hybrid' becomes the new normal.
Medicare benefits spending could reach $1 trillion this year
KFF analysis examines funding, overall financial condition.
Medicare prescribing trends: Lots of pain in Alabama
Majority of states have a statin as the most commonly prescribed Medicare drug, but Alabama’s collective pain level apparently exceeds that of the other 49 states.
More access to health care leads to more spending for it
But costs outpace national averages in some states with fewer physicians.
Coronavirus Omicron variant, vaccine, and case numbers in the United States: Feb. 21, 2023
Progress toward interoperability is gaining momentum
Approval of first TEFCA applicants marks important milestone in drive for universal data-sharing
Medical practices are embracing patient-centric technologies
Focus is on improved patient outcomes, smoother administrative functions
Patient perceptions of cleanliness have a direct effect on reported infection rates
Men and women have different factors that influence their perceptions
Physicians to pay $2 million for improper billing
Feds, Florida attorney general announce settlement from whistleblower lawsuit.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers scrutinized during congressional hearing
Senators want more insight into PBM practices and the role they play in the healthcare ecosystem.
Coronavirus Omicron variant, vaccine, and case numbers in the United States: Feb. 20, 2023
Threat of denial-of-service cyberattacks growing in health care
Hacking attempts set new record this month, according to government and industrial groups.
Congressional committee calls for addressing barriers to medical education
Barriers are preventing more doctors and nurses from entering the workforce that are desperately needed.
Remote scribes may reduce burnout by cutting time spent on EHR
Researchers compare effects on wellness among physicians using remote scribes to those without.
Data breaches continue to plague health care industry
Cybercriminals increasingly target patient data stored by third-party vendors and business associates
Docs: Ban noncompete clauses to improve working conditions, patient care
Physicians out front as FTC contemplates national rule against noncompete agreements.
Coronavirus Omicron variant, vaccine, and case numbers in the United States: Feb. 17, 2023
Ending the COVID-19 emergency sparks questions about health insurance
Change is coming – and physicians might find it more difficult to get paid.
Health care mergers expected to increase this year
Larger payers will look for “adjacencies” rather than merger and acquisition with other payers because of the regulatory environment.
Physicians test screening tool for COPD in primary care
COPD contributes to leading cause of death in U.S., but researchers say it may be underdiagnosed.
CMS to test new payment models for lowering prescription drug prices
Capping out-of pocket costs for some generic drugs, increasing access to specialty drugs are among models’ goals
Coronavirus Omicron variant, vaccine, and case numbers in the United States: Feb. 16, 2023
Finding a rhythm: How changing sounds of medical devices could improve patient care
Study compares percussive tones to loud, flat, annoying alarms in health settings.
Self-awareness and empathy are keys to reducing violence in health care settings
Learning to manage emotions and recognize needs of others lessens the tension that causes aggressive behavior
Interoperability takes another step forward
Health organizations commit to rigorous eligibility requirements
Family physicians call for national plan to transition out of COVID-19 public health emergency
HHS roadmap says some flexibilities won’t be affected, but AAFP wants assurances in policies to avoid disruptions for doctors, patients.
