Jeff Lagasse
Pharmaceutical costs are already a large share of most health organizations' budgets and this year's inflation rate may increase drug budgets.
Those who reported harassment said bullying resulted in burnout, depression and other ill health effects.
Countries that spent more on social services tended to spend more on healthcare, even after adjusting for poverty and unemployment rates.
The primary reason for noncompliance was that most providers don't send records electronically even when so requested.
It could be several months before the deal is finalized, though the agreement itself is projected to be completed this fall.
The rapid adoption of digital technologies is considered beneficial to providers, but it can lead to cybersecurity gaps.
Between 2013 and 2017, hospital prices for inpatient services increased 19%, translating to about 4.5% per year.
The chance of a surprise bill was more than 90% in 15% of the hospitals studied, and for ED visits it was even more.
Increasing government spending is partially driving the market's growth, along with initiatives to encourage adoption of third-party solutions.
The state's general acute-care hospitals spent less than half on low-income patients in 2017 than they did in 2013, data showed.