Community Benefit
Hospitals, doctors' practices, government, insurers, and healthcare IT companies could all be affected, Kalorama says.
Largest increases were for medications to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, and for birth control.
Despite that, many Georgia hospitals continue to face a number financial challenges resulting in cutbacks and fewer services.
Research measured antibiotic use hospital-wide and by unit before, during and after the implementation of program.
CMS initiative aims to boost outcomes, reduce cost and find innovative ways to deliver care to underserved populations.
Eliminating the waiting room sends the message that the hospital is waiting for the patients, not the other way around, said Feinberg.
The design and construction of both inpatient and outpatient facilities has helped hospitals become a major economic force.
Over the past three years, the sprawling VA system has come under fire from Congress because veterans were waiting too long to see a doctor.
The findings were consistent with a September report by the Congressional Budget Office which indicated many hospitals would be underwater.
The study builds on existing research that confirms nutrition can be a simple, cost-effective tool.