Quality and Safety
Security events in U.S. hospitals cost an estimated $1.6 billion each year. Nearly one of every five hospitals experiences a security breach, with the bill averaging $810,000 per breach.
A new study of insurance claims at 110 hospitals found that facilities with the highest prices tended to have the strongest reputations and tight holds on their local markets yet showed little evidence of providing better quality care.
Back in the early 2000s, Mid-State Health Center was in dire need. The new CEO knew something had to be done immediately, but the facility didn't have access to appropriate funding. So, the CEO got creative.
Empowered consumers, rapid innovation and increasing competition are among PwC's top health industry issues for 2014.
Reimbursing a physician for their time spent in having end-of-life discussions is not an incentive for a "death panel" decision; it would be compensating them for doing their job. If all we do is compensate physicians for treating people aggressively regardless of the circumstances, we will get what we pay for: an expensive healthcare system run amok.
In 2010, five hospitals in New York City implemented a communication-and-resolution program in general surgery. Its intent was to improve the nature of hospital discussions of medical errors with patients.
Maryland officials have reached what analysts say is an unprecedented deal to limit medical spending and abandon decades of expensively paying hospitals for each extra procedure they perform. If the plan works, Maryland hospitals will be financially rewarded for keeping people out of the hospital.
Physicians may be more willing to accept policy changes that improve access to care and reduce costs if they can obtain some relief from malpractice liability, suggested the researchers of an article published in the January issue of Health Affairs.
Across the U.S., hospital costs are rising while revenue and patient volume are falling. Rural not-for-profit hospitals, in particular, face a challenging financial future, one in which some facilities might close or at least "go hungry."
As healthcare organizations increase their focus on data security and HIPAA compliance, Kroll's Cyber Security Forecast offers a list of four concerns every provider should take very seriously.