Editor's Note Escalating administrative hurdles from insurers are heightening tensions between healthcare payers and providers who criticize the measures for threatening patient care, Modern Healthcare reported January 22. According to the article, policies attracting criticism include stringent prior authorization rules, claims denials, and new fees for appeals. For their part,…

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Editor's Note An EHR-integrated closed-loop clinical decision support system (CDSS) significantly reduced unnecessary preoperative testing, improved patient safety, and significantly reduced costs across two hospitals in Madrid, Spain. As detailed in a study published January 3 in npj digital medicine, this system demonstrates the potential of automated guidelines to optimize…

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Editor's Note In a January 9 episode of the Advancing Surgical Care Podcast, ASCA President Mark Wainner engaged Alfonso del Granado, MBA, FACHE, CASC, an ASCA Board member and administrator of Covenant High Plains Surgery Center in Lubbock, Texas, in a discussion focusing on the pressing issue of anesthesia provider…

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Editor's Note Growing consolidation and private equity investments in healthcare are driving up costs, reducing access, and raising quality concerns, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to HHS’ January 15 announcement, the report stems from a tri-agency effort by HHS, the…

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Editor's Note Anyone who has attended the annual OR Business Management Conference understands the value of an intimate event focused exclusively on OR efficiency and profitability. However, even regular attendees are likely to find something new this at year’s conference, which is scheduled for February 10-12, 2025, at the Saddlebrook…

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Editor's Note This industry report from HST Pathways provides an in-depth analysis of key trends and operational benchmarks for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in 2024, offering actionable insights for nurse leaders. Based on data from 590 ASCs and nearly 3 million patient visits, the report highlights both achievements and persistent…

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Editor's Note Healthcare data inaccuracies occur at rates as high as 26.9% in hospitals, with related inefficiencies costing providers up to $20 million annually, HealthLeaders reported January 8. According to the article, these inaccuracies stem from factors such as data entry mistakes, outdated information, inconsistent data standards, and system integration…

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Editor's Note Healthcare employment in the US rose by 46,000 from December to January, according to a January 10 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That is compared to an overall monthly gain of 256,000 in December. Hospital employment rose by 12,000, according to the data, which also…

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Editor's Note The US hospital industry continues to face significant financial and structural challenges despite signs of stabilization in 2024, according to a January 9 report from Kaufman Hall. Despite improved operating margins and stable credit outlooks from major rating agencies, a surge in transactions involving financially distressed organizations and…

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Editor's Note Patients fared worse in the wake of private equity acquisitions of US hospitals, according to research published January 9 in JAMA Network.  Over a decade-long analysis of 73 acquired hospitals and 293 matched controls, declines became more pronounced in the years following acquisition, researchers wrote. Key findings include:…

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