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March 2025
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HIPAA security standard update sparks debate over cost, feasibility, patient safety

Editor's Note The first federal overhaul of the HIPAA Security Rule in over a decade aims to address modern cybersecurity threats but has drawn sharp criticism from health systems over its cost and feasibility, according to a January 13 article in Axios. According to the article, the proposed changes require…

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By: Matt Danford
January 13, 2025
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Hospital M&A trends report reveals financial distress, market reorganization

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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By: Matt Danford
January 10, 2025
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Study: Patient care experience declined after private equity hospital acquisitions

JAMA (healthcare publication) Network logo

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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By: Matt Danford
January 10, 2025
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Prosthetic insurance coverage disparities persist despite legal protections

Editor's Note Health insurance coverage of prosthetics remains inconsistent and often inadequate, KFF Health News reported January 6. As a result, many patients face coverage denials due to claims of lack of medical necessity or high costs despite significant advancements in prosthetic technology, such as microprocessor-controlled knees and myoelectric hands.…

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By: Matt Danford
January 9, 2025
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United Surgical Partners agrees to $1.48M settlement in 401(k) fee lawsuit

Editor's Note United Surgical Partners International Inc. has agreed to pay $1.48 million to settle a proposed class action alleging its 401(k) plan charged excessive fees and included costly investment options, according to a motion filed in Texas federal court, Law360 January 6 reports. The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
January 8, 2025
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Healthcare M&A activity set to rebound in 2025 amid stricter state oversight

Editor's Note Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on the part of hospitals and health systems are expected to increase in 2025, rebounding from a 13% dip over the past year, Modern Healthcare January 7 reports. However, newly empowered state oversight laws are likely to temper the scale and pace of activity,…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
January 8, 2025
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High participation in ASCQR program continues, March deadline for reconsideration requests

Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2025 Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program data, showing strong participation among Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), ASC Focus December 20 reports. Of the 6,012 facilities included in the list, 5,714 will receive the full Annual Payment Update…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
January 8, 2025
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Senate report: Private equity endangers patient care in underserved hospitals

Editor's Note A bipartisan Senate Budget Committee report accuses private equity firms of prioritizing profits over patients, compromising care in underserved communities, CBS News reported January 7. The investigation scrutinized the operations of Leonard Green & Partners and Apollo Global Management, alleging widespread financial mismanagement and underinvestment in hospitals they…

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By: Matt Danford
January 8, 2025
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FDA draft guidance addresses pulse oximeter accuracy, AI devices

Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new draft guidance January 6 providing recommendations improving the use of pulse oximeters and supporting the safety of AI-enabled medical devices, among other topics. Released January 6, draft guidance supporting the safety and effectiveness of AI-enabled devices would, if…

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By: Matt Danford
January 7, 2025
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Health system to pilot AI-powered OR cameras; leaders acknowledge privacy challenges

Editor's Note UC San Diego Health plans to pilot artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled camera systems to enhance patient safety, addressing risks like falls and bedsores, but leaders are also acknowledging challenges related to patient consent, compliance, and privacy. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the news January 5. According to the article,…

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By: Matt Danford
January 6, 2025
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