It is anticipated that Congress will extend telehealth access rules for Medicare patients, though likely not until after the election. This delay could have significant repercussions, Politico reported Aug. 9. Since the introduction of pandemic-era telehealth provisions in 2020, tens of millions of beneficiaries have utilized these services. CMS lacks...

Telehealth access for Medicare patients in limbo

Addressing Physician and Advance Practice Providers staffing shortages is a necessity for healthcare organizations, yet many hospitals and health systems remain unsure about the most effective way to go about it. During an August Becker's Hospital Review podcast sponsored by CHG Healthcare, Scott Polenz, principal consultant at CHG Healthcare, discussed...

Addressing Physician and APP Healthcare staffing shortages

The FDA has approved the first nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis. The epinephrine nasal spray, called neffy, is for emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adult and pediatric patients weighing approximately 66 pounds or more, according to an Aug. 9 news release from the agency. The approval is...

FDA approves 1st anaphylaxis nasal spray

In a Wednesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, CVS CEO Karen Lynch said she is taking responsibility for the company's Aetna insurance business after the most recent quarter missed expectations. "I'm taking direct ownership and am going to focus on the financial and operational execution of that business," she said.

CVS CEO says she's 'taking direct ownership' to fix Aetna insurance business

DME in healthcare stands for durable medical equipment – defined by CMS as equipment that is used for medical purposes by an individual who is sick or injured and that can withstand at least three years of repeated or frequent use. However, in the context of healthcare compliance, it can be more important to understand the HIPAA status of DME suppliers.

What Does DME Stand For in Healthcare?

Florida State

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Akeena

Red Lobster, the popular seafood chain, has confirmed additional closures in Florida, adding to its recent wave of shutdowns following the company’s bankruptcy filing in May. The latest round of closures includes two more Florida locations, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the iconic restaurant chain.

Popular seafood chain announces more closures in Florida

Business Insider

Unlike other tactics of avoiding a return to the office, with "hushed hybrid," workers need managers' help to keep working from home.

The 'hushed hybrid' work schedule is the latest way employees are getting around a return to the office

Lake Mary, FL

If you're a fan of hearty breakfasts and brunches in Florida, you might have had Keke’s Cafe on your radar. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Keke’s has been a go-to spot for many. However, the Lake Mary location recently hit a bump in the road, resulting in a temporary shutdown following a state inspection that uncovered 15 violations.

Breakfast Eatery Closed in Florida for Roaches, Dirty Hands, and Cold Foods Over 41 Degrees

Violent altercations between residents in long-term care facilities are becoming more common, and skilled nursing facilities are trying to create "violence-free zones" to improve patient care and staff safety, NPR reported Aug. 8. A recent JAMA study found 15% of assisted living residents experienced verbal, physical or sexual resident-on-resident aggression,...

A push for 'violence-free zones' in nursing homes

Valrico, FL

Hey there, Floridians! If you're a fan of fresh produce and a farmer's market vibe, you might have some mixed feelings about the news from Valrico. The Fresh Market, known for its focus on organic options and quality meats and cheeses, is set to close its doors in the Lithia Crossings shopping center.

Grocery chain known for Organic options and quality meats is set to close its doors in Florida

Premature babies born at 22 weeks are a "gray zone" for hospitals, which must decide whether or not to offer treatment, The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 7. There is general consensus that babies born at 25 or 26 weeks can and should be treated, and those born at 20 weeks or less are too small to save, but in between is a "gray zone." About 8,000 infants are born between 22 and 24 weeks gestation in the U.S. each year and most can only be treated at level 3 or 4 NICUs.

Extremely premature babies a gray zone for hospitals: WSJ

Massachusetts State

When Dallas-based Steward Health Care shared plans to close two of its Massachusetts hospitals and lay off 1,243 employees, its CEO, Ralph de la Torre, MD, was in France at Versailles for the equestrian 2024 Olympic events, according to the Boston Globe. The Aug. 7 opinion piece, authored by former...

Eyes stay on Steward CEO amid France trip

Large health systems publicly reported billions in profits for the first half of 2024 and Kaufman Hall data shows a strong uptick in year over year hospital margins. Average operating margins reached nearly 5% in January, up from 2.7% in the previous month, and have hovered between 4.4% and 4.1% since then.

The truth about hospital profitability

Denver, CO

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

contributor

David Heitz

More dangerous substances are entering the Denver drug supply, Harm Reduction Action Center warned in a newsletter this week. “The Iron Law of Prohibition posits that as law enforcement becomes more intense, the potency of prohibited substances increases,” HRAC Executive Director Lisa Raville wrote in the newsletter. That is exactly what is happening, she said.

Dangerous substances entering Denver drug supply

Missouri State

CJ Coombs

Denny's was once a staple of the American diner landscape. In recent years, it has had its ups and downs, especially post-pandemic. The dining habits of people also change. Some customers have a more discerning taste.

Denny's: a legacy of serving customers for over 65 years including 27 locations in Missouri

Kentucky State

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to Anne Milgram, administrator for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Wednesday, expressing his support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation that the DEA ease restrictions on marijuana.

Gov. Andy Beshear pens letter to DEA in support of easing federal restrictions on marijuana

Round Rock, TX

JW Newman was named CEO of St. David's Round Rock (Texas) Medical Center, a 209-bed facility and level 2 trauma center. Mr. Newman will transition to his new role on Aug. 12, according to a hospital news release shared with Becker's. He joins St. David's Round Rock from TriStar Centennial...

Texas hospital names CEO

Lexington, KY

Lexington, Ky.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare has appointed two new hospital CEOs. Beau Masterson was named CEO of Barbourville (Ky.) ARH Hospital, according to an Aug. 6 news release from the system. He has been COO of Beckley (W.Va.) ARH Hospital since 2022. Jonathan Koonce was tapped as CEO of Highlands...

Kentucky system taps 2 hospital CEOs

COVID-19 deaths fell 68.9% from 2022 to 2023 — dropping from the fourth leading cause of death to the tenth, the CDC said. The CDC used U.S. death certificates to estimate the highest causes of death. The report, released Aug. 8, shares the estimated number of deaths in 2023, and the final report is expected to be released later this year, NBC News reported.

COVID deaths fell 69% in 1 year

Walgreens shared in an Aug. 7 Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it could sell off its entire stake in primary care clinic chain VillageMD. "The company is currently evaluating a variety of options with respect to VillageMD in light of ongoing investments by the company in VillageMD’s businesses and VillageMD’s substantial ongoing and expected future cash requirement," the filing said. "These options could include a sale of all or part of the VillageMD businesses, possible restructuring options and other strategic opportunities."

Walgreens eyes offloading all of VillageMD

NewsBreak

Where health systems are going wrong with Medicare Advantage

As the Medicare Advantage landscape evolves, the success of health systems hinges on their ability to adapt and excel in key areas such as star ratings...

Where health systems are going wrong with Medicare Advantage

Comments / 0