Author's posts
Warren Buffett is ready to defend NY docs from malpractice
New York physicians who are members of the malpractice insurer MLMIC have a new backer as they fight lawsuits from patients: billionaire Warren Buffett.
ACOs to stay in shared-savings program despite downside risk
Nearly half of accountable care organizations surveyed said they now intend to stay in the Medicare Shared Savings Program even though they could be facing downside risk soon, a change of heart from previous surveys.
Commentary: Building a talent pipeline for healthier minority communities
Meharry Medical College President Dr. James E.K. Hildreth says healthcare stakeholders should help disadvantaged students find a path in the industry to improve the system and the communities where they come from.
CHI-Dignity merger cleared by Vatican
The Vatican has given the ecclesiastical green light to the proposed merger between Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, a deal that would create the nation’s largest not-for-profit hospital company by revenue.
Mass. curbs academic medical center use as healthcare spending dips
More lower-acuity patients were treated in Massachusetts community hospitals in 2017 as the state’s overall healthcare spending growth dropped to 1.6%.
Hospital execs fail to reduce costs where needed, report says
A new Kaufman Hall report finds hospitals and health systems are making only limited progress when it comes to cutting costs, and aren’t prioritizing areas like service rationalization or clinical variation.
Anthem’s $16M breach settlement reminds others to assess their cyber risks
Anthem will pay the federal government $16 million for a data breach that affected almost 79 million people. It’s the largest data-breach settlement to date, and it signals the importance of conducting deep risk assessments.
Hospital bed linens could be source of C. difficile outbreaks
A new study suggests hospital bed linens could be a source of infection even after being washed.
Direct-contracting won’t hurt Advantage business, CMMI director says
The Trump administration is looking at new risk structures, including direct provider contracting, to drive cost-saving behavior in the healthcare industry. But CMMI Director Adam Boehler said that won’t dent the Medicare Advantage business.
Verma argues ‘Medicare for all’ would cause physician shortage
In a speech to insurers, CMS Administrator Seema Verma claimed patients would struggle to find a doctor if the U.S. implements “Medicare for all.”
