Category: Healthcare Finance News

UMass Lowell to test COVID-19 diagnostic methods

Nursing faculty and students will oversee RADx clinical trials that assess the viability of new COVID-19 diagnostic products.

Biden Administration to require vaccinations for nursing home staffs

The Delta variant has driven a rise in cases among nursing home residents from a low of 319 cases on June 27, to 2,696 cases on August 8.

Unvaccinated patients cost U.S. health system billions in preventable hospitalizations

In June and July, the U.S. health system spent $2.3 billion on unvaccinated individuals who were hospitalized because of COVID-19.

Uninsurance rates remain fixed during pandemic thanks to public safety nets

Coverage options under the Affordable Care Act helped keep the national uninsurance rate stable despite job losses, according to the Urban Institute. 
 

Janet Woodcock reportedly out of the race for permanent FDA commissioner

Biden has until November 15, when Woodcock’s term as acting commissioner expires, to nominate a permanent head. 
 

Carbon Health acquires two major clinic chains to further primary care expansion

The acquisitions are calculated to make Carbon one of the largest national healthcare providers, with an emphasis on access.

U.S. hospital patient volumes move back toward 2019 levels, McKinsey survey finds

ED and inpatient volumes have returned to 2019 levels, though respondents said they expect it to be roughly 5-6% higher in 2022.

Mass General Brigham names Robert Higgins president of Brigham and Women’s Hospitals

Mass General Brigham President and CEO Dr. Anne Klibanski has announced that Dr. Robert S.D. Higgins has been named president of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and executive vice president at Mass General Brigham, effective December 2021.

FDA grants full approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Based on results from the clinical trial, the vaccine was 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease.

Geisinger rolls out zero-interest payment plans for out-of-pocket medical expenses

The solution’s apparent benefits are that it’s customizable and helps patients more easily afford out-of-pocket medical expenses.