Category: Healthcare Finance News

Dr. Anthony Fauci ‘cautiously optimistic’ that a vaccine will be available in 2020 or 2021

Fauci said early results in clinical trials have been promising, while contact-tracing efforts in the U.S. are improving.

More Americans say they’ll get a flu shot this fall due to COVID-19

From October 1, 2019 to April 4, the flu killed from 24,000 to 62,000 Americans and caused at least 410,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.

Report shows Medicare spent more than $1.4 billion on discarded drugs during 2017 and 2018

The drugs were wasted because of the purchase of single-dose vials of medication, study says.

Wide nurse staffing variation across hospitals poses a threat to the public’s health

Staffing ratios varied from three to 10 patients for each nurse on general adult medical and surgical units.

CMS adds 20% to inpatient Medicare payment for COVID-19 patients 

The guidance requires providers to document a positive COVID-19 test result in the medical record.  

Amid close to 46,000 resident deaths, nursing homes face more that $15 million in fines

The fines are receiving criticism from both nursing homes and advocacy groups such as LeadingAge, which says the industry is already facing unprecedented financial strain.

Prime Healthcare completes $350M acquisition of St. Francis Medical Center from Verity

Prime was chosen for its financial commitment and a history of turning around financially distressed hospitals.

Doctor, hospital groups have created a roadmap for keeping essential surgeries during a COVID-19 surge

The joint statement includes recommendations on community partnerships, PPE and distancing protocols and prioritizing procedures.

HHS to distribute $1.4 billion to freestanding children’s hospitals

Eligible hospitals will receive 2.5% of their net revenue from patient care starting next week.

Scientists identify hundreds of drug candidates to treat COVID-19

Drug candidate pipelines represent a first step toward the discovery of new drugs to treat the virus.