Earl Bakken, an electronics repairman who created the first wearable external pacemaker and co-founded Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical device companies, has died. He was 94.
Category: Modern Healthcare
Avoidable hospital-acquired conditions spark $2 billion in extra costs
A set of 14 hospital-acquired conditions that the CMS considers avoidable accounted for 48,771 adverse patient outcomes, 3,219 deaths, and more than $2 billion in excess hospital costs in 2016, according to a new research brief.
CMS hands states more power for waiver process
In a dramatic overhaul of the current 1332 waiver process, the CMS said state legislatures will no longer have to approve waiver plans. Instead, governors will be able to take action on their own. The agency also changed how it will evaluate waivers.
IBM Watson Health head Deborah DiSanzo steps down
DiSanzo will move to IBM Cognitive Solutions’ strategic team, and IBM Research’s John Kelly will take over at IBM Watson Health, a division of the company that has faced personnel and technological setbacks.
Hackers breach HealthCare.gov system, get data on 75,000
A government computer system that interacts with HealthCare.gov was hacked earlier this month, compromising the sensitive personal data of some 75,000 people.
Health systems move slowly toward ‘high-touch’ primary care
A number of hospital systems have moved to establish intensive, team-based primary-care clinics along the lines of those operated by innovative independent operators like ChenMed and Iora Health.
Radiology finds clinical decision support in AI-based tool
Radiologists are overworked, interpreting new images every few seconds to keep up with increasing numbers of CT and MRI scans. As is the trend these days, some are turning to digital tools backed by artificial intelligence to help ease the pain.
Week Ahead: AMA, RAND gauge physicians’ interest in alternative pay models
The AMA and RAND Corp. release findings from a study assessing how physicians view new pay models. Also this week, earnings season continues.
Data Points: Healthcare industry challenged with cyber insecurity, data breaches
Data breaches at healthcare organizations have consistently increased year over year, with 277 breaches between the beginning of 2018 and Oct. 1, compared with 271 during the same period last year.
Student agency crafts ride-share campaign for American Cancer Society
A new public service campaign created by University of Southern California undergrads for the American Cancer Society aims to help recruit volunteers for the Road to Recovery ride-sharing service to ferry patients to treatment.
