Category: ROOT

New omicron subvariant on path to dominance, data suggests

Omicron subvariant XBB is encroaching on BQ.1 and BQ.1.1’s dominance, CDC data shows, as it accounts for 18.3 percent of U.S. cases and makes up more than 1 in 2 infections in the Northeast. 

17 health systems outsourcing RCM functions

Becker’s has reported on 17 health systems that have opted to outsource finance jobs or other revenue cycle functions since Jan. 1:

Massachusetts lawmaker to propose physician-assisted death law in January

State Sen. Joanne Comerford said she will sponsor a bill in January to allow someone with a terminal diagnosis of six months or fewer to receive physician assistance with death, Connecticut Public reported Dec. 23.

Geisinger nurse practitioners, physician assistants vote to unionize

About 60 nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Pa., voted to unionize on Dec. 15, the Times Leader reported.

CDC alerts clinicians on severe strep A increase

The CDC issued a health advisory Dec. 22 to alert the medical community of a rise in severe strep A infections among children. 

WVU hospital appoints chief nursing, medical officers

Parkersburg, W.Va.-based WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center appointed Carol Grove, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer and vice president, and Sharileda Vance, MD, chief medical officer.

52% of Americans think COVID-19 PHE still needed

Fifty-two percent of Americans think a public health emergency should still be in effect for COVID-19, according to a new survey from Morning Consult. 

Steward extends credit agreement

Dallas-based Steward Health Care extended their asset-based lending agreement through December 2023.

California hospital to close after Trinity sale called off

Madera (Calif.) Community Hospital plans to file for bankruptcy Jan. 3 and close within the month.

Nonprofit health system deals in poor areas scrutinized by WSJ

The Wall Street Journal is monitoring nonprofit health systems and recently published an article scrutinizing where the largest systems are expanding and contracting.