Olympus to revamp duodenoscope tied to infections

The company is recalling the devices in light of evidence that proper cleaning is insufficient to remove bacteria.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 19, 2016

Questions on ACA program funding left unanswered

Two congressmen believe the Basic Health Program's funding has not been approved.

By Ana Mulero • Jan. 19, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

Hospitals are navigating persistent labor shortages with the need to cut costs — a source of contention that could leave patients caught in the middle.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Sanders' new healthcare plan leaves much to the imagination

Some say the "single-payer" plan, lacking certain details, is still no plan at all.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 19, 2016

Meet MACRA, health IT's next great hope

As meaningful use is set to be phased, MACRA switches focus to value-based payments. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 19, 2016

Is risk adjustment having a 'reverse Robin Hood' effect?

With one former HHS official calling risk adjustment a "dark art," small insurers are paying up to industry giants under the controversial ACA provision. 

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 15, 2016

Obama tries to lure Medicaid expansion holdouts

The proposal seeks to offer newcomers as good a deal on Medicaid expansion as the earliest adopters.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 15, 2016

Florida shocks by dropping standards for pediatric heart surgery

Doctors accuse the state of putting children at risk for the sake of politics, wherein a change of policy followed a $200,000 donation from Tenet Healthcare to state Republicans.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 15, 2016

10 negotiating tactics to stay in the M&A game

Hogan Lovell's attorney Torrey McClary shares some negotiations tips to avoid disruptions and ensure all members of the negotiating team agree to the same terms and goals.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 15, 2016

CMS launches online resource, helps states update IT systems

The online resource will help states abide by new regulations requiring them to upgrade Medicaid IT systems into those with industry-proven standards. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 14, 2016

WEDI CEO Devin Jopp resigns

As head of WEDI, Jopp played a leading role in advancing ICD-10. 

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 14, 2016

Kindred Healthcare doles out $125M to settle Medicare scheme allegations

The organization allegedly provided unneeded therapy services to nursing home patients. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 14, 2016

How five rivals are trying to block one hospital's construction plans

In South Florida, Jackson Health intends to move forward with construction but rival hospitals are filing suit, mostly claiming there’s no need for a new hospital in the intended area.

By Ana Mulero • Jan. 14, 2016

End of MU brings celebration, speculation

While many are glad to see the program go, some are serving judgement until seeing what comes next.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 14, 2016

State attorneys general work with DOJ to review pending mega-mergers

Additional scrutiny may make it harder for the industry's two largest mergers to get approval.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 13, 2016

Kentucky governor makes good on vow to shutter state insurance exchange

Bevin has already halted marketing for Kynect.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 13, 2016

U.S. may stop incentivizing Cuban medical professionals to defect

Policy which incentivizes Cuban doctors and nurses to defect overseas is being reviewed as the U.S. and Cuba re-evaluate international relations.

By Ana Mulero • Jan. 13, 2016

Louisiana Gov. Edwards signs order to expand Medicaid

The governor, sworn in this Monday, wasted no time signing an executive order that will make 300,000 state residents eligible for the program.

By Jeff Byers • Jan. 13, 2016

Report: Disadvantaged population can impact hospital's performance

The findings are likely to intensify debate among those who argue social factors in risk adjustment enables lower-quality care for riskier patients and reduces incentives to improve.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 13, 2016

CMS acting admin announces end of meaningful use program

With the program set to end this year, providers will no longer be rewarded by CMS for using technology. Going forward, focus will be on patient outcomes via the merit-based incentive pay systems created last year by federal policy. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 13, 2016

Labeling claims key to whether apps get FDA scrutiny

As more people turn to mobile apps and consumer gadgets to manage their healthcare, it’s important to read the fine print on that FDA stamp.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 12, 2016

Hospitals continue to file lawsuits against HHS' two-midnight rule

Last Friday, more than 50 hospitals filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell over the controversial measure. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 12, 2016

FTC takes on watchdog role, settles data encryption case for $250K

The agency went after an IT vendor for allegedly misrepresenting its level of encryption for patient data.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 11, 2016

Physicians wary of voluntary nature for proposed opioid guidelines

Despite the CDC's emphasis the guidelines are voluntary, some physicians worry they will face repercussions for going outside the guidelines.

By Heather Caspi • Jan. 11, 2016

Why mental health advocates are concerned over Obama's gun control actions

Although optimistic about the president's proposed $500 million influx to the nation's mental health efforts, supporters are wary of new background reporting rules. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 11, 2016

HHS launches 5-year grant program to link patients with social services

"Accountable Health Communities" will provide $157 million in grants to 44 organizations to improve the health of Medicaid and Medicare recipients. 

By Nina Flanagan • Jan. 7, 2016