Common sense can help guide antibiotic use, Joint Commission official says

“Why should the safe use of antibiotics not be a high liability area to manage?” asked Dr. Ronald Wyatt, the medical director of healthcare improvement for The Joint Commission.

By Jeff Byers • Nov. 3, 2015

Health Affairs: Severe obesity cost U.S. $69B

Approximately 27% of the cost of severe obesity was paid for by private health plans in 2013.

By Jeff Byers • Nov. 3, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Provider burnout

Hospitals are still struggling with provider burnout, after the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated underlying staffing issues and prompted workers to quit their jobs.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Pamplona to buy MedAssets for $2.7B, split off unit

MedAssets serves more than 4,500 hospitals across the U.S. 

By Nina Flanagan • Nov. 3, 2015

Nonprofit hospitals poor at informing patients about charity care

A study finds the hospitals "far from perfect" on meeting requirements to tell patients about their options.

By Heather Caspi • Nov. 2, 2015

CMS proposes new discharge requirements

New rules would include providing patients with data to help select their next care facility. 

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 30, 2015

Work limit study reviews controversial 30-hour shifts

Ethical issues have been raised as physicians and patients are pulled into work without consent.

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 29, 2015

HCA revenue down in Q3, remains calm

HCA points to increasing contract labor costs for higher expenses in Q3. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 29, 2015

Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Scores prompt hospitals to look inward

The scores reveal 46% of hospitals changed safety grades.

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 28, 2015

USPSTF recs blood sugar tests for overweight, obese adults

“Clinicians should offer or refer patients with abnormal blood glucose to intensive behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.”

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 27, 2015

REPORT: Walgreens nearing deal to snap up Rite Aid & form drug store giant

Dive Brief: The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Walgreens Boots Alliance is nearing a deal to purchase Rite Aid Corp, propelling a recent trend in major healthcare and biopharma sector consolidations.  If the two firms ultimately reach an agreement, expected to...

By Sy Mukherjee • Oct. 27, 2015

Army vet files $50M lawsuit against VA facility

Add another burden to VA’s pile.

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 27, 2015

Costs attributed to dementia larger than any other disease

Total spending estimates were $287,000 for those with probable dementia during the last five years of life.

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 27, 2015

Halloween strengthens providers for emergency preparedness

“Expect the unexpected.”

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 27, 2015

Study reports medication errors in almost 50% of surgeries

This is the first large-scale study of medication errors before, during, and after surgery. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 27, 2015

Consumer's process to finding physician fragmented, study finds

The process is made difficult by a lack of consistent and comprehensive physician data in any one source.

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 27, 2015

2015 marks record high for medical school enrollment

Interest is at an all-time high despite disillusionment among some senior physicians.

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 26, 2015

Wait times at VA facilities not improving, CNN investigation finds

According to an internal memo received by CNN, wait times for care are still suffering at VA facilities. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 22, 2015

Dartmouth-Hitchcock abandons Pioneer ACO program after losing $3M

Hospital management says the model was "unsustainable from a financial point of view."

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 22, 2015

American Cancer Society switches up breast-screening guidelines

The organization now says mammogram screenings should begin later, less often.

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 20, 2015

Tuomey Healthcare ponies up $72M to settle false claims case

Payment is less than a third of the $237 million requested by a federal appeals court. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 20, 2015

Top connected hospitals report reveals hospitals' move to EMRs challenging

U.S. News' "Most Connected Hospitals 2015-16" report finds progress slow. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 20, 2015

NY-Presbyterian flip-flops on closing family medicine program

After announcing its closure and a strong staff response, NY-Presbyterian will keep the program open. 

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 15, 2015

Healthcare spending accounts for 18.2% of GDP

The spending was driven in part by prescription drugs and health plan administration.

By Jeff Byers • Oct. 13, 2015

Home healthcare at the crossroads as market expands

More at-home care plans are providing better care and reducing costs but are insurers ready to reimburse for such services?

By Nina Flanagan • Oct. 13, 2015

Harvard researchers developing sepsis treatment device

It is moving to clinical trials after showing potential in proof-of-concept tests.

By Heather Caspi • Oct. 12, 2015