The growing popularity of high-deductible health plans should cause concern among practice executives, with patients taking on more of a financial responsibility for their healthcare. However, there are some steps healthcare providers can take to help avoid some of the negative effects of the plans. High-deductible health plans and health savings accounts are meant to […]
Read MoreI wanted to share this with our readers since most of them practice in a hospital. Hospitals across the United States continue to improve their rates for complying with evidence-based care processes according to “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety: The Joint Commission’s 2014 Annual Report.” The results, released today, are based on data reported […]
Read MoreMeetings are a critical way to keep communication flowing throughout your organization, but such sessions run a high risk of feeling like a chore or waste of time to attendees. But by sticking to some time-tested guidelines, meetings can be a productive and pleasant experience. Adherence to the following rules vastly increases practices’ odds of […]
Read MoreThis is from the Wall Street Journal Pain specialists order costly tests for illegal drugs such as cocaine and angel dust, which few seniors ever use Doctors are testing seniors for drugs such as heroin, cocaine and “angel dust” at soaring rates, and Medicare is paying the bill. It is a roundabout result of the […]
Read MoreThis would also help us when we hand off patients during surgery A surgical checklist can improve communication and reduce potential errors during patient handoffs. The protocol during the shift change encourages physicians to discuss the sickest patients first, according to Nicole Tapia, M.D., a fourth-year resident at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who […]
Read MoreLarge U.S. hospitals throw away $15 million in sterile, unused surgical supplies annually that easily could be donated to hospitals and clinics in developing countries, a Johns Hopkins University study published online in the World Journal of Surgery found. Surgical supplies are generally bundled, but hospitals throw away any unused items from the bundles, according […]
Read MoreAuthors: Franklin GM., Neurology 2014 Sep 30; 83:1277 Applying an American Academy of Neurology position paper to clinical practice In this position paper, the American Academy of Neurology reviews the rise in opioid-associated harms, the lack of evidence for long-term effectiveness, and the policy response to rising abuse and overdose. The paper includes proposals for […]
Read MoreThis is not about the practice of medicine but I wanted to share it with our readers. The late Zig Ziglar provided many great insights, but perhaps one of his most useful warnings was about “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Ziglar noted that it was negative thinking that could hurt us the most as we move towards success. […]
Read MoreIncreased healthcare service utilization and higher program costs resulting from Medicaid expansion are likely temporary and won’t have a disastrous impact on state budgets, according to a study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. UCLA researchers examined claims data from 182,000 people who gained insurance through two of California’s public health insurance programs […]
Read MoreSince June, 65 lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistle-blower, provision of the False Claims Act have been unsealed, according to a National Law Review report. Here are five things to know about the unsealed cases. 1. The government declined to intervene in 34 cases, partially intervened in 10 cases and fully intervened in […]
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