Study: Attire shapes patient trust, perceptions
Editor's Note Physician attire, particularly white coats, directly affects patients' perceptions of professionalism, trust, and communication, according to an August 12 article in MedPage Today. Preferences vary dramatically based on clinical setting, medical specialty, and physician gender. The article focuses on a systematic review published in The BMJ analyzing patient…
For-profit health systems ramp up ASC expansion to offset tax law cuts
Editor's Note Major for-profit health systems are accelerating investments in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) as they brace for long-term revenue reductions under the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax law. Systems including HCA Healthcare, Tenet Healthcare, Community Health Systems (CHS), and Universal Health Services (UHS) outlined aggressive ASC growth strategies…
Study: Physician organizational affiliation impacts procedure locations, costs
Editor's Note Hospital-employed physicians are least likely and private equity (PE)-affiliated physicians most likely to provide care in lower-cost ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) or offices, according to a study published July 24 in the Journal of Market Access & Health Policy These care site differences translate to substantial variation in…
CMS payment overhaul could cut specialist pay
Editor's Note A “quiet transformation” in how Medicare pays doctors could reduce payments for specialty care, including rates for billing codes associated with surgery, diagnostic imaging, outpatient care, pain management, and orthopedics, Modern Healthcare reported July 22. According to the article, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)’ 2026…
Study: Private equity pushes colonoscopy costs higher without improving care quality
Editor's Note Private equity ownership drives up colonoscopy prices without delivering better patient outcomes, according to a large retrospective analysis. While independent and private equity-acquired gastroenterology practices show no significant difference in quality, prices at private equity practices rose sharply, especially in highly consolidated markets. The study, published in JAMA…
ASC adaptability depends on properly structured leadership
Takeaways • Different types of ASC leadership structures can be adapted to meet organizational needs. • Regulations, accreditation standards, size, and ownership types are examples of factors influencing the leadership structure. • Ongoing success of the ASC leadership team depends on factors such as governing body diversity and strategic planning.…
Study: LGBTQ+ inclusive policies linked to lower nurse burnout, higher care quality
Editor's Note Hospitals that embrace LGBTQ+ inclusive policies see better nurse retention, improved care quality, and stronger institutional endorsement, according to a large cross-sectional study published on March 25 in JAMA Network. The study examined data from 7,343 nurses across 111 hospitals in New York and Illinois, focusing on the…
High drug manufacturing costs threaten hospital-led pharmacy expansion
Editor's Note Hospitals are ramping up in-house pharmacy operations to boost revenue and improve care, but high US manufacturing costs continue to stall a broader federal effort to reshore drug production, Modern Healthcare June 5 reports. As detailed in the article, an aging, medically complex population is driving demand for…
CMS takeover of 340B looms as some health systems double down on drug discount strategy
Editor's Note The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program may soon shift from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a move that could bring tighter oversight and lasting consequences for safety-net providers, Modern Healthcare June 2 reports. The proposed transfer, part…
Five strategic paths help GI practice owners navigate rising costs, consolidation
Editor's Note Independent gastroenterology (GI) practices face mounting pressures from inflation, labor shortages, and regulatory burden, but five distinct strategies offer owners a path forward, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News May 23 reports. As detailed in the article, GI practices—especially smaller ones, which make up the majority of the approximately 2,100…
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- Perioperative medication decisions need individualized risk-benefit approach
- FDA: National IV saline shortage over after years of strained supply
- FDA announces Class 1 recall for Draeger breathing filters
- Hospital CEO departures surge, boards turn to interim leadership
- Study: Attire shapes patient trust, perceptions
- ASC drill success hinges on preparation, adaptability, clear roles
- Robotic surgery shows better outcomes in select emergency colorectal cases, poised for wider use
- 5 costly mistakes to avoid when building an ASC