48 States Use Value-Based Care And Payment Models, Study Shows

New study shows value-based care and payment programs have launched in nearly all states. Not only did the study find that 48 states have now implemented them, compared to just six in 2013 and 16 in 2014, but the last 5 years have seen the most significant growth in prevalence. Read more

Improve Medication Reconciliation, Post-Acute Handoff Using 2-Part Discharge Checklist

Research by the Cleveland Clinic shows the importance of communication and care coordination between providers as patients move between facilities to avoid medication errors and costly readmissions. Read more

14% Of New Hospital Patients Harbor Superbugs: 4 Study Findings

Check out the four key findings published in a recent study regarding the superbugs many patients arrive at hospitals with. The study also highlights the need for patient hand-hygiene programs in dealing with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Read more

Boost Medicare-Supported Residencies To Address Looming Physician Shortage, Congress Urged

Key healthcare stakeholders, including the Association of American Medical Colleges, are backing legislation that would help address the national physician workforce shortage. The effort includes gradually adding new Medicare-supported residency positions. Read more

Chronic Illnesses Will Play Even Bigger Role In Healthcare In Coming Years

Latest analysis by Fitch Solutions shows how the six leading chronic illnesses — diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, obesity and cancer — are affecting healthcare costs and the added burden in the future. Read more

FDA Requires Opioid Labeling Changes To Help Providers Safely Taper Dosing

FDA released changes regarding the prescribing information included in outpatient opioid pain medication labels to provide more guidance on how to safely decrease or discontinue these medications in patients who are physically dependent on them. Read more

Use Geriatric Assessment To Predict Hospital And Long-Term Care Utilization

Research shows that geriatric assessments can predict hospitalization rates and long-term care utilization in older cancer patients. These findings suggest that such assessments could identify needed interventions in this high-risk population thereby decreasing utilization and healthcare costs in the long run. Read more