NIH Report Highlights Patient Safety Concerns
The National Institute of Health (NIH) released a report that highlighted staff concerns about patient safety issues, as well as low morale at the NIH’s Clinical Center. The report outlined poor management and communication, out-of-date equipment, and even water leaks in operating rooms, according to The Washington Post. In addition, staff members at the center have reported a lack of transparency and that they often learn about patient safety issues from the news.
Proposal Aims to Cut 340B Payments
The Trump administration unveiled a proposal to reduce payments to hospitals through the 340B drug discount program. According to STAT, the purpose of the proposal is to fulfill the president’s promise to address rising drug costs. HHS estimated that the change will save Medicare $900 million, with beneficiaries saving $180 million. The proposal could reduce a hospital’s incentive to prescribe a more expensive drug, but advocates of the 340B program call the proposal “shortsighted” and note that funds gained through the program are used for initiatives to help vulnerable populations.
Physician Shortage in Rural America
Recruiting doctors to practice in rural America has been difficult as new doctors choose to stay in metropolitan areas, where they can make more money. An article from NPR delves into the impact that this physician shortage has on people living in these rural areas, and how difficult it can be for them to go see a doctor. Unfortunately, the physician shortage, and its impact on rural America, has been missing from the healthcare debate currently going on in Washington, DC.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
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Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
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