June 2019 Issue of Becker's Healthcare Review
ON THE COVER
Jerks need not apply: 7 ways to a skirt a toxic work environment
We live in a time when acrimony and resentment seem to be at an all-time high. These days, individuals feel comfortable hiding behind screens to voice their opinions without giving much thought to the repercussions or the feelings of others.
Michael Dowling: CEOs — Give a damn about your people
For the first time in history, healthcare surpassed manufacturing and retail in 2017 to become the largest source of U.S. jobs. Healthcare's role as an employer is expected to grow through 2026, adding about 2.4 million jobs in a decade to an industry that already employs more than 13 million people.
Removing barriers, improving lives: Amy Mansue explains her new role at RWJBarnabas Health
The complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape adversely affects providers and patients alike. With consumerism becoming more entrenched in healthcare, patients are more careful about choosing where they receive care, prioritizing the experience they will have.
How Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy leads differently
Joanne Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, sends a weekly newsletter to staff titled "Joanne's Journal."
Walmart steering employees to 800 imaging centers to avoid misdiagnoses
Walmart is recommending its employees use one of 800 imaging centers found to provide more accurate diagnoses, according to Kaiser Health News.
'Anywhere but Indiana' — Why employers are avoiding hospitals in the Hoosier State
Indiana's high hospital prices may be deterring new businesses from the state, according to the Indy Star.
5 common questions about HIPAA, answered
2018 saw the federal Office for Civil Rights issue a record-breaking $28 million in fines for HIPAA violations and, judging by how many hospitals, insurance providers, government health departments, nonprofits and more are already under investigation by the HHS, 2019 could be well on its way to topping that record.
Las Vegas hospital doesn't contract with any payers
Elite Medical Center, a Las Vegas-based acute care hospital that some experts say is operating similarly to a 24/7 freestanding emergency room, doesn't contract with any payers, according to the Milbank News.
CMS unveils 5 new payment models to overhaul primary care: 6 things to know
CMS' Innovation Center is launching an initiative that provides primary care practices with five new payment options, including three direct contracting models.
CHS sees net loss quadruple, revenue sink in Q1
Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, which operates 106 hospitals in 18 states, saw its net loss swell in the first quarter of 2019.
Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder's memo to staff in wake of synagogue shooting
Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of San Diego-based Scripps Health, sent a memo to his staff discussing the April 27 attack on the Chabad of Poway synagogue in San Diego that killed a member of the Scripps community and left another member injured.
1 in 4 outpatient providers are thinking of replacing EHR, survey finds
More than one-third (39 percent) of outpatient providers are considering replacing various technology solutions within the next year and a half, according to a Reaction Data report.
Dr. David Feinberg moved from Geisinger to Google to reach 'a billion patients a day'
David Feinberg, MD, made waves in November 2018 when Google announced that he would be leaving his post as president and CEO of Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System become VP of Google Health. During a panel discussion at the Milken Institute's Global Conference on April 29, Dr. Feinberg finally explained his reasoning for the pivot.
The universal rule on how much time hospitals should spend on quality in board meetings
Board engagement is crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to create cultures of safety and quality. However, many boards are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with quality oversight and instead focus on other aspects of health system performance, like financial metrics.
8 self-care tips nurses wish they knew sooner
Nurses shared valuable self-care tips they wish they'd followed sooner in their careers in a May 8 post on the online discussion board Reddit.
CFO / FINANCE
CMS' proposed inpatient payment rule for 2020: 9 things to know
CMS released its annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule April 23, which includes changes to the hospital wage index and would raise Medicare payment rates for acute care hospitals.
105-year-old Ohio hospital closes
Belmont Community Hospital, a 99-bed hospital in Bellaire, Ohio, closed April 5.
Indiana hospital closes, lays off 269 employees
Kentuckiana Medical Center in Clarksville, Ind., closed April 5.
CMS unveils 5 new payment models to overhaul primary care: 6 things to know
CMS' Innovation Center is launching an initiative that provides primary care practices with five new payment options, including three direct contracting models.
Hospital CEO responds to patient billed $142 for chat with physician during physical
The CEO of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health is advocating for more billing transparency, after a complaint highlighted expenses a patient incurred following her annual exam, according to NBC-affiliate station WOOD-TV.
UPMC's revenue climbs to $5.1B in first 3 months of 2019
UPMC reported year-over-year increases in revenue and net income in the first three months of 2019, but the Pittsburgh-based health system ended the period with lower operating income.
BJC HealthCare more than doubles net income year-to-date
BJC HealthCare, a nonprofit 15-hospital health system in St. Louis, saw its revenues and net income improve year-to-date, according to unaudited financial documents.
Tenet sees revenue slide, posts $27M loss in Q1
Tenet Healthcare saw its revenue decline year over year in the first quarter of 2019, and the Dallas-based company ended the period with a net loss.
Walmart increasingly comparing physicians over cost: 5 things to know
Retail giant Walmart is upping its efforts to hand-pick which physicians are most likely to reduce healthcare spending on employees, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Many consumers would not pay more for care at an academic medical center, survey finds
Cost-conscious patients are less willing to go to higher-priced academic medical centers for low-acuity care, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute report.
CHS sees net loss quadruple, revenue sink in Q1
Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, which operates 106 hospitals in 18 states, saw its net loss swell in the first quarter of 2019.
Recession would rock for-profit and nonprofit hospitals, Moody's says
Hospitals are somewhat resistant to recessions because they provide medically necessary services, but for-profit and nonprofit institutions would both feel the sting of an economic slowdown, Moody's Investors Service says in the latest edition of its quarterly publication.
Judge steps down from UnitedHealth case over 'immoral' denial of cancer treatment
A federal judge recused himself from a class-action case against UnitedHealthcare because the health insurer denied coverage of
Las Vegas hospital doesn't contract with any payers
Elite Medical Center, a Las Vegas-based acute care hospital that some experts say is operating similarly to a 24/7 freestanding emergency room, doesn't contract with any payers, according to the Milbank News.
Activist investor targets HCA: 5 things to know
An activist investor is urging HCA Healthcare's corporate governance committee chairwoman to help pass a proposal that would get rid of the company's supermajority voting requirements, according to the Nashville Business Journal.
UnitedHealth posts $3.5B profit in Q1
UnitedHealth Group recorded strong financial results in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, ending the period with a $3.5 billion profit.
Goldman Sachs goes active on Quorum Health
Goldman Sachs is now an active investor in Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health, according to the Nashville Post.
OhioHealth's net income surges to $368M in Q3
OhioHealth, a 12-hospital nonprofit health system in Columbus, saw its financial performance improve in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Kentucky hospital on brink of closure seeks new management
Southeastern Kentucky Medical Center in Pineville is behind on payroll and needs an influx of cash to overcome financial troubles and keep its doors open, according to the Middlesboro Daily News.
Struggling New York hospital to cut robotic surgeries to shore up finances
Massena (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital lost $2 million in the first three months of this year and is ending robotic surgeries to improve its financial picture, according to Fox affiliate 7 News.
CEO / STRATEGY
Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder's memo to staff in wake of synagogue shooting
Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of San Diego-based Scripps Health, sent a memo to his staff discussing the April 27 attack on the Chabad of Poway synagogue in San Diego that killed a member of the Scripps community and left another member injured.
MD Anderson ousts 3 researchers over Chinese data theft concerns
MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has moved to fire three scientists accused of sharing important research findings and data with China, according to The Houston Chronicle.
South Carolina hospital shootings spur other facilities to review safety plans
Healthcare facilities in South Carolina are reviewing emergency plans after two hospital shootings occurred in the state last week, according to NBC affiliate WCBD-TV.
'Anywhere but Indiana' — Why employers are avoiding hospitals in the Hoosier State
Indiana's high hospital prices may be deterring new businesses from the state, according to the Indy Star.
Central Maine Healthcare leader suddenly resigns, cites worries over system's direction
Lewiston-based Central Maine Healthcare is looking for its fifth new board member in recent months after a longtime leader of the system's Bridgton (Maine) Hospital resigned abruptly, according to the Sun Journal.
Amended bill calls for firing current U of Maryland Medical System board members
Legislation to completely overhaul Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical System's board is headed to the House floor, according to local TV station WBAL.
Lack of turnover preventing women from assuming board positions
While companies are increasingly backing the move to install more female directors on their boards, the actual number of women sitting on boards has hardly grown, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Broward Health CEO: Layoffs not part of strategy during turnaround
The CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health said the system will not pursue any layoffs during its turnaround, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Erlanger's board faces overhaul if conflict of interest bill becomes law
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System may have to upend its board of trustees if a bill targeting ties between governing bodies and public hospitals is signed into Tennessee law, according to the Times Free Press.
Walmart steering employees to 800 imaging centers to avoid misdiagnoses
Walmart is recommending its employees use one of 800 imaging centers found to provide more accurate diagnoses, according to Kaiser Health News.
American Hospital Association introduces new chairman
The American Hospital Association formally introduced Brian Gragnolati as its chairman at its inaugural leadership celebration April 7.
Emory files plan for $1B 'health innovation district'
Atlanta-based Emory University filed a rezoning application with the city of Brookhaven, Ga., describing its plans for a $1 billion "health innovation district," according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Hospital CEO turnover down 35% this year, report finds
Twenty-six hospital CEOs have stepped down this year, nearly 35 percent less than the 35 recorded in the same period a year prior, according to consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
CIO/HEALTH IT
Amazon's Alexa is now HIPAA compliant
Amazon unveiled software for its voice assistant Alexa that allows healthcare organizations to transmit and receive patients' protected health information, according to an April 4 company blog post.
Walgreens to invest $300M in digital health
After reporting a dip in net earnings for the first quarter, Walgreens plans to invest $300 million in digital health to make up for the losses, according to Digital Commerce 360.
Doctor On Demand and Humana launch new health plan
After their recent partnership, telemedicine provider Doctor On Demand and Humana are launching a new health plan called On Hand, which is focused on comprehensive virtual primary care.
1 in 4 outpatient providers are thinking of replacing EHR, survey finds
More than one-third (39 percent) of outpatient providers are considering replacing various technology solutions within the next year and a half, according to a Reaction Data report.
Drone delivers kidney for transplant at U of Maryland
An unmanned aircraft system transported a donor kidney for the first time to Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical Center for a transplantation surgery.
Yale New Haven tests driverless hospital shuttles
A shuttle between Connecticut-based Yale New Haven Hospital's two main campuses and parking facilities could be completely driverless within just a few years, if the city's application to a state pilot program is approved, the New Haven Register reports.
5 common questions about HIPAA, answered
2018 saw the federal Office for Civil Rights issue a record-breaking $28 million in fines for HIPAA violations and, judging by how many hospitals, insurance providers, government health departments, nonprofits and more are already under investigation by the HHS, 2019 could be well on its way to topping that record.
Inova ends genetic tests following FDA warning
Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health System announced that it will cease using its five proprietary MediMap genetic tests after the FDA issued a warning about their unauthorized usage, according to the Washington Business Journal.
HHS implements HIPAA fine caps based on level of culpability
Fines for HIPAA violations in which the affected party had no knowledge of nor culpability in the privacy breach will now be capped at $25,000, a fraction of the previous $1.5 million limit, according to a new notice of enforcement discretion from the HHS.
Cerner to launch EHR-agnostic tool for bundled payments
Cerner and naviHealth, a provider of post-acute care management, have extended their partnership to create a new offering for Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced program.
MD Anderson appeals $4.3M HIPAA penalty
Houston-based University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center filed an appeal April 9, claiming the $4.3 million HIPAA fine that HHS imposed on the hospital was unlawful, according to GovInfoSecurity.com.
Vulnerability found in Philips' EMR puts patient data at risk
The Department of Homeland Security and Philips issued an alert April 30 that the information technology vendor's EMR system Tasy has a cross-site scripting vulnerability that could put patient information at risk, according to GovInfoSecurity.com.
ER shift can require 4,000 EHR clicks
Depending on the EHR system physicians use, they can spend significant time clicking on their computer screen, 62 clicks specifically just to order Tylenol, according to Fox News.
Dr. David Feinberg moved from Geisinger to Google to reach 'a billion patients a day'
David Feinberg, MD, made waves in November 2018 when Google announced that he would be leaving his post as president and CEO of Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System become VP of Google Health. During a panel discussion at the Milken Institute's Global Conference on April 29, Dr. Feinberg finally explained his reasoning for the pivot.
Partners HealthCare pledges to make AI tools accessible to clinicians, researchers
Boston-based Partners HealthCare will roll out artificial intelligence tools for all its clinicians and researchers over the next year.
Michigan medical practice to close after refusing to pay ransom to hackers
Battle Creek, Mich.-based Brookside ENT and Hearing Center is shutting down after cyber hackers deleted all the practice's patient records, WWMT, a CBS affiliate, reports.
5 things to know about telehealth fraud
Telehealth fraud appears to be on the rise, as more patients are opting into virtual appointments with their physicians via audio and video technology, Legal Reader reports.
CMO/CARE DELIVERY
Americans are living longer — But we may not have enough physicians
The U.S. could face a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges.
CHI Franciscan hospital fined after patient attacks nurses
State officials on April 11 cited CHI Franciscan Health's St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., over workplace safety issues, reports KIRO 7.
Assault on healthcare workers could be felony under new Massachusetts bill
Massachusetts lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would elevate assaults on healthcare providers from a misdemeanor to a felony offense, reports MassLive.
32% of hospitals earn 'A' safety grade in Leapfrog's spring update
Leapfrog released its spring 2019 Hospital Safety Grades May 15, assigning "A" through "F" letter grades to more than 2,600 acute care hospitals for patient safety performance.
IU Health to build its own neurosurgery team as local group resists employment
While Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health and local neurosurgery group Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine are at odds over employment, the health system has decided to individually hire for its neurosurgery team, according to Indiana Business Journal's "The Dose" blog.
Mount Sinai medical school to cap student debt at $75K
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City will expand its scholarship program so medical students with the greatest financial need graduate with no more than $75,000 in debt, making it the latest institution to address the massive debt burden facing medical students, according to The Wall Street Journal.
NYU Langone Health builds measles alerts in EHR
New York City-based NYU Langone Health installed measles alerts within its Epic EHR system to identify patients who are unvaccinated and those who have been potentially infected, according to Reuters.
USC's cardiovascular fellowship program to lose national accreditation
The cardiovascular fellowship program at Los Angeles-based University of Southern California will lose its accreditation in 2020, reports the Los Angeles Times.
'Eat, sleep and console' a boon for opioid-exposed newborns, study shows
Opioid-exposed newborns responded well to a new quality improvement approach called Eat, Sleep and Console, documented in Medical Xpress.
The universal rule on how much time hospitals should spend on quality in board meetings
Board engagement is crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to create cultures of safety and quality. However, many boards are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with quality oversight and instead focus on other aspects of health system performance, like financial metrics.
Mount Carmel renewed credentials of suspended physician amid patient deaths investigation
Columbus, Ohio-based Mount Carmel Health System renewed the credentials of William, Husel, DO, shortly after removing him from care duties amid a patient deaths investigation, reports CBS affiliate WBNS 10 TV.
Washington University to offer free tuition for some incoming med students
St. Louis-based Washington University School of Medicine will offer free tuition for up to half of medical students over the next decade.
Death of Louisiana nurse attacked by patient ruled a homicide
Police are investigating the death of a Louisiana nurse as a homicide after a coroner concluded she suffered fatal injuries from a patient attack, reports The Advocate.
Illinois hospital CEOs, nurses spar over patient limits
Lawmakers in Illinois are considering legislation that would impose patient limits on hospital nurses, according to NPR Illinois.
Maine hospital's Medicare contract at risk over medical error
CMS has identified deficiencies at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston that could cause the hospital to lose Medicare funding, according to the Sun Journal.
Measles cases hit highest level since 2000
The CDC reported 695 measles cases as of April 24, which marks the highest annual total since U.S. health officials declared the disease eradicated in 2000.
8 self-care tips nurses wish they knew sooner
Nurses shared valuable self-care tips they wish they'd followed sooner in their careers in a May 8 post on the online discussion board Reddit.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Jerks need not apply: 7 ways to a skirt a toxic work environment
We live in a time when acrimony and resentment seem to be at an all-time high. These days, individuals feel comfortable hiding behind screens to voice their opinions without giving much thought to the repercussions or the feelings of others.
Michael Dowling: CEOs — Give a damn about your people
For the first time in history, healthcare surpassed manufacturing and retail in 2017 to become the largest source of U.S. jobs. Healthcare's role as an employer is expected to grow through 2026, adding about 2.4 million jobs in a decade to an industry that already employs more than 13 million people.
Removing barriers, improving lives: Amy Mansue explains her new role at RWJBarnabas Health
The complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape adversely affects providers and patients alike. With consumerism becoming more entrenched in healthcare, patients are more careful about choosing where they receive care, prioritizing the experience they will have.
How Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy leads differently
Joanne Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, sends a weekly newsletter to staff titled "Joanne's Journal."