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ICYMI: Trending Healthcare Topics for November 2016

By December 5, 2016April 23rd, 2024No Comments

ICYMI: Trending Healthcare Topics for November 2016

By Dan D'Orazio, CEO, Sage Growth Partners | December 5, 2016

An overview of the changes, trends, and newsmakers from the past month

This month’s roundup shows that the U.S. is making progress in combatting the epidemic of opioid addiction. However, too many hospitals are still plagued with dangerous central-line infections and most have a long way to go to achieve the lofty goals of population health and value-based care. And there’s an indication that Yelp and other consumer rating sites could surpass the government’s ability to rate healthcare providers on service.

Trump’s Take on Healthcare

Fight on Opioid Epidemic

  • Surgeon General’s report cites reasons for optimism in battle against substance abuse. Providers and the public seem to finally be getting the message that addiction is no different than other medical illnesses that require treatment rather than condemnation. New policies and programs are reducing the misuse of substances like alcohol and opioids and evidence-based treatments are in greater use.
  • PAs and NPs can now be trained to administer buprenorphine – HHS now allows PAs and NPs to receive training, allowing them to administer this medication to those who are addicted to opioids – allowing greater access to this essential, evidence-based treatment. About time.

Hospital efficiency and service

  • Some central line infection rates hold steady since 2011. A new Consumer Reports study found that a shocking number of hospitals have not reduced their central-line infection rates since 2011, including some prominent teaching hospitals.
  • Want to know about service at your hospital? Try Yelp, not HCAHPS. The HCAHPS surveys of patients’ perceptions of service at their local hospital might yield less value than a site like Yelp, according to a study published in Health Affairs. The authors found that Yelp reviews could influence patient selection and provide value to providers and those making policy decisions.  

Miscellaneous Healthcare News