COVID-19

Outside of the loss of human life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have greatly affected hospitals, health systems and the way providers deliver care. Healthcare executives are grappling with federal monetary assistance, growing burnout rates, workforce shortages and federal oversight of vaccines and testing. This channel is also designed to update clinicians on new research and guidelines regarding COVID patient treatment strategies and risk assessments.

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%
In a new data analysis from nine states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the protective effect tapers off as juveniles age, with 5-17 year olds seeing fewer trips to urgent care or the emergency room at a rate of 56%. Overall, the agency said evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are still effective.
Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?
Hospitals could be turning away high-risk heart patients to help their TAVR programs receive a higher ranking, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination
Adults are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke after a COVID-19 infection than when they are healthy. The risks are even greater for the flu.
Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019
A new study published in JAMA, which looked at fee-for-service Medicare records from 2013–2023, found that overall participation has trended upward. However, the details paint a complicated picture.
Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework
Without a formal extension before the government shutdown, the flexible telemedicine reimbursement policies introduced in 2020 that removed regional barriers for Medicare patients have officially ended.

Hospitals margins fell as COVID-19 pandemic ramped up

U.S. hospitals were already facing falling margins when the COVID-19 pandemic began to ramp up in the nation.

Where COVID-19 is hitting state economies the hardest

Louisiana is the most exposed state economy when it comes to the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

CMS eases regulations for COVID-19 response

CMS is allowing healthcare providers to react to the COVID-19 pandemic with greater flexibility by loosening some federal requirements and issuing sweeping new rules.

Hypertension and COVID-19: 4 key things patients should know

What, exactly, do patients need to know about the relationship between hypertension and COVID-19?

HHS accelerates clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines

HHS is speeding up the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines by partnering with Johnson & Johnson-owned Janssen Research and Development and Moderna Therapeutics.

EuroHeartCare 2020 canceled over COVID-19 concerns

The event was scheduled to occur June 4-6 in Seville, Spain. It has been rescheduled for June 17-19, 2021.

Humana, Cigna waive out-of-pocket costs for members treated for COVID-19

Humana and Cigna both announced March 30 that consumers would not have to pay for treatment related to COVID-19-covered services.

As COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare groups call for government action on equipment shortages

Healthcare workers throughout the country have reported being unable to find the necessary ventilators, test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to care for patients affected by this ongoing pandemic.

COVID-19

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%

Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?

COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019

Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework