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.

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.
Saint Mary’s awarded $510M in damages in lawsuit against Universal Health Services
Universal Health Services was found by a jury to be liable for fraud in an alleged scheme to destabilize Saint Mary’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling includes punitive damages.
CDC vaccine committee issues new guidance for COVID-19 shots
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all Americans six months and older consult a clinician before deciding to get a COVID vaccine, ending the pandemic-era policy that broadly encouraged getting the inoculation.

Millions of Americans have 'unnecessarily' lost Medicaid coverage since April

Many did not lose coverage because they were deemed ineligible during the redetermination process, but due to procedural reasons, such as not completing required paperwork.

Malissa Wood, MD. explains why Mass General created a program to combat racism and health equity.

Why health equity is important in cardiology

Malissa Wood, MD, associate chief of cardiology for diversity and equity at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains the role of health equity in cardiovascular care and what her health system is doing to address it.

Philips' latest collaboration could make xenon MR imaging more widely available

In alliance with Polarean, Philips is rolling out a new MR system with advanced multi-nuclei imaging capabilities that will offer radiologists a detailed evaluation of lung ventilation using xenon gas as a contrast agent.

A cause for concern: Death after heart transplant more likely if the donor had COVID-19

Heart transplantation centers have significant risks to consider when donors test positive for COVID-19, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Prenatal MRI shines light on the implications of maternal stress during pregnancy

These findings warrant serious consideration by physicians caring for pregnant women in the future, as the link between poor mental health and placental development remains “underappreciated.”

layoffs staff cuts termination workforce

Novavax to cut 25% of its workforce, with R&D taking the biggest hit

Although the vaccine maker previously cut expenses by $50 million without laying off staff, the measures were not enough to keep pace with the effects of the COVID-19 global health emergency.

CDC director announces her resignation from the agency

News of the CDC director’s departure comes on the same day as an announcement made by the World Health Organization declaring the end of the COVID global health emergency.

Nurses return to hospitals after pandemic exodus

Hospitals are seeing a return of the nursing workforce after many left their jobs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19

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

Saint Mary’s awarded $510M in damages in lawsuit against Universal Health Services

CDC vaccine committee issues new guidance for COVID-19 shots