Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

Pfizer recalls 4 million units of migraine medicine

The recalled products are not child resistant, posing a poison risk if the contents are swallowed by young children.

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Physicians sound off on prior authorization burdens on patients

Recent survey findings underscore that the vast majority of physicians believe prior authorization has a negative impact on patient care. In fact, some specialists think it leads to worse outcomes.

 

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Medtronic, Edwards among the healthcare organizations chosen as World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2023

The annual list, now in its 17th year, was designed to celebrate companies that make ethical business practices a high priority. 

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Most US adults with medical debt owe hospitals

A significant portion of U.S. adults have some past-due medical debt, according to a recent study from the Urban Institute, and the majority of those with debt owe non-profit hospitals.

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Is ultra low-dose CT a feasible option for identifying fractures?

Such scans offer significant reductions in radiation exposure, but there is concern that lower dosage might sacrifice image quality, causing readers to miss important findings. 

The SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences is

Next-generation TAVR valve delivers strong outcomes, reduced PVL after one year

A team of specialists examined new outcomes data related to the SAPIEN 3 Ultra transcatheter heart valve, sharing its findings in EuroIntervention.

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Structural heart clinics see key benefits from improved referral tracking

Sponsored by Medtronic

Identifying patients with severe aortic stenosis who could potentially benefit from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is very important—but managing and tracking them over time can be quite a challenge.

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Data mining helps hospitals identify new patients in need of TAVR, other structural heart procedures

Sponsored by Medtronic

When the ACC and AHA collaborated on new valvular heart disease guidelines in 2020, the two groups highlighted the importance of interventional treatment options such as TAVR. However, an estimated one-third of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the U.S. still lack a guideline-recommended treatment plan.