Tiny fragments of plastic are commonly found deep inside the human body. Heart surgery, it seems, is one of many ways these microplastics are reaching their destination. 

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

“Until there is a global consensus on how this is regulated, Asian countries—where data privacy is less of a focus—could see a clear contrast with the West in how AI is used.”

The problem of commercial health insurers standing between patients and providers is bad and only getting worse.

Fasting before major operations has been common in healthcare for nearly 80 years, but that has started to change since the turn of the century. 

Using these devices as part of a zero-fluoroscopy workflow, which replaces X-rays with an alternative modality such as ultrasound, limits radiation exposure and the use of burdensome protective equipment.

The American Hospital Association is sounding the alarm over evidently widespread acceptance of 0% operating margins—or even negative margins—as a sort of “new normal” for U.S. hospitals and health systems.  

U.S. News & World Report has posted its annual list of America’s best hospitals. But be warned. If you’re checking to see whether Mayo Clinic occupies the overall top spot for the eighth straight year, you’ll go down looking.