How SSM Health is working to develop and keep more nurses
The Catholic health system is partnering with Chamberlain University on a new nurse training program. Amy Wilson of SSM Health talks about the program.
Lawmakers seek more price transparency from hospitals | Bills & Laws
A bipartisan bill is aimed at giving consumers more insight into how much hospital services would cost.
Misinformation in medicine requires action | Healthy Bottom Line podcast
Dr. Gary Price, president of The Physicians Foundation, joins our podcast to talk about the surge of misinformation doctors are seeing, and why everyone should be taking it seriously.
Tennessee health system poised to acquire Mississippi hospital
Baptist Memorial Health Care has reached an agreement to buy OCH Regional Medical Center. The system plans to invest nearly $97 million in improvements.
Addressing skepticism of vaccines, without alienating patients
Dr. Brandon Smith of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center talks about dealing with vaccine hesitancy, listening to patients, and addressing concerns.
Lifepoint Health has named CEOs of 2 hospitals, and more | MED MOVES
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hires a new chief operating officer, and others take on new roles.
Doctors are facing an invasion of misinformation
Most doctors say they are seeing more misinformation from patients, and it’s a bigger problem for rural doctors. Dr. Gary Price of The Physicians Foundation talks about the problem.
Children’s hospitals seeing financial recovery, but challenges are looming
Pediatric facilities still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, and Medicaid cuts in the coming years are going to add pressures, analysts say.
Seeing a ‘leadership crisis’ in American health care
Sachin Jain and Margaret O’Kane talk about the pressing challenges and the need to focus on the bigger problems with cost, access and keeping Americans healthy.
Lawmakers take aim at boarding in hospital emergency rooms | Bills & Laws
Hospitals have been struggling with high volumes of patients who have stayed in emergency departments for hours, even days. The measure has the backing of Republicans and Democrats.
How hospitals can improve emergency readiness beyond big drills
Large exercises have value, but still only reach so many people. Health systems should look at ways to reach as many staff as possible, says Michael Wargo of HCA Healthcare.
Health care costs projected to rise by 9% in 2026, survey says: 8 takeaways
Large employers are spending more, particularly on prescription drugs, according to the Business Group on Health. Companies are spending more on cancer care and GLP-1 drugs.
HCA Healthcare emergency leader talks about hospital readiness in disasters
Mike Wargo, HCA’s head of emergency operations, discusses the importance of leadership engagement, facing hurricanes and wildfires, and preparing for emergencies that come with no warning.
Oklahoma hospital shooting: Security guard killed, suspect fatally shot
Authorities say the suspect entered INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital and fired multiple shots. The guard died in the incident, and police warned there could have been more casualties.
Assessing the end of mRNA research: ‘We just shot ourselves in both feet and both hands’
Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota says canceling research contracts sets back research, and follows other troubling changes in federal vaccine policy.
UNC Health rolls out plans for hybrid emergency and urgent care facilities
The system is planning a network of freestanding facilities that offer both urgent care and emergency care for patients. UNC is teaming with Intuitive Health on the effort.
CommonSpirit Health board appoints new chair, and more | Med Moves
Nebraska Medicine names its first chief transformation officer, Emory Healthcare hires a chief administrative officer, and more.
Why Phil Knight’s $2B gift to Oregon cancer institute is a ‘game changer’: Six Takeaways
Oregon Health & Science University says it’s the biggest donation ever to a U.S. college or academic medical center. The Nike co-founder and his wife are longtime supporters of OHSU.
Patient portals ease access to doctors, and that has some drawbacks
Health systems and practices tout the convenience of portals to help schedule appointments and ask questions. Doctors say there can be downsides, and some say they’re overwhelmed by the volume.
In a change, hospital revenue growth is outpacing expenses
For the first time in years, nonprofit hospitals saw revenues rise at a more rapid clip than the growth in expenses in 2024, according to Moody’s Ratings.
Alcohol loses appeal: Drinking drops to 86-year low
A new Gallup Poll finds the percentage of Americans who drink has fallen to the lowest point in decades. For the first time, a majority describe moderate drinking as unhealthy.
Sutter Health partners with Aidoc to expand AI in treating patients
The California health system has been named the company’s West Coast hub for innovating with AI. Elad Walach, CEO of Aidoc, and Laura Wilt of Sutter Health talk about the collaboration.
Health systems are looking beyond hospitals for mergers
Health systems are eyeing the addition of outpatient facilities, such as ambulatory surgery centers and urgent cares, to enhance patient access.
Hospital margins improve, but return to pre-pandemic levels is ‘open question’
Nonprofit health systems saw modest gains over the past year, but most systems are barely breaking even, according to Fitch Ratings. Pending Medicaid cuts look to pose more challenges.
Rebranding as Manning Family Children’s proves to be a winning play
The facility, formerly called Children’s Hospital New Orleans, now bears the name of the famed football family. Hospital CEO Lucio Fragoso says the new name has helped with fundraising.
A cancer patient urges women to pay attention to their health
Alisa Secaida is battling advanced lung cancer. She urges other women to listen to their gut if they know something is wrong, and to find a physician who will listen.
After a drop in hospital deals, merger activity expected to rise
There weren’t many transactions in the first half of the year, but industry analysts expect health systems to pursue more deals in the coming months.
GLP-1 drugs and those who take them | Explainer
More Americans are turning to these drugs to lose weight, and a new RAND report sheds light on the patients using the medication.
Intermountain Health names new president of children’s health, and more | MED MOVES
Intermountain also expanded the role of another pediatric leader in the system, and other executives are taking on new roles.
Diagnosed with advanced lung cancer at 35, a California woman focuses on today
Alisa Secaida talks about her cancer journey, the road to her diagnosis, and dealing with the mental strain of battling cancer and raising kids.
