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Public health cuts undermine US pandemic preparedness
Michelle R. Matisons Medical & Allied HealthcareAs China's coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads, the federal government in the U.S. has a limited health preparedness infrastructure in the event of a stateside pandemic viral outbreak. Instead, public health precautions taken by communities and hospitals must shape a proactive response to a global threat still in its nascent stages. The hollow husk left by recent public health budget cuts leave military command structures as the only coordinated "safety net" in a U.S. pandemic event.
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The complications of choosing a pain reliever
Dorothy L. Tengler PharmaceuticalAlthough over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat pain, these drugs cause about 100,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths annually. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently strengthened its warning about the risks of cardiovascular disease attributed to NSAIDs. Because choosing a pain reliever can be complicated for healthcare providers and their patients, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine have addressed cardiovascular risks as well as gastrointestinal and kidney side effects of pain relievers, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs for pain relief.
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How will coronavirus affect the Chinese economy and international business?
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementChina is a major U.S. trading partner and the world's fastest growing economy. How will the outbreak of the coronavirus that began in Wuhan affect that nation's economy and international business generally? Much is uncertain. That's a problem, because businesses prefer certainty as an underlying condition of future market demand and supply. We turn to Doug Barry, a spokesperson with the U.S.-China Business Council. "The shutdown of supply chains is having a ripple effect around the world, with shortages in some raw materials, parts and finished goods popping up," Barry said by email.
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How blockchain technology can benefit your patients
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationAs a physician or administrator, it's crucial that you keep patient transactions and data easily shareable and totally secure. Blockchain technology may be just the right way for your organization to do it. In a blockchain system, data is linked in a segmented system that makes for ease of sharing, eliminates the risk of inaccurate data being kept in a patient ledger, and automatically distributes to a set network of recipients. Blockchain is currently being used most in healthcare payment applications. However, as it matures further, it is being adapted for virtually every healthcare need.
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HHS responds to arguments against hospital price transparency
Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied HealthcareRegarding healthcare pricing transparency, the Trump administration says patients should have the right to know how much care will cost before they receive it. The argument seems to hold water, because in all other transactions where are wallets are concerned, consumers know the price of the products and services before they buy. These are the points continually made by leaders at HHS. These are also the arguments made in a brief filed last week in response to a lawsuit challenging the price transparency rule. HHS also argues that Congress meant for hospital pricing be made public.
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Visionary vs. manager: Why both are necessary in business
Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWe bring our unique personalities into the workplace. Some of us enjoy creating new ideas, thinking about future improvements, and experimenting to improve matters. Others are the polar opposite. These are the people who enjoy taming chaos, managing the status quo, and streamlining processes. As I've mentioned in previous articles, all organizations need both these types of people because the balance is where most progress occurs. When one type of thinking dominates the other in a company, a failed outcome is predictable.
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Healthcare mergers and acquisitions: Navigating the landscape
Tory Barringer Healthcare AdministrationThe past few years have seen a marked increase in hospital mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with deals closing at an average pace of about 100 annually, according to an estimate from the Los Angeles Times. In many cases, these mergers are a net positive for the communities they impact. Yet, healthcare observers and researchers argue that takeovers have the downside of eliminating competition and driving up prices, to say nothing of the risk to patient safety. Regardless of the debate surrounding M&A, activity is likely to continue at a brisk pace unless regulators step in or the healthcare landscape changes enough to force another shift. With that in mind, hospitals are advised to keep a few pointers in mind when it comes to a successful merger.
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Podcast: Ideal cash-pay services for in-network and out-of-network practices
Jarod Carter Healthcare AdministrationIn this episode, Phil Plisky explains exactly how an insurance-based clinic can generate lots of cash-based revenue by offering wellness-focused screenings and injury-prevention services. He precisely describes how his clinic has successfully leveraged injury-prevention screenings to develop a wellness-service niche that patients are happy to pay for out of pocket, even though they are accustomed to using their insurance at that PT practice. This low-risk approach to developing out-of-network business might be an ideal way for practices that are highly reliant on insurance-based business to get started with the cash-based model.
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2020 job search trends: What employers like and dislike
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementYou may be the most qualified person for a particular job, but you shouldn't forget that presentation is everything. Using certain tactics can significantly hurt your chances of landing an interview. Fortunately, most of these faux pas can be avoided. A new survey by Accountemps reveals some of the most important job search trends for 2020, including what hiring managers want to see and what turns them off.
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Happy hygge! Get cozy this Valentine’s Day to boost your happiness
Amanda Ghosh Mental HealthcareAccording to World Happiness Reports, Denmark consistently ranks in the top three happiest countries on earth. Their practice of hygge (pronounced "hyoo-ga") may be the secret to their exceptional happiness. But what is hygge, and how can you gain happiness from it? Read on to find out.
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