Improvements in Telehealth Access
Telehealth has become the new frontier for healthcare providers. Moreover, telehealth access can make healthcare more accessible for consumers and providers alike. Insurance coverage, broadband access, and interoperability continue to be important issues moving forward to provide equitable telehealth access. Telehealth Coverage Since the pandemic, many healthcare plans have included telehealth temporarily with the idea […]
Coping with Dental Staffing Shortages
The dental industry, much like the healthcare industry as a whole, is facing severe staffing shortages. There are many reasons this shortage has become so acute, and it is taking a toll on medical staff and patients alike. Dental healthcare providers are facing increased workloads, which can create excessive work stress. Ensuring your dental healthcare […]
EEOC Protects Nurse from Retaliation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects employees in the United States from many forms of discrimination. One type the EEOC protects workers from is retaliation, which describes when a workplace punishes an employee for reporting instances of discrimination, typically sexual harassment. EEOC Protecting Employees from Retaliation The EEOC recently sued a pediatric medical […]
Security Strengthened at Medical Facilities
Healthcare facilities around the nation are strengthening security protocols. Meritus Medical Center, a hospital in Maryland, has implemented weapon detectors at all entrances to the facility. Why are Stronger Security Protocols Needed? The heightened safety protocols come in response to the epidemic of violence in medical facilities. Healthcare workers are the primary targets of this […]
Protected Health Information Disclosed by Website Technology
Certain website technologies may be at risk of sharing protected health information. The Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a bulletin warning that certain website tracking technologies may violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Tracking technologies include but are not limited to cookies, […]
Telehealth Increases Productivity
The rise of telehealth has improved patient access to care along with increased provider productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business as usual for healthcare providers and patients. Those needing routine care were reluctant to seek it for fear of exposing themselves to the virus. Patients with chronic conditions or illnesses were not seen by healthcare […]
Dental Waterlines Found to Contain Bacteria
A number of dental waterlines have been found to contain waterborne bacteria, infecting children with nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). This caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a health advisory on bacteria in the pipes of dental facilities. Dental Waterlines and Infections Biofilms containing bacteria can easily develop in dental waterlines. This […]
Cybersecurity Threats to Health Systems
Cybersecurity threats against healthcare systems have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the adoption of new health technologies. During 2020, cyberattacks against health systems increased by forty-seven percent. Adopting stronger security measures will be essential to protecting patient data moving forward. Causes of Increased Cybersecurity Threats Healthcare providers faced a number […]
New Sexual Harassment Law Enacted
On December 7th, 2022, President Biden signed a new law protecting victims of sexual harassment. The bipartisan bill, known as the Speak Out Act, passed the House of Representatives by a 315-109 vote and cleared the Senate unanimously. The law grants survivors the right to come forward with their experiences of workplace misconduct when they […]
Restoring Physician-Patient Trust
Physician-patient trust has been deteriorating for years. There are different reasons for reduced levels of trust between patients and doctors. However, ensuring patients have confidence in their care providers and that doctors feel safe at work will be critical in recentering trust moving forward so patients can receive the highest possible level of care. Causes […]
Preventing Healthcare-associated Infections
As health systems continue to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they must brace for a new threat: the rising rate of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). For example, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia (which is resistant to many antibiotics) is infecting an increasing number of patients in healthcare facilities. Tackling the increased rate of HAIs is […]
Physician Burnout is Rising
Physician burnout is on the rise, and the increase is sharpest among younger primary doctors. A new study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund found that over half of medical practitioners under the age of 55 have reported feeling burned out or stressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the rise in stressed doctors. Physicians report […]