Even When In The Same Hospital, Black Patients Fare Worse Than Whites
A new analysis from the nonprofit Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds Black patients are more likely to suffer illnesses or injuries tied to surgical procedures than white patients of the same gender and age group. Another report looks at how hospitals are working to help people injured by gun violence.
Los Angeles Times:
Same Hospitals, Same Surgeries, But Worse Outcomes For Black Patients Than White Ones
Black patients are significantly more likely to suffer dangerous bleeding, infections and other serious problems related to surgical procedures than are white patients treated in the same hospital, according to a new analysis from the nonprofit Urban Institute. The analysis, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, builds on earlier research showing that Black patients are more likely than white ones to endure injuries and acquire illnesses in the hospital. (Alpert Reyes, 7/20)
Modern Healthcare:
Hospitals Tackling Gun Violence As A Public Health Issue
The "surge in gun violence" spurred President Joe Biden in June to introduce a new strategy to target gun crime prevention and response — including encouraging local governments to scale up "wraparound services" for crime victims and calling on Congress to allocate billions of dollars toward community-based violence intervention programs that provide such services among other measures related to gun control. Some hospitals have already taken on that mantle, launching programs that link patients with mental health services, community resources and other follow-up care in the aftermath of a firearm injury, with a goal of reducing future violent injuries by encouraging patients to change behaviors that might lead them down a similar path or to retaliate against the person who injured them. (Kim Cohen, 7/20)
Modern Healthcare:
Artificial Cadavers, Daily Huddles Helping Hospitals Care For Firearm Injuries
Dr. Gainosuke Sugiyama was tucking his son into bed when he got a call: a teenage patient had been unexpectedly dropped off at his hospital's emergency department with multiple gunshot wounds. “I rushed (to the hospital) with a T-shirt and shorts and slippers,” he said. “I literally ran out of the house.” Sugiyama is not a trauma surgeon. He’s chief of general surgery at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Valley Stream (N.Y.) hospital, and can typically be found performing a range of procedures like appendectomies and bowel obstruction surgeries. (Kim Cohen, 7/20)
In news about health care workers —
Modern Healthcare:
Prime Healthcare, Dr. Prem Reddy To Pay $37.5 Million Over Alleged Kickbacks
For-profit Prime Healthcare and two of its doctors have agreed to pay the federal government $37.5 million to settle allegations of kickbacks involving implantable medical devices and the health system's purchase of a surgery center. The settlement agreement announced Monday is a joint resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice and the California Department of Justice. It centers on alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act and California's False Claims Act. (Bannow, 7/19)
Crain's New York Business:
To Beat Worker Burnout, New York City Health-Tech Firms Expand Wellness Benefits
As the pandemic continues to take a toll, many businesses are finding it necessary to address worker stress. Given the nature of the services local health-tech startups provide, they are aiming to go above and beyond to help their employees manage their mental health needs. “Startups, in particular, are fast-paced and dynamic. Long hours and tremendous pressure are typical. The impact of this on mental health can be significant,” said Amy Cirbus, director of clinical content at Talkspace, a Lincoln Square–based mental health company. “Without adequate measures and systems in place that support and encourage self-care and healthy boundaries, the risks for burnout and fatigue skyrocket.” (Sim, 7/19)
Modern Healthcare:
Buyer's Market: Physicians Are Weighing The Best Pitch
Doctors are leveraging a competitive market as more leave their private practices behind. Health systems, insurers, private equity firms, large physician groups and growing for-profit primary-care practices are making their best pitch to lure physicians and their referral networks. "We have to think about all of the choices they have and be competitive," said Renee Buckingham, segment president of Humana's care delivery division. "Most of the doctors expect compensation to be competitive; it is the clinical culture and support capabilities inside our practice that resonates—salary is kind of a given." (Kacik, 7/20)
Health News Florida:
Lauderhill Pair Charged In Scheme To Sell Fake Nursing Diplomas
Two South Florida residents face federal charges, accused of participating in a scheme to sell fake nursing degrees to people who had not completed the required courses or clinical training. According to an indictment, Geralda Adrien, 51, and Woosvelt Predestin, 35, both of Lauderhill, face charges of conspiring to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. They face up to 20 years in federal prison on each count, federal authorities said. (7/19)
