Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
After 2 Years Of Talks, Allina Health, Doctors Union Reach Tentative Deal
Minnesota Public Radio: Allina Health Doctors, Clinicians Reach Tentative First Contract Agreement
After more than two years of negotiations, a union representing more than 600 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners at Allina Health clinics has reached a tentative first contract agreement. (4/2)
Healthcare Dive: CHS Closes Sale Of Alabama Hospital
Community Health Systems has closed the sale of another hospital as the for-profit health system makes progress paying down its debt. On Wednesday, nonprofit Huntsville Hospital Health System acquired Huntsville, Alabama-based Crestwood Medical Center from CHS for $459 million. (Halleman, 4/2)
Modern Healthcare: Henry Ford Health Acquires Cornerstone Medical Group
Henry Ford Health is adding to its rapid expansion across Southeast Michigan with the acquisition of Clinton Township-based Cornerstone Medical Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Cornerstone’s 25 locations across the region will be rolled into Henry Ford Medical Group, which employs 3,400 physicians and researchers. (Walsh, 4/2)
Minnesota Public Radio: Interim Hennepin Healthcare Leader Steps Down
The person who was recently appointed as an interim leader of Hennepin Healthcare resigned Wednesday, according to an internal email obtained by MPR News. The Hennepin Healthcare Board appointed Dr. Kevin Croston as co-interim administrator in January after Hennepin Healthcare's previous interim CEO, Dr. Thomas Klemond, stepped down. (Zurek, 4/2)
Modern Healthcare: How DaVita, Bayada Are Building A Nursing Pipeline Amid Shortage
Healthcare providers are finding success using a DIY approach to recruit and train nurses amid a staffing crisis. They’re helping lower-level staff clinicians become registered nurses or offering enhanced education to nurses for roles in high-growth areas such as home healthcare, virtual healthcare and nephrology. (Eastabrook, 4/2)
The Baltimore Sun: Aberdeen-Based Company Designs New Trauma Care Simulator
Some military personnel and health care professionals will soon embark into a world where everything goes wrong on purpose — where stress is high, resources are limited, and the right decision needs to be made quickly. Operative Experience Inc., a company based in Aberdeen, said its Tier 3 Pro, a simulator based on the Department of Defense’s need to train service members to take care of one another when tragedy strikes, will fill a gap, providing hands-on training at an affordable price. (Foster, 4/2)
Also —
MedPage Today: Proposed Obesity Criteria Could Delay Care, Top Society Warns
Moving away from body mass index (BMI) alone to diagnose obesity may delay treatment for millions of patients, a group of experts from the Endocrine Society warned in a guideline communication. In January 2025, a Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology global commission pitched a new framework that called for a more nuanced approach to diagnosing obesity. In theory, this would reduce misclassification and open the door for more personalized care. (Monaco, 4/2)
The New York Times: Why People With Chronic Illness Are Turning To AI Chatbots For Health Advice
When Margie Smith got sick in 2022, she sought help from a parade of specialists. She saw an allergist for an intractable cough; three pulmonologists for the cough and breathlessness; an ear, nose and throat doctor for severe acid reflux; a cardiologist after she almost passed out while exercising. She got the sense that most were siloed in their specialties and couldn’t assemble the full puzzle. Eventually, Ms. Smith, 70, of Swannanoa, N.C., turned to the A.I. chatbot Claude. (Astor, 4/2)
North Carolina Health News: Drilling Down On AI Use In Dentistry
It’s no longer futuristic or science fiction to think that your trip to the dentist might include robotics and artificial intelligence. Macon Singletary, a periodontist at North Raleigh Periodontics & Implant Center in Wake County, says it’s already here for him. Fear not, he says. Humans will still play a key role in your care. (Blythe, 4/3)
