Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Financial Troubles, COVID Force Closure Of Rural Georgia Hospital
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A Broken-Hearted Cuthbert Says Goodbye To Its Hospital
As Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center closes Thursday, it becomes the 133rd rural hospital to cease operations in the U.S., and the eighth to be shuttered in Georgia, since 2010, according to researchers. Most people in Randolph County knew of the financial struggles of their critical access hospital before the closure was made public, say those who spoke to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for this story. (Berard, 10/22)
The Augusta Chronicle: University Hospital Faces 'Challenging’ Year Ahead From Pandemic, Officials Say
University Hospital will have a “challenging budget” for next year as officials said Thursday that they expect the COVID-19 pandemic to continue through 2021. But even now, there could be a new surge in COVID-19 cases starting in the Augusta area, CEO Jim Davis warned. University’s board approved the budget for next year at its meeting, along with its 2021 capital budget. The operating budget anticipates revenues continuing to be down from factors such as fewer admissions and surgeries. (Corwin, 10/22)
Houston Chronicle: CHI St. Luke's Severs Deal With Molina, Its Second Break With An Insurance Carrier This Week
It’s the second time this week that the hospital system has detailed plans to leave the network of a major insurance carrier and comes just 10 days before the start of open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act marketplace exchange on Nov. 1. (Wu, 10/22)
Detroit Free Press: Michigan Hospitals Paid Executive Bonuses As Pandemic Loomed
Some hospital executives in southeast Michigan received bonuses this year shortly before their health systems laid off thousands of workers and asked the federal government for a bailout as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the nation. Two of Michigan's largest nonprofit hospital systems, Beaumont Health and the Henry Ford Health System, awarded those bonuses in March. And then, as the novel coronavirus caused a financial crisis at their hospitals, Beaumont and Henry Ford turned to the federal government for help. (Dixon, 10/23)
Modern Healthcare: Prices Spike As Exam Glove Supplies Dwindle, GPO Says
The available supply of medical-grade exam gloves may not meet the projected demand over the next 12 months, which will likely translate to price hikes for health systems and other providers, according to data from the group purchasing organization Vizient. Personal protective equipment supply levels have been dropping for several product types as COVID-19 cases rebound in some states. While many health systems and other providers have been able to source alternatives for PPE like face shields and gowns, exam gloves may be more complicated. (Kacik, 10/22)
In news about health care personnel —
San Francisco Chronicle: Nurses Demand Overtime Pay In Lawsuit Against San Francisco; Union Claims 90,000 Hours Of Work Unpaid
Three nurses filed a lawsuit against the San Francisco’s Department of Public Health on Thursday for back pay they say they are entitled to after years of chronic understaffing at public health facilities. The nurses say the department uses illegal practices to avoid paying overtime. In a lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court, they allege that nurses who work under a civil service appointment are not properly compensated for hours that exceed their standard 40-hour work week. (Mishanec, 10/22)
CIDRAP: PTSD Symptoms Noted In 29% Of Norwegian Health Workers
A survey of healthcare and public service providers in Norway shows high rates of mental health problems, especially among those with direct COVID-19 patient care, highlighting the need for mental health monitoring and support. Previous studies have identified higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare workers during pandemics due to fear of infection, higher patient deaths, responsibility for difficult decisions, and disruption of social support. The risk of pandemic-associated mental health problems has also been shown to be higher for women, younger workers, people previously diagnosed as having a mental disorder, and those lacking social support. (10/22)
