Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Seeing Medical Specialists In Vermont Means Long Waits: Report
AP: Report Finds Long Wait Times For Some Medical Specialists
Wait times for new patients to see a medical specialist in Vermont averaged 61 days during part of the pandemic, according to a state report released Wednesday. Vermont state government officials started investigating in the fall after Seven Days reported on long wait times for medical appointments. (Rathke, 2/16)
In other health care industry news —
Chicago Tribune: Cafeterias And Food Vendors In 9 Chicago Hospitals Failed Inspections In 2021
A Chicago Department of Public Health inspector discovered about 50 flying insects in the food preparation, dry storage and dishwashing areas in the food facility at Swedish Hospital, according to city inspection reports. The preparation area provides food for patients. Swedish Hospital failed two food inspections on Oct. 20, 2021. It failed another on Oct. 27, when an inspector reported approximately 25 cockroaches on the floor and wall behind the cooking equipment and in storage cabinets in front of the cook’s line. (Leane and Starshak, 2/16)
Louisville Courier Journal: University Of Louisville Hospital Plans Expansion With 9-Story Tower
University of Louisville Health is planning a massive new expansion of its downtown hospital, as well as key improvements to other local facilities. An ordinance filed Tuesday by Metro Council President David James would approve a $415 million bond that would help fund the project. Plans included in the documents James filed call for a nine-story tower to be built at the northeast corner of Jackson Street and East Chestnut Street, next to the current University of Louisville Hospital at 530 S. Jackson St. (Aulbach, 2/16)
Oklahoman: Mercy Hospital OKC Claims Reverend Sent 'Online Attacks' Over COVID
Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City has tightened security and locked down its intensive care unit in response to what it called social media attacks and said the hospital has taken legal action against a local religious leader. An evangelical group, the Ekklesia of Oklahoma, protested outside the hospital on W Memorial Road last week, calling on Mercy to administer a certain dosage of a steroid for one of the group’s members, who was in the hospital with COVID-19. The patient, Robert Barth, was critically ill and being treated in the intensive care unit on a ventilator, court records say. (Branham, 2/16)
Houston Chronicle: FBI Searches Houston Health Department Offices Amid Vendor Investigation
The FBI is investigating a marketing vendor and employee conduct at the Houston Health Department, according to federal authorities. Federal agents carried several boxes out of the health department building following a search warrant Wednesday at the administrative offices before driving away. Officials from the Houston field office confirmed an investigation but offered few details into what prompted the search warrant. (Hensley and McGuinness, 2/16)
In updates from the insurance industry —
Sacramento Bee: Pennsylvania’s Insurance Chief To Become Covered CA Leader
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman will succeed Peter V. Lee as the leader of Covered California, the agency charged with ensuring state residents get quality insurance coverage at an affordable price. Lee, the California insurance exchange’s founding executive director, leaves after more than a decade of service. “We have made tremendous progress in California and across the nation as a result of Peter’s vision, passion and leadership — and because of the great team he has brought together and our state’s commitment to work together on behalf of all Californians,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California’s Department of Health and Human Services. “That work has improved the lives of millions of Californians and meant that Covered California has served as a national proving ground. (Anderson, 2/15)
Modern Healthcare: Blue Cross Of Louisiana Faces Class-Action Over National BlueCard Program
A Blue Cross and Blue Shield company faces a class-action lawsuit over a national program that requires providers contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association members to accept rates negotiated by Blues plans from other states. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana must defend itself against a lawsuit representing providers from the Pelican State, Judge John Conery ruled Monday when he upheld a previous denial of the insurer's request for summary judgment. (Tepper, 2/16)
