Over 25 million Americans at risk of losing health care as coronavirus pandemic rages: "It’s been real hard for me" – CBS News

An estimated 5.4 million American workers lost their health insurance from February through May, one study finds. Nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that about 27 million in total are at risk of losing coverage during the coronavirus pandemic, and could be left struggling with COVID-19 or other illnesses along with a lack of income that can make paying medical bills nearly impossible.

"We're seeing an unprecedented loss in jobs, and what's going to come along with that, is unfortunately the loss of health insurance as well," Kaiser Executive Vice President Larry Levitt told CBS News' Michelle Miller.

He said the loss of health insurance is "particularly risky" during a pandemic, when people are at a heightened risk of "getting infected and potentially severely ill."

"People who don't have health insurance hesitate to seek medical attention, worrying about the big medical bills they may face," Levitt said.

Those losses mean Americans with preexisting conditions, like Georgia resident Rodney Watts, are left without coverage or work when they need it the most.

"I'm a type-two diabetic, you know, and it's been real hard for me," Watts said. "Some days you want to go to the doctor and see what else is wrong with you, but you can't."

Watts was working as an overnight supervisor at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. When the pandemic hit, he lost his job and his health insurance along with it.

"It was bad, it was real bad," he said.

Watts' insulin costs him roughly $400, which he has been paying for with the $600 federal weekly jobless benefit that recently expired without a contingency plan in place. Congress is still deadlocked over an extension.

"It's been a struggle," Watts said. "We've been managing, but you know, when that 600 goes away, I don't know."

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that four out of five Americans who, like Watts, lost their employer health insurance, are eligible for help through the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid, but many do not know about it.

Larry Levitt said he was concerned that the lack of health insurance could have a negative impact on the fight against the coronavirus as well.

"We need people who have symptoms, who feel they may be sick, to get into care and get tested so they can avoid infecting others," he said.

In Rodney Watts' case, the loss of one job and one person's health benefits puts an entire family at risk.

"When this interview is over, I'm not going to sit around. I got to go find work, I got to get my health coverage," Watts said. "Because I got a lot of people depends on me. I got a wife, I got grandkids. I got kids. I got a lot of people and I can't fail them. I can't fail them."

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Over 25 million Americans at risk of losing health care as coronavirus pandemic rages: "It's been real hard for me" - CBS News

New study ranks Minnesota No. 2 in the nation for health care – KIMT 3

ROCHESTER, Minn. - A new study is ranking Minnesota as one of the top spots in the nation for health care.

Wallethub has ranked Minnesota #2 in the nation for health care in 2020.

Factors where the state ranked highly include the lowest average monthly insurance premiums, lowest stroke and heart disease rates and highest physician medicare-acceptance rate.

Olmsted County Public Health says as healthcare systems have faced the COVID-19 pandemic this years collaborative efforts within our community that provide affordable, quality health care have taken center stage.

Director Graham Briggs said, "It's really given us an example to demonstrate how this collaborative effort can really impact health outcomes and, in this case, prevent more serious situations from arising that we're unfortunately seeing in other places in the nation associated with COVID."

The state that beat out Minnesota for the top spot is MassachusettsIf you want to view the full study click here.

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New study ranks Minnesota No. 2 in the nation for health care - KIMT 3

Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Stepping Up Commitment to Control Coronavirus Spread and Reduce Healthcare-Associated…

Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Nursing/Rehabilitation facilities throughout the Southeast are stepping up their commitment to decrease the spread of Human Coronavirus and other deadly pathogens by incorporating the multi- patented PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone shoe sanitizing stations. AdventHealth, Clear Choice Health Care, Norton Healthcare, Agape Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Cornerstone Village, Christian Care Centers of Memphis, Christian Care Center of Kuttawa, and Sweetwater Nursing and Rehabilitation have implemented the cutting-edge technology in their fight to control coronavirus spread and reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

About UVZone

AdventHealthConnerton (FL) has incorporated eight (8) shoe sanitizing stations and is seeing dramatically reduced infection rates. AdventHealth Connerton VP and COO Debi Martoccio explains the benefits they have seen:"We have updated our HAI rate graphs andthe reduction that we've seen since Feb 2019 (PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone shoe disinfection technology implementation date) is 53% through March 2020.We have always had a lower than expected HAI rate at our facility. However, since the inception of the PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone shoe disinfection technology and other infection control measures, we have reduced our HAI rate by 53%."

Clear Choice Health Care, LLC(Melbourne, FL) was the first in Florida to create a COVID-ONLY facility, Dolphin Pointe Health Center, a first of its kind transitional facility in Jacksonville, FL. Clear Choice manages eleven (11) Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living facilities in Florida, all of which have implemented the UVZone shoe sanitizing stations. Geoff Fraser, Partner, Clear Choice Health Care, LLCsays,"We at Clear Choice Health Care believe so strongly in the PathO3Gen Solutions Ozone+UVC disinfection technology that I recommended all eleven (11) of the facilities we manage implement the UVZone to ensure that each facility was doing all they could to provide a visible sign of safety and maintain cleaner environments. Being the first in Florida to create an All-Covid facility (Dolphin Pointe Health Care), I was excited to find this new technology to help stop the spread of pathogens, including coronavirus."

Louisville-based Be U.V. Well, LLC, a distributor of the PathO3Gen UVZone shoe sanitizing station, supplied units to the Tennessee and Kentucky region. Vice President, Ed Marcellino says, "Be U.V. Well prides ourselves on representing new and innovative technology. Bringing PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone shoe sanitizing stations to the Southeast region, when and where we are really needing it, is very satisfying for me. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our company was convinced the UVZone has applications in healthcare but also food, manufacturing, hospitality, and nursing homes. The plug and play installation is a great feature, allowing facilities to easily put these units anywhere they are needed."

Ten (10) additionalfacilities including Agape Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Tennessee), Cornerstone Village (Tennessee), Christian Care Centers of Memphis (Tennessee), Christian Care Center of Kuttawa (Kentucky), and Sweetwater Nursing and Rehabilitation (Tennessee) have acquired the UVZone shoe sanitizing stations."It's been great to be able to show the community our commitment to safety by incorporating the PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone Shoe Sanitizing Station.It's so simple to use and takes only a few seconds to increase our safety protocols." -- Bartlee Norton, Administrator, Sweetwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sweetwater, TN.

Norton Healthcare (Louisville, KY) installed twenty-five (25) UVZone shoe sanitizing stations at six (6) locations throughout Louisville as part of their ongoing effort to increase safety protocols. Norton Healthcare has started using the UVZone shoe sanitizers at entryways because soles carry pathogens that could spread throughout the hospital. These sanitizers deliver a dose of ozone and higher-frequency ultraviolet light to kill 99.999% of infection-causing germs in seconds."I would feel comfortable having a member of my family as a patient at Norton Healthcare due in large part to the increased awareness of cleanliness practices,"said Justin Thornsberry, R.N., director of quality and clinical effectiveness for Norton Audubon Hospital."We use all available technology to keep the environment safer for patients and employees."

From Scott Beal, COO, PathO3Gen Solutions:"The goal of PathO3GenSolutions is to prevent infections and save lives by creating cleaner and safer environments. There is nothing more rewarding for us than seeing our UVZone shoe disinfection technology on the ground, when and where it really matters the most."

About UVZoneThe UVZone shoe disinfection technology is the first and only UL Certified, proactive disinfection equipment using an exclusive and multi-patented combination of Ozone (O3) + UVC. The patented technology is proven to be 110x more effective against deadly pathogens, and over 24x more effective at eliminating Human Coronavirus, than UVC alone. It eliminates up to 99.999% of the deadliest pathogens, including bacteria and fungi,and leaves zero (0) Human Coronavirus residue on footwear. The UVZone shoe sanitizing station is easy to use with any footwear or shoe cover and plugs into a standard outlet.

About PathO3Gen SolutionsPathO3Gen Solutions sole mission is to prevent infections and save lives by creating cleaner and safer environments. The privately held Florida-based company holds multiple patents on their technology and equipment. The UVZone shoe sanitizing station is UL Certified and manufactured by an IS0 9001 facility in the U.S.A. http://www.patho3gen.com

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FDA Guidance for Health Care Professionals When Prescribing Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder – Pharmacy Times

FDA Guidance for Health Care Professionals When Prescribing Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

In the statement, the FDA noted that it is important for health care professionals to routinely discuss the availability of naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat OUD. Additionally, it may also be important to consider prescribing naloxone to patients who have been prescribed medicine to treat OUD previously or patients who may be at an increased risk of opioid overdose.

Although patients already receiving medicines to treat OUD may have a lower risk of opioid overdose than those not receiving such treatment, there remains the risk of relapse, which has the potential of resulting in an overdose.

Additionally, the FDA explained that prescribing naloxone may also be necessary if a patient lives with anyone who is at risk of accidental ingestion or overdose, which includes children and other close contacts.

Patients and caregivers may also need to receive education on how to recognize a potential overdose and how to subsequently administer naloxone successfully in such cases. Some states provide this information online via training videos that describe the signs of overdose and the appropriate administration of naloxone.

However, it may still be necessary to provide patients with general information in order to ensure they understand the signs and symptoms of an overdose, as well as the appropriate steps to take when administering naloxone, according to the FDA.

States also provide specific guidelines regarding the dispensing and prescribing requirements for naloxone, making it helpful for health care professionals to consult their individual states information for further guidance regarding whether patients in fact need a prescription to obtain naloxone.

The FDA made note that under all circumstances, it is important to let a patient know that if they believe an overdose is occurring, it is necessary to call 911 or get emergency medical support immediately, even if naloxone is administered. Naloxones effects are temporary, meaning that the individual it was administered to may still need medical support following its administration.

Upon the prescription of naloxone, the FDA recommends that health care professionals let patients know to inform all family and friends that they have naloxone, where it is stored, and how to properly use it in the event of an overdose. Additionally, its important to keep it in a place that is easily accessible to family and friends.

It is also helpful to encourage patients and caregivers to read the educational materials and instructions for use that come with naloxone before an opioid emergency happens so that they are aware.

With an estimated 1.7 million Americans experiencing a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers in 2018, all patients being prescribed opioids for use in the outpatient setting would benefit from a conversation with their health care professional about the availability of naloxone.

REFERENCEFederal Drug Administration. FDA recommends health care professionals discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing opioid pain relievers or medicines to treat opioid use disorder. FDA PDF. Published July 23, 2020. Accessed August 4, 2020.

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FDA Guidance for Health Care Professionals When Prescribing Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder - Pharmacy Times

Health officials discuss the spread of COVID-19 in long term health care centers and the possible spread of the virus within schools – YourErie

Health officials are discussing the spread of COVID-19 in long term health care centers and the possible spread of the virus within schools.

Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper released her remarks as she discussed the situation with Twinbrook Nursing Home in Lawrence Park.

Dahlkemper also discussed this issue with other nursing homes as well.

Dahlkemper claims that the virus is coming from the outside of these homes.

According to Dahlkemper, the COVID-19 virus is coming into these facilities from the outside, when speaking about longer term care centers.

The county executive specifically said that the workers who are around other people are the ones who are bringing the virus into these centers.

Dahlkemper added that people may also not be following guidelines such as the workers themselves, their family members or the general public with whom they interact with.

It came to our attention having a conversation with Twinbrook that it was an asymptomatic worker who had been tested and tested negative and was now asymptomatic and thats how it started spreading. These are the problems with people not following the guidelines and I mean all of us, said Dahlkemper.

As area schools and universities return to in-person learning, there comes the likely hood of COVID-19 cases increasing as well.

The county executive believes that school districts are doing their best to decrease the risk of any potential spread.

Dahlkemper said that there are both pros and cons to not opening up schools for in-person instruction.

Schools have to decide what is best and look at the risk factor for their community.

Melissa Lyon, the director of the Erie County Department of Health, said that they have asked schools to look at the risk factor for their community.

Lyon said that if schools cannot meet a level of safety then they should take it into consideration when moving forward.

We asked them to create an abbreviated risk assessment so they understand the risk of deviating from that guidance and mitigate any issue that may come out of that deviation, helping them to think through any problems and how they would prepare for that, said Lyon.

Lyon added that if there were to be a spike in cases from the schools, the Department of Education and the Department of Health would need to make that call.

As of now, the Department of Education and the Department of Health have set a plan if that were to happen.

You can watch the full news conference by watching the video below.

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Health officials discuss the spread of COVID-19 in long term health care centers and the possible spread of the virus within schools - YourErie

COVID-19 long-term toll signals billions in healthcare costs ahead – Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Late in March, Laura Gross, 72, was recovering from gall bladder surgery in her Fort Lee, New Jersey, home when she became sick again.

FILE PHOTO: Laura Gross looks out from her balcony in Fort Lee, New Jersey, U.S., July 31, 2020. Picture taken July 31, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Her throat, head and eyes hurt, her muscles and joints ached and she felt like she was in a fog. Her diagnosis was COVID-19. Four months later, these symptoms remain.

Gross sees a primary care doctor and specialists including a cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, and gastroenterologist.

Ive had a headache since April. Ive never stopped running a low-grade temperature, she said.

Studies of COVID-19 patients keep uncovering new complications associated with the disease.

With mounting evidence that some COVID-19 survivors face months, or possibly years, of debilitating complications, healthcare experts are beginning to study possible long-term costs.

Bruce Lee of the City University of New York (CUNY) Public School of Health estimated that if 20% of the U.S. population contracts the virus, the one-year post-hospitalization costs would be at least $50 billion, before factoring in longer-term care for lingering health problems. Without a vaccine, if 80% of the population became infected, that cost would balloon to $204 billion.

Some countries hit hard by the new coronavirus - including the United States, Britain and Italy - are considering whether these long-term effects can be considered a post-COVID syndrome, according to Reuters interviews with about a dozen doctors and health economists.

Some U.S. and Italian hospitals have created centers devoted to the care of these patients and are standardizing follow-up measures.

Britains Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are each leading national studies of COVID-19s long-term impacts. An international panel of doctors will suggest standards for mid- and long-term care of recovered patients to the World Health Organization (WHO) in August.

More than 17 million people have been infected by the new coronavirus worldwide, about a quarter of them in the United States.

Healthcare experts say it will be years before the costs for those who have recovered can be fully calculated, not unlike the slow recognition of HIV, or the health impacts to first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

They stem from COVID-19s toll on multiple organs, including heart, lung and kidney damage that will likely require costly care, such as regular scans and ultrasounds, as well as neurological deficits that are not yet fully understood.

A JAMA Cardiology study found that in one group of COVID-19 patients in Germany aged 45 to 53, more than 75% suffered from heart inflammation, raising the possibility of future heart failure.

A Kidney International study found that over a third of COVID-19 patients in a New York medical system developed acute kidney injury, and nearly 15% required dialysis.

Dr. Marco Rizzi in Bergamo, Italy, an early epicenter of the pandemic, said the Giovanni XXIII Hospital has seen close to 600 COVID-19 patients for follow-up. About 30% have lung issues, 10% have neurological problems, 10% have heart issues and about 9% have lingering motor skill problems. He co-chairs the WHO panel that will recommend long-term follow-up for patients.

On a global level, nobody knows how many will still need checks and treatment in three months, six months, a year, Rizzi said, adding that even those with mild COVID-19 may have consequences in the future.

Milans San Raffaele Hospital has seen more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients for follow-up. While major cardiology problems there were few, about 30% to 40% of patients have neurological problems and at least half suffer from respiratory conditions, according to Dr. Moreno Tresoldi.

Some of these long-term effects have only recently emerged, too soon for health economists to study medical claims and make accurate estimates of costs.

In Britain and Italy, those costs would be borne by their respective governments, which have committed to funding COVID-19 treatments but have offered few details on how much may be needed.

In the United States, more than half of the population is covered by private health insurers, an industry that is just beginning to estimate the cost of COVID-19.

CUNYs Lee estimated the average one-year cost of a U.S. COVID-19 patient after they have been discharged from the hospital at $4,000, largely due to the lingering issues from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which affects some 40% of patients, and sepsis.

The estimate spans patients who had been hospitalized with moderate illness to the most severe cases, but does not include other potential complications, such as heart and kidney damage.

Even those who do not require hospitalization have average one-year costs after their initial illness of $1,000, Lee estimated.

Extra costs from lingering effects of COVID-19 could mean higher health insurance premiums in the United States. Some health plans have already raised 2021 premiums on comprehensive coverage by up to 8% due to COVID-19, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Anne McKee, 61, a retired psychologist who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee and Atlanta, had multiple sclerosis and asthma when she became infected nearly five months ago. She is still struggling to catch her breath.

On good days, I can do a couple loads of laundry, but the last several days, its been hard just to get up and get a drink from the kitchen, she said.

She has spent more than $5,000 on appointments, tests and prescription drugs during that time. Her insurance has paid more than $15,000 including $240 for a telehealth appointment and $455 for a lung scan.

Many of the issues that arise from having a severe contraction of a disease could be 3, 5, 20 years down the road, said Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research with the Society of Actuaries.

To understand the costs, U.S. actuaries compare insurance records of coronavirus patients against people with a similar health profile but no COVID-19, and follow them for years.

The United Kingdom aims to track the health of 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients over the first 12 months after being discharged and potentially as long as 25 years. Scientists running the study see the potential for defining a long-term COVID-19 syndrome, as they found with Ebola survivors in Africa.

Many people, we believe will have scarring in the lungs and fatigue ... and perhaps vascular damage to the brain, perhaps, psychological distress as well, said Professor Calum Semple from the University of Liverpool.

Margaret OHara, 50, who works at a Birmingham hospital is one of many COVID-19 patients who will not be included in the study because she had mild symptoms and was not hospitalized. But recurring health issues, including extreme shortness of breath, has kept her out of work.

OHara worries patients like her are not going to be included in the countrys long-term cost planning.

Were going to need ... expensive follow-up for quite a long time, she said.

Reporting by Caroline Humer and Nick Brown in New York; Emilio Parodi in Milan and Alistair Smout in London; editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot

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Landmark Health Named a 2020 Best Place to Work in Healthcare – Business Wire

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Landmark Health and its affiliated medical groups (Landmark), an industry leader of in-home medical care, has been recognized as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare, by Modern Healthcare for the 4th consecutive year. The award identifies Landmark as an outstanding employer in the healthcare industry nationwide, empowering employees to provide patients with the best possible care. Landmark is among 150 winners for creating a flexible and responsive work environment among a pandemic, as seen on Modern Healthcares website.

We celebrate ranking on Modern Healthcares Best Places to Work list - the same way we earned it - as a team, shares Anna Gill, Landmarks Chief Human Resources Officer. Our employees, who gave us high marks on the survey, once again demonstrated their engagement and commitment to doing the hard, yet rewarding, work of serving our chronically ill patients. Our successful growth story continues, fueled by the efforts of all our employees.

Landmarks comprehensive in-home medical care and care coordination helps patients stay well in the comfort of their homes, while remaining connected to doctors, specialists and community resources.

Landmarks Chief Business Officer and Co-founder, Eric Van Horn notes, Landmark continues to experience significant growth. In part, this is due to the growing healthcare needs of our countrys aging population. Additionally, the current pandemic has highlighted the importance of new care delivery models needed to safely care for seniors. By the end of 2020, we expect to manage and serve over 130,000 lives in 16 states.

This recognition is all thanks to our front-line providers and those working behind the scenes in a business capacity who remain united in our passion to revolutionize care delivery for our valued patients, says Gill.

If you have an interest in joining our Landmark team, please apply to one of our exciting career opportunities.

About Landmark

Since 2014, Landmark Health and its affiliated medical groups (Landmark) have delivered comprehensive in-home medical care to older adults, 24/7 365 days a year. Specialized in complex chronic care, Landmarks physician-led multidisciplinary teams work with patients existing healthcare networks to bring medical, behavioral and palliative care, along with social services, to individuals where they reside. As one of the nation's largest value-based healthcare companies, more than 114,000 people across 15 states and 48 metropolitan communities can access Landmarks care. Most critically, Landmark is bending the cost curve in health care by reducing avoidable ER visits and hospital admissions, while extending lives of patients. http://www.landmarkhealth.org

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Landmark Health Named a 2020 Best Place to Work in Healthcare - Business Wire

The Coronavirus’ Impact on Veterans, Families, and America’s for-profit healthcare systems | The Crusader Newspaper Group – The Chicago Cusader

By Brett Copeland, Executive Director for Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute

As the world closes its borders to the United States due to the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, Americans are facing challenges from multiple directions in the fight against COVID-19.

In early July, it was reported that up to 10 million Americans have lost their employer-provided health insurance due to COVID-19 related job losses. It is estimated that 12 percent of veterans have lost their jobs more than one million in total. More than 48 million Americans live in a household where at least one person has lost their job during the global pandemic. The costs of caring for an extreme bout of COVID-19, as in the case of one miracle patient, can easily exceed $1 million.

These tremendous losses impact not only veterans, their families, and the health and well-being of millions of Americans, but also for-profit health care systems. Despite the incredible need for healthcare providers across the country, for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare providers continue to furlough employees as revenue plummets. So far, 29 hospitals have declared bankruptcy in the first half of 2020 more than the total number of hospitals that folded in the entire 2019 calendar year. The stress is also putting increased pressure on rural hospitals, which already face a national crisis with 128 disappearing from their communities over the last 10 years.

The healthcare crisis hits Americans with a double punch. Millions with Americans are losing their insurance and even if they have it, itll be more difficult to find care in their communities. For veterans, having access to their dedicated health care system the VAs Veterans Health Administration is critical.

Social isolation due to social distancing practices, job loss, and a tough financial situation at home can negatively impact a veterans mental and physical health. Because of the impact of COVID-19 on veterans and their families, the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute (VHPI) has issued a call for Congress and the Trump Administration to expand VA healthcare to both groups under the VAs fourth mission as Americas backup healthcare system in times of crisis.

In caring for veterans and during the execution of its fourth mission, the VA has helped communities cope with the pressure COVID-19 has put on non-VA facilities. In Phoenix, for example, early action helped contain an outbreak at the VA hospital, as well as allow its beds to remain open for critical COVID-19 patients. While for- profit and not-for-profit healthcare systems have furloughed employees, the VA healthcare system is rapidly hiring healthcare providers.

VHPI Senior Policy Analyst Suzanne Gordon said that veterans could lead the nation in coping with the global pandemic both in how their dedicated healthcare system has responded to COVID-19 and through taking preventive measures like wearing masks.

Veterans know real sacrifice and know what it means to sacrifice for the well-being of others, said Gordon. They know the meaning of Got your Six, a lesson that can help us all understand in our current situation.

Looking to Advertise? Contact the Crusader for more information.

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Pandemic Stresses National Need for Seamless Information Sharing Between Healthcare Providers, Black Book 2020 Interoperability Surveys – PRNewswire

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Five hundred and nine managers offrontlineproviders confirm the lack of general interoperability across the entire U.S. health care system has detracted from COVID-19 patient care, led to poor health outcomes and higher expenditures, and left population health data muddy and deficient.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in April it would delay the enforcement of its Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rules until 2021, allowing health organizations and practices a few more months to install an infrastructure that supports true interoperability to ensure the effective transmission and exchange of patient data.

Ninety percent of health system leaders surveyed confirmed that the delay removed any incentive for their organizations to prioritize true interoperability through the coming year, despite the benefits it would provide dealing with the pandemic.

"Portability of data in the middle of this pandemic is vital," said Doug Brown, President of the survey organization Black Book Research. "But resolving systemic data blocking and platforms interfering with the exchange of patient data are not on the industry's front burner."

"The enforcement of interoperability standards put forth by HHS, because of the COVID-19 crisis, has greatly slowed," said Brown. "But vendors have continued to introduce and roll out a wide variety of possibilities to support providers and health care systems in meeting the requirements."

Ninety-three percent of survey participants report that complete patient health pictures have not been reaching the downstream COVID-19 clinicians upon admission.

According to 79% of respondents, manual processes are failing to gather and submit COVID-19 information with public health agencies consistently.

In a separate Black Book survey of 2,517 health care consumers across all 50 states. 324 COVID-19-diagnosed patients reported they were treated in new care environments in 2020, yet not one consumer stated their full patient record was available to their COVID treatment provider electronically.

Twenty-two percent of surveyed health care consumers stated they had difficulty or were unable to access their normalproviders to obtain records electronically, via fax or in person in 2020.

Closed clinics and practices hampered ability to fax or retrieve records according to 11% of consumers polled.

"Interoperability will obviously affect and enable consumer behavior in the years ahead as a result of the lack of data sharing and troubles with data blocking during this pandemic," said Brown.

Ninety-three percent of consumers polled in July 2020 expressed their disappointment in the lack of data sharing during COVID 19 across separate vendor systems. 55% placed blame on their provider. 31% placed blame on the EHR their provider chose to utilize.

Sixty-seven percent of consumers revealed they will consider changing their physician and hospital providers in the coming year after learning how their health record was not shareable or available or was blocked in the past year.

"The greatest constraint of the health care industry is not the capabilities of technology to share data seamlessly, but rather the intricate and complex conundrum of data and system integration, big data, multiple information exchanges, and federal regulations," said Brown.

The market comprises a wide array of interoperability segments that cumulatively support information sharing including application programming interface integration,appintegration, data cleansing, data integration, EMPI, data analytics, and connectivity.

"Recognizing the electronic health records and revenue cycle management IT market places are highly fragmented, it will be critical for developers to identify best practices across disparate platforms to ensure the consistency of adoption to meet the expectations of health care consumers," said Brown. "The regulatory drive to command greater interoperability is also advancing new opportunities in health care technology including privacy and data security."

About Black Book

Black Book Market Research LLC, its founder, management and staff do not own or hold any financial interest in any of the coding solutions vendors covered and encompassed in the surveys it conducts. Black Book reports the results of the collected satisfaction and client experience rankings in publication and to media before firm notification of rating results and does not solicit survey participation fees, review fees, inclusion or briefing charges, or involve consultant firm collaboration with Black Book before the announcement of the polling outcomes.

Black Book rankings are based on client experience scores obtained from the 660,000crowdsourcedballots cast and available through mobileapps, web surveys, remote polling instruments, interview calls, and on-site trade shows and user groups throughout the year. They represent the opinions of health care professionals and clinicians from more than 4,600 hospitals, 600IDNs, 2,800 clinics, 23,000 physician practices, 250 health plans, and nearly 505,000 health care industry consumers, and account for 6,000 products and services from more than 1,700 vendors.

For Black Book vendor satisfaction rating methodology, auditing, resources, comprehensive research, and ranking data, seewww.blackbookmarketresearch.comor contact [emailprotected].

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What Will Healthcare in Retirement Cost You? Try $295000. – Independent Tribune

But also, that $295,000 doesn't account for all of your costs. While it includes Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles, it does not include most dental services and long-term care. As such, your total tab could actually be much higher, and that's something you'll need to prepare for.

If the idea of having to spend $295,000 -- or more -- on healthcare in retirement is throwing you for a serious loop, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, boost your retirement savings. If you're 50 or older, you can contribute up to $26,000 a year to a 401(k), or up to $7,000 a year to an IRA. Save another $200 a month for the next 15 years on top of your current savings rate, and you'll add $60,000 to your retirement plan balance, assume you invest your 401(k) or IRA at an average annual 7% return, which is just below the stock market's average.

Another option is to fund a health savings account, or HSA. Not everyone is eligible for one of these accounts, but if you're enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan -- defined in 2020 as a deductible of $1,400 or more for self-only coverage, or $2,800 or more for family coverage -- then you may have the option to contribute.

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What Will Healthcare in Retirement Cost You? Try $295000. - Independent Tribune

Kindred Healthcare and Dignity Health to open new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Arizona – Healthcare Finance News

Kindred Healthcare and Dignity Health have announced plans to build the companies' second inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

The hospital will be located in Gilbert, Arizona, and will focus on acute rehabilitation for patients who suffer from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, multiple trauma, amputation and other injuries or disorders.

The building itself will be 50,000 square-feet, two stories high and have all private rooms, with a 40-bed patient capacity. It will offer therapeutic technologies such as augmented reality balance training, therapy bionics and a full-body exoskeleton.

Amenities will include multifunctional therapy gymnasiums and a therapeutic courtyard with exterior amenities, such as a golf chipping range and pickleball.

Kindred and Dignity expect the hospital to open by the end of 2021.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

This is the second inpatient rehabilitation hospital that Kindred and Dignity have opened in the Phoenix area. The first, Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Chandler, Arizona, began serving patients in 2016.

The two companies decided to build this second hospital to address increasing demand for the services they were providing.

THE LARGER TREND

Kindred believes that inpatient rehabilitation facilities could be used to drive cost savings in a value-based payment model, according to a report.

If the inpatient rehabilitation facility is able to efficiently lower mortality rates, shorten inpatient stays, lower readmission rates, create fewer emergency room visitsand create better patient outcomes, it will see better outcomes and realize savings.

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided another method of creating cost savings for IRFs. In a proposed rule from April, these facilities will get a payment increase of 2.9% for 2021 because of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

CMS also recently waived the 60% rule that requires each IRF to discharge at least 60% of its patients with one of 13 qualifying conditions, and allowed for telehealth visits in response to the pandemic.

ON THE RECORD

"We are excited to grow our relationship with Dignity Health one of the nation's leading health care providers to offer the Phoenix community increased access to high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services," said Russ Bailey, the COO of Kindred Rehabilitation Hospitals. "As with Dignity Health East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, this new hospital will be dedicated to passionately advocating for and providing hope, healing and recovery to patients in its care."

"We are delighted to partner with Kindred to provide services that help patients function as independently as possible while safely returning to the activities they love," said Linda Hunt, the Dignity Health Arizona division president. "Dignity Health continues to address the growing health care needs of our East Valley and the Gilbert community."

Twitter:@HackettMalloryEmail the writer:mhackett@himss.org

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Kindred Healthcare and Dignity Health to open new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Arizona - Healthcare Finance News

Health care in WA prisons leaves inmates waiting months or years for help – Crosscut

A question of necessity

The departments priorities often diverge from those of the women and men in its care. Common, debilitating ailments go unaddressed because treatment, by the prisons standards, is not medically necessary.

One inmate with a hernia that caused him daily pain could not get surgery because treating his injury was not necessary in the departments calculus. In a court declaration, he recounted crying as he tried to push the hernia back in during a visit with his wife; he worried the visit would be cut short if he called for help. Another described medical staff denying surgery to remove objects embedded in his temple even though he struggled to eat, sleep or walk, while a man who struggled to breathe after his nose was badly broken said the department refused to pay for a specialist to examine him.

In a deposition filed with U.S. District Court, a physician treating one prisoner with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, recounted asking to conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The doctors request was denied and, as he feared, the mans colon ruptured through his abdominal wall and nearly killed him.

This is not how you treat human beings, said Allen, who led the failed class action lawsuit in which those stories were collected.

A lot of this stuff has life or death implications, he continued. If you're not taking it seriously, if you're treating folks as other, that's going to result in unnecessary and preventable death.

If not death, then pain.

Incarcerated since 2007, Michael Sublett has served nearly all his time in grinding pain. A decades-old motorcycle injury that flared not long after he arrived at Washington Corrections Center in Shelton has left him unable to walk. A marathon 8 hour back surgery performed in 2016 left him worse off than ever, Sublett said. Spacers placed between his vertebrae attached to two, 10-inch metal rods near his spine began to painfully fail almost immediately.

I lay in bed and screamed for more than three hours before anyone came to my aid, said Sublett, describing the night seven months after surgery that the screws failed.

Its been a nightmare of pain and anguish, he continued in a 14-page handwritten letter detailing his treatment.

Sublett said he spent years begging prison medical providers to allow him to have his back examined. When the scans were ultimately conducted, Sublett said by letter, doctors at Providence St. Marys Medical Center in Walla Walla found that his spine had collapsed, and that four of 10 screws had failed.

Currently receiving bone strengthening treatment at UW Medical Center, Sublett said he expects to undergo three surgeries to correct the failed attempt to fix his back. The 61-year-old credited Dr. Sara Kariko, the departments chief medical officer, with personally intervening in his case to get him the corrective surgery he has needed for nearly four years.

In a recent interview, Kariko said there is always room for improvement within the departments medical system. But, she argued, many prison care providers see themselves as advocates for underserved and vulnerable populations and pursue the work passionately.

Sublett relies on a wheelchair, a device that prison staff can take away from him at any time. He may never walk again, he said, and faces the prospect of becoming quadriplegic in prison.

I am incarcerated to pay for crimes against society, said Sublett, who was sentenced to life without parole under Washingtons three strikes law after being convicted of murdering aThurston County man. I was not sentenced to be physically and mentally punished for over a decade with debilitating pain.

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Health care in WA prisons leaves inmates waiting months or years for help - Crosscut

How Times of Crisis Spur Needed Change in Healthcare Delivery – HIT Consultant

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change healthcare operations in the world, foundational systems are being adapted to meet these new demands. Sometimes it takes extreme circumstances to see the cracks in a system. COVID-19 has exposed areas with more room for improvement in the healthcare system, such as optimizing operational efficiency. Organizations and individuals have changed their interactions, processes, ways of working, treatment plans, and even foundational technology. As the United States is beginning to reopen, many questions arise namely, are these changes temporary fixes during the pandemic, or are they here to stay?

Physicians have been inundated during this time of crisis, and their ongoing main priorities amplified: saving as many lives as possible and providing the best patient care. Recent estimates from the beginning of July say, worldwide there have been more than 10.7 million COVID-19 cases and at least 516,000 deaths from the disease, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU). JHU also revealed that in the United States, there have been 128,000 deaths out of a total of over 2.6 million cases. To say this has been a time of great stress and pressure for physicians who are on the frontlines is an understatement.

This pandemic has increased providers already heavy workload, amplifying where physicians need support. Patients need to remain the top priority, even in the first generations of the digital age where the list of backend administrative tasks and paperwork can feel endless, thus reducing the number of patients physicians can see each day. Finding a way to streamline administrative tasks with advanced technology can bring physicians back to why they went to medical school in the first place: to help patients.

One example of an important, and time-sensitive task is communicating with payers around treatment plans and reimbursement. Using technology to streamline this process to get the patient the optimal treatment and maximize use of their insurance coverage is essential, especially in this time of crisis where there is an increased number of patients in need and a depressed economy. Whether processing prior authorizations or checking eligibility, hospitals and health systems need technology to keep operations efficient, including smooth payer-provider communication to ease physicians workload, help to ensure providers will be reimbursed for care, and optimize business operations, ultimately providing an improved patient experience.

Three foundational ways in which payer-provider information exchange technology provides immense value to healthcare organizations are:

Creating Administrative Efficiency: To help physicians stay focused on patients, administrative efficiency is key. Solutions can come in many shapes and sizes technology can help to automate workflows and avoid care delays. Modernizing the prior authorization workflow can shorten average time to care, reduce the risk of treatment abandonment, and improve the quality of care. With changing legislation, updated laws encourage the use of technology to increase efficiency while keeping data secure in near real-time exchanges.

Streamlining Exchange of Information: Interoperability and the technology standards needed to achieve it is an ongoing discussion in healthcare. Technologies that provide efficient, secure, and near real-time and even automated exchange of information are in high demand and will bring about the next era of healthcare. For example, technology has the power to align providers and payers efficiently and consistently, create an open exchange of information, centralize information, provide rapid and organized data transfer, ensure appropriate reimbursement by treatment plan, show pre-authorized treatment plans for the most successful and affordable care and aid health plans adaptability in health crises, like COVID-19.

Increasing Value-Based Care: Optimizing the quality and cost of patient care is a leading principle of healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed areas of healthcare where improvements in patient experience and provider reimbursement desperately need to be accelerated. Using technology with built-in normative databases of accepted treatment paths allows for evidence-based treatment decisions, which in conjunction with efficient payer-provider communication to ensure reimbursement, allows for optimal patient outcomes creating value for all stakeholders.

Adopting technology to provide administrative efficiency, streamline information exchange and increase the value of all aspects of care will continue to be a fundamental pillar of healthcare; the pandemic has ignited a critical need for even faster change. COVID-19 has brought with it increased stress and uncertainty across the healthcare industry, amplifying the burden on physicians and their staff. Organizations have moved quickly to adopt technologies, such as those that provide a more efficient way to organize and analyze massive amounts of treatment plan decision inputs and aid communication between stakeholders, in order to better support physicians, and ultimately patients.

Tools and technology that automate processes, streamline communications and provide dynamic solutions have proven their value and are now need to have rather than nice to have for providers. These technologies are foundational to the healthcare system, providing the base from which all stakeholders operate. The pandemic has helped to realize the true value of efficiency technologies, galvanizing the adoption of these tools. Ultimately, more operational efficiency can bring the focus of care back to the patient.

About Christina Perkins

Christina Perkins is VP of Product Management and Strategy for NaviNet at NantHealth.She joined NaviNet in 2003 and has spent the last 17 years expanding the companys products and services. Prior to joining NaviNet Christina spent seven years designing and building web-based solutions for Partners Healthcare and other hospitals in the Northeast U.S. and Ontario, Canada. Christina on LinkedIn.

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How Times of Crisis Spur Needed Change in Healthcare Delivery - HIT Consultant

NAC Architecture merges with Ohio-based health care, analytics, design firm – The Spokesman-Review

NAC Architecture has merged with an Ohio-based health care analytics, planning and design firm, the company announced Monday.

Under the merger with Trinity: Planning, Design, Architecture, existing NAC Architecture offices in Spokane, Seattle and Los Angeles will operate under NAC. Trinitys Columbus office and NACs health care studio will become Trinity: NAC, according to a news release.

Trinitys leadership team will join NACs executive team and board of directors, according to the release.

The merger allows both firms to expand design work in the health care and higher education sectors.

This merger is not about getting bigger, Dana Harbaugh, NAC president and CEO, said in a statement. Trinity and NAC share a common cultural commitment to personal service, quality, and design innovation. Trinitys strength in analytics complements our focus on research.

Financial details of the merger were not disclosed.

NAC and Trinity have a decadelong relationship and previously partnered on the Kootenai Health medical office expansion in Coeur dAlene.

The combined firm employs more than 230 people.

NAC, founded in 1960, has designed numerous projects in the Spokane area, some of which include Joel E. Ferris and Shadle Park high schools as well as the Riverfront Park Looff Carrousel facility and Pavilion. The firm also renovated the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox and redeveloped a former Macys building into The M building in downtown Spokane.

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NAC Architecture merges with Ohio-based health care, analytics, design firm - The Spokesman-Review

Health care provider severs ties with Mississippi prisons after Jay Z and Yo Gotti lawsuit – CBS News

A health care provider has terminated its multimillion-dollar relationship with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The provider, Centurion, faces aclass-action lawsuit, and allegations of negligence along with the department itself.

The announcement comes after Team ROC, the philanthropic arm of Jay Z's company, Roc Nation, and rapper Yo Gotti teamed up to hire lawyers for 227 Mississippi inmates over conditions in the prison.

Centurion, part of the Centene Corporation, said in a July 7 letter to the department, obtained byCBS affiliate WJTV, that it was terminating its relationship, effective October 5, 2020.

"As we previously shared, we do not believe we can further improve the effectiveness of our level of care without additional investment from the Department in correctional staffing and infrastructure along the lines of what we have already recommended," wrote Steven H. Wheeler, CEO of Centurion.

Marcy Croft, the lead attorney for Team ROC, said she hopes Centurion's decision to end the relationship "sends a clear message to Governor Tate Reeves it's time to invest in the health and well-being of the people in your prisons."

"There is no excuse for the 53 deaths across the Mississippi prison system over the past several months, many of which were preventable," Croft said in a statement. "We will not stop until the incarcerated receive consistent and competent medical care, especially now with the COVID-19 crisis. This must be a priority."

Violence, understaffing and a deteriorating infrastructure have plagued Mississippi's prison system. Over 50 people have died in state facilities since December 29, a figure that includes suicides, homicides and cases that were classified as "natural deaths." The suit claims the plaintiffs' lives are in peril while inside.

A doctor hired by lawyers suing Mississippi said the conditions at the state penitentiary are the worst he's seen at any jail. Dr. Marc Stern, who specializes in correctional health care and has evaluated dozens of similar facilities across the country, said he witnessed exposed electrical wiring inside Parchman one of the state's prisons some of it near standing water.

"The conditions under which residents exist in Parchman are sub-human and deplorable in a civilized society," Stern said.

The attorneys also claim there was a lack of COVID-19 testing protocol or medical attention for the inmates, as well as a lack of social distancing protocols and personal protection equipment.

According to Centene'swebsite, the company "provides correctional healthcare and staffing services to government agencies" in 17 states. "By combining sound financial discipline with the delivery of appropriate care, Centurion is gaining recognition among states as a top correctional healthcare provider," reads the website.

Justin Carissimo contributed to this report.

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Health care provider severs ties with Mississippi prisons after Jay Z and Yo Gotti lawsuit - CBS News

Lynn Hundley named American Heart Association Volunteer of the Year – Norton Healthcare

The American Heart Association (AHA) has named Lynn Hundley, director of clinical effectiveness and stroke care at Norton Neuroscience Institute, as its 2020 Volunteer of the Year.

Lynn hopes to be able to accept the award in person in Texas this October.

Lynn began volunteering for the heart association over a decade ago and cant even guess the number of hours shes contributed.

Its not something I do for recognition; I do it for the sole passion I have to help, she said.

Lynn volunteers in part by speaking at boot camps for stroke coordinators each year. The camps provide training for new coordinators and advance the skills of veteran coordinators. These coordinators help to provide patient and community education on symptoms and treatment of strokes.

Held in person in pre-pandemic times, theyve moved to webinars to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19. The webinars are live on the AHAs site and are open for registration and available for continuing medical education credit.

I believe that no matter where you are you should receive the best care possible, Lynn said, adding that the boot camps/webinars are a step in that direction.

AHA has had a dramatic impact on her work at Norton Neuroscience Institute, giving her access to a growing network of providers who can offer best practices advice and consultations on a range of issues.

Lynn founded a stroke survivors dinner, which invites stroke patients to celebrate with those who helped them. For the annual event, Lynn and her staff sometimes can find the emergency medical technician who helped save a patient.

It is my favorite night of the entire year by far. I simply cannot get enough! Lynn said.

While the coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation of this years dinner, shes looking forward to the next one that can be held.

Congratulations to Lynn for all of her hard-work, dedication and efforts she has put into volunteering for the AHA. Norton Healthcare is beyond thankful for employees like her!

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Lynn Hundley named American Heart Association Volunteer of the Year - Norton Healthcare

Hospitals, health care facilities cry foul at exclusion from proposed COVID liability bill – The Nevada Independent

The planned introduction of a wide-ranging bill granting certain businesses enhanced immunity from COVID-19 related death or illness lawsuits has drawn the ire of officials from hospitals and other health care facilities, who say it unfairly opens them up to the threat of lawsuits.

Although a bill has not yet been formally introduced in the special session, a draft copy of its language obtained by The Nevada Independent indicates that the enhanced liability protections envisioned in the bill would be granted to casino resorts, government agencies, nonprofits and other kinds of business while explicitly carving out health care facilities. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate on Monday.

That exemption which includes hospitals, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, hospice care, skilled nursing facilities and emergency medical care centers has drawn a sharp rebuke from the Nevada Hospital Association and other health care providers, who say it would prohibit them from transferring patients between facilities or prohibit visitors from coming to visit patients.

Nevada hospitals are the backbone of Nevada communities in the response to COVID-19 pandemic and should have the same protections as any other business as it relates to patient visitors, students, vendors and other guests, Nevada Hospital Association spokeswoman Amy Shogren said in an email. While we have only seen draft language at this point, we believe that by excluding certain health care providers, hospital capacity and ultimately access will be negatively impacted.

A spokeswoman for Dignity Health, which runs three acute-care hospitals in Southern Nevada, said the liability protection scheme created in the bill would also work for hospitals and deter those who will seek to exploit the pandemic for financial gain.

Hospitals are already held to the highest standards, following the stringent guidelines of the CDC, and if those rules are followed, there is no reason hospitals and their staff should be excluded from this protection, Dignity lobbyist Katie Ryan said in a message. Hospitals and our health care professionals have delivered when our state needed us most and we need the Legislature and governors office to do the same now.

As the Legislatures special session stretches into its fourth day and all other proposals outlined in Gov. Steve Sisolaks proclamation have been drafted and are moving through the legislative process, the last remaining puzzle piece for lawmakers remains the business liability and worker protection legislation.

The bill and behind-the-scenes negotiations have drawn in some of the states most powerful players: business groups including the Nevada Resort Association and various chambers of commerce, who have pushed for the bill; opposition from trial lawyers and progressive groups; and a push by the politically powerful Culinary Union to enshrine protections for resort casino employees into law.

But trial attorneys have largely played down the threat of a rush to the courthouse to file COVID-19 related litigation, saying that in many cases it would be difficult to prove where a person contracted the virus.

Matthew Sharp, a board member of trial attorney trade association Nevada Justice Association, said in an interview that the concerns listed by hospitals and other health care facilities were a veiled threat. He said that medical malpractice suits already require a higher burden of proof than whats in the under-consideration liability protection bill, and that concerns over liability generally didnt make sense as hospitals should be equipped to follow all necessary safety precautions.

Hospitals already have massive protections under the law that no other business gets, he said. So, if we believe in public safety, then hospitals should be willing to be held accountable as it exists under existing law. And this idea that they won't do that unless they're given immunity is, frankly, outrageous.

Data tracked by the law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth shows that more than 3,900 lawsuits related to COVID-19 have been filed nationwide since the start of the year, but relatively few deal with personal injury or other employment law issues.

Per that tracker, nationwide there have been 74 lawsuits related to conditions of employment, such as lack of PPE, COVID-19 exposure at work or wrongful death.

Sharp also said that he believed the bill would include tighter language on whats called controlling health standards, which initially referred to businesses making a good faith effort to comply with state, federal and local health directives related to COVID-19.

Instead, he said the bill is expected to now only include mandatory health requirements issued by the state or federal government, which at this point only includes mask-wearing requirements and a prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people.

If you're in the middle of a snowstorm, and you're driving 75 miles an hour, you're not violating any mandatory requirements, but you should not be driving 75 because you should be reasonably prudent to protect yourself and others from harm, he said. That's the problem with limiting it to mandatory.

But many businesses have said that litigation protection enshrined in law will help them get back to operations without the threat of pending litigation. Its a push that Senate Republicans in Congress have requested as part of another bailout deal, and, according to the National Law Review at least 12 other states have begun enacting similar liability shields related to the virus.

Other advocates of the bill have also publicly supported removing exclusion of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Mary Beth Sewald, the head of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, said in a tweet on Sunday that she cant imagine the unintended consequences of excluding hospitals and healthcare facilities from limited liability protection.

The Vegas Chamber echoed her remarks in another tweet, writing on Sunday that without expanded liability for medical facilities, patient transfers from hospitals to lower levels of care, such as rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long term care & home care services, may not be possible.

On Sunday afternoon, the Clark County Education Association said in a press release that lawmakers should adopt legislation creating a rebuttable presumption that teachers who contract COVID-19 while working in-person at a school or place of employment shall be eligible for workers compensation.

The teachers union also requested that additional remedies in tort must be made available for school district employees who contract COVID-19 at a school site where the school did not implement reasonable safety and testing standards to prevent spread of the disease.

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Hospitals, health care facilities cry foul at exclusion from proposed COVID liability bill - The Nevada Independent

Overnight Health Care: Trump criticizes Birx over Pelosi, COVID-19 remarks: ‘Pathetic’ | Democratic leaders report ‘some progress’ in talks with White…

Welcome to Monday's Overnight Health Care.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpWhite House sued over lack of sign language interpreters at coronavirus briefings Wife blames Trump, lack of masks for husband's coronavirus death in obit: 'May Karma find you all' Trump authorizes reduced funding for National Guard coronavirus response through 2020 MORE attacked coronavirus task force coordinator Deborah Birx, and continued to hype hydroxychloroquine. Governors don't want the National Guard to leave the pandemic front lines, and the WHO is warning there won't be a miracle cure for coronavirus

We'll start with Trump drama:

Trump criticizes Birx over Pelosi, COVID-19 remarks: 'Pathetic'

President Trump on Monday publicly criticized Deborah Birx, the doctor who is coordinating the White Houses coronavirus response, suggesting she hurthim when she bluntly acknowledged that the pandemic is widespread across the United States.

Trump suggested Birx's warning was in response to criticismfrom Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiHillicon Valley: Trump backs potential Microsoft, TikTok deal, sets September deadline | House Republicans request classified TikTok briefing | Facebook labels manipulated Pelosi video Trump says he's considering executive action to suspend evictions, payroll tax Trump won't say if he disagrees with Birx that virus is widespread MORE (D-Calif.), who questioned Birxs credibility in responding to the pandemic. He appeared to call Birxs response to Pelosis criticism pathetic.

So Crazy Nancy Pelosi said horrible things about Dr. Deborah Birx, going after her because she was too positive on the very good job we are doing on combatting the China Virus, including Vaccines & Therapeutics, Trump tweeted. In order to counter Nancy, Deborah took the bait & hit us. Pathetic!

Why it matters: The tweet marks the latest instance of Trump undercutting one of his administrations top health officials in the middle of a pandemic, but it is the first time he has publicly criticized Birx. The tweet was even more jarring given White House officials had just spent the weekend praising Birx and defending her in the wake of Pelosis sniping.

Context: Pelosi said she doesnt have confidence in Birx because she is Trumps appointee. Birx said Sunday on CNN COVID-19 is extraordinarily widespread than it was in March and April. While Trump tried to tie Birx comments on the pandemic to Pelosis criticism, she has sounded the alarm on increases in cases across the country over the past several weeks.

Read more here.

Trump still hyping hydroxychloroquine

Trump continued to hype hydroxychloroquine to reporters on Monday, despite scientific evidence to the contrary and many of his administration's top health officials advising the public to move on because the drug does not work against COVID-19.

Hydroxy has tremendous support, but politically its toxic because I supported it, Trump told reporters at the White House. If I would have said, Do not use hydroxychloroquine under any circumstances, they would have come out and they would have said, Its a great, its a great thing.

When Trump was asked about the differing opinions of leading health experts, including Anthony FauciAnthony FauciWhite House sued over lack of sign language interpreters at coronavirus briefings Fauci warns of 'really bad situation' if daily coronavirus cases don't drop to 10K by September Overnight Health Care: Trump criticizes Birx over Pelosi, COVID-19 remarks: 'Pathetic' | Democratic leaders report 'some progress' in talks with White House | WHO chief: There may never be 'silver bullet' for coronavirus MORE, the nations top infectious-disease official, Trump doubled down.

I dont agree with Fauci on everything, Trump said

It's not just Fauci: White House coronavirus testing czar Adm. Brett Giroir said on "Meet the Press" Sunday that he can't recommend hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, and said the public should "move on."

At this point in time, there's been five randomized-controlled, placebo-controlled trials that do not show any benefit to hydroxychloroquine, so at this point in time, we don't recommend that as a treatment, Giroir said.

Lessons: Trump almost hit upon an important lesson for politicians: let the scientists be scientists. When politicians wade into science and medicine, it muddies the whole process. Hydroxychloroquine would likely not have become such a political controversy if Trump had not been so fixated on it.

Related: Experts fear political pressure on COVID-19 vaccine

Democratic leaders report 'some progress' in talks with White House

Lawmakers are still struggling to come to an agreement on a coronavirus relief package, even after the enhanced unemployment benefits expired at the end of last week.

Democratic leaders announced slow progress with White House negotiators Monday after meeting for nearly two hours in SpeakerNancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) office on Capitol Hill.

At this rate, no deal is expected before the end of the week, even after millions of unemployed Americans saw the $600-a-week federal boost to state unemployment benefits expire last week.

Pelosi told reporters Monday that negotiators are still trying to map out possible common ground, while Senate Democratic LeaderCharles SchumerChuck SchumerMeadows: 'I'm not optimistic there will be a solution in the very near term' on coronavirus package Biden calls on Trump, Congress to enact an emergency housing program Senators press Postal Service over complaints of slow delivery MORE(D-N.Y.) said he thinks an agreement is still possible.

The Democratic relief proposal would increase the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs maximum benefit by 15 percent. It would also provide a new 12-month moratorium on evictions for renters who do not pay.

The proposal from the White House and Senate GOP does not include an increase in food stamp benefits or an eviction moratorium, but it does provide $105 billion to help colleges and schools resume classes in the fall. More money in the proposal would go to schools that resume in-person classes.

Read more here.

Governors call for Trump to extend funding for National Guard coronavirus response

The National Governors Association (NGA) on Monday called on President Trump to extend federal funding for National Guard forces being used to respond to the coronavirus, warning that they need certainty on the issue.

The federal funding and benefits for the National Guard members helping states across the country operate testing sites, distribute food and medical supplies, and other tasks, is set to expire on Aug. 21.

Governors are warning that they have to start transitioning the forces to state control and funding well ahead of that deadline, though, disrupting planning for the coronavirus response.

While we appreciate the Administrations support over the past few months, short-term extensions and last-minute authorizations are adversely impacting and disrupting state plans and operations, the NGA, which represents governors in both parties, said in a press release on Monday.

The NGA called on Trump to extend the federal funding and benefits, known as Title 32 authority, without delay.

Read more here.

WHO chief: There may never be 'silver bullet' for coronavirus

The leader of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned Monday there may never be a "silver bullet" for defeating COVID-19.

"A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media briefing. "However, theres no silver bullet at the moment and there might never be."

He urged countries to continue testing, isolating and treating COVID-19 patients and tracing and quarantining their contacts as a means of stopping the pandemic.

Individuals should keep physical distance when in public, wear masks and regularly wash their hands, he added.

Why it matters: There are six potential COVID-19 vaccines in phase three trials the final phase that will determine whether a vaccine is safe and effective. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, told Congress last week he is cautiously optimistic a vaccine will be approved by the end of the year given the favorability of existing data.

Read more here.

What were reading:How the pandemic defeated America (The Atlantic)

A coronavirus vaccine wont change the world right away (The Washington Post)

The biggest monster is spreading. And its not coronavirus. (The New York Times)

Fauci unfazed as scientists rely on unproven methods to create COVID vaccines (Kaiser Health News)

State by state:

Some people are COVID-19 test shopping for a negative result (Sun Sentinel)

On the first day of school, an Indiana student tests positive for coronavirus (The New York Times)

Thousands of Texans are getting rapid-result COVID tests. The state isnt counting them. (Houston Chronicle)

Op-eds in The Hill

Congress must act to preserve independent primary care practices

Generating legal cohesion across US responses to COVID-19

Trump's junk medicine puts his own supporters at deadly risk

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Overnight Health Care: Trump criticizes Birx over Pelosi, COVID-19 remarks: 'Pathetic' | Democratic leaders report 'some progress' in talks with White...

Rep. Haley Stevens comes under attack on health care. We fact-checked the claim. – Detroit Free Press

Medicare for All is one of the most hotly debated topics in the 2020 election. But what is it? And how will it work? We explain. USA TODAY

This is onein a series of fact checks the Detroit Free Press is doing on public issues in conjunction with PolitiFact, a nonprofit national news organization. Suggest a fact-check here.

Republican Eric Esshaki, a former nurse, is vying to unseat incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills, in Michigan's 11th Congressional District, which she flipped from red to blue in 2018. In an ad, Esshaki attacks Stevens on health care, promising to stop her plan for socialized medicine.

Shed eliminate 100,000 doctors and nurses, the ad says.

Birmingham attorney Eric Esshaki is running in the Aug. 4, 2020 Republican primary to face U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills, in November's general election.(Photo: Taylor Hooper, Esshaki for Congress)

The evidence Esshaki's campaign cites comes from a report funded by a group lobbying against Medicare for All that makes problematic assumptions to support its analysis.

While some progressive Democrats are pushing for a single-payer system to replace private insurance, others are calling for a public option, a government-sponsored program that would be available alongside private plans through the Affordable Care Acts exchanges.

Stevens has publicly been on both sides of this divide, but her latest position is in favor of the public option.

At the time Esshakis campaign produced the ad, Stevens had already moved away from Medicare for All, campaigning instead on a public option. Although her stance on Medicare for All has shifted over time, she told PolitiFact Michigan she does not support Medicare for All.

Medicare for All would create a single, national health insurance plan supported by payroll taxes that would cover every American, mostly eliminating private health insurance.

Under public option proposals, by contrast, Americans would have the choice of a government health plan in addition to private insurance options.

Some critics argue this would inevitably lead to a single-payer national system if private insurers arent able to compete with the governments prices and quality.

But advocates of a public option have differing ideas of the role it would play in the health care system. Those who support a modest version envision the public plan as a kind of last resort for those who cannot find affordable private insurance, while others see it as a transitional step toward Medicare for All.

More: Michigan's August primary election is critical. Here's how to cast an informed vote.

More: FACT CHECK: Ad claiming congressional candidate supports forced vaccinations is false

Esshaki bases his claim that Stevens health care plan would eliminate 100,000 doctors and nurses on a report published this year by FTI Consulting, a global consulting firm with offices around the world, that projects a loss of nearly 45,000 physicians and 1.2 million nurses by 2050 under Medicare for All.

The report was funded by Partnership for Americas Health Care Future (PAHCF), a group of medical professionals, hospitals, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies lobbying against Medicare for All and public option proposals.

The report notes that countries where physicians are paid more have more physicians. The FTI analysis then assumes that Medicare payment rates would remain constant under Medicare for All, and looks at how a decline in incomes would affect the supply of physicians in the U.S.

But the relationship between physician salaries and physician supply is an association and not necessarily causal, warns Joelle Abramowitz, a University of Michigan economist. Meanwhile, the calculation assumes that all other components of Medicare as it is currently implemented for seniors will remain the same under Medicare for All, which is likely not the case, Abramowitz said.

Esshakis campaign shared another report with PolitiFact Michigan that found that a public option would eliminate the jobs of 420,000 health care employees. This report was also funded by PAHCF and assumes that a public option would reimburse health care providers at current Medicare rates. It does not specify how many doctors and nurses are included in this figure.

Robert Pollin, an economist at the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst,told Kaiser Health News that Medicare for All would entail significant job losses. Every proponent of Medicare for All including myself has to recognize that the biggest source of cost-saving is layoffs, he said.

But experts predict most of the job losses under Medicare for All would be in the health insurance industry, such as insurance brokers, medical billing workers and other administrative roles. Some argue that Medicare for All, by decreasing the number of uninsured Americans, would increase demand for health care providers, including doctors, physician assistants and nurses.

During her 2018 campaign, Stevens advocated for Medicare for All. In a June 2018 tweet she wrote, Medicare for all. NOW. That same month, during a candidate forum, the former Obama administration official said, We absolutely need to propose legislation to provide Medicare for All.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills(Photo: Submitted, Haley Stevens)

This did not remain her position for long. A month before she won her seat, BuzzFeed reported Stevens supports a voluntary public option instead of Medicare for All. In a debate days before she was elected, Stevens said, I think that Medicare for All is a place where we can grow and go into, but for right now we need to focus on the cost of prescription drugs.

A Medium article written by a member of Michigan for Single Payer in early 2019 notedStevens has said in private that she supports a Medicare for All bill but has not done so publicly. Stevens has not co-sponsored Medicare for All bills introduced in the current Congress.

Back on the campaign trail, Stevens has said she supports a public option instead of Medicare for All. We need to work together to fix the Affordable Care Act (ACA), not dismantle it, her website reads.

When asked to clarify her stance on Medicare for All, Stevens told PolitiFact Michigan: I do not support Medicare for All. I believe we can expand and improve on the Affordable Care Act to achieve the goal I have spent my life fighting for: the right for every American to have health care.

Esshaki claims that 100,000 nurses and doctors would disappear under Stevens plan for socialized medicine.

The studies Esshakis campaign shared make problematic assumptions and were from a group lobbying against Medicare for All.

While Stevens has supported Medicare for All in the past, her current position is for a public option, and she told PolitiFact Michigan that she does not support Medicare for All.

The ad comes up short in offering a fair characterization of Stevens views and a credible assessment of the impact of her health care policies.

We rate its claims Mostly False.

The Free Press asked candidates up and down the ballot for their positions on a host of issues. Enter your address to see what the candidates on your Aug. 4 ballot had to say. Because the districts that these candidates run in can be very specific, you will only see an accurate ballot if you enter your full address. Your information, address and e-mail address if you enter one, will not be shared.

Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. Contact Clara at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743 for comments or to suggest a fact-check.

Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/08/03/esshaki-stevens-medicare-all-fact-check/5548467002/

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Rep. Haley Stevens comes under attack on health care. We fact-checked the claim. - Detroit Free Press

Wareham Healthcare sent termination notice by MassHealth – Wareham Week

Wareham Healthcare, the nursing home at 50 Indian Neck Road, was identified today by MassHealth as having failed to meet the standards and requirements set by the state during the pandemic and a historic record of poor performance.

The facility has been sent a termination notice, which is the first step in eliminating it from the MassHealth program -- which could lead to the facilitys closure. MassHealth is the name for Medicaid and the Childrens Health and Insurance Program in Massachusetts.

As of June 29, the facility had between one and ten coronavirus cases and zero deaths.

The facility, which was listed as being chronically low-occupancy and low quality by the Nursing Facility Task Force in January 2020, was only 59 percent occupied as of April 1, 2019. And 81 percent of the occupants were there through MassHealth.

In 2017 and 2019, the facility was ranked at one star out of a possible five by Medicare, which bases its ratings on health inspections, staffing, and quality of resident care measures.

MassHealth stated that Wareham Healthcare has demonstrated poor adherence to the most basic infection control practices, including a failure to properly use personal protective equipment and properly group patients who had tested positive for coronavirus. MassHealth also cited inadequate staffing ratios.

MassHealth said that the facility had poor coronavirus testing and reporting, inadequate staffing, and that it communicated poorly with the state and refused infection control assistance from the state.

Wareham Healthcare, along with the other facilities named -- Town and Country in Lowell and Hermitage Healthcare in Worcester -- will have the opportunity to dispute MassHealths findings.

MassHealth members and families can contact MassHealth with any questions by calling 800-841-2900, then pressing option 3 and then option 2.

MassHealth will help members wishing to transfer out of the facility during and after the termination process. Wareham Healthcare may also face an admissions freeze or other enforcement actions.

Officials at Wareham Healthcare, or its parent company Next Step Healthcare, could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Wareham Healthcare sent termination notice by MassHealth - Wareham Week