Access Management
RSSArticles
-
Underpayment Is Major Concern for EDs with New Surprise Billing Law
This landmark consumer protection took effect Jan. 1, but litigation from advocacy groups is pending as insurers are jockeying with providers for reimbursement rate advantages.
-
Pandemic Emergency Funds Spiked Healthcare Spending
Data show eye-popping healthcare expenditure growth for 2020, driven by federal paycheck protection, provider assistance, vaccine development, and virus testing.
-
Researchers: Emergency Providers Missing Chances to Avert Future Opioid Disasters
Investigators express concern about prescribing rates for medication-assisted treatment after ED visits for opioid overdoses recorded between late 2019 and early 2021.
-
HHS Highlights No Surprises Act Benefits as Implementation Date Looms, Concerns Linger
Biden administration touts consumer protections, but lawmakers and advocacy groups remain concerned about interim final rule language.
-
IRBs Often Reluctant to Approve Inclusion of Pregnant Participants in Research
Some IRB members cite uncertainty on whether inclusion of pregnant participants could affect the study’s scientific validity. Others acknowledge they rely on the common, default practice of excluding pregnant individuals without requiring justification. Guidance is needed for characterizing the risk level of research procedures in the context of pregnancy.
-
Many Ethics Consults Involve ‘Unbefriended’ Patients
Most unrepresented patients are living with marginal housing and psychiatric comorbidity in addition to cognitive decline and medical illness. It is helpful to engage in dialogue among inpatient clinicians and outpatient providers, case managers, and social workers. Working together, these groups can facilitate a transition from inpatient care to the community and provide input on options for housing.
-
IRBs Scrutinizing Remote Consent, Screening, and Participation in Study Protocols
It is critical to remember face-to-face contact remains the best way to conduct the process of informed consent. Remote processes should not be used as an alternative if face-to-face contact is safe and practical.
-
Time Spent in ED Hallways Raises Risk of Developing Delirium
Researchers analyzed 25,162 patients, including 1,920 who met delirium criteria. Patients with delirium spent a greater percentage of time in the ED hallway than other patients and stayed in the ED longer. Patients developed delirium in the ED more often than patients on the inpatient units. Out of the 1,920 patients who developed delirium, 1,488 did so while in the ED.
-
Cost to Treat U.S. Patients with Rare Diseases Likely Underestimated
NIH, FDA, other groups form consortium to speed gene therapy development.
-
Providers and Patients Alike Grapple with Spiking Prices
Patients are shelling out more money in insurance premiums as they seek ever-costlier, complex treatment more often, which providers are struggling to afford to offer.