-
A recent study of flu aerosols may lead to a new way of thinking about disease transmission. A patient's cough spews tiny particles that remain viable and can penetrate to the lower regions of the lungs, according to a report from West Virginia University in Morgantown.
-
Ten years ago this month, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued its revised Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. As the agency now considers making changes to that rule, it has amassed largely favorable reviews from health care providers, professional organizations, and safety experts alike.
-
The H1N1 influenza pandemic may prompt lasting changes in the personal protective equipment for health care workers and the rules that govern them.
-
The water that splashes onto the floor in the kitchen, gets tracked into the lobby on a rainy day, and spills near the nurses' station is more than just a nuisance. It's a hazard that could lead to costly injuries.
-
Risk managers are collecting data and using metrics in many ways lately, and patient safety should be a primary focus, says David G. Danielson, JD, CPA, senior vice president of clinical risk management at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD.
-
One-third of providers say their organization has had at least one known case of medical identity theft, and some of those cases might not have been reported, according to a recent survey by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
-
These were some key results from the recent survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS):
-
A pregnant woman experienced bleeding and cramps early on in her pregnancy. She visited her doctor, who confirmed that the woman was three weeks pregnant and diagnosed her with a probable spontaneous abortion. Prior to receiving an ultrasound to confirm the abortion, the woman experienced pain and presented to a local hospital. A pelvic ultrasound was ordered, and the reading radiologist noted "ectopic pregnancy is not ruled out. Please correlate clinically."
-
With providers facing potentially costly RAC audits and crackdowns on violations of everything from HIPAA and Stark to EMTALA, the idea of an insurance policy that will cover your fines and other costs can be quite appealing. But experts tell Healthcare Risk Management that you must be skeptical and consider all the fine print before paying that premium.
-
Regulatory insurance is becoming more popular with health care providers, says Chip Goen, vice president of sales with MAG Mutual Insurance Agency (MMIA) an insurance company in Atlanta. The company writes about 10 regulatory policies a month, up significantly over the past few years.
