Teetering on the edge
Congress has passed parts of the fiscal cliff deal, drawing the nation away from the increased tax ledge. Congress also approved a 12-month physician payment fix that prevents physicians’ Medicare payments from decreasing by almost 27%. But in doing so, the current Medicaid disproportionate share hospital reductions, along with other reductions, have been extended for a year.
Funding approved for healthcare research
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute awarded $40.7 million in funding to 25 patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects across the United States. The projects focus on improving care for patients, improving patient-clinician communication, and improving the way healthcare systems operate.
ED wait times decreased after ambulance diversion ban
In 2009, Massachusetts became the first state to ban ambulance diversion. A main concern before implementation was that the ban would increase emergency department wait times and delay ambulance turnarounds. After 3 years and across nine Boston-area hospitals that implemented the ban, the opposite has been proven true.
More money, more care?
The association between spending more money and the quality of care healthcare organizations provide is unclear. This study’s aim was to determine if greater care comes at a greater cost.
Earn CE credit by reading this peer-reviewed, continuing education article from
Nursing Management and taking the test.
Don’t cross the line: Respecting professional boundaries
Angela F. Hanna, ASN, RN, and Patricia Dunphy Suplee, PhD, RNC-OB