Janice Simmons, Senior Editor

Americans like to think that our healthcare quality is second to none. But how does the United States compare with other countries—particularly with our neighbor to the north: Canada? A new review of the evidence on quality differences between the U.S. and Canada finds that each country performs better in different quality-related studies. But overall, the bulk of the research gives the edge to Canada. [Read More]

October 1, 2009

Editor's Picks

Joint Commission's 2010 Patient Safety Goals Reduce Requirements
The Joint Commission's new 2010 National Patient Safety Goals for hospitals contain 11 requirements—down from 20 in 2009. Several phase-in goals during 2009 that address prevention of multiple drug resistant organisms, central line associated bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections are now expected to be fully implemented, and facilities will have to comply with them as of January 1, 2010. [Read More]

Many EDs Not Caring for Patients Fast Enough
Emergency departments are not caring for patients as quickly as recommended, according to a new study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. The study found that only 30% of EDs got the majority of their patients seen by a physician within recommended time frames, and only 13.8% of EDs achieved the triage target for the majority of patients who needed to see a doctor within one hour. [Read More]

Hospitals Fined for Forgotten Surgical Devices, Wrong Surgeries, Burnt Patient
California health officials recently issued 11 monetary fines to hospitals where staff made harmful and avoidable mistakes. The latest report of hospital mistakes includes $25,000 fines per facility for placing patients in immediate jeopardy, or actually causing them serious injury or death. In at least three of the 11 hospitals, the incidents led to the patient's death. [Read More]

Modified Baucus Bill Adds Value, Quality to Physician Payment Equation
Value over volume would come into play under a new Medicare physician payment system modification inserted into the Senate Finance Committee's healthcare reform bill. Under the proposed physician payment change, backed by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), physicians or physician groups could receive bonus payments based on the relative quality of care they achieve while treating patients under the Medicare program. [Read More]

This Week's Headlines

---

Hospitals Growing Nervous About National Respirator Shortage
Cheryl Clark, for HealthLeaders Media - October 1, 2009

Study looks at deaths after surgery
New York Times - October 1, 2009

In delivering care, more is not always better, experts say
Washington Post - September 29, 2009

Healthcare comparisons help show best practices, prices
USA Today - September 29, 2009

Webcasts/Audio Conferences

---

Service Lines Strategies Workshop 2009: Stroke Care (November 17)

RAC Strategy: Preserve Margin, Prevent Take-backs, Promote Alignment (November 11)

Flexible Medical Staff Models of the Future (October 29)

Marketing to Physicians: Build Relationships to Increase Referrals (October 22)