Financial assistance policies: The good, the bad, and the bizarre
A recent study of hospital financial assistance policies shows how some policies became more generous after Covid-19, some became more restrictive, and some just got weird... More
When nonprofit hospitals start acting like for-profits
Through our work with the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, we’ve seen how socially responsible hospitals can be. These top hospitals prioritize equity, while maintaining excellent patient outcomes and avoiding overuse. But not all hospitals have performed well on social responsibility. In fact, the New York Times recently highlighted two nonprofit hospital systems that have gone against their social mission and put profits over patients fair share spending was featured in these articles. Here’s a breakdown of what the Times uncovered. More
The downward spiral of medical debt
Medical debt has become a crisis in the United States, with half of US adults reporting medical debt over the past five years. A new study shows the risk factors for medical debt in America and the impact of debt on families. More
Private Equity and Healthcare, Part 1: Rural Hospitals
It's no secret that rural hospitals are struggling financially. Would private equity help turn the tides, or would it jeopardize quality patient care? More
Does Medicare Advantage have the advantage when it comes to low-value care?
Do alternative payment plans like Medicare Advantage actually lead to less low-value care? A recent study in JAMA Health Forum has some encouraging results. More
How hospitals are taking action (or not) to address the climate crisis
The American healthcare industry accounts for an estimated 8% of all carbon emissions in the nation. How can we encourage hospitals to take action on the climate crisis? More
Why are hospitals opposing Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?
Why would the local hospital association oppose expanding health insurance access for more North Carolinians? More
Indigenous American and Alaska Natives lost 6 years life expectancy during pandemic
Indigenous American and Alaska Native life expectancy dropped by six and a half years during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Other Americans faced around a two year decrease in life expectancy. Why was this section of the population hit so hard, and how can we take steps to fortify their health moving forward? More
Climate Equity is Health Equity
Water contamination, emissions, and plastic pollution all pose immense public health risk. What can hospitals do right now to help? More
A win for Medicare patients and their wallets
The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices and cap insulin costs...but only for Medicare enrollees. More
Hospitals serving more Black patients are at a financial disadvantage, study finds
The most inclusive hospitals for Black Medicare patients get nearly $500 less in patients revenue per day than other hospitals, making it more difficult for these hospitals to improve quality and putting them at risk of closure. More
Why are first time C-sections on the rise?
Concern about rising rates of cesarean deliveries has been renewed after the CDC released their latest data. More
Do value-based models feed into medicine’s gender pay gap?
A new study from the Annals of Internal Medicine found that different compensation models can open and close the gender pay gap. How does this happen and what does it say about our healthcare system? More
Rural hospitals are in dire need of help. Will a new government plan help?
Rural hospitals have been struggling financially for years, with many forced to close down. Will a new CMS plan help them keep their doors open? More
Hospitals were making progress on antibiotic stewardship…then COVID-19 arrived
Deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections were decreasing, until COVID-19 happened. How does this reflect our pill-for-every-ill culture? More
The C-Suite Swindle: How are so many healthcare workers struggling?
Between staffing shortages, long hours, and low-pay, essential hospital employees are struggling. How did it get this way? More
Should Medicare cover blood tests for cancer screening?
Congress is considering having Medicare fund blood screening tests, also known as liquid biopsies. Could this lead to cascade events and medical overuse? More
Implications for racial inequities in maternal health if Roe v Wade is lost
A Supreme Court draft decision was leaked recently that indicates that Roe v. Wade is to be overturned sometime this month. It is well established that racial inequities plague maternal health, killing Black women at three times the rate of white women. How is the impending reversal of Roe v. Wade going to impact maternal health across the nation? More
Surprise billing — another potential risk of overuse
After getting spinal fusion surgery, Lisa French was charged $300,000 after the hospital had quoted her $1,300 for the surgery. When she was unable to pay, the nonprofit hospital sued. As the spinal fusion industry booms, this case shows another risk of unnecessary surgeries -- getting overcharged and potentially sued by hospitals. More
The Cerebral scandal brings ADHD overprescription into the spotlight
A telehealth company's downfall sheds light on the overprescription of stimulants to ADHD patients More