Here are seven updates:
39 physicians push 'Medicare for all' plan
A working group comprised of 39 physicians published a "Medicare for all" proposal in American Journal of Public Health. So far, more than 2,200 other physicians and medical students signed the proposal, which would entail the government entirely funding the single payer system.
AmSurg net revenues reach $724.7M
AmSurg net revenues reached $724.7 million during the first quarter of 2016, a 27 percent increase from $570.4 million for the same quarter of 2015.
Midmark closes Versus Technology acquisition
Midmark closed on the Versus Technology acquisition today after announcing the intent in April. The merger was unanimously approved and recommended to the Versus Board of Directors.
Humana considers leaving ACA marketplaces
Humana recently gave notice it may leave some Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2017. In an email, a Humana spokesperson wrote, "We do not take these changes lightly. We are striving to avoid unnecessary coverage disruption whenever possible." The payer did not delve into detailed changes for 2017.
The Joint Commission allows providers to text patient care orders
The Joint Commission is now permitting physicians to text patient care orders if the text meets specific criteria. To comply with the set regulations, healthcare organizations will need to specify how providers will date, time, confirm and authenticate texted patient care orders.
CMS grants deeming status to Institute for Medical Quality for ASC accreditation
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted the Institute for Medical Quality deeming status as a national accrediting organization for ambulatory surgery centers participating in Medicare or Medicaid.
Physician charged with stealing $177k worth of medical equipment from NorthShore
A physician charged with stealing $177,022 worth of medical equipment from Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem turned himself into police last week. The physician is accused of stealing an ultrasound machine, two ultrasound probes, a video printer, a video storage device, infusion and compression pumps, an automated external defibrillator, a suction machine and a bladder scanner.
More healthcare news:
Medical errors rank as 3rd leading cause of death — 5 insights into reporting issues
UnitedHealthcare now posts Healthgrades star ratings for each physician: 7 key notes
7 things for ASC leaders to know for Thursday — May 5, 2016