Here are seven updates:
MFC revenue up 4.2%, totals $76.7M in Q2
Medical Facilities Corp.'s revenue from continuing operations increased 4.2 percent, hitting $76.7 million, during the second quarter of 2016. MFC's income from continuing operations reached $13.8 million, a 13.9 percent decease from $16 million during the second quarter last year. The loss was due to a change in payer mix and higher expenses from case type's lower income and margins.
Maryland hospital shuts down NICU after deadly bacteria discovered
Cheverly, Md.-based Prince George's County Hospital Center shut down its neonatal intensive care unit after three patients tested positive for the Pseudomonas bacteria. Testing was prompted after the recent deaths of two patients, but those deaths have not been officially linked to the presence of the water-borne bacteria. The hospital transferred nine NICU patients to nearby hospitals.
State insurance regulators voice opposition to proposed regulation on short-term health plans
Louisiana, Oklahoma and Nebraska insurance regulators formally submitted objections to a proposed federal regulation that would impact short-term health insurance, just in time for the comment period's close on Aug. 9. The proposed regulation would cut short-term health insurance coverage to less than three months. The Department of Insurance in Pennsylvania represented the proposed rule's sole supporter.
10% boost in hand hygiene compliance reduced HAIs by 6%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers conducted a study which found increasing a facility's hand hygiene compliance rate lowered the number of healthcare-associated infections. Researchers noted a 10 percent improvement in hand hygiene compliance lowered HAIs by 6 percent.
Judge to decide on $37B Aetna-Humana deal in January
U.S. District Judge John Bates set a Dec. 5 start date for a trial over the pending Aetna-Humana merger and he will make a decision on the merger in mid-January. If Aetna does not close on its Humana purchase by Dec. 31. 2016, the payer could face a $1 billion break-up fee.
The physician shortage may yield better pay, perks for physicians
A Health eCareers survey found 41 percent of providers said their compensation spiked last year, with 46 percent reporting it stayed the same. The survey found 61 percent of employers used other incentives and motivators to bring in and keep providers, with 25 percent of employers offering more flexible work hours and 16 percent offering more vacation and paid time-off.
HCSC, Florida Blue now cover Exact Sciences' Cologuard
The Health Care Service Corporation and Florida Blue updated their policies to cover Exact Sciences' Cologuard. With the new expanded coverage, 80 million people now have access to Cologuard through their insurance provider.
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