News

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) released its long-awaited star quality ratings. These ratings are intended to combine a wide variety of quality measures into a single, consumer-friendly score.... Read More >>

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 25 released updated guidance for health care providers caring for pregnant women with possible exposure to Zika virus. Specifically, the guidance extends to 14 days the timeframe for testing the blood of pregnant women for Zika particles. Previous guidance had set the timeframe at one week; however, new evidence has found that Zika virus can be present in the blood for longer after symptoms begin.... Read More >>

Some of you might have found that there are guests running around your hospital playing Pokémon Go. The American Hospital Association is working with Nintendo on this. In the meantime, there is a way to request that your facility be removed (although the process is apparently a little burdensome).... Read More >>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) July 15 reported the first case of female-to-male sexual transmission of Zika virus, in which a New York woman apparently transmitted the virus to a male sexual partner after returning from an area with active Zika transmission.... Read More >>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Utah health officials are investigating a case of Zika virus in a family contact who cared for an individual who died in late June from unknown causes. The decedent had been infected with Zika after traveling to an area with the virus and had a uniquely high amount of Zika virus in the blood. ... Read More >>

In support of raising awareness of the specific mental health challenges facing minority populations, Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner InSight shared several bulletins that they have produced on this topic.... Read More >>

elehealth interventions produce positive outcomes when used for remote monitoring, communication and counseling for patients with chronic conditions and for psychiatric services provided as part of behavioral health, according to a new report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.... Read More >>

A new analysis commissioned by the American Hospital Association (AHA) examines the fundamental design flaws of star ratings, and whether it is an accurate tool to compare hospital performance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings system was designed to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare facilities.... Read More >>

SHA and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) announced July 6 the launch of a joint task force to develop solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic, with an eye toward ways physicians and hospitals can play a more active role in tackling this issue. The task force will focus on driving appropriate prescribing and other best practices to help reduce prescription opioid addiction and overdose, also advancing key legislative proposals and policy initiatives.... Read More >>

The UW Psychiatry and Addictions Case Consultation series (UW PACC) is a new program designed to expand the mental health and addictions care capacity of health care professionals in remote, underserved areas of Washington. The program offers telehealth resource support to build the confidence and skills of providers who care for patients with mental, addictions, and behavioral health conditions.... Read More >>