Sudden illness or injury can occur without warning, and while no one typically plans a trip to the ER, everyone should know what to expect after they arrive. Step 1 – Rapid Medical Evaluation When you arrive at the ER on your own and not in an ambulance, you will first go through a triage … Read more
Quality healthcare is a top priority for the President, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To ensure accountability and transparency, CMS has implemented quality initiatives that focus on improving healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries through various measures. In this article, we will explore what quality … Read more
The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program plays a crucial role in monitoring and validating data on reportable HAIs from Washington hospitals. Recently, Washington State updated its Hospital reporting requirements for healthcare-associated infections, expanding the list of reportable HAIs to five. This article will explore the reporting requirements, outbreak investigations, and the role of … Read more
Long Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) play a crucial role in providing specialized care to patients with complex medical conditions. These facilities cater to patients who require an extended period of hospital-level care due to conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury, prolonged mechanical ventilation, paralysis, significant wound care, and organ failure. To qualify for Medicare payment … Read more
Those without insurance in 2022 have several options if they need to see a healthcare provider. Since the beginning of the pandemic, medical providers have started to see patients in their offices again, though telehealth appointments are also available. Without health insurance, an in-person appointment with a medical provider typically costs between $150 to $450, … Read more
Seeing a new doctor for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Building a healthy relationship with your physician is crucial for your overall well-being. So, to make the most of your first encounter, here are some essential tips to help you prepare. Gather Your Medical Records Before your appointment, it’s essential to … Read more
The debate over healthcare payments in the United States has been ongoing for years, and it has become even more critical in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As millions of Americans are expected to require hospitalization due to the virus, the U.S. healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges. In response, Congress has passed the Coronavirus … Read more
Introduction In today’s competitive healthcare industry, the provision of quality health services is essential for healthcare providers to gain a competitive advantage. Advances in technology, changes in expectations, and increased involvement of individuals in their healthcare have highlighted the need for improved quality and adequacy of healthcare services. One crucial aspect of assessing the quality … Read more
Cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, with both physicians and nurses playing crucial roles in patient care. One key aspect of patient assessment is the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) scale, which helps predict clinical outcomes and guide treatment decisions. However, there has been a debate about whether physician or nurse ratings of … Read more
Maternal health services play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of women during pregnancy and childbirth. These services encompass a range of preventive and curative measures that aim to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates. However, the quality of maternal care can vary greatly depending on the location and resources available. In a comparative … Read more