Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Telehealth Could Help Indian Tribal Members Living In Remote Locations
The Indian Health Service is looking to expand telehealth care across the Great Plains in the wake of federal inspections that uncovered serious quality-of care deficiencies at some of its facilities. The IHS on Thursday issued a request for proposals from providers to offer remote care at its seven hospitals and other facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Patients would receive emergency medical services and could set appointments with specialists in behavioral health, cardiology and other areas. (Lammers, 5/5)
In a battle between a major Jacksonville hospital and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday grappled with questions about how much information the hospital should be required to disclose about its charges for care. (Saunders, 5/5)
An inpatient psychiatric unit in the Monadnock region will close because of staffing issues.The move at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene takes effect July 1. Hospital officials say a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists has limited their ability to treat patients - while the unit is licensed to treat 12 adult and six adolescent patients, staffing issues have meant they've only had an average of three to four adults a day. (Carlson, 5/5)
Doernbecher Children's Hospital is experiencing a surprising and perplexing increase in patient infections caused by central lines that are inserted to deliver drugs, fluids or nutrients. (Terry, 5/5)
In an effort to expand services and reduce unnecessary hospital visits, Tampa Family Health Centers opened its first facility connected to a hospital. The facility is located at Florida Hospital Tampa on Fletcher Avenue but is operated and managed by Tampa Family Health Centers. (Miller, 5/5)
