Reducing ED Visits

In a study of 18 urban hospitals, 3.1 percent of Emergency Department (ED) users account for 16.5 percent of visits. Spectrum Health’s EDs at their two largest hospitals located in Grand Rapids Michigan treat about 1,000 patients visiting the ED at least ten times a year. Very often these patients are coming for non-urgent needs that the ED is unable to address. (more…)

Spectral MD Awarded Contract

Spectral MD Inc. located in Dallas recently received a contract for $2.4 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS. The funding is to be used to further develop Spectral MD’s DeepView imaging system to aid patients burned in disasters. (more…)

Coordinating Care for Duals

In October, CMS and the State of South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) announced plans to test a new pilot to provide care for individuals who are both Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. The intent is to provide a better model of care for dual eligibles that is more coordinated and person-centered. (more…)

Using Telehealth to Help Veterans

A clinical trial to study ways to provide comprehensive diabetes care for veterans with persistent poorly-controlled diabetes is being initiated by the Veterans Administration at the Durham VAMC. The clinical trial will look at how to effectively advance comprehensive diabetes care for these veterans by using existing home telehealth services. (more…)