Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

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Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Lacey Jackson
/
August 29, 2019
Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

MIN
/
August 29, 2019
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Episode Highlights
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As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Blog

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

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As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Panelists
No items found.
Infographic

Healthcare News Roundup: Q3 2019

Check out the top healthcare news stories from the third quarter of 2019, including how NYC Health and Hospitals drastically reduced patient wait times.
Download InfographicDownload Infographic

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Collecting payments with online forms is easy, but first, you have to choose the right payment gateway. Browse the providers in our gateway credit card processing comparison chart to find the best option for your business. Then sign up for Formstack Forms, customize your payment forms, and start collecting profits in minutes.

Online Payment Gateway Comparison Chart

NOTE: These amounts reflect the monthly subscription for the payment provider. Formstack does not charge a fee to integrate with any of our payment partners.

FEATURES
Authorize.Net
Bambora
Chargify
First Data
PayPal
PayPal Pro
PayPal Payflow
Stripe
WePay
Monthly Fees
$25
$25
$149+
Contact First Data
$0
$25
$0-$25
$0
$0
Transaction Fees
$2.9% + 30¢
$2.9% + 30¢
N/A
Contact First Data
$2.9% + 30¢
$2.9% + 30¢
10¢
$2.9% + 30¢
$2.9% + 30¢
Countries
5
8
Based on payment gateway
50+
203
3
4
25
USA
Currencies
11
2
23
140
25
23
25
135+
1
Card Types
6
13
Based on payment gateway
5
9
9
5
6
4
Limits
None
None
Based on payment gateway
None
$10,000
None
None
None
None
Form Payments
Recurring Billing
Mobile Payments
PSD2 Compliant

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

As we wrap up summer 2019, it's time to take a look at the biggest healthcare news stories, educational resources, and policy updates that surfaced in the last three months. Here’s the healthcare news you need to know from Q3 2019 from updated FCC policies to a new webinar series from HIMSS. 

NEWS UPDATES

NYC Health + Hospitals Reduce Patient Wait Times with Online Scheduling

In Q3, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced the amazing progress they saw after implementing open access to scheduling. With these changes, they were able to cut patient wait times from 52 days to 14.

 We covered this news update on the blog! Check it out to learn more about how Formstack can help your organization reduce patient wait with online scheduling.

Trump Administration Denies Utah Waiver

In August 2019, the Trump Administration denied Utah’s request for federal Medicaid waivers to enact S.B. 96. Utah planned to obtain waivers to acquire federal funds for 90% of the costs instead of the current 70%.

CVS and Aetna Launch a Social Determinants Provider Network

CVS Health and Aetna Health are collaborating on a “social care coordination platform” called Unite Us. This platform will work to address social determinants of health in patients. The organization has already invested $40 million in affordable housing as a part of the program. 

HHS Urges Broad Reform for Indian Health Service Hospitals

Two recent reports from the Office of the Inspector General (OSG) uncovered major problems with processes in place at some Indian Health Services (IHS) hospitals. One study found that 20% of IHS hospitals were not in compliance with procedures for opioid prescribing and dispensing.

POLICY UPDATES

Changes to FCC Rural Health Care Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making changes to its Rural Health Care Program. These updates will ideally work to boost telehealth expansion across rural parts of the US. In their communication released August 1, 2019, they described the changes as a way to, “ensure limited program funds are disbursed efficiently and equitably, promote transparency and predictability in the program’s administration, and strengthen safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Senate Unveils Prescription Drug Pricing Bill 

At the end of July, the Senate unveiled a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for seniors. This bill has been a long time coming and would potentially save the federal government billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The bill additionally include other provisions such as obligatory pharmacy benefit managers to disclose discount negotiations and increasing required HHS reporting around pricing changes for drug manufacturers.

WEBINARS 

Cyber-Threats in Healthcare: Understanding and Protecting Against the Risks

As a part of The Learning Center provided by HIMSS, several on-demand webinars were rolled out this quarter. This webinar hosted by Proofpoint outlines the types of cyber-attacks you should be aware of, shows how cyber criminals adapt and modernize to deceive diligent employees, and provides a guide for keeping your organization’s data safe.

HIMSS Interoperability Showcase - HIMSS 20

It’s never too early to start getting ready for HIMSS! HIMSS 2020 will be in Orlando in March, and they’re helping attendees prepare with a series of webinars on interoperability. This webinar is kicking off the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase and showing how you can get involved with the program. 

Related: Learn more about achieving healthcare interoperability.

Want to stay up to date on all our healthcare news coverage? Follow Formstack on Twitter for the latest healthcare news updates or sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Lacey Jackson
As a Product Marketing Manager at Formstack, Lacey is dedicated to creating content that showcases the power of the Formstack Platform. When she’s not creating Formstack Builders tutorials, she can be found reading, playing board games, or strolling with her dog. Lacey is a graduate of Franklin College.
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