Radiology Study: Iodine Allergy is a Myth
In short, an allergy to iodine does not and cannot exist. We conclude that the reactions patients have had to seafood, shellfish, povidone-iodine, and iodine-based contrast agents used for imaging tests are real but are likely caused by other non-iodine component proteins or molecules.
The Opioid Crisis Continues: Have You Bolstered Your Health System’s Drug Diversion Defenses Yet?
Healthcare organizations, whose staff are continuing to feel the stress of COVID-19, will need to double down on diversion prevention strategies in the coming months to avoid serious legal, financial, and clinical consequences, from massive monetary fines to the spread of healthcare-acquired infections such as hepatitis C.
Healthcare Leaders Reveal Their Most Common EHR Roadblocks—and How to Overcome Them
A recent survey of leading healthcare CIOs reveals four of the most critical barriers that prevent organizations from getting the most out of their EHR investments—and action steps that can better facilitate value.
The Democratization of Ultrasound
But while the “democratization of ultrasound” via POCUS technology is good news for healthcare providers, the technology has the potential to increase risks for patients if used incorrectly. Misuse of these handheld devices can lead to incorrect diagnoses, delays in care, or even death. The expanded use of POCUS technology must be supported by equally broad adoption of usage standards, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive proper training and certification.
The Impact of Rapid Digital Transformation: Protecting Healthcare Data
Ransomware in particular has become a relentless challenge for healthcare. Sixty-seven percent of healthcare delivery organizations have been targeted by ransomware during the pandemic, and a third of those organizations have been attacked more than once. Ransomware is finding favorite pathways into healthcare organizations, as well: It’s estimated that 90% of phishing emails—which are growing cleverer and more effective—contain ransomware.
Mass. Joins States Offering Digital Access to Vaccination Records
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced on Monday that residents are now able to use a QR code to access the My Vax Records tool on the COVID-19 SMART Health Card platform, offering a digital repository for vaccination status. They can enter their name, birth date and e-mail address or phone number to create the account, which offers the same data as a paper record.
Supreme Court Hears Emergency Arguments on CMS, OSHA Vaccine Requirements
Supreme Court justices hearing emergency arguments about an injunction stopping enforcement of a CMS interim final rule requiring hospital and other healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 seemed to lean toward the side of CMS on Friday.
AMA President Blasts New CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Isolation
CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation for those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or people who test positive for COVID-19 has changed several times since the beginning of the pandemic. Under certain circumstances, the new guidance reduces the amount of time that people must quarantine or isolate themselves from 10 days to five days.
Study Finds Racial and Ethnic In-Hospital Mortality Disparities During Pandemic
The recent study, which was published by JAMA Health Forum, is based on an analysis of fee-for-service Medicare inpatient data for more than 31 million beneficiaries and more than 14 million hospitalizations from January 2019 through February 2021.
Integrative Services Such As Nutrition Counseling Boost Cancer Patient Survival, Study Finds
Oncologists rely mainly on conventional medicine such as chemotherapy to treat their patients. Integrative oncology combines complementary and lifestyle therapies such as meditation with conventional medicine.