We have all heard the staggering statistics of the current workforce issues happening across the healthcare industry, and one of the biggest segments facing staffing issues is nursing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031 when nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of nurses needed in the U.S.
While there are many factors around why we have a nursing shortage currently, one of the areas that is often overlooked are the issues facing nurses who just graduated college and are transitioning into practice.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the divide between the demands of nursing programs and requirements of working in health systems has only grown. We are increasingly seeing an alarming number of young nurses leaving the profession shortly after receiving their degree partially because they are not receiving the hands-on experiences needed to prep them for this transition. Even if they are interacting with patients, they often aren’t forced to navigate the care of multiple patients at once like they would in a real-world care setting.
Because of this gap, technology can be a critical tool in helping the next generation of nurses get ready for their day-to-day professional lives. Specifically, virtual reality (VR) is giving us the ability to put multiple, diverse patient cases and hospital situations directly into the hands of nursing students – giving them experiences they have not had access to previously before they reach the bedside.
VR transports nurses to the hospital floor
COVID-19 forever changed the healthcare industry in countless ways and many of the opportunities that were available to students preparing for a career in healthcare, such as in-depth clinical rotations and managing a caseload of multiple patients, before the pandemic are now limited. One of the most important and formative times of a nursing student’s education is their clinical experiences – when the students go into the healthcare setting to see and react to patients alongside experienced nurses.
Good physical and mental health provides a foundation for a good quality of life. In particular, an “even keel” enables a person to weather life’s obstacles and move forward. Sometimes, however, men, women, and even children may need help for mental health challenges that cause concern and disruption.
Today, mental health services provider aptihealth offers all-acuity virtual therapy to all New York State residents. The company’s easy-access platform, combined with fast patient therapy integration, makes aptihealth an increasingly popular choice.
Better Mental Health Services Access is Needed
Throughout the United States, demand for mental health services continues to grow. Today, approximately 50 million United States adults cope with mental health challenges.
Until recently, however, fewer than half of them received treatment. Even worse, nearly three-quarters of US residents think unequal services access is the norm. Almost half of Americans think their care options are limited.
Perceived Barriers to Mental Health Care
Three perceived barriers to mental health care have fostered these beliefs. These perceptions exist across geographic and demographic categories.
Minimal Services Awareness
Some individuals have expressed interest in mental health services but lack the knowledge to search for solutions. To find information, younger individuals are more likely to turn to low-credibility social media platforms.
Social Stigma About Services
Almost one-third of the US population has been worried about being judged for seeking mental health services.
Long Waits and Long Drives
Approximately 96 million Americans have had to wait several weeks (recent data suggests over 6 weeks) for mental health services. Almost half of US residents have driven, or know someone who has driven, over an hour roundtrip to receive services.
People in rural areas, and with lower incomes, are least likely to have easily accessible mental health services. These individuals are more likely to visit their primary care provider (who isn’t qualified to provide this type of care) for services.
Canada’s overwhelmingly troubled healthcare system continues to dominate conversations among many, particularly those residing in the province of Ontario. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to tackle these issues, actionable steps can be implemented to enhance healthcare quality for all.
What has led our healthcare system to deteriorate to this extent? We’ve all seen the headlines, the collateral damage from the COVID-19 pandemic has been severe.
One of the most significant ongoing challenges continues to be the excessive waiting periods endured in Emergency Rooms. Once again, Canadian ER’s face another summer of record-setting wait times and closures.[1] In addition to the array of other commonly discussed substantial concerns—including the extensive waitlist for specialists, physician burnout, critical shortages in nursing staff and other health professionals. We’ve reached an unprecedented low.
It’s time to restructure the healthcare system. We must initiate tangible and immediate actions at all tiers of the healthcare framework to bring about substantial improvements.
Necessary adjustments must be implemented to safeguard emergency healthcare services for all Canadians, along with our healthcare providers who consistently bear the weight of the demand for critical care. Frontline workers received widespread recognition across government bodies throughout the pandemic and its aftermath for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Why are they left to continue carrying the brunt of this ongoing crisis?
One of the pillars of healthcare that remains in a massive backlog as a result of the pandemic is diagnostic imaging.[2] Fortunately, some government bodies have begun to take important steps to improve Ontario’s healthcare system. Ontario, being the most populated province in all of Canada, is home to almost half of all Canadians at 40%.[3] Earlier this year, Bill 60, Your Health Act, was passed through the Ontario Legislature. This crucial bill will allow Independent Health Facilities to expand the scope of their imaging license to MRI and CT, which is a significant move towards addressing the backlog and improving timely access to diagnostic imaging services.
Whether it be MRI, CT, X-Ray Mammography or Ultrasound, these services are indispensable as they play a large role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of serious conditions. While the accessibility of diagnostic imaging remains only one of the many ongoing issues in Canada’s current healthcare system, there is no doubt that expanding access is imperative to preserving and prolonging the health of Canadians.
We must continue to find innovative ways to broaden healthcare access for all Canadians, as the capacity of our current system has certainly been hit. This is why we must look to expanding healthcare access through the collaboration of both private and government players. Enabling privately owned facilities to conduct procedures usually performed in public hospitals helps alleviate the strain on overworked radiology groups, understaffed hospitals, and overall shortages in emergency care. However, ensuring quality care, adequate staffing, seamless public-private collaboration and cost-effectiveness is vital for sustainable and effective implementation.
[1] Duong D. Why are emergency departments closing? [news]. CMAJ 2022; 194:E1138–E1139.
[2] Agarwal M, Udare A, Patlas M, et al. Effect of COVID-19 on computed tomography usage and critical test results in the emergency department: an observational study. CMAJ Open 2020;8(3):E568-E576.
[3]“Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories “Statistics Canada” Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories”. Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
The digital revolution has brought significant advancements in the healthcare field, revolutionizing how medical professionals provide care to patients. Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring have emerged as powerful tools that allow doctors to deliver healthcare services remotely, transcending geographical barriers and improving access to care. In this article, we will explore the synergistic approach of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring and how they are transforming the landscape of virtual healthcare.
The Rise of Telemedicine
Telemedicine, or telehealth, refers to the remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications technology. This approach lets patients connect with healthcare providers virtually, allowing convenient and efficient care without needing in-person visits. Telemedicine has gained traction recently due to its numerous benefits, such as reduced travel time and costs, improved access to specialists, and increased patient satisfaction.
One notable component of telemedicine is remote patient monitoring. This entails using technology to collect and transmit patient data, including vital signs, symptoms, and medication adherence, from the patient’s home to the healthcare provider. Through remote patient monitoring, healthcare professionals can closely monitor patients’ health conditions, identify any changes or trends, and make timely interventions or adjustments to their treatment plans.
Remote Patient Monitoring: Managed By Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes
Remote patient monitoring is managed by CPT codes, a standardized system for reporting medical procedures and services performed by healthcare providers. These codes enable healthcare organizations to accurately bill for remote patient monitoring services and ensure proper reimbursement.
By utilizing CPT codes, healthcare providers can seamlessly incorporate remote patient monitoring into their practice, ensuring quality care and financial sustainability.
AGS Health, a leading provider of tech-enabled revenue cycle management (RCM) solutions and strategic growth partner to healthcare providers across the U.S., announced today the release of Intelligent Authorization, a single-source solution that automates and optimizes the financial clearance process and avoids prior authorization-related denials.
Part of AGS Health’s AI Platform, Intelligent Authorization streamlines and expedites processes by up to 90% through a variety of configurable automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience.
“Half of all denials can be traced back to prior authorization and other front-end revenue cycle issues, jeopardizing provider organizations’ financial health and negatively impacting the patient experience by limiting transparency and delaying access to care,” said Matt Bridge, senior vice president of RCM Services, AGS Health. “Intelligent Authorization addresses the underlying issues causing prior authorization-related denials while streamlining and accelerating financial clearance processes. Customers report doubling production volumes and tripling the number of days in advance their patient access teams can secure authorizations, which in turn expedites appointments to better support patient needs and fill open time slots – resulting in improved revenue growth and an enhanced patient financial experience.”
A platform-agnostic solution, Intelligent Authorization prevents denials, reduces aged A/R, improves net revenue reimbursements, and increases clean claim rates across a variety of specialties, including radiology, oncology, occupational and physical therapy, surgery, and infusion/diagnostics. Compared to manual processes, it enhances productivity and reduces the time required for financial clearance activities, delivering:
75%-85% faster eligibility and benefit determinations
85%-90% improvement in authorization determination time
65%-80% less time spent on authorization initiations
75%-85% shorter authorization follow-up times
Up to 80% faster price estimations
Intelligent Authorization achieves these outcomes by automating eligibility and benefits determination processes, including order entries, scheduling, rescheduling, and monthly and annual re-verification processes. It automates authorization status via robotic process automation (RPA) and generates good faith estimates based on the fee schedule and embedded payer- and client-specific rules, which are then transferred back to the EMR.
Finally, Intelligent Authorization offers insightful and actionable analytics including self-service reports, customized dashboards, and flexible data management that enables users to view insights across different dimensions, create action plans, and make decisions faster.
“Smart workflow tools feature fast, flexible data transfers to the EMR through HL7, simplified task management and automated case assignment, and enhanced document management and accessibility, all of which come together in Intelligent Authorization to eliminate financial clearance issues created by error-prone, time-consuming manual processes,” said Suhas Nair, director of product management, AGS Health. “By leveraging the latest advances in RPA and AI technologies, Intelligent Automation helps healthcare organizations implement the tools needed to strengthen their financial footing and better service their patients.”
Harris Data Integrity Solutions, the leading provider of best-in-class patient data integrity services and software, announced today the appointment of Eric Helbig as vice president of sales.
He brings more than two decades of executive leadership to his role overseeing sales operations and designing and implementing sales strategies to expand the firm’s footprint among the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems.
“Eric’s expertise in change management, strategic marketing and sales planning, and performance optimization make him a great addition to the Harris Data Integrity Solutions leadership team,” said Lora Hefton, executive vice president of Harris Data Integrity Solutions. “His impressive track record of designing highly effective sales strategies and optimizing team performance are an asset as we continue to focus on expanding the reach of our innovative data integrity services and solutions.”
Helbig has deep roots in advanced sales, operations, Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), leadership team management, and national sales. Previously, he was director of enterprise sales and strategic partners for MedPro Inc., where he launched two new product verticals, expanded the company’s business and government process outsourcing footprints, and increased overall revenues by 19% in one year.
Past positions also include executive vice president with Pharma Logistics, regional franchise management-Midwest sales for ClearPayFS, and regional director of sales for EMG-First American Payment Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business management from Saint Louis University and is Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt certified, as well as Sandler Sales Certified Silver and Bronze.
“I am thrilled to be joining Harris Data Integrity Solutions and working to expand its footprint in the critical patient data integrity market,” said Helbig. “Not only are patient identification and patient the foundation of quality patient care and safety, but a clean MPI is integral to effective revenue cycle management and advancing interoperability, as well as optimizing the impact of advanced health IT. I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue raising the profile of Harris Data Integrity Solutions and its ground-breaking suite of advanced technology solutions and services that address the many challenges associated with patient matching and data integrity.”
By Portia Cole, emergent threat researcher, Avertium.
Labeling ransomware attacks as a matter of life and death may seem exaggerated, but in the realm of healthcare, it has proven to be a harsh truth. In recent years, cases of patients whose death have been linked to ransomware attacks have started to emerge. With recent trends indicating a surge in attacks on the industry, it is possible the human toll could only grow.
That toll does not take a single shape. If past cyberattacks are any indication, ransomware attacks can lead to compromised care or no care at all, and studies have found even neighboring facilities can be negatively impacted. Here is an overview of what healthcare organizations and their patients have suffered thus far, and what your organization can do to protect itself.
Cyberattacks with huge costs
In what has been called the “first alleged ransomware death,” an Alabama woman arrived at Springhill Medical Center in July 2019 to give birth, unaware that the hospital had fallen victim to a ransomware attack the week prior. It had yet to be resolved, and as a result, the equipment that monitors vital signs wasn’t transmitting information to the nurses’ desks, leaving staff unaware that the baby was in distress.
The infant was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and suffered severe brain damage; she died nine months later. The delivering doctor expressed that had she been shown the monitor’s readings, she would have opted for a cesarean section; in a text to a nurse manager about the unfolding situation, she wrote, “This was preventable.” The mother filed a malpractice lawsuit.
A 2021 ransomware attack led to a different kind of death—the death of a hospital. St. Margaret’s Health in Spring Valley, Illinois, was the victim of a ransomware attack. After the attack, the hospital was unable to submit claims to Medicare/Medicaid or insurers for months, contributing to a financial crisis. The hospital announced it would close its doors in June 2023.
To maintain smooth operations, high-quality patient care, and regulatory compliance in the healthcare business, effective staff management is crucial. Time and attendance tracking is essential for any healthcare management team. This article delves into how the CloudApper AI TimeClock may revolutionize healthcare organizations’ time and attendance management using UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) solutions, leading to more productivity and contentment on the part of staff.
Time and attendance can be difficult to keep track of in the healthcare industry due to the varying shift schedules and constant nature of operations. Inaccurately recording hours worked can have serious consequences for both payroll and patient care. By synchronizing efficiently with UKG Time and Attendance systems, CloudApper AI TimeClock provides a state-of-the-art answer to this problem.
Ensuring Compliance
It is of the utmost importance that healthcare facilities adhere to all applicable labor rules and regulations. To assist healthcare institutions maintain compliance and prevent expensive legal concerns, CloudApper AI TimeClock provides precise tracking of working hours, breaks, and overtime.
Reducing Administrative Burden
Administrative duties, such as manual time tracking and addressing attendance problems, consume a significant portion of healthcare HR professionals’ work. In order to free up HR professionals’ time for more strategic endeavors that boost patient care and staff happiness, CloudApper AI TimeClock automates these routine tasks.
Enhancing Employee Experience
In a field focused on patient health, a happy workforce is essential. With CloudApper AI TimeClock, medical personnel may clock in and out quickly and easily through the use of biometric verification, QR codes, or near field communication (NFC). The ease will boost morale and participation among workers.
Real-time Tracking for Better Decision-making
The CloudApper AI TimeClock provides up-to-the-minute access to attendance records. Managers in the healthcare industry may see how their staff’s attendance is trending over time, pinpoint problem areas, and make data-driven choices to better serve their patients.
AGS Health
