Iowa news
Gov. Reynolds announces funding to support program that promotes rural health care
Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services have announced grant funding of up to $1.5 million to support Centers of Excellence in Iowa. These centers will focus on innovation and collaboration to enhance health care service delivery across the state. Centers of Excellence are specialized care models that offer a range of services and treatments, aiming to provide regional access to specialty care. The funding will be used to attract specialty care providers, remodel physical spaces and invest in necessary technology. (Business Record)
Dubuque hospital recognized for pediatric readiness
UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital in Dubuque is the third hospital in Iowa to be recognized by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the state’s new Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care Recognition Program. Participation in the program was recently offered to all Iowa hospitals after a pilot program last fall. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training and support of pediatric patients and their families. (Iowa’s News Now)
Iowa Clinic announces opening of free clinic in Clive
The Iowa Clinic Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with Free Clinics of Iowa and Clive Community Services, announced the opening of its first stand-alone free clinic in Clive. Located at 2190 N.W. 82nd St., the clinic will serve community members in need of affordable medical care. Volunteer medical teams staff the clinic, and the Iowa Clinic and Ryan Cos. provide support. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 13 to celebrate the clinic’s opening. (Business Record)
National news
Eligible clinicians can apply for pediatric specialty loan repayment program
Eligible clinicians may apply through July 20 for up to $100,000 in loan repayment in exchange for working up to three years in an approved outpatient or inpatient facility providing primary medical or dental care and/or mental and behavioral health services in a health professional shortage area or medically underserved area or population. The new Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program aims to increase access to pediatric subspecialty care, including the behavioral health needs in school-based settings. (American Hospital Association)
HHS offers aid amid Medicaid redetermination coverage losses
The Department of Health and Human Services is offering additional help to states as they continue Medicaid redeterminations, which kicked off after a period of continuous enrollment in the public health insurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department said the new tools build on flexibilities previously offered to states. They include allowing managed care plans to help people complete their renewal forms and letting states hold off on removing enrollees for administrative reasons to allow for targeted outreach. Pharmacies and other community-based organizations also can help beneficiaries who were recently disenrolled for administrative reasons to re-enroll. (Health Care Dive)
COVID-19 era digital health tools to see ‘churn activity,’ report says
A new report from Panda Health predicts that digital health tools used by hospitals to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will be subject to increased scrutiny and turnover. Authors of the report believe telehealth and remote patient monitoring tools would see the most churn. The survey of over 100 hospital executives found 52% were very satisfied with their telehealth tools. (Becker’s Hospital Review)