Iowa news
Study shows impact Kossuth Regional Health Center has on Kossuth County
A recent economic impact study revealed that Kossuth Regional Health Center provided more than $1.1 million in total community benefits in 2022 while maintaining its presence as one of the area’s largest employers. Over the course of the year, the study shows that KRHC generated 476 jobs and aided more than 43,000 people through its community service programs. (KLGA)
14 Iowa hospitals recognized for patient experience
Becker’s Hospital Review compiled a list of the top hospitals for patient experience in each state using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Each hospital on the list received a five-star summary rating. Fourteen Iowa hospitals were recognized for receiving high ratings of 10 topic-specific measures including nurse and physician communication, care transitions and cleanliness. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
Iowa Board of Regents approve $20 million UI biomedical research addition
The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously approved the University of Iowa’s schematic design, project description and budget for a new, nearly $20 million Biomedical Research Support Facility expansion at today’s virtual meeting. In Board of Regents documents, the project is described as a “one-story, 17,200-square-foot addition to the northwest corner of the existing Biomedical Research Support Facility” on the Oakdale Campus in Coralville. (Corridor Business Journal)
National news
Patients too often can’t get mental health services covered
Longstanding federal laws are supposed to ensure that health insurers cover mental health care just as they do physical treatments. But 15 years after Congress passed a policy that was supposed to achieve parity for mental health care, patients still don’t have it. A recent survey of nearly 2,800 U.S. patients found that 40% of patients who sought in-network mental health care had to make four or more calls to find a provider who would see them, compared to just 14% for physical health care. More than half of patients said they had a claim for mental health care denied three or more times. (Vox)
Attacks at U.S. medical centers show why health care is one of the nation’s most violent fields
Data shows American health care workers now suffer more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than workers in any other profession, according to law enforcement. Around 40 states have passed laws creating or increasing penalties for violence against health care workers, according to the American Nurses Association. Hospitals have armed security officers with batons, stun guns or handguns, while some state allow hospitals to create their own police forces. Experts point to several factors contributing to the rise of violence including understaffing. (Associated Press)
Childhood vaccinations falter ahead of crucial fall season
Childhood vaccine coverage across the U.S. has hit a measurable decline once again as health authorities hope to avert major surges in diseases such as RSV and COVID-19 this winter. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the rate of vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella for kindergarteners has fallen below the healthy target rate of 95% to 93% for the second year in a row. (The Hill)