Iowa news
CDC says most Iowans should wear masks indoors as 75 counties make COVID-19 watchlist
People should wear masks when indoors in 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties — regardless of vaccination status — because of high coronavirus transmission rates, according to guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s an increase of 28 from Wednesday — showing the rising tide of COVID-19 likely fueled by the delta variant in the state. (Des Moines Register)
UI Health Care reached 7% operating margin, one time success sharing payment possible
Due to the financial stress that fell on University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics because of COVID-19, UIHC implemented a cost-saving program that helped the hospital reach a 7% operating margin allowing a one-time payment to its employees who lost compensation during the first year of the pandemic. (Daily Iowan)
Cavanaugh and Hendrickson: A solution for more access to health care
Increasing access to quality health care in Iowa is a priority. Sadly, rural hospitals suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic as many could not offer outpatient procedures, which resulted in a major financial loss and forced some patients to go without care. Many rural hospitals also closed maternity wards and more mental health care providers are needed. To increase access to health care policymakers, need to consider repealing obsolete Certificate of Need (CON) laws, which restrict access and competition. (The Iowa Torch)
National news
Missouri hospital reaches ‘sad new record’ of COVID patients
In the past week, 887 more people tested positive in Greene County, according to state data. Increasingly, hospitals are admitting children with the virus. CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards urged residents through Twitter to get vaccinated. (KSDK)
San Francisco General Hospital to give supplemental mRNA vaccine to people who got J&J shot
Although the CDC is not recommending a booster shot at this time, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and San Francisco’s Department of Public Health have decided to allow an extra coronavirus vaccine for people who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The new dosing allowance seems to be unique to San Francisco. The hospital’s chief of staff does not know of any similar guidance elsewhere at this time. (ABC7)
Medicare hospital reimbursement set for 2.5% increase in 2022
CMS has finalized an approximate $2.3 billion increase in hospital payments next year, including a 2.5% bump for hospital reimbursement rates under Medicare’s Inpatient Prospective Payment System. The final rule for fiscal year 2022 will increase hospital reimbursement rates starting Oct. 1, alongside payments to hospitals diagnosing and treating COVID-19. (Health Care Exec Intelligence)