Aetna and New York-Presbyterian are in contract negotiations, and if an agreement isn't reached by the end of March, tens of thousands of Aetna-insured New Yorkers could lose coverage for New York-Presbyterian's hospitals and physician networks. The dispute revolves around reimbursement rates, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. This situation reflects a broader trend of large health insurers and major hospital networks clashing over payment rates, potentially disrupting patients' care and limiting their options.
Change Healthcare, a part of UnitedHealth Group, was hit with a cyberattack, disrupting its systems and services, potentially impacting health care providers. The American Hospital Association (AHA) recommends affected organizations consider disconnection from Change Healthcare applications, prepare downtime procedures, and monitor updates. Change Healthcare has not provided a specific recovery timeframe and has stated confidence in the security of nonimpacted systems. The AHA is in communication with government agencies and Optum to support patients' access to care and providers' financial needs. Organizations can share confidential impact information with the AHA and are advised to visit www.aha.org/cybersecurity for resources.
As the planet warms and heat waves become more common, health care providers are urging medical systems to be proactive in addressing heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke, one of the most common and deadly heat-related illnesses, often catches people off-guard. The elderly, young children, those with underlying health conditions, and athletes are particularly vulnerable. Heat stroke can be mistaken for other conditions, making it crucial for health care providers to consider it as a possibility. Emergency departments need to incorporate climate into their thinking and be prepared to treat heat stroke urgently. Health professionals and patients are encouraged to take proactive measures to stay safe during hot weather, such as checking the weather, staying indoors, staying hydrated, and wearing appropriate clothing.
