Articles Tagged With:
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Effects of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial Resistance in U.S. Hospitals
In a retrospective cohort study, researchers found that antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections increased during the COVID-19 pandemic from 182 to 193 per 10,000 hospitalizations. Recent antibiotic exposure, increased illness severity, and comorbidities were associated with AMR infections.
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Contaminated Pediatric Blood Cultures
Falsely positive (contaminated) blood culture samples lead to unnecessary antimicrobial use, excessive testing, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs. In pediatric settings, the greatest risk of blood culture contamination is with infants younger than 1 year of age and with children in emergency department settings.
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Endocrine Causes of Secondary Hypertension
Primary care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for endocrine-related secondary hypertension, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension or atypical presentations. Conditions such as pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, and Cushing syndrome are common, yet frequently underdiagnosed causes that, if missed, can lead to rapid end-organ damage. This article emphasizes the need for early recognition and diagnostic vigilance, and equips clinicians with guidance to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient outcomes through targeted treatment.
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Hospital Wins Dismissal After Expert Nurse Excluded in Neonatal Injury Suit
In a professional negligence case, an appellate court affirmed summary judgment in favor of a healthcare provider after the plaintiffs failed to present admissible expert evidence on both breach of care and causation.
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Failure to Match Board Certifications Leads to Malpractice Case Dismissal
In a medical malpractice case, an appellate court affirmed the dismissal of a wrongful death claim against a critical care physician because of the plaintiff’s failure to submit a compliant affidavit of merit.
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Telehealth Requires Scrutiny on Standard of Care
Healthcare organizations continue to face potential liability from telehealth issues and must take steps to ensure patients receive quality care no matter the method of delivery.
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AI Becoming New Threat to Data Security
The increasing use of artificial intelligence is posing a new type of threat to the security of patient data and financial information.
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Misuse of Opioids Leading to More Fraud Investigations
Opioid-related fraud litigation is a trend continuing to gain momentum in FCA enforcement.
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The Evolution of the False Claims Act
Waste, fraud, and abuse have plagued the United States government for more than 150 years.
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Ethicists Expect Difficult Questions on AI Tools to Come Up During Consults
Artificial intelligence (AI) prognostic tools introduce ethical concerns about transparency, consent, bias, and explainability. Ethicists play a vital role in guiding responsible use, supporting clinicians, and preparing for challenging scenarios where AI intersects with patient care decisions.