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Alabama Hospitals Among Lowest in Nation for Unplanned Readmissions After Outpatient Surgery

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According to new CMS 2023 data, five hospitals across the U.S. achieved the lowest ratio of unplanned hospital visits after outpatient surgery — just 0.4. The dataset, updated August 6, tracks hospital return days, unplanned readmissions, and other quality measures following outpatient procedures. Three Alabama hospitals ranked among those with some of the lowest readmission ratios nationwide, reflecting the state’s strong performance in post-surgical care quality: These results underscore Alabama hospitals’ continued focus on patient…
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A New Era in Cancer Screening: What Leaders Should Know About Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED)

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Cancer is projected to claim 618,000 lives in the U.S. in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite advances in treatment, most deaths occur from cancers that don’t currently have guideline-recommended screening tests. Today, the CDC recommends screening for only four cancers — breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung — leaving two-thirds of cancers undetected until symptoms appear. Once cancers reach these later stages, treatments are less effective and survival rates drop significantly. That gap…
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Best and Worst U.S. States for Obesity: 2025 Report

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A new report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) highlights a slight national improvement in adult obesity rates, though overall prevalence remains high across the United States. The report, The State of Obesity: 2025, draws on data from the CDC and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In 2024, 19 states reported adult obesity rates at or above 35%, compared to 23 states in 2023. Still, more than 4 in 10 U.S. adults…
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Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025

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A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights a sharp rise in antibiotic resistance worldwide, signaling growing challenges for infection control and treatment. The 2025 Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report, drawing on data from more than 100 countries, analyzed 22 antibiotics used to treat eight common bacterial pathogens through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). Key Findings WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that “antimicrobial resistance is outpacing advances…
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Update: Jackson Hospital Secures Emergency Funding to Remain Open

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A federal bankruptcy judge has approved an emergency loan to help Montgomery-based Jackson Hospital continue operations through the holiday season, according to a report from AL.com. The hospital’s debtor-in-possession financing was increased from $22 million to $35 million following the court’s Oct. 14 ruling. According to Jackson Hospital’s Chief Restructuring Officer, the new funding should support the hospital through Thanksgiving and Christmas. The approval follows the Montgomery City Council’s Oct. 7 vote to pass a…
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CDC Forecasts Moderate Flu Season, Warns of Vaccine Shifts and Measles Surge

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As the CDC projects a moderate influenza season for 2025–26, U.S. hospitals continue to navigate multiple challenges — from changing vaccine guidance to disruptions in hospital-at-home and telehealth services, along with a growing measles outbreak. The 2024–25 flu season was one of the most severe in over a decade, with an estimated 47 million illnesses and 610,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC. While similar hospitalization levels are expected this year, the agency predicts an overall…
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Claims Hold Update: CMS Resumes Processing Certain Claims

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CMS has directed all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the claims hold and resume processing claims dated October 1, 2025, and later for several service types impacted by recently expired Medicare payment provisions. This includes claims under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, ground ambulance transports, and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) services. Telehealth claims that are confirmed behavioral or mental health services will also be processed, while other telehealth and Hospital Care at Home…
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Alabama Hospitals Recognized for Zero Infection Rates

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According to the latest CMS Healthcare-Associated Infections dataset, 338 hospitals across the U.S. achieved a zero rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) — a significant indicator of hospital quality and patient safety. The dataset, updated August 6, 2025, includes infection performance data collected through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network from October 2023 through September 2024. These measures reflect how often patients develop infections during hospital stays compared to similar facilities nationwide. Alabama Hospitals…
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CDC Forecasts a Moderate Flu Season Ahead

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The CDC’s latest seasonal respiratory virus outlook suggests the 2025–26 virus season will bring similar levels of hospitalizations as last year, though the impact of flu is expected to be more moderate compared to 2024–25. What to Know While this year’s flu activity is expected to be moderate, the CDC continues to emphasize annual flu vaccination as the best protection against serious illness. Practices should ensure vaccine supply is stocked and encourage patients to get…
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Now Available: 2026 MIPS Payment Adjustment Information

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CMS has released Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) payment adjustment details for the 2024 performance period and 2026 payment year. Your 2024 MIPS final score determines whether you’ll receive a positive, negative, or neutral adjustment to Medicare payments for covered professional services in 2026. Accessing Your MIPS Feedback Participants can now log in to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website to view their 2024 MIPS final score and related payment adjustment. Practice and ACO representatives…
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Billing Update: What’s New with Claims Holds and Vaccine Administration Edits

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Recent CMS Updates: Claims Hold and Vaccine Administration Edit CMS recently released several important billing and claims updates that may impact provider payments and telehealth services beginning October 2025. Temporary Claims Hold CMS has instructed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to temporarily hold certain Medicare claims dated October 1, 2025, and later.This includes: Providers can still submit claims, but payments will be paused until further notice while CMS awaits possible Congressional action related to expired Medicare…
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Jackson Hospital at Risk of Closing by End of October Without Financial Support

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Montgomery, Alabama–based Jackson Hospital may be forced to close by the end of October without additional financial support, according to a report from WSFA. The hospital, which recently received court approval for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan, is continuing operations while it works to restructure debt. However, officials told Montgomery city council members that current funds may only sustain operations for another 30 days. Hospital leadership has requested that the city back a $20 million…
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