Friday Five: Top 5 healthcare business news items from the MCOL Weekend edition

Every business day, MCOL posts feature stories making news on the business of health care. Here are five we think are particularly important for this week:

Medicare Penalizes Hospitals In Crackdown On Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

NPR reports: The federal government has cut payments to 769 hospitals with high rates of patient injuries, for the first time counting the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs in assessing penalties.

NPR
Thursday, December 22, 2016

Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove named as contender for Trump's VA pick

Modern Healthcare reports: Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove was among prospective cabinet picks who met with President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cosgrove is reportedly a contender to lead the Veterans Affairs Department.

Modern Healthcare
Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Senate report shows Martin Shkreli is just as bad as you think he is

USA Today reports: Staggering hikes — in some cases higher than 5000%— in prices of prescription drugs threaten the health and economic stability of Americans who can't afford vital medicines, a congressional report warned Wednesday.

USA Today

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Health Exchange Enrollment Jumps, Even as G.O.P. Pledges Repeal

The New York Times reports: About 6.4 million people have signed up for health insurance next year under the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration said Wednesday, as people rushed to purchase plans regardless of Republican promises that the law will be repealed within months.

The New York Times
Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Women Doctors May Be Better For Patients’ Health

Kaiser Health News reports: When a patient goes to the best hospital, he or she usually hopes for a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced. Something else to wish for? A woman physician.

Kaiser Health News
Monday, December 19, 2016

These and more weekly news items on the business of healthcare are featured in the MCOL Weekend edition, along with the MCOL Tidbits, and more, for MCOL Premium level members.