- Staffing Crisis Costing Millions
- AI Powered Supplemental Course Info
- AI Detects Cancer Better Than Humans
- Refer a Friend and Save
- When Healthcare is a Bludgeon
- GLP-1 Drug Ads
- QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
Healthcare Staffing Crisis: New Study Shows Credentialing Delays Cost U.S. Hospitals Millions
Bringing new healthcare providers on board has become more complex than ever, creating major delays—especially for rural hospitals. What used to be a simple process is now a big obstacle to patients getting what they need.
These delays come at a steep cost. A recent MGMA study found hospitals lose $6,000 to $15,000 per day for each provider stuck in the credentialing process. Rural facilities face even longer wait times—up to 40% more than urban hospitals. Meanwhile, 60% of hospitals are offering signing bonuses to attract staff, but slow credentialing keeps new hires from getting to work.
To speed things up, many hospitals are adopting automated credentialing systems, cutting processing times by up to 80%. The Department of Health and Human Services is also reviewing federal credentialing rules, signaling potential reforms.
Healthcare Staffing Crisis: New Study Shows Credentialing Delays Cost U.S. Hospitals Millions
AI Detects Ovarian Cancer Better Than Human Experts in New Study
A new study shows that AI is better at detecting ovarian cancer than human experts. The AI system achieved 86% accuracy, while doctors reached 82%. This technology could help improve diagnostics, reduce errors, and lead to better patient outcomes.
However, experts say more research is needed before AI can be widely used in hospitals. Clinical validation is essential to ensure the technology is reliable and safe for real-world medical decisions.
AI Detects Ovarian Cancer Better Than Human Experts in New Study
 When Healthcare is a Bludgeon
The U.S. prison healthcare system often prioritizes punishment over care, leaving many prisoners neglected or mistreated. Requests for medical help are frequently dismissed, with prisoners accused of faking symptoms or drug-seeking. Women, in particular, face violations like unnecessary medical procedures. Many receive care only when their conditions become life-threatening—sometimes too late.
Beyond neglect, prison healthcare is often a tool of control, reinforcing the harsh realities of incarceration. Reform requires recognizing prisoners' humanity and addressing broader issues of mass incarceration and inequality.
When Healthcare is a Bludgeon
Hims & Hers Super Bowl Ad Promotes Compounded GLP-1 Drugs, Which Aren’t FDA-Approved
It’s a somewhat strange ad, pushing two messages at once. The first that the bad insurance companies are making people jump through hoops for expensive GLP-1’s aimed at weight loss. They’re also pushing a program using compounded GLP-1’s, a lot less expensive, but also not FDA approved.
The argument against compounded GLP-1’s is that custom compounded drugs don’t get FDA approval. There is an FDA compounding program that protects patients, but limits compounding to certain coverage - mostly shortages and medical necessity. Medical necessity is a term of art meaning that the patient cannot take the approved medication in the dose or type sold due to other conditions. The manufacturers of FDA-approved GLP-1’s ($1000 to $1500 for four weeks) are fighting a battle over the ‘shortage’ statement the FDA has made about GLP-1’s. Compounded drugs cost $150 for four weeks.
 QUIZ QUESTION
A 57-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer was found to be very lethargic and sleepy
A 57-year-old woman with a 4-year history of metastatic breast cancer was found by her family to be very lethargic and sleepy. She had previously been acting strangely and complaining of nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and constant thirst.
What is the most important initial step in the emergency treatment of this patient’s likely acute problem?
Mithramycin 25 micrograms/kg every 4 to 5 days
Calcitonin 4-8 IU/kg body weight
Saline fluid bolus
Prednisone 60-80 mg/day
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