More than a vacation: Florida emerging as medical tourism destination
They’re traveling to the Sunshine State for medical procedures, combining healthcare with recovery in a world-class tourism destination — a growing trend known as medical tourism. Doctors say hundreds of thousands of patients each year are drawn to Florida for specialized care, competitive pricing, and the chance to heal in a place built for comfort and entertainment. According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the industry is generating billions of dollars in economic impact across the state. [Source: Spectrum News]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Nursing wounds
It’s unclear how many foreign-born nurses work in the United States. TruMerit estimated the number was between 258,000 and 688,000 as of 2023. It handled 24,733 applications in 2024 for its screening process that validates nurses’ backgrounds and can satisfy federal requirements. Allegations of foreign nurses being underpaid, overworked and subject to litigation threats and intimidation to stay on the job have triggered lawsuits throughout the country and attracted national attention. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida hospitals contributed $198 billion to state economy, study finds
Florida hospitals generated $198.6 billion in total economic output in 2023 and supported nearly 977,000 jobs statewide, according to a report prepared by University of Florida researchers for the Florida Hospital Association. The study examined 337 licensed hospitals in Florida. Those hospitals directly employed 348,085 full-time workers and paid $34.5 billion in wages, salaries and benefits. The hospitals reported $97.3 billion in total operating and nonoperating revenues and $80.2 billion in operating expenses, according to the study. [Source: WUSF]
68 measles cases reported in Florida this year — and the count continues to rise
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., and Florida ranks in the top three states for most cases. According to the Florida Department of Health, there are currently 68 cases statewide. The bulk of Florida’s measles cases are in Collier County, and dozens of cases have been linked to Ave Maria University’s campus. More from WPBF and the Miami Herald.
Inside Florida’s decision to cut thousands off from affordable AIDS drugs
Florida is planning to kick patients in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program off their state-paid health insurance, eliminating the initiative’s main source of revenue. And while the state has cited October’s government shutdown as the impetus for its decision, the Herald/Times found that Department of Health leadership forced out key employees months earlier and did little to reform the drug program, despite their longstanding frustrations with it. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› House health budget: $50M revolving loan program zapped, managed care contracts extended
A product of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, the proposed budget-conforming bill (PCB HCB 26-01) would eliminate a $50 million revolving loan program administered by the Department of Health that was written to remain in effect until 2043. The investments are meant to bolster innovation and creativity to strengthen health care delivery. This is the second time in as many years the House has tried to eliminate the revolving loan program.
› Tampa General road tests the future of medical care at new innovation center
A bundle of cables tethering bed-bound patients to devices displaying their vital signs is a staple of many hospital rooms. But researchers at Tampa General’s new Innovation Center are assessing new technology that could allow hospital nurses to monitor patients wirelessly. “We think the next frontier of vital monitoring is completely contactless,” said said Rachel Feinman, Tampa General senior vice president of innovation, ventures and digital solutions.
› Medical center opens in West Augustine
An $8 million medical center recently opened in West Augustine, an underserved St. Johns County community that in recent years has been the focus of revelopment efforts. The Greg and Lydia White Health and Wellness Center is that area's first facility offering residents preventive care, fitness resources, mental health services as well as health and financial education, regardless of their ability to pay.
› Broward's two public hospital systems face legislative setback
Legislation that would have allowed two taxpayer-funded hospital systems in Broward County to collaborate more freely and bypass certain antitrust laws was “temporarily postponed” in a key Florida Senate committee. The proposal (SB 1122) appears dead for the current session, which ends March 13. The bill would apply to any of Florida’s 28 public hospital districts but was pushed by Broward's taxpayer-funded systems, Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare. Both are currently led by the same CEO, Shane Strum.