COVID-19 cases stay high, hospitalizations drop in Florida
COVID-19 cases stay high, hospitalizations drop in Florida
Current COVID-19 hospitalizations in Florida fell for the fourth consecutive day and the state’s intensive care units experienced a patient reduction for the third straight day, according to Sunday’s U.S. Department of Health & Human Services report. Sunday’s report was based on data from 258 hospitals, the same as Saturday’s report. As for COVID-19 hospitalizations, Florida hospitals reported 15,778 patients, equal to 27.5% of all patients in those hospitals. More from the Miami Heraldand the AP.
Expert fears telemedicine fraud could cost $1 trillion
The increased use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in healthcare fraud committed against Medicare and Medicaid programs. Billions of dollars of fraud have already been identified and one expert warns the number of losses could increase exponentially if safeguards aren’t quickly put into place nationwide. [Source: WFTS]
Replacing state surgeon general may be difficult
Florida needs a new state surgeon general. The question could quickly become: Will it be easy to find someone? Scott Rivkees announced he will leave his post as surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health next month. But the move comes amid a surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Combine that with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ antagonism to federal health authorities and mask mandates, and it might make it difficult to find a replacement. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida and Puerto Rican healthcare companies to combine
Florida health insurance company GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation is to purchase a Puerto Rican healthcare company. The equity value of the transaction is approximately USD 900 million. Under the terms of the merger agreement, GuideWell will purchase all of Triple-S Management Corporation’s outstanding shares. After the transaction’s close, Triple-S Management will become a subsidiary company of GuideWell, but continue to operate under its Triple-S Management brand. [Source: ICLG]
FBHA awards celebrate behavioral health heroes
The Florida Behavioral Health Association honored six behavioral health professionals with a series of prestigious achievement awards earlier this month. FBHA President and CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter said that after a difficult year-and-a-half, the half-dozen honorees deserved to be recognized and celebrated. “Our Awards of Excellence recipients have been at the forefront of this pandemic,” Brown-Woofter said. “Each and every day these heroes have set their own personal lives aside to assist those who were and continue to struggle with mental health and substance use disorders during the pandemic.” [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Black Joy Festival delivers fun, health resources to Orlando community [Orlando Sentinel]
More than 100 people stopped by the tents of a couple dozen Black-owned businesses, artists and health providers at Blue Jacket Park on Saturday, which organizers said was an overwhelming success for the inaugural Black Joy Festival. Hosted by the Black Health Commission with biopharmaceutical company Forma Therapeutics, the festival was equal parts cultural celebration and health fair.
› Heart of Florida Health Center cuts ribbon on drive-thru pharmacy at former Ocala Wendy's [Ocala Star-Banner]
When Heart of Florida Health Center (HFHC) CEO Jamie Ulmer signed a lease on the building at 1536 S. Pine Ave. in March, there was still bread in the kitchen from the former Wendy’s restaurant that had occupied the space two years ago. There were still freezers, fryers and all the other fast food staples that would have to be removed, but he had a vision nonetheless that the building could be transformed into a drive-thru pharmacy.
› Southwest Florida health care merger brings new senior level positions [Business Observer]
Empath Health recently announced the senior level chief positions that will serve the newly merged nonprofit created by the merger of Empath Health and Stratum Health System. Lynne Craver, the new chief mission implementation officer, will lead the Mission Service Organization by partnering with other hospice and healthcare organizations to provide technology, financial and other services.
› Tampa General Hospital named one of Forbes Magazine's America's best employers [Florida Trend]
Tampa General Hospital's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – America's Best Employers by State and America's Best Employers for Women. In the 2021 America's Best Employers by State list announced Aug. 24, the academic medical center ranked third out of 100 Florida companies and first among health care and social organizations.
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