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The article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06661291, focusing on the development of a personalized surgical journey platform called Pip Care, which integrates a digital health platform with live coaching to optimize perioperative care. The platform aims to empower patients and their families by simplifying healthcare plans and tasks, providing personalized care plans, and facilitating care coordination. The trial consists of two phases, with Phase II being a Randomized Controlled Trial to assess surgical clinical outcomes using Pip compared to standard care. The study aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce postoperative complications in surgical patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Boston University examined the impact of Medicaid accountable care organizations (ACOs) on the quality of care for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid enrollees in Massachusetts. The research found that after three years of implementation, the Medicaid ACO was associated with increased rates of timely postpartum visits, postpartum depression screening, and all-cause office visits during the prenatal and postpartum periods. While the findings suggest that implementing Medicaid ACOs in other states could improve outpatient engagement for maternal health care, it may not be sufficient to improve maternal health outcomes. The study was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Optum Inc. found that Medicare Advantage members who were referred to home health services after hospitalization had lower mortality rates if they received these services. The study compared outcomes of members who received home health services versus those who did not, showing that the treated group had lower mortality rates at 30, 90, and 180 days. However, the treated group also experienced higher readmission rates at the same intervals. This research highlights the importance of fulfilling home health referrals for better patient outcomes among Medicare Advantage members. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Wisconsin focused on the impact of postdischarge follow-up on acute care and mortality rates in lupus patients. The study found that timely follow-up visits were associated with reduced mortality in older patients with lupus, but increased acute care use. Disparities in follow-up rates were observed among patients living in rural and disadvantaged neighborhoods. The researchers concluded that there is a need for further development of lupus-specific postdischarge strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the City University of New York conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of an educational intervention on reducing emergency department and inpatient stays for cardiovascular conditions among South Carolina adult Medicaid Members with intellectual and developmental disabilities and hypertension. The intervention, which included educational messages about hypertension delivered through flyers and monthly texts or phone messages, resulted in significant reductions in hospital visits for participants in the intervention group with the highest baseline hospital use. The study concluded that the intervention was more effective for those who had a helper assisting them. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine Cornell University examined the relationship between physician altruism, care quality, and spending in healthcare. The research found that Medicare patients treated by altruistic physicians had fewer potentially preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits, as well as lower spending. The study suggests that policymakers and healthcare leaders may want to consider creating incentives and structures that promote physician altruism. Further research is recommended to identify factors that influence physician altruism and its impact on healthcare quality and spending. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by a researcher at the University of California explores the impact of high- and low-intensity case management services on hospital and emergency department use among adult Medicaid beneficiaries. The study found that high-intensity services were associated with a reduction in inpatient admissions, ED visits, and avoidable ED visits compared to low-intensity services. The research suggests that intensive case management may be particularly beneficial in supporting discharge and transitions of care for individuals with non-zero healthcare use. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA explored the impact of telemedicine on oncology patients' healthcare utilization. Contrary to expectations, the research found that patients who had telemedicine visits had fewer follow-up outpatient oncology encounters, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations compared to those with in-person visits. The study suggests that further investigation is needed to determine the efficacy of telemedicine in oncology and identify appropriate scenarios for its use in this and other patient populations. [Extracted from the article]

Waymark, a public benefit company focused on improving Medicaid care, conducted a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst. The study showed that Waymark's community-based early interventions reduced hospital and emergency department visits and improved patient care quality in 2023. By partnering with primary care providers and utilizing predictive technologies, Waymark aims to connect rising-risk patients with preventive care to prevent costly hospitalizations. This study highlights the importance of proactive, data-driven interventions in improving outcomes for underserved Medicaid populations. [Extracted from the article]

The patent issued for the development environment for the generation of automated control pathways by Evernorth Strategic Development Inc. aims to streamline the process of prescription drug authorization requests in medical oncology. The computerized method involves displaying a graphical development environment with various programming elements to automate the approval or denial of drug requests based on user input. This innovation addresses the increasing complexity of treatment management in medical oncology, offering a systematic approach to enhance efficiency and accuracy in healthcare decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine focuses on improving outcomes for heart failure patients through the implementation of an intervention called I-TRANSFER-HF. This intervention involves early and intensive home health care nurse visits combined with early outpatient medical visits post-discharge. The study aims to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits while increasing the number of days patients spend at home. The research, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, has the potential to significantly enhance care and outcomes for heart failure patients and provide valuable insights for the implementation of home health care practices on a national scale. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Yale University School of Medicine examined end-of-life emergency department (ED) use and healthcare expenditures among older adults in the United States. The research found that one in three older adults visited the ED in the last month of life, with significant total and out-of-pocket spending associated with these visits. Factors such as having a diagnosis of dementia and being on hospice status were linked to a decreased likelihood of ED visits and healthcare spending. The study highlights the financial strain and potential barriers to accessing community services and healthcare faced by older adults at the end of life. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on the resolution of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in patients with severe sickle cell disease (SCD) in routine clinical care. The study found that less than 8% of patients achieved VOC-free status within a year, highlighting the potential impact of the CRISPR-based gene editing therapy exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) in treating SCD. The research was supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of replicating the high efficacy observed in clinical trials in routine care for significant public health benefits. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh examined racial disparities in chronic condition outcomes in primary care settings, focusing on differences within and between practices. The research found that Black patients were more likely to experience emergency department visits and ambulatory care sensitive visits, but less likely to be hospitalized compared to White patients. The disparities in outcomes were largely explained by within-practice differences, suggesting that addressing racial and ethnic disparities requires improving care quality across all practices rather than targeting specific ones. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Memphis examined the effects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on coverage continuity and access for Medicaid beneficiaries. The FFCRA, enacted in March 2020, prohibited states from redetermining Medicaid eligibility until March 31st, 2023. The study found that Medicaid beneficiaries experienced a decline in coverage interruptions in 2021 and 2022 compared to privately insured individuals. Additionally, Medicaid beneficiaries reported improved access to healthcare in 2021, with fewer instances of unaffordable healthcare needs and delayed medical care due to cost. The study suggests that the continuous Medicaid coverage provision under the FFCRA has enhanced coverage stability and improved access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Brandeis University examined the quality of home-based primary care (HBPC) delivered by nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States. The study found that NPs provide almost half of HBPC in the Medicare program and deliver care to patients with complex needs. The research showed that NPs had similar quality of care to physicians, but there were some differences in specific outcomes. NPs were more likely to provide flu shots and end-of-life care, but also had higher rates of acute care hospitalizations and fall-related injuries. Overall, the study suggests that NPs play a crucial role in delivering HBPC to a population with diverse healthcare needs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older adults who experience a fall are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Falls are a common reason for trauma center admissions and can lead to severe injuries, but the underlying risk factors that contribute to falls are often overlooked. The study suggests that implementing cognitive screenings in older adults who experience an injurious fall could improve the early identification of dementia. However, there are challenges in providing follow-up screenings for cognitive impairment, particularly due to disparities in access to primary care among older adults. The study highlights the need for more clinicians who can provide comprehensive care for older adults and improve the approach to managing cognitive health in this population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, Minnesota, examined the impact of adverse social and behavioral determinants of health (SBDH) on healthcare utilization in a safety-net community hospital (SNCH) heart failure (HF) population. The study found that 21% of the HF patients had at least one adverse SBDH, which predominantly affected younger Black men on Medicaid. The presence of adverse SBDH was associated with increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits. However, the prescribing of guideline-directed medical therapy was similar among all patients. This research provides insights into the prevalence and impact of adverse SBDH in HF patients and highlights the need for addressing social and behavioral factors in healthcare. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from George Mason University compares resource use and care quality between Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries undergoing cancer chemotherapy. The study found that MA enrollment was associated with lower resource use, particularly in Part B chemotherapy, but did not result in shorter survival. The research provides valuable insights into the performance of MA for patients with serious conditions like cancer. For more information, the full article can be accessed through JAMA Network Open. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network have developed a risk prediction model to identify advanced cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials who are at the highest risk for unplanned emergency room visits and hospital stays. By identifying these high-risk patients, interventions can be targeted to reduce the need for such visits, improving care quality and reducing costs. The model incorporates factors such as performance status, comorbidities, and cancer type to determine the risk of acute care use. This research aims to improve the inclusion of patients with comorbid conditions in clinical trials and anticipate the higher risk of acute care use. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of California Berkeley examines the impact of the Whole Person Care Pilot program in California, which aimed to address patients' health-related social needs (HRSNs) through care coordination and other services. The majority of the pilot programs reduced emergency department visits for enrollees, but only four pilots were successful in reducing both emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships, field-based outreach and engagement, and adequate program investment in achieving positive outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and payers looking to improve health outcomes while controlling costs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Yale University School of Medicine examined the total and out-of-pocket costs associated with emergency department (ED) visits among older adults enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The researchers analyzed data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 2015 to 2020. They found that older adults insured by Medicare Advantage had lower total healthcare costs compared to those insured by traditional Medicare, but a higher proportion of their expenses were out-of-pocket. This suggests that Medicare Advantage plan enrollees face greater cost sharing. The study provides valuable insights into the costs surrounding emergency care for older adults with different insurance plans. [Extracted from the article]

A study led by Boston University School of Public Health found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts were associated with increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. The study highlights the potential of Medicaid ACOs to improve coordination and quality of care for pregnant patients, addressing the inequitable access to healthcare faced by many pregnant and postpartum individuals covered by Medicaid. The results emphasize the need for expanding Medicaid ACO models to improve engagement in prenatal and postpartum care, particularly in states without active Medicaid ACOs. The study also calls for broader efforts to address social and structural determinants of maternal health inequities. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the impact of New York's paid family leave policy on the incidence of acute respiratory infections in infants aged 8 weeks or younger. Topics include the reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for respiratory tract infections and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis, the comparative analysis of these outcomes with control states, and the potential implications for implementing paid family leave policies at both federal and state levels.

The article reports on a patent application by Allen, Derouen, and Hickle for a computer-assisted patient navigation system filed on May 1, 2024, and published online on August 22, 2024. Topics discussed include the integration of preventive medicine and wellness programs, the use of mobile platforms for healthcare navigation, and potential cost savings for managed care organizations and various healthcare systems.

The article focuses on the prevalence and impact of homebound status among Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries based on research from Johns Hopkins University. Topics discussed include the prevalence and characteristics of homebound beneficiaries, predictors of homebound status, and the association between homebound status and increased healthcare utilization and mortality.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Purdue University examined the impact of appointment-based medication synchronization (ABMS) on healthcare utilization outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that patients enrolled in a med-sync program had lower outpatient visits and pharmacy utilization compared to those not enrolled in such a program. However, there was no significant difference in inpatient and emergency department visits between the two groups. The researchers suggest that the reduction in pharmacy utilization may be attributed to the elimination of duplicate prescriptions or optimization of therapy during medication reviews. This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of ABMS for Medicare beneficiaries. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School examined the association between ambient heat exposure and emergency department visits and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States from 2008 to 2019. The study found that older beneficiaries exposed to high temperatures had an increased risk of heat-related emergency department visits and all-cause acute hospitalizations. Younger beneficiaries also showed an increased risk of heat-related emergency department visits. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the impact of heat duration, intensity, and frequency on specific hospitalization outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Synapticure, a telemedicine company, has partnered with Pearl Health to provide specialized neurologists and personalized support to Medicare patients with dementia. The partnership aims to improve the quality of life for dementia patients and reduce the strain on unpaid caregivers. Through the CMS GUIDE program, patients can have online visits with neurologists and receive respite care services. The goal is to enable patients to remain safely in their homes and communities. Dementia currently affects over 6.7 million Americans, and this number is expected to rise in the future. [Extracted from the article]

UC Davis Health has developed a real-time action plan to help patients with lung disease cope with the effects of wildfire smoke. The plan, outlined in an article published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, emphasizes the need for health systems to proactively address the health risks posed by poor air quality from wildfires. The plan includes targeted interventions tailored to specific communities or population groups, taking into account social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors. UC Davis Health has firsthand experience caring for patients affected by wildfires and has assembled a multidisciplinary care team to serve as liaisons between affected communities and the health system. The authors of the article are urging health systems to adopt collaborative, innovative, and proactive approaches to address the increasing health threat of wildfires. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at Duke University explores the relationship between primary care use and survivorship among older adults undergoing cancer surgery. The study found that older surgical patients with cancer who had a primary care practitioner (PCP) had a lower 90-day postoperative mortality rate compared to those without a PCP. Additionally, patients who had a postoperative primary care visit within 90 days had a significantly lower mortality rate than those who did not. These findings suggest that follow-up with primary care after cancer surgery is associated with improved survivorship among older adults. [Extracted from the article]

A recent viewpoint published in JAMA Neurology by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital calls for Medicare to cover driving safety evaluations for older adults. The researchers highlight that car crashes among older adults led to thousands of deaths and injuries in 2020, and that 17% of individuals over 65 experience mild cognitive impairment, putting them at increased risk for crashes. While there are existing driving safety evaluation programs for older adults, these assessments are not covered by Medicare, making them financially burdensome for many individuals. The researchers argue that Medicare coverage of driving safety evaluations is necessary to mitigate harm and improve safety on the road. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on California now leads the nation in accredited geriatric emergency departments (GEDs), thanks to a collaboration between West Health and UC San Diego Health, providing specialized care to nearly three million older adults. Topics include expansion of GEDs in California, the role of UC San Diego Health and West Health in this initiative; and the broader impact of GEDs on senior emergency care and community support.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Ottawa examined the health system costs of care for patients diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in Ontario, Canada. The study found that hematologic cancers, such as leukemias and lymphomas, present significant challenges to healthcare systems due to rising incidence rates and increasing costs. The researchers estimated the phase and lifetime costs of care for different cancer subtypes and found that acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients had the highest mean monthly initial and terminal costs, while acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients had the highest mean monthly cost during the continuing phase. Overall, lifetime costs were highest for ALL patients, followed by AML patients. The study also identified major cost drivers, including inpatient care, emergency department visits, same-day surgeries, ambulatory services, and specialized cancer drugs. The researchers concluded that understanding these costs can inform initiatives to control healthcare spending and improve cancer care quality. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan examined the use of androgen biosynthesis and second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The study found that these therapies, which alter the androgen pathway, may be associated with cardiometabolic toxicities. The researchers used a 20% sample of national Medicare claims to perform a retrospective cohort study and found that men who initiated treatment with an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor were more likely to experience cardiometabolic events compared to those who started on an androgen receptor inhibitor. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of neurocognitive events or fractures. This study provides valuable real-world data on the safety profiles of these therapies. [Extracted from the article]

A program called CATCH (Consult for Addiction Treatment and Care in Hospitals) has been found to be highly effective in increasing the likelihood of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) starting and continuing medication for OUD treatment after being discharged from the hospital. The program, which offers addictions care to patients with substance use disorder while they are in the hospital, was tested in a randomized controlled trial conducted in six public hospitals in New York City. The study found that patients who participated in the CATCH program were eight times more likely to initiate medication for OUD treatment and nearly six times more likely to continue treatment compared to those who received usual care. The researchers hope that programs like CATCH will be replicated and implemented in hospitals across the country to improve care for patients with substance use disorder. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, evaluated the validity of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) measure in identifying potentially preventable emergency department visits (PPEDVs) among patients with cancer. The study found that the CMS approach has limitations, as it may overcount preventable visits by including high-urgency or hospitalization-requiring cases. Additionally, relying on final diagnoses for retrospective preventability judgment can be misleading, and the approach does not distinguish between chemotherapy-related complications and other causes for emergency department visits. The study suggests that the model fails to consider nonclinical factors such as social support and economic barriers, potentially unfairly penalizing hospitals serving underserved populations. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Vanderbilt University School of Medicine examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in relation to specialty medications used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatologic conditions. The study found that patients who reported tolerability issues or lower perceived effectiveness may benefit from additional monitoring to prevent nonadherence. The research involved a retrospective review of monthly medication assessments completed by two health system specialty pharmacies. The majority of patients included in the study were white, female, and received specialty medications from rheumatology clinics. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by investigators from the University of Massachusetts Lowell examined the relationship between changes in nursing staff levels and injury-related emergency department visits among assisted living residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study found that an increase in registered nurse (RN) staffing hours was associated with a decrease in the risk of injury-related emergency department visits. RNs provide surveillance and care oversight that can help mitigate injury risk and assess residents at the time of a fall or injury, potentially preventing unnecessary emergency department transfers. This research was supported by the NIH National Institute on Aging. [Extracted from the article]

The Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative, a four-year program funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aimed to improve outpatient healthcare quality and prepare practices for payment systems based on care quality. Researchers analyzed data from 3,773 practices serving 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries to determine if practice transformations were associated with reduced emergency department visits. They found that a 40-percentage point improvement in the Practice Assessment Tool score was linked to a 6% reduction in emergency department visits for primary care practices and a 4% reduction for specialty care practices. The study suggests that comprehensive practice transformation efforts can significantly reduce costly emergency department visits, potentially saving Medicare up to $1.38 billion annually. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found significant associations between social vulnerability and the prevalence and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in the United States. Social vulnerability, which includes factors like socioeconomic status, housing type, education, and insurance coverage, was measured using the Social Vulnerability Metric (SVM), which outperformed other measurements in predicting health outcomes. The study revealed that socially vulnerable populations are at greater risk of specific disorders, such as bipolar I disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, stimulant use disorder, and opioid use disorder. The researchers suggest that these findings could reshape public health policies to better serve disadvantaged populations, including increasing service capacity for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in vulnerable communities. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights the role of technology in improving patient care. UCHealth, Colorado's largest health system, has developed a Virtual Health Center (VHC) that integrates innovative digital health solutions to address patient needs across its 12 hospitals. The VHC has proven to be transformative, providing high-quality care at scale, reducing staff burden, and creating new career pathways in virtual health. The process involved identifying needs, vetting solutions, piloting them, and integrating them within the electronic health record. This research was funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the National Institute on Aging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania examined the impact of emergency department (ED) safety planning on the subsequent use of mental health care among individuals treated in the ED for suicidal behavior. The study found that patients treated in EDs that routinely implemented safety planning had significantly lower rates of readmissions to the ED and inpatient admissions for suicidal behavior or other mental health issues compared to those that did not. The authors recommend that safety planning be universally implemented in EDs and included in routine outpatient care. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Psychiatric Services. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Mississippi examined the association between the use of Telemental Health (TMH) and sociodemographic characteristics among Mississippi Medicaid enrollees with major depression. The study found that 3.79% of the enrollees utilized TMH, and this group was more likely to be older, non-Hispanic White, rural residents, and have higher comorbidity index scores. The TMH cohort also had higher outpatient and emergency department utilization and higher Medicaid expenditures. The study highlights the need to address barriers to telehealth adoption among vulnerable populations and ensure the availability of quality data for future research. [Extracted from the article]

Alliance Health, a managed care organization in North Carolina, has partnered with Cityblock, a value-based healthcare provider, to offer comprehensive medical and behavioral health care to Medicaid beneficiaries with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. The partnership, which began on July 1, 2024, aims to provide specialized care and improve the overall health and well-being of vulnerable members. Cityblock's care model includes primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, and other healthcare professionals, and offers virtual, in-home, and clinic-based services. The partnership is part of North Carolina's ongoing Medicaid transformation efforts and aims to increase access to integrated care, close gaps in health equity, and drive sustainable value. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Central Florida examined the impact of employment and health insurance on healthcare utilization among adults with contact with the criminal-legal system (CLS). The study found that adults with CLS contact had higher rates of emergency room visits and hospital stays, but lower rates of doctor visits compared to those without CLS contact. The research also highlighted the importance of arrest, as adults with an arrest were more likely to report all forms of healthcare utilization compared to those on probation or parole. The study emphasizes the need for community resources and support services to reduce health disparities in this vulnerable population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, explored the potential cost savings of specialty pharmacist interventions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that these interventions, which involve monitoring patients' response to therapy and addressing adverse effects, have the potential to avoid healthcare costs by discontinuing inappropriate therapies and preventing downstream healthcare utilization. The researchers categorized the interventions based on the potential for cost avoidance, including direct and indirect costs. The study concluded that there is a significant potential for healthcare savings through specialty pharmacist interventions in MS, primarily by preventing the dispensing of inappropriate therapies. [Extracted from the article]

Heyday Health, a virtual-forward value-based care provider, has raised $12.5 million in funding to expand its mission of providing high-quality care to Medicare and dual-eligible patients from the comfort of their homes. Heyday's care model includes comprehensive assessments, personalized care teams, and access to behavioral health and clinical pharmacy providers. The funding will support Heyday's expansion into the Cincinnati/Dayton area in Ohio and the Louisville area in Kentucky. The company aims to democratize access to care and has been delivering exceptional quality and patient experience while reducing costs. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from osf.io explores the demographic predictors of Emergency Department (ED) utilization among youth with a history of suicidality. The study found that Black race, female sex, and having Medicaid insurance were associated with increased ED utilization, while being under 18 was associated with lower utilization. These demographics were also associated with ED readmission within 90 days. The findings suggest that there may be inadequate healthcare access for these groups, highlighting the need for better care coordination and utilization of other health services. [Extracted from the article]

Spring Health, a global mental health solution for employers and health plans, has launched its Community Care solution to address the social determinants of mental health. The platform integrates over 500,000 verified community resources across all 50 states, including food banks, government programs, and non-profit organizations. By screening and connecting individuals to local resources and experts, Spring Health aims to provide whole-person support and tackle the social and economic factors that influence mental health outcomes. This initiative is particularly important for individuals facing unmet social needs, such as secure access to food, housing, transportation, and education, and aims to improve mental health equity. [Extracted from the article]