SPOTLIGHT -
May 7th 2024
Annual report calls for more efficient care models and for Congress to address looming financial shortfalls
May 2nd 2024
State becomes first to officially recognize PA title change
Following testimony in Senate, UnitedHealth Group CEO Witty appears before House oversight subcommittee.
May 1st 2024
CEO Witty apologizes for effects of the massive cyberattack, but Senate Finance Committee chair says the company ‘let the country down.’
DEA, HHS on board to change cannabis status in national drug policy.
Another bill aims at PBM pricing and management
Senators formally introduce act that has been in discussion since summer.
Increasing efficiency and reducing burdens in the health care revenue cycle
How physicians benefit from standardized operating rules
Advocates call for Medicare coverage of antiobesity drugs
White paper argues for reconsideration of weight as a chronic disease with multiple causes and consequences.
Copay adjustment programs may worsen racial disparities in health outcomes
Copay accumulators, maximizers could reduce access to prescription medications among non-whites
Health care workers face higher suicide risk than other Americans
Among six categories studied, only physicians had lower rates than general population
Physician, pharmacists charged for $170M fraud scheme
Federal investigators allege kickbacks, money laundering in Texas.
HHS unveils $45 million grant program to aid in treating long COVID
Funds will go primarily to clinics treating historically underserved groups
CMS encourages physicians to apply for new Making Care Primary model
Informational webinar scheduled for this week for physicians, other clinicians and practice managers.
Cardiovascular societies seek to form their own certification board
Move is the latest sign of unhappiness with ABIM’s MOC process
More primary care leads to less emergency department use
Patients with greater health risks had more screenings and more savings, without extending full health insurance in New York City.
Senate primary care plan approved by committee
Legislation has bipartisan support, but critic says it’s throwing money at a problem with no guarantee it will help.
Kaiser Permanente employees threaten strike
Up to 85,000 workers could hit the picket lines, union says
Cigna faces second class-action suit over automated claims denials
Suit focuses on Cigna’s use of claims automation software
House Republicans rip prospect of Medicare drug price negotiations
Democrats say their objections are the bidding of big pharma.
HHS resumes providing home COVID tests
Biden administration announces $600 million in funding for at-home tests that will be mailed to those requesting them
Hospital health care prices don’t match online and by phone
Price transparency has gotten better, but still needs work to make costs clear to patients, a new study finds.
Health care fraud and abuse laws: Why “intent” may be key
Ignorance of the laws do not protect physicians from prosecution
Enhanced primary care: a solution to the nation’s skyrocketing health care costs?
From Congress to employers: shifting the primary care paradigm through efficient payment models to embrace innovative solutions, improve access, and transform health care delivery.
Senators pitch $26 billion plan to strengthen primary care – ‘Absolutely the right thing to do’
Legislation would pay for more physicians, nurses, dentists, to maximize services at community health centers.
Health care in the mix as inflation rises in August
Lawmakers blame opponents’ economic policies for effects on families.
Addressing drivers of health: Legislation and policies
How can lawmakers help physicians help patients?
Bill introduced in House would increase health care pricing transparency, reduce costs
Legislation also provides more funding for community health centers and diabetes research
FDA approves emergency use for updated COVID-19 vaccines
New shots scheduled to arrive this fall; CDC to discuss clinical recommendations tomorrow.
Medical credit cards are the latest way patients fall deeper in health care debt, consumer advocates say
Supporters counter that payment options improve access to care as federal regulators seek more information on possible ‘predatory’ practices.
Proposed bill would bring more analysis to impact of health care consolidation
Legislation requiring annual reports to Congress has bipartisan support
NextGen sold to venture capital firm
Acquisition follows fine over charges company falsely claimed its software met certification requirements
How primary care physicians can use home-based care models to reach rural populations
Success requires using home care team as extension of physician’s practice
Lawsuits expected over Medicare drug price negotiation
Experts expect more lawsuits challenging CMS’s authority to negotiate drug prices for Medicare Part D.
Better data exchange is key to improving patient health outcomes
Interoperability solutions can also help health care industry achieve Quadruple Aim
Private equity investments in physician practices draw regulatory scrutiny
Even small deals are drawing greater government interest