SPOTLIGHT -
April 24th 2024
Health care was an influence in FTC decision, but effects for nonprofits are up in the air.
The ruling is going to be difficult to interpret and enforce.
April 23rd 2024
Federal Trade Commission splits 3-2 on new rule about contract clauses that affect physicians and other health care workers, but ban won't cover nonprofits.
April 22nd 2024
Physicians group leaders comment as part of annual gathering this month.
Why physicians and patients need lawmakers to address antimicrobial resistance, a growing threat to the nation and the world.
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
Mental health wellness programs for clinicians are now more accessible
Stressful work environments, fatigue, burnout, and aging patient populations who require more care all add to the hardship of attracting and maintaining clinical staff.
Reducing the risk of violence against health care workers: Effective solutions needed
Violence against health care workers has almost become a routine, if frightening, aspect of their jobs.
‘The time for incrementalism is over’ – National Academy of Medicine report urges major changes in U.S. health care
Americans spend huge amounts of money for ineffective care, declining life expectancy.
A promise fulfilled, for now
Primary care gets catch-up in latest AMGA compensation survey.
Biden administration unveils first prescription drugs subject to price negotiations
CBO estimates program could save nearly $100 billion over 10 years
Feds continue hunting for medical fraud amid schemes launched in COVID-19 pandemic
List of criminal and civil actions is growing and Justice Department says there’s more to come.
Primary care continuity can lower health care costs, study finds
Seeing same provider at regular intervals is key to reducing spending
Report on state-level physician discipline may be misleading by ignoring full range of actions
Federation of State Medical Boards responds to claims that boards are ‘dangerously lax’ about handling accusations against doctors.
State medical boards ‘dangerously lax’ at targeting incompetent physicians, watchdog group says
Professional discipline for doctors has decreased in the last three years.