SPOTLIGHT -
Keith A. Reynolds is the editor of Physicians Practice.
Pfizer to seek approval of COVID-19 booster
The FDA and CDC say the booster isn’t currently necessary.
Study: Vaccination push cut U.S. COVID-19 deaths
Without the COVID-19 vaccine nearly twice as many people in the U.S. would have died of the disease this year.
Biden seeks to crack down on noncompete clauses
An executive order aimed at limiting the use of noncompete clauses is expected to come soon.
Take the Medical Economics 2021 burnout survey
The more data we collect, the better insight we can deliver to you.
Study: COVID-19 vaccine lotteries not effective
Researchers say Ohio’s “Vax-a-Million” lottery wasn’t associated with an increased number of vaccinations.
CMS begins enforcing interoperability and patient access rule
The rule was adopted more than a year ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed off enforcement.
Decoding cryptocurrency: A physician investor’s guide
The digital assets offer opportunity and risk
New interim rule takes aim at surprise medical bills
The rule would restrict excessive out-of-pocket patient costs from surprise and balance billing.
What to know about the delta variant of COVID-19
The variant is quickly spreading and reinvigorating the debate over masks.
CMS proposes rule to build on ACA
The rule includes provisions aimed at expanding access to healthcare.
Study: Independent practices dwindling as physician employment booms
Only 30 percent of U.S. physicians were practicing independently at the start of this year.
Supreme Court won’t hear site-neutral payment case
The High Court declined to hear a challenge the American Hospital Association’s appeal.
Physician groups, hospitals approaching pre-pandemic levels
This may be a sign that COVID-19 volatility in the healthcare industry has ended.
Report: Ransomware attacks hit one-third of healthcare organizations in past year
Most of the attacks were successful.
10 safest states in the COVID-19 pandemic
An analysis across five key metrics has identified the 10 safest states during the pandemic.
AMA adopts new diversity policy
The policy is part of the organization’s commitment to racial justice and equity.
AMA releases newly adopted trainee, resident policies
The organization adopted policies regarding benefits and protection of medical trainees and residents.
Study: Black patients more likely to die from COVID-19
A study found that Black Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with COVID-19 were 11 percent more likely to die or be discharged to hospice.
CMS: $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds available
The funds are to be used to improve access to state-based marketplace coverage.
Healthcare leaders respond to ACA ruling
Many lauded the High Court’s decision to uphold the law.
Amazon to launch Healthcare Accelerator Program
The company will select 10 healthcare startups for the four-week technical, business, and mentorship accelerator program.
The costly risks of ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks can cause a business to lose revenue, lose standing, or close down completely.
Analysis finds serious privacy problems in mobile health apps
Physicians should be aware of the privacy issues when determining the pros and cons of these apps.
MedPAC recommends streamlining alternative pay models
The commission says a smaller, more harmonized number of alternative pay models would result in less overlap.
Supreme Court upholds ACA
The High Court ruled Texas lacked standing to challenge the law.
Report: Apple healthcare plans stalled
The company’s plans to disrupt healthcare has been bogged down by low engagement and questions about data integrity.
Report: Physician distrust greater in racial minorities
A survey fielded at the beginning of 2021 found the Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to report their physician performs trust-building behaviors.
Consumer Price Index sees largest rise since 2008
After a 0.6 percent rise in May, the Consumer Price Index has seen a 12-month increase of 5 percent.
HHS makes changes to Provider Relief Fund reporting
The changes include expanding reporting and spending deadlines.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine proves effective in trials
In a U.K trial, the drug proved 96 percent efficacy against the original strain of COVID-19.