SPOTLIGHT -
Keith A. Reynolds is the editor of Physicians Practice.
ACP releases policy on ethics of global COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The policy says physicians have an ethical obligation to advocate for the health and wellbeing of patients globally.
Nevada adopts a public option
The Silver State joins Washington as the only states with a government-backed public option.
Becerra warns against charging patients for COVID-19 vaccination
In a letter to physicians and insurers, the HHS head reminds that patients can’t be charged for the vaccine.
Healthcare costs expected to rise in 2022
An analysis shows that 2022 will likely show a decrease in the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on healthcare spending.
AMA opposes physician assistant name change
The organization says a change to physician associate would further confuse patients.
White House tips on how to avoid ransomware attacks
In a letter to corporate executives and business leaders, the White House has laid out the steps businesses should take to avoid the attacks.
ACP releases physician suicide prevention guidance
The paper also addresses the role of a healing community from an ethics perspective.
Do you like being called a provider?
While the term has long been used to designate entities which could receive Medicare reimbursement, it could offend dedicated health professionals.
Report: Pandemic flattened doctor compensation
The compensation of most physicians remained mostly static, but primary care saw a small bump in 2020.
Protecting what’s yours: Estate planning for physicians
Proper estate planning can keep a physician’s assets safe and private after death.
Healthcare costs saw historic drop in 2020
Healthcare costs decreased for the first time likely due to deferred care.
MGMA lays out priorities in welcome letter to CMS head
The letter was sent the same day Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was sworn into her post as administrator of CMS.
CVS Health starts new clinical trial business
The business will seek to drive greater access to clinical trials for patients.
HHS to spend $4.8 billion on COVID-19 testing
The American Rescue Plan funds will provide testing for the uninsured.
Survey: Frontline health care workers describe early pandemic
Workers reported fear, unsafe work conditions, and retaliation in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brooks-LaSure confirmed as CMS head
Biden’s pick becomes the first Black leader to head the agency.
Who do patients trust?
Trust is down in hospitals and the health system as a whole.
Moderna seeks expanded COVID-19 vaccine EUA
Moderna will seek to expand their EUA cover administering the vaccine to children under 18 years old.
Hospitals continue pandemic rebound
Margins, volumes, and revenues have been on the rise but so have expenses.
The new focus of health IT
Patient engagement has supplanted artificial intelligence as the chief focus for health system CIOs in 2021 beside supporting their COVID-19 response.
Top 10 states in the quest for COVID-19 herd immunity
These states have the highest percentage of population vaccinated against COVID-19 thus far.
JPMorgan Chase steps back into healthcare
Months after shuttering its last foray, a new business unit will invest millions into companies seeking to improve care and equity.
Report: Pandemic spurred increase in telehealth
Despite the increase in availability, many patients still don’t know whether their physician offer telehealth.
AMA, MGMA support prior authorization reform bill
The legislation would require Medicare Advantage plans to have a streamlined electronic authorization process.
USPSTF lowers age for recommended colorectal screenings
Colorectal screenings are now recommended for all patients between the ages of 45 years old and 75 years old.
$425 million acquisition to shake up healthcare billing technology
When the acquisition is complete, the companies will offer the only complete financial technology platform in healthcare.
COVID-19 pandemic has been a physician financial wakeup call
A survey found that the pandemic boosted physician burnout and woke many up to their financial precarity.
HHS responds to site-neutral payment challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet accepted or declined to hear the suit between the AHA and HHS.
COVID-19 vaccination required for HIMSS21
The conference is examining full vaccination validation solutions.
Upcoming free webinar: Navigating 2021 tax proposals with financial planning tips