SPOTLIGHT -
Richard Payerchin is editor of Medical Economics.
Predictions abound for health care policy as presidential election year begins
Inflation is tops but health care concern is high as pessimism spreads like wildfire.
Health care organizations praise CMS new rules on prior authorizations, interoperability
Faster prior auths are a priority for physicians and patients, so the new rules will help family doctors.
CMS announces new rules aiming for faster prior authorizations, more interoperability
Regulators say changes are coming in 2026 for physicians, patients and payers.
Obesity care in 2024; pandemic lessons from Africa; clinician addiction – Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in medicine today.
Feds examine loosening restrictions on marijuana for medical use and research
HHS supports change from Schedule I drug to Schedule III, but DEA must weigh in.
Breast cancer carcinogens in chemicals; workplace wellness; early detection of Parkinson disease – Morning Medical Update
2024 to become ‘Super Bowl’ of telehealth regulation, trade group says
ATA publishes 2024 policy agenda after solid year of advocacy in 2023.
Older Americans slow to use online health services, but that could change
Poll examines patient reaction to online, direct-to-consumer medicine.
Hydration in the age of plastic; sensors to detect lung cancer; conscience in health care - Morning Medical Update
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule needs changing, but not to make physicians violate the law
MGMA outlines legal technicality that HHS needs to address if Congress takes action.
Antiobesity drug safety; dietary effects on COVID-19; ACA insurance - Morning Medical Update
AMA praises MedPAC recommendation for more Medicare physician reimbursement
January meeting opens new year of wrangling in Washington as doctor costs go up and payments go down.
Inflation rises by 0.3% for December, 3.4% for 2023
Federal figures include health care services and commodities.
Youth cigarette use tumbles over three decades
Study finds dramatic declines across boys and girls, racial and ethnic groups.
Health care transformation in New York; Fauci on Capitol Hill; recycling surgical masks – Morning Medical Update
ACA insurance surpasses 20 million enrollees
CMS announces figures blowing by last year’s record of 16.3 million enrollees.
Prescription drug prices: How the United States compares to other developed nations – a slideshow
Americans pay more, but that could change when Medicare begins negotiating prices.
Patient beliefs for 2024; preventing deafness; access for patients with disabilities – Morning Medical Update
Diagnostic errors contributing to patient deaths in hospitals around the country: study
Researchers find assessing patients and tests can lead to diagnostic errors that cause harm.
ED visits more likely when outside physicians handle virtual care
Online visits with family doctors led to fewer emergency visits in the following week.
‘Addiction is a chronic medical illness that's treatable,’ and primary care physicians can help
ASAM president discusses current state of opioid crisis and how primary care could be a new avenue for physicians to connect patients to treatment.
Effects of sleep quality; communicating clearly; USPSTF seeks nominees – Morning Medical Update
Medicare Advantage benefits expansion could help patients, physicians
AMGA weighs in on policy changes proposed for 2025.
Creating a patient-centered practice: Strategies for improving patient satisfaction & retention
Streamlining operations allows physicians to spend their time caring for patients, and for patients to feel cared for
Paxlovid and long COVID; hearing loss and dementia risk; $93M in health care fraud - Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in primary care today.
The independent medical practice is not dead
AIMPA intends to become a new voice for physicians in independent practice.
Lilly launches direct-to-patient telehealth service
Internal medicine physicians ‘concerned’ about patients ordering prescription drugs directly from pharmaceutical makers.
Health care sector added 55,000 jobs a month in 2022
President, GOP clash over meanings of economic indicators.
Respectful maternity care; health around the world; phony antiobesity medications – Morning Medical Update
AMGA joins chorus opposing harsh penalties for information blocking
‘Overly punitive’ approach will discourage move to value-based care.