SPOTLIGHT -
Todd Shryock is managing editor of Medical Economics.
Surprising number of people are not aware of remote health care options
Despite telehealth’s popularity during the pandemic, many still don’t about it and other home health innovations
Hospital acquisition of practices drives up workers’ comp costs
Average payment 8% higher than before acquisition
MedPAC calls for physician payments to be tied to inflation-based index
More than 100 physician organizations urge congress to pass legislation to stabilize payments
February inflation in line with expectations
Annual inflation rate at 6%
Interoperability continues upswing
More than 2 million providers exchanged patient data more than 21 billion times in 2022
Most past-due medical debt owed to hospitals
Report shows that of those with medical debt, 73% owe some or all to hospitals
Primary care reduced hospitalizations even during the pandemic
Japanese study showed that despite the challenges of the pandemic, solid primary care was still key to keeping people out of the hospital
2 in 5 adults won’t pay for preventive services
If the ACA is forced to drop some preventive services, many adults say they will not pay for them out of pocket
Is there a correlation between how much a state spends on health care and access to care?
More spending can equal better access, but there are large discrepancies among states.
Want to boost practice morale and productivity? Allow remote work.
Even small practices can see gains in revenue, productivity, and morale when employees are allowed to work remotely.
Federal Reserve hints at larger interest rate increases
Fed chairman says recent data may indicate bigger boosts to the interest rate are needed to tame inflation
Report indicates inflation still on the rise
The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index increased 0.6% in January
Health Savings Account balances on the rise
Number of patients investing their HSA funds is increasing
Let medical boards do their job and keep lawmakers out of it
NEJM opinion piece highlights how lawmakers are intruding into medicine – with little or no expertise
CMS plans aggressive action to achieve more price transparency
By law, hospitals have been required to make public their prices for goods and services since Jan. 1, 2021, but not all are complying
Inflation affecting majority of consumer health care decisions
Many are losing confidence in their ability to pay for health care
Medicare prescribing trends: Lots of pain in Alabama
Majority of states have a statin as the most commonly prescribed Medicare drug, but Alabama’s collective pain level apparently exceeds that of the other 49 states.
Patient perceptions of cleanliness have a direct effect on reported infection rates
Men and women have different factors that influence their perceptions
Congressional committee calls for addressing barriers to medical education
Barriers are preventing more doctors and nurses from entering the workforce that are desperately needed.
Interoperability takes another step forward
Health organizations commit to rigorous eligibility requirements
Medical collections a majority of all collections despite wider overall decline
The number of people with medical debt on their credit reports decreased 18%, but it’s still one of the biggest problems for consumers
Imposter phenomenon is common among U.S. physicians
Imposter phenomenon increases burnout and thoughts of suicide in doctors
Does remote patient monitoring reduce outpatient appointments?
Digital monitoring of patients for routine care may have more benefits than first thought.
Physican mortality from COVID-19 higher than expected
Despite higher excess deaths and greater COVID exposure, physicians still had a lower excess death rate than the general population
The health care trends making an impact on medical practices in 2023
Which of these top trends are you missing out on?
The 10 states with the highest rates of private employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans
HDHP continue to grow in popularity with employers.
Majority of locum tenens physicians avoid feelings of burnout
71% doing contract work experience little to no burnout
Report shows U.S. lagging behind other countries in many key health care stats
U.S. spends more but has lower life expectancy and higher death rates
Fed raises interest rates a quarter point
At least one more rate hike expected this year, but investors hope any hikes are small and short-lived.
Telemedicine groups ask for clarity on remote prescribing
End of the public health emergency will end remote prescribing of controlled substances
