SPOTLIGHT -
April 19th 2024
Economist discusses potential cost savings and fewer administrative burdens if U.S. health care had an automated clearinghouse.
April 18th 2024
‘Unfair methods of competition and monopolistic practices may be depriving Americans of access to affordable, high-quality health care,’ FTC leader says.
April 16th 2024
House subcommittee members relate constituent experiences, hear suggestions, question consolidation in health care.
As the backbone of the health care system, primary care doctors need more resources and greater support from policymakers
April 12th 2024
Nearly four in five doctors now work for a health care institution or corporate entity
MedPAC ponders future of physician pay
Report lists concerns about physician reimbursement and policy approaches.
Telehealth supporters discuss lessons and flexibilities extended from COVID-19 pandemic
House subcommittee is considering at least 15 bills that would affect telehealth.
Vot-ER: Physician ballots can improve the health of the body politic
Organization aims to build awareness of the importance of voting among doctors, other health care workers and patients.
Senate Finance Committee to look at Medicare physician reimbursement
MedPAC also scheduled to meet as talk turns to reforms for 2025 and beyond.
CMS publishes 2025 rule for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D
Latest regulations include new enrollee protections, according to agency leaders.
New CMS rules aim to speed up prior authorizations
Changes will make the PA process more transparent and save money, agency says
Interoperability: some improvement, but much work remains
New study finds uneven progress in making data exchange easier and more useful
Ethical conflicts: Making care decisions when the right choice isn't clear
What should a physician do when their ethical training conflicts with the circumstances or needs of a particular situation or patient?
Biden administration cracks down on short-term health plans
New rule aims to protect consumers by limiting coverage and mandating transparent language in plan descriptions
Common risks facing medical practices — and what to do about them
Study: Primary care physicians ‘stretched too thin’ to take on additional research
Why some Midwestern primary care practices declined to participate in formal, government-led quality improvement studies to curb unhealthy alcohol use or improve heart health.
Which nonprofit hospitals give back the most, and least, to their communities?
Nonprofit are exempt from paying taxes and in return are expected to invest in their communities. But most hospitals aren't meeting their obligation.
Antitrust trends and considerations for physician mergers
Physician practices looking to engage in merger & acquisition activity should be cognizant of the government antitrust risks
A comprehensive guide to compliance program assessments
Is your practice complying with all applicable federal and state regulations?
Bill in Senate would accelerate payments to physicians, hospitals in major health care computer attacks
Change Healthcare hack prompts potential changes for Medicare payments.
Do no harm – The imperative for purposeful AI regulation in health care
How do we regulate AI purposefully to ensure that it enhances rather than hinders the practice of medicine?
The 10 worst states for practicing medicine
WalletHub.com ranks them for wages, opportunity, and quality of public health among other metrics
Some primary care practices to get financial boost under new ACO payment model
CMS initiative aims to provide practices with more flexibility for meeting patients’ needs
‘Redesign the environment’ to relieve burnout for physicians and support staff
Leader of the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation discusses latest efforts to tackle burnout among the health care workforce.
Senators grill HHS Secretary Becerra on nation’s next health care spending plan
Department is seeking more than $1.7 trillion for mandatory programs, $130.7 billion in discretionary spending.
Is private equity a threat to competition in medical practice?
Study highlights significant growth in number of regions and specialties dominated by PE-owned practices
Stop the opioid epidemic by stopping fentanyl at U.S. borders, congressman says
Lethal drug imports and overdose deaths are going in the wrong direction. Rep. Greg Murphy also discusses physician burnout and importance of primary care.
6 reasons why it's getting harder to access primary care
A new study explores the reasons why obtaining primary care services is so difficult
Congress and health care: Voting no on the spending bills
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, offers a physician’s perspective on health care and Washington, D.C.
The road to real value-based care
The time has come for primary care to drive the innovative change in health care delivery and financing.
Congressman on PBMs: ‘They've essentially become extortion artists’
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, discusses prior authorizations and other pending legislation in Washington.
IVF, cancer, prescription drugs among health care issues in president’s State of the Union 2024 address
Abortion and AI also in the mix at the national level.
Nurse practitioner report calls for urgent change to NP education to protect patient safety
Decline in education has some worried about the future of the profession
Medicare physician reimbursement: ‘Stop attacking those who were heroes just a couple years ago’
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, calls for a complete reboot of the Medicare Advantage program.
Could there be a new CPT code coming for prior authorization work?
American Medical Association’s code panel has it on the agenda this spring.