SPOTLIGHT -
September 22nd 2023
Legislation has bipartisan support, but critic says it’s throwing money at a problem with no guarantee it will help.
September 21st 2023
Up to 85,000 workers could hit the picket lines, union says
Suit focuses on Cigna’s use of claims automation software
Democrats say their objections are the bidding of big pharma.
September 20th 2023
Biden administration announces $600 million in funding for at-home tests that will be mailed to those requesting them
Hospital health care prices don’t match online and by phone
Price transparency has gotten better, but still needs work to make costs clear to patients, a new study finds.
Health care fraud and abuse laws: Why “intent” may be key
Ignorance of the laws do not protect physicians from prosecution
Enhanced primary care: a solution to the nation’s skyrocketing health care costs?
From Congress to employers: shifting the primary care paradigm through efficient payment models to embrace innovative solutions, improve access, and transform health care delivery.
Senators pitch $26 billion plan to strengthen primary care – ‘Absolutely the right thing to do’
Legislation would pay for more physicians, nurses, dentists, to maximize services at community health centers.
Health care in the mix as inflation rises in August
Lawmakers blame opponents’ economic policies for effects on families.
Bill introduced in House would increase health care pricing transparency, reduce costs
Legislation also provides more funding for community health centers and diabetes research
FDA approves emergency use for updated COVID-19 vaccines
New shots scheduled to arrive this fall; CDC to discuss clinical recommendations tomorrow.
Medical credit cards are the latest way patients fall deeper in health care debt, consumer advocates say
Supporters counter that payment options improve access to care as federal regulators seek more information on possible ‘predatory’ practices.
Proposed bill would bring more analysis to impact of health care consolidation
Legislation requiring annual reports to Congress has bipartisan support
NextGen sold to venture capital firm
Acquisition follows fine over charges company falsely claimed its software met certification requirements
How primary care physicians can use home-based care models to reach rural populations
Success requires using home care team as extension of physician’s practice
Lawsuits expected over Medicare drug price negotiation
Experts expect more lawsuits challenging CMS’s authority to negotiate drug prices for Medicare Part D.
Better data exchange is key to improving patient health outcomes
Interoperability solutions can also help health care industry achieve Quadruple Aim
Private equity investments in physician practices draw regulatory scrutiny
Even small deals are drawing greater government interest
Mental health wellness programs for clinicians are now more accessible
Stressful work environments, fatigue, burnout, and aging patient populations who require more care all add to the hardship of attracting and maintaining clinical staff.
Reducing the risk of violence against health care workers: Effective solutions needed
Violence against health care workers has almost become a routine, if frightening, aspect of their jobs.
‘The time for incrementalism is over’ – National Academy of Medicine report urges major changes in U.S. health care
Americans spend huge amounts of money for ineffective care, declining life expectancy.
A promise fulfilled, for now
Primary care gets catch-up in latest AMGA compensation survey.
Biden administration unveils first prescription drugs subject to price negotiations
CBO estimates program could save nearly $100 billion over 10 years
Feds continue hunting for medical fraud amid schemes launched in COVID-19 pandemic
List of criminal and civil actions is growing and Justice Department says there’s more to come.
Primary care continuity can lower health care costs, study finds
Seeing same provider at regular intervals is key to reducing spending
Report on state-level physician discipline may be misleading by ignoring full range of actions
Federation of State Medical Boards responds to claims that boards are ‘dangerously lax’ about handling accusations against doctors.
State medical boards ‘dangerously lax’ at targeting incompetent physicians, watchdog group says
Professional discipline for doctors has decreased in the last three years.
Navigating a medical board investigation: From inception to hearings
How to mitigate or prevent public discipline by a medical board.
Representative takes aim at prior authorizations in Medicare, Medicare Advantage
Legislation that would speed up treatment reviews is piling up. Will Congress or CMS act first?
Proposed rule banning noncompete agreements draws mixed reaction from health care execs
Doctors largely oppose noncompetes, hospitals and other employers favor them
Care at home: Technology, trust, teamwork all have a place
American Telemedicine Association convenes panel to discuss health services for an aging population.
Four physicians convicted of selling drugs out of Tennessee clinics
Petition to eliminate MOC draws 15,000 signatures
Discontent growing over program’s time, monetary requirements
Health insurance prices drop 29.5% from last July, according to feds
Food is up, gas is down, health care has mixed results in latest Consumer Price Index.