SPOTLIGHT -
March 29th 2023
Medical board complaint? Tread carefully.
Rule would limit providers’ ability to write prescriptions without in-person visit
‘Modern gangsters’ use ‘strong arm tactics’ that hurt patients and pharmacies, lawsuit says.
March 28th 2023
As medical expenditures approach 20% of GDP, Health Affairs Council delineates road map to lower national bill.
March 27th 2023
Staggering changeover days of resident and attending physicians also found to have minimal impact on patient outcomes
Price not a good indicator of Medicare Advantage plan’s quality
New study shows weak link between premiums, patient satisfaction and level of care
Value-based care gains ground
Outcomes-based models are spreading, but fee-for-service still dominates payment landscape
Medicare Advantage poised to become biggest coverage provider for beneficiaries
Many plans offer benefits not available under traditional Medicare, but nearly all require prior authorizations for some drugs and services
Health care prices lagging behind inflation in overall economy
Spike in prices may be coming as food, gas, electricity, labor expenses all rise.
Understanding the Value-Based Enterprise
A VBE is an underutilized mechanism for meeting a stark exception or anti-kickback statute safe harbor.
Medicare leaders tout benefits coming through Inflation Reduction Act
Prescription drug prices, health insurance key factors in legislation.
Preventing physician suicide: Learn, share, prepare and be there for those in need
Physicians Foundation president offers resources, evidence-based actions for leaders.
How to earn income as a physician expert witness
Earning ancillary income as an expert witness in malpractice and other cases can be a rewarding gig for practicing physicians.
Inflation, labor, health insurance expected to drive up costs in health care
KFF panel talks about economic effects as consumer prices soar.
California county, three health systems pay $70.7 million for Medicaid fraud
Justice Department: Federal health care money not a “blank check” to misuse.
Pfizer, BioNTech seek EUA for booster against COVID-19 Omicron variant
Novavax vaccine recommended for youths; FDA updates fact sheets on Paxlovid.
Primary care physicians have 26.7 hours of work per eight-hour shift
Study determines amount of time needed for guideline-based care.
Strengthening primary care: HHS asks for ideas, Commonwealth Fund answers
Money, payments, collaboration with public health and social services are among the suggestions.
CDC director announces restructuring of federal health agency: reports
Walensky rolls out plan to leaders, says pandemic performance “did not reliably meet expectations.”
President signs Inflation Reduction Act with health care provisions
Physicians groups, analysts, have praised insurance premium subsidies, Medicare drug cost caps.
Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on doctors
How will new federal law affect lives and wallets of physicians?
National legislation aims to simplify Medicare Advantage prior authorizations
Bill has strong support from medical groups and lawmakers, but House and Senate votes are not scheduled yet.
The art of apologizing
Apologizing when you are a physician is important, and its also important to be careful.
Inflation Reduction Act significant for drug costs, Medicare, those with ACA insurance
KFF convenes analysts to explain effects as House vote could happen Aug. 12.
Monkeypox vaccine gets emergency approval to increase vaccine supply
Smaller dose given by intradermal injection creates five-fold increase in total supply, FDA says.
Health insurance marketer faces fines, sanctions for lying about plans it sells
Benefytt Technologies, Inc. would have to refund $100 million and stop misleading customers about coverage
$150M coming for community health centers, rural physicians
HHS announces funding for programs in underserved, rural areas
Medical, insurance groups praise Senate action on health insurance
Medicare drug prices, insulin costs affected by Inflation Reduction Act.
MGMA asks feds for fair warning before additional surprise billing requirements are enforced
Medical Group Management Association wants six months’ notice before additional measures take effect
Health care contributes as jobless rate inches downward in July
Sector still not at February 2020 levels and COVID-19 pandemic has lingering economic effects.
HHS declares monkeypox a public health emergency in U.S.
White House ramps up efforts to fight outbreak.
National rate of uninsured people hits record low 8%, HHS says
More people getting health coverage, but 26.4 million still don’t have it.
Alternative board certification group advances
NBPAS added to Joint Commission’s list of accepted organizations for verifying provider credentials
25% of people believe harassing public health officials is OK
21% think it’s OK to threaten public health officials over business closures
CMS proposing overhaul of Medicare accountable care organization rules
Attempts to steer more physicians into ACOs are part of the plan