SPOTLIGHT -
July 26th 2024
Open meeting to be held online Aug. 1; independent pharmacies, PBM trade group offer responses to federal reviews.
July 25th 2024
‘Chevron deference’ in legal interpretation falls in ruling expected to have far-reaching consequences across health care, other areas of governance.
July 23rd 2024
Three largest pharmacy benefit manager executives testify in House Oversight Committee.
July 22nd 2024
ACO advocates outline steps for CMS to communicate and change rules regarding patient engagement.
July 19th 2024
Feds’ request for information now lasting into September.
AI and patient safety; protection from the sun; fraudulent medical testing – Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in medicine today.
Consideration postponed for new billing codes for prior authorization
AMA panel had proposal on May agenda; physician says a revised proposal likely will be submitted.
Policies to reform prior authorization: a slideshow
In Senate testimony, a primary care expert suggested policy reforms that allow doctors to spend less time on PA and more time with patients.
Feds form task force against monopolies and collusion in health care
Ramping up efforts against anticompetitive practices in business.
Senators hear administrative burdens and potential solutions that could help physicians, patients
Budget Committee hearing has testimony from experts, including leader of a primary care practice.
9 specialties where starting salaries grew in 2023—and one where they dropped
One specialty saw a decline--and it may surprise you
Post-pandemic use of telehealth causes ‘modest’ increase in visits and spending
Researchers say restrictions to reign in spending may not fly in Congress.
Change Healthcare: ‘We will not rest … until we fix this’
CEO Witty apologizes for effects of the massive cyberattack, but Senate Finance Committee chair says the company ‘let the country down.’
CMS introduces new ACO Primary Care Flex model
Five-year test starts in 2025 to promote innovative, proactive approaches to care.
Taking aim at drug costs; analyzing heart risks; health care and climate change – Morning Medical Update
Getting your claims denied? Here are reasons why and what you can do about it
A hands-on approach may be better for physicians to manage claims.
Hackers disclose personal information stolen in Change Healthcare cyberattack
UnitedHealth updates situation on ransomware hack that has disrupted medical and pharmacy processes across the nation.
Banning noncompetes: Physicians, hospitals, businesses react
Health care was an influence in FTC decision, but effects for nonprofits are up in the air.
The FTC’s noncompete rule is a concerning development for physicians
The ruling is going to be difficult to interpret and enforce.
Old law on abortion; grants to study minority health; preventing infection – Morning Medical Update
Industry payments to physicians reach $12B over 10-year period
Researchers examine how much drug and device makers pay to doctors. The top 0.1% may get quite a bit.
Trauma care price review; misusing telehealth patient data; inspirations for medicines – Morning Medical Update
The case for having insurance companies pay physicians for prior authorizations
Economist discusses potential cost savings and fewer administrative burdens if U.S. health care had an automated clearinghouse.
Feds launch new web portal to report unfair competition in health care
‘Unfair methods of competition and monopolistic practices may be depriving Americans of access to affordable, high-quality health care,’ FTC leader says.
The vaccine pricing assault that threatens public health
Unpacking vaccine pricing: navigating policy, economics, and public health imperatives.
FTC to vote on banning noncompete clauses for physicians, other clinicians and in general
Federal regulators announce public meeting next week on issue that is divisive in health care.
What health care could learn about information sharing from banks and retail stores
‘Tremendous financial strain’ – Physicians struggling after Change Healthcare cyberattack
AMA poll shows effects on processing claims linger weeks after announcement of major computer hack.
The impact of unaffordable health care: a slideshow
Medical debt affects many aspects of life beyond just the bank account
National health care information clearinghouse would streamline prior authorizations while cutting administrative costs
Economist discusses medical equivalent to system already used in banking to transfer money.
Doctors suggest ways to improve Medicare for physician payments, patient care
Senators hear possibilities about nation’s single largest health care payer.
ACO leaders share methods for building successful programs
Culture, data, clinical change and patients all are essential to operating accountable care organizations, experts say.
MedPAC ponders future of physician pay
Report lists concerns about physician reimbursement and policy approaches.
Medicare leaders discuss accountable care growth as part of NAACOS conference
Collaboration across CMS centers and with ACO participants is key.
Financial barriers causing millions to skimp on health care: study
Preventive visits, prescription refills are most likely to be delayed