Chronic use of opioids among obese patients prior to bariatric surgery continues after bariatric surgery, and the dose. has been shown to be greater postoperatively than preoperatively, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
More research into the way providers and patients respond to incentives will be important to guide healthcare policy.
Patients who skip filling an antibiotic prescription after hospital discharge because of high out-of-pocket costs are at increased risk of rehospitalization and cost the healthcare system substantially more in the long term, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.
Employer plans must evaluate their wellness culture
Under priority review, FDA approved pertuzumab (Perjeta, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group) on September 30 as part of a complete treatment regimen for patients with early stage breast cancer before surgery.
FDA warned September 27 of an increased risk of death associated with intravenous tigecycline (Tygacil) for FDA-approved and non-approved uses.
Centers reach out to low-income populations.
Health plans are supporting providers by offering outcomes-driven engagement programs for members
The small-group segment is a viable marketplace
According to KFF/HRET, more than half of covered workers opt for PPO arrangements
Bronze plans will serve the hold-outs who have not purchased insurance in the past
Commonwealth Fund: Low-income families have advantages in top performing states
Expect a few missteps as provisions phase in over time
AMA says obesity is a disease but the decision is up for debate
New members likely to have more chronic conditions
More complex reimbursement contracts make it tougher on providers
Shared Savings model will have to mature and refine to adapt to industry changes
Anticipate larger ACOs eventually opting for formularies
Physician-led models seem to have an advantage
New cost control ideas will be needed in the future
One of many things that will cause rates to increase between 2013 and 2014.
CDC is concerned because young adults and children are beginning to use e-cigarettes, and the products’ safety is uncertain.
Managed care appears to fare well under PPACA
Convenient sound bites do not take the place of true intelligence.
Will the 34 federally-facilitated and state-partnership exchange programs be sufficient?
Managed care organizations will be remiss if they don’t seriously consider the evolving competitive landscape.
New network designs drive quality through data sharing
Consumers need in-person assistance to understand the health law and what it means to them
While HHS touts big savings for consumers, insurers feel the pinch on prices
Employers are threatening to cut hours and workers to avoid PPACA requirements
