News

Influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza-associated pneumonia hospitalizations by more than half, according to data presented at the IDWeek Meeting recently in San Francisco.

With healthcare reform moving ahead, payers have their hands full.

Center aims to transform healthcare through collaboration on the latest in health IT.

Under a priority review to help alleviate a drug shortage, FDA has approved lipid injectable emulsion, USP (Clinolipid, Baxter Healthcare) for intravenous feeding (parenteral nutrition) in adult patients, providing a source of calories and essential fatty acids for adult patients who are unable to eat or drink.

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.

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?