The Latest
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Cigna-Express Scripts merger cleared by DOJ
Federal regulators said the deal "is unlikely to result in harm to competition or consumers." Eyes now turn to the proposed Aetna-CVS union.
Payer -
Deep DiveWhy payers are gobbling up PBMs
On Monday the Justice Department gave its blessing to a $67 billion acquisition of Express Scripts by Cigna.
Payer -
AbbVie accused of 'far-reaching' kickback scheme for Humira
A lawsuit filed by the California Department of Insurance puts AbbVie on the defensive over support programs for its top-selling biologic drug.
Policy & Regulation -
Study underscores doctor, patient benefits with use of medical scribes
When doctors were using scribes, they reported less after-hours EHR documentation and a significant uptick in time spent interacting with patients, according to the JAMA Internal Medicine report.
Health IT -
NQF report focuses on rural-relevant quality measures
The National Quality Forum's Measure Applications Partnership workgroup looked for measures that are cross-cutting, resistant to low case volume and drive access to care.
Payer -
CMS proposes streamlining some Medicare compliance rules
If finalized, the rule would remove the requirement that ambulatory surgical centers have a written transfer agreement with a hospital or that the center's physicians have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Payer -
HHS launching database of patient safety culture at ambulatory surgical centers
The decision comes as the centers are treating more patients — a trend being pushed by payers, including Medicare, that want to move care away from more expensive inpatient settings.
Policy & Regulation -
Deep DiveWhen ICE comes knocking, healthcare workers want to be prepared
Hospital staff are on the front lines in the fight against a growing threat to their patients' health: fear.
Hospital Administration -
Summa Health pulls off financial turnaround in H1
The system's interim CEO said a broad effort to lower costs and improve access was responsible for the favorable first half, including expanded hours and moving to a new headquarters.
Finance -
Challenge to short-term plans joins chorus of ACA lawsuits
While the outcome of a lawsuit threatening the landmark law is pending in Texas, patient advocates in Washington, D.C., and the Maryland attorney general are suing to protect the act.
Payer -
Hurricane Florence forces hospital closures, patient transfers
In North Carolina, health officials sent a 14-bed mobile hospital to Pender County after a hospital there was flooded and evacuated.
Hospital Administration -
Patient attribution crucial part of value-based contracting, actuaries say
There are trade-offs between attribution methods that rely on retrospective reviews of fee-for-service claims and those that attribute patients in advance of performance periods, according to a Society of Actuaries report.
Payer -
Patient groups attack CVS use of ICER metrics, urge rethink
In an open letter, more than 90 organizations called on CVS to reconsider its decision to use ICER's drug value assessments for determining coverage.
Policy & Regulation -
Intermountain, Geisinger form group to improve diagnostic accuracy
The two integrated health systems are among more than 40 calling for providers to take steps like improving how doctors communicate test results.
Health IT -
Hospitals, telehealth providers prepare for Hurricane Florence
As with last year's Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, hospital operators in Florence's path could take a financial hit. HCA, Tenet, Community Health Systems and LifePoint Health could all see volumes dip.
Health IT -
Welltok acquires text-based messaging platform Wellpass
Wellpass, formerly Voxiva, has experience with Medicaid managed care and other government programs.
Health IT -
Payer trade group highlights need for housing programs
Housing is one of the most complex social determinants of health, and insurers have partnered with other health organizations to invest in affordable real estate and expand case management services, according to AHIP.
Payer -
New Apple Watch adds FDA-cleared ECG application
The tech giant certainly hasn't hidden its interest in the healthcare market, but Wednesday's announcements clarify that the company is not looking back as it plunges into the sector with wearables, apps and more.
Health IT -
Epic, Nuance partner on voice assistance technology aimed at busy docs
The system is compatible with Epic's Rover and Haiku workflow apps and will allow physicians to get schedules, look up patient information and check lab results and medication lists.
Health IT -
Hospital operating margins dropped 39% over 3 years
Lower demand, Medicare payments and collection rates, as well as the move to value-based contracting, led to the decrease, according to a Navigant report.
Finance -
Evolent buys New Century Health to beef up specialty care
The value-based care services company is looking to expand its influence over costs and move into Medicare Advantage, a high-growth area.
Health IT -
Mercy launches cloud-based imaging tool for small, mid-size hospitals
Using the new picture archiving communication system, Mercy radiologists have cut report turnaround time by up to 50%, the company said.
Health IT -
A call to make EHRs safer for pediatric patients
A viewpoint published in JAMA Pediatrics argues for a rigorous certification program for EHRs used in pediatric care to prevent harm to young patients, who have unique needs.
Health IT -
Newly merged Advocate-Aurora sees 20% drop in operating income
The deal finalized in April created the 10th-largest nonprofit health system in the country.
Hospital Administration -
Hospitals sue to require drug pricing transparency in 340B
HHS delayed implementing the regulations for the fifth time in June and has signaled they will be rolled into the administration's larger plan to cut drug costs.
Hospital Administration