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Telehealth underused by federally qualified health centers, analysis finds

Centers use telehealth largely for behavioral health sessions with patients, though some store-and-forward activities and remote patient monitoring also occur, according to the report by RAND Corporation.

Cleveland Clinic creating center for AI in healthcare

Projects underway include machine learning models to predict patient length of stay and readmission risk and improve cancer detection.

Quality varies wildly among affiliates linked with US News top hospitals, JAMA study finds

The analysis looked at facilities associated with U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll hospitals and outcomes within and across networks.

How HCA defies industry trends with 19 straight quarters of admission gains

Investing in complex service lines to target higher-acuity patients is one strategy fueling the hospital chain's streak.

Quorum Health's losses top $200M in 2018

Net operating revenue of the Brentwood, Tennessee-based health system declined 9.3% to $1.88 billion for the year.

State-run reinsurance programs helped lower ACA plan premiums by 20%

The seven states using reinsurance have saved the federal government almost $1 billion, according to a new report from Avalere.

Hospital groups say public option would cut payments by 10%

The American Hospital Association and Federation of American Hospitals argue an opt-in government insurance plan would hit bottom lines and disrupt the insurance market.

Cambia, BCBS of North Carolina link to form $16B insurer

The entity will remain under the Cambia name and be helmed by current Blue Cross North Carolina head Patrick Conway, who formerly led the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

HHS hints at cutting 'onerous' substance abuse record rules

Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan told attendees at AHIP's National Health Policy Conference to "watch this space very carefully" for changes to the law known as Part 2.

AMA says prior authorizations increasing, interfering with care continuity

A new survey of 1,000 physicians found that more than two-thirds said it's difficult for them to determine whether a prescription or service needs prior authorization.

Blues challenge UPMC, call Highmark contract dispute 'of its own making'

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association argued it's too late for UPMC to intervene in a years-long litigation challenging the way Blues plans operate.

UPDATED: March 15, 2019 at 11:07 a.m.

Hill-Rom plans $180M Voalte takeover to boost connected care unit

The acquisition will give the hospital equipment maker a communications system to complement its portfolio of smart devices.

Intermountain makes push for more homecare

The Salt Lake City health system is bringing the services and capabilities of a clinic into the homes of patients suffering from chronic and complex conditions.

PBMs called to give patients 'an explanation' by Senate panel

Cigna, CVS Caremark and CVS Health, Humana, UnitedHealth's OptumRx and Prime Therapeutics got invites to the latest Senate Finance Committee hearing. The panel said two of the companies have so far agreed to testify.

UPDATED: March 19, 2019 at 4:02 p.m.

Trump admin proposes massive cuts to Medicaid, Medicare

Nearly all items on the wishlist hold zero chance of becoming law, but will likely give Republicans a headache come election time.

Diagnostic errors compounded by EHRs still No. 1 patient safety concern

Other major issues in the ECRI Institute's list of top 10 worries include overuse of antibiotics, clinician burnout and the growing but loosely regulated use of mobile health technologies in the home.

Healthcare prices rose but use fell across US from 2012-16

Metro areas along the coast tended to have higher prices than in the Midwest, but there were many examples of neighboring areas with "starkly different" price levels, according to the Health Care Cost Institute.

Population health program growth sputters, though execs agree they're needed

The potential of losing money in risk-based contracts is the most significant reason health systems are resistant to move into value-based care, according to a new Numerof & Associates report.

Pharmas, PBMs and payers all take a slice along drug supply chain, Pew says

As pharmaceutical spending and PBMs take fire in Washington, the report aims to suss out the players pocketing a share as drugs make their way through the system.

'Trauma deserts' more likely in black urban communities: JAMA

The study looked at geographic access to trauma care and found black majority communities are the only racial/ethnic areas associated with geographic disparities.

MedPAC eyes changes to ED coding, Part B drug pricing

Meanwhile, MACPAC discussed how shortfalls should be counted for Medicaid patients with third-party coverage in the DSH program.

23andMe to gauge Type 2 diabetes risk

The genetic testing company sees a big market opportunity in the chronic disease and argues risk is currently underscreened.

Chicago health systems weighing possible merger, Crain's says

Rush Health and Swedish Covenant Health are reportedly in early exploratory discussions about a possible combination.

Opinion

You don't think you have a patient matching problem. But will your patients agree?

Mark LaRow, CEO of patient matching company Verato, weighs in on HHS' new information blocking and interoperability rules and what they could mean for the industry.

Trump admin floats publicizing provider-payer negotiated rates

While still just a request for comment, pushback from doctors and hospitals is likely to be fierce.

UPDATED: March 8, 2019 at 9:21 a.m.