Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

Will sky-high drug prices spur the US to use an obscure power over patents?

New cell therapies as well as gene-based treatments like Zolgensma benefited from NIH funding of early-stage research. Advocates say the time is now for the government to invoke its "march-in" rights.
Jonathan Gardner • Dec. 04, 2019
Some of the nation's largest health systems want to care for patients in their homes. Here's why.

Ascension, CommonSpirit and Highmark Health are some of those signing joint venture deals with Nashville-based Contessa over the past few months, in a move away from the "heads in beds" model.
Samantha Liss • Nov. 21, 2019
From telehealth to 'Medicare for All': takeaways from HLTH19

All of Healthcare Dive's coverage from the health innovation conference's second year.
Nov. 08, 2019
Ethylene oxide plant closures put US on 'cusp of a major medical logistical failure'

FDA should consider asking HHS Secretary Alex Azar to declare a public health emergency and override state legislation to get sterilization plants back online, one advisory panel member said.
David Lim • Nov. 08, 2019
Behind insurer strategies to snag higher MA star ratings

Last year, more than $6 billion in bonuses were awarded to various types of Medicare Advantage plans. Payers like Cigna and Kaiser say they don't teach to the test, but they do value the rankings.
Samantha Liss • Nov. 07, 2019
Retail makes its case, telehealth and voice tech dominate: 6 takeaways from HLTH19

Consumerism has its limits, interoperability rules face execution challenges and more from Las Vegas.
Rebecca Pifer • Nov. 06, 2019
HLTH19: Telehealth seeks to move beyond flu, but stymied by regulations

"I think we're past the tipping point of where virtual care becomes expected or embedded," Teladoc COO David Sides said at the conference. "I don't think you can put the genie back in the bottle."
Rebecca Pifer • Nov. 01, 2019
A rough flu season is predicted — but it's an opportunity for some

The ultimate impact for hospitals depends heavily on how widespread and severe the virus is, analysts say. For telehealth companies, it's a chance to nab new regular customers.
Shannon Muchmore • Oct. 30, 2019
Wave of deals expected as private equity eyes orthopaedic practices

The business of replacing hips and knees is a lucrative area for investors as joint replacements are expected to rise and more care migrates to outpatient settings.
Oct. 25, 2019
5 insights from a chat with Larry Merlo, CEO of CVS Health

Healthcare Dive talked to Merlo, who rose up the ranks to lead the giant chain over three decades, about CVS' rivals, the path to the Aetna acquisition and potential arenas for disruption.
Rebecca Pifer • Oct. 23, 2019
The forgotten ones: Ransomware preys on the resource-poor

When Brookside Medical Center was hit with ransomware, it refused to pay. The practice was forced to shutter.
Samantha Ann Schwartz • Oct. 18, 2019
Is the future of diabetes treatment better drugs or better care?

Drug manufacturers are trying to push the boundaries of glucose control, but cost concerns could rein in ambitions.
Jonathan Gardner • Sept. 24, 2019
Amyloid's last hope? Prevention studies next big test for Alzheimer's research

The DIAN-TU trial, studying patients genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's, could help decide the fate of what's been the dominant hypothesis of the disease's cause.
Jonathan Gardner • Aug. 29, 2019
Pharmacogenetic test makers cheer UnitedHealth coverage. Other payers aren't there yet

"I've been concerned that the hype around pharmacogenetics, at least for depression, has gotten out ahead of the data," James Potash, director of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, said.
Graison Dangor • Aug. 28, 2019
From wellness to well-being: the evolution of employer health initiatives

What started as on-site yoga classes and smoking cessation programs has evolved into something more holistic and wide-reaching.
Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 28, 2019
Employers say wellness programs are working. Why do employees disagree?

"The paradigm of the past is bringing people to benefits," one source told HR Dive, "but I think more of what needs to occur is bringing benefits to the people."
Ryan Golden • Aug. 26, 2019
ACA's legal jeopardy: 4 questions

The embattled landmark law is again before jurists, this time a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Arguments this week offered more insight into what's at stake.
Shannon Muchmore, Samantha Liss and Dana Elfin • July 11, 2019
Could NEMT's pivot to the commercial sector be a wrong turn?

Employers and commercial plans are increasingly looking to partner with players like Uber and Lyft for non-emergency medical transportation, raising thorny questions about the return on investment in a healthier population.
Rebecca Pifer • July 02, 2019
Once 'bodies for hire,' CROs are finding a new role as data specialists

Drugmakers and regulators are paying more attention to what real-world data can prove — driving demand for contract research providers to help keep up.
Jacob Bell • June 28, 2019
Hospital price transparency push draws industry ire, but effects likely limited

While few would argue for secrecy for its own sake, policy analysts say there's little evidence patients use the information now available to make decisions that could bend the cost curve.
Shannon Muchmore • June 25, 2019
Industry interoperability concerns plague TEFCA draft

ONC's "on-ramp" to nationwide connectivity is being dogged by many of the same issues as its interoperability regulations, including implementation, standardization and privacy.
Rebecca Pifer • June 20, 2019
The gene therapy era has arrived. So have the challenges.

The chief medical officer for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care said Medicaid pricing law needs to change to enable flexibility for payers as they navigate a world with $2.1 million treatments.
Andrew Dunn • June 10, 2019
On the path to patients, NASH drugs may hit a payer roadblock

Wall Street estimates and clinical data suggest the earliest NASH drugs could come with limited efficacy but high price tags. Healthcare providers fear that won't sit well with payers.
Jacob Bell • May 15, 2019
Hospitals look to venture capital as R&D extension

UPMC Enterprises President Tal Heppenstall told Healthcare Dive the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center venture arm plans on spinning out two companies by the middle of this year.
Tony Abraham • April 03, 2019
Scale: blessing or burden for statewide ACOs?

Caravan Health launched its second statewide ACO last week. Some experts worry the scale of the models means Caravan is biting off more than it can chew.
Rebecca Pifer • March 27, 2019