Medicaid expansion improved care access and coverage, analysis finds

More than 30 states have expanded Medicaid under the ACA, and a few more will have the issue up for a vote this fall.

By Les Masterson • June 6, 2018

Mandatory CMS bundles showed advantages over voluntary initiatives, report finds

A Health Affairs report found mandatory and voluntary bundled payment models "engaged different types of hospitals."

By Les Masterson • June 6, 2018

BCBS of Texas delays unnecessary ED visit policy

The Texas Department of Insurance requested the delay and questioned the payer on the new policy.

By Les Masterson • June 5, 2018

UPS seeks to disrupt implantable medical device supply chain

But without device manufacturer buy-in, uptake of the effort appears to be slow.

By David Lim • June 5, 2018

Payer-provider partnerships on record pace

So far this year, 22 alliances have been formed, with more than 90% using value-based reimbursement as a component.

By Les Masterson • June 4, 2018

Telehealth success varies by setting, according to AHRQ

A report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found telehealth improved remote intensive care unit consultations but garnered less success cutting inpatient length of stays.

By Les Masterson • June 4, 2018

Cleveland Clinic operating income drops 22% in Q1 as expenses climb

The health system attributed the jump in operating expenses to increases in employee compensation, as well as pharmaceutical costs and supplies.

By Meg Bryant • June 1, 2018

AMA trumpets physician efforts in opioid epidemic fight

The doctors' group said opioid prescriptions are down while prescription drug monitoring program queries are up.

By Les Masterson • June 1, 2018

Technology, value-based care driving M&A, report says

Buyers are looking for targets that can respond quickly to regulatory and market changes.

By Meg Bryant • May 31, 2018

Healthcare pricing transparency remains elusive, study finds

A JAMA Network survey found that even fewer hospitals provided pricing information in 2016 than did for a similar study four years earlier.

By Les Masterson • May 31, 2018

Virginia on cusp of expanding Medicaid

The state Senate on Wednesday moved past the most significant hurdle to expand Medicaid to an additional 400,000 residents, a long-sought goal of Democrats using the powers under the Affordable Care Act.

By David Lim • Updated May 31, 2018

Henry Ford, Wayne State talk affiliation plan that could shake Detroit market

The so-called Project Leapfrog plan could bring in as much as $200 million through additional billings, better Medicare reimbursement and more graduate medical education funding.

By Les Masterson • May 30, 2018

ACA health insurance tax would be delayed 2 years under bipartisan bill

Insurance companies say ending the tax would let them reduce premiums by 3%.

By Les Masterson • May 29, 2018

Medicaid expansion sees movement in Virginia, may get vote in Idaho

Virginia could become the next state to expand Medicaid, with the state legislature expected to vote in the coming days on a plan that would tax hospitals to fund the added coverage. 

By Les Masterson • May 29, 2018

Integrating behavioral health, primary care can save money

A Colorado program saved more than $1 million by creating a risk-adjusted payment system for practices that had on-site behavioral health providers.

By Les Masterson • May 25, 2018

Ascension to invest $50M in 3 Michigan health systems

The largest Catholic health system had considered selling the entities or exploring partnerships with other systems.

By Les Masterson • May 24, 2018

CMS primary care model slowed ED visits, but did not cover costs

A new study found no significant differences between participants in the Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative and comparison practices when examining spending growth.

By David Lim • May 24, 2018

Physician practices seek help in transition to value-based care

A new report found physicians are moving more toward independent and physician-led group practices after a six-year trend of doctors moving to hospitals.

By Les Masterson • May 23, 2018

Payers should rethink Medicare Advantage marketing, report suggests

Accenture Consulting said insurers risk millions in revenue by not taking into account how many people wait until after 65 to enroll in Medicare.

By Les Masterson • May 23, 2018

Hospitals could save millions on hip, knee implants

Optimizing use of anesthesia and bone cement, along with streamlining workflow, could cut costs for the expensive procedures, a Premier report found.

By Les Masterson • May 23, 2018

With shortage looming, primary care doctors' salaries rise

Compensation for non-physician providers grew 8% over the past five years, reflecting their increased role amid an aging population.

By Meg Bryant • May 22, 2018

Quorum Health CEO retires

Thomas Miller has led the hospital system since 2016. Genesis Healthcare board chair Robert Fish will take over in his stead as interim CEO.

By Tony Abraham • May 22, 2018

Early 340B hospitals gave more uncompensated care than later participants

The research comes as Congress and President Donald Trump have called into question whether the program has outgrown its intent.

By David Lim • May 22, 2018

Ascension revenue dips amid restructuring, shift in focus

In the face of reduced admissions and revenue, the Catholic health system is ramping up its ancillary businesses and partnerships. 

By Tony Abraham • May 21, 2018

Allegheny increasing minimum wage to $15 an hour

The Pittsburgh-based health system had its best operating performance year in 2017.

By Les Masterson • May 21, 2018