23andMe wins FDA clearance for first-of-its-kind genetic test

The agency also sent a safety communication warning about the danger of relying on genetic tests that have not been reviewed by FDA making claims about patient response to individual medications.

By David Lim , Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 1, 2018

AdvaMed pitches new Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors

The trade group wants the carve-outs for value-based pricing, warranty and risk-sharing arrangements.

By David Lim • Oct. 31, 2018

MA plans could use more telehealth services under proposed rule

The proposal would also revise star ratings methodology and improve CMS efforts to recover improper payments.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 29, 2018

AMA expands tool to find underserved patients, help pop health efforts

The updated service will let providers pinpoint areas and populations that could "benefit most from their skills and services," the group's president said.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 29, 2018

ACA premiums would be lower if not for GOP efforts, report finds

Premiums in unsubsidized exchange plans will be 6% higher next year than if Congress and the White House didn't implement policy changes like zeroing out the individual mandate penalty, according the Kaiser Family Foundation.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 29, 2018

ONC: Nearly 9 in 10 hospitals updated to 2015 edition EHRs

More than 40% of acute care hospitals are performing in all four interoperability domains — send, receive, find and integrate.

By Meg Bryant • Oct. 29, 2018

Flu season is here. Health systems are bracing for it.

Despite last season's sobering numbers, two recent studies found that many Americans still aren't getting vaccinated.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 29, 2018

Novarad augmented reality system for surgery gets FDA nod

The OpenSight system is designed for use with Microsoft HoloLens technology.

By Meg Bryant • Oct. 25, 2018

Status quo or blue wave? How the midterms could hit healthcare companies

Election Day is here, and who voters send to Congress will have implications throughout the healthcare industry. Here's a reminder of the various scenarios.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 25, 2018

Gottlieb 'extremely worried' on CAR-T reimbursement

The FDA head referenced how radiopharmaceuticals were treated in reimbursement, "underpaying hospitals and forcing them to lose money." He warned the same thing is happening now with CAR-T.

By Andrew Dunn • Oct. 25, 2018

Trump pitches new plan to bring US drug prices down

The administration's latest effort will take aim at Medicare Part B, looking to link drug payments in the U.S. to the prices pharmaceutical companies set abroad. 

By Ned Pagliarulo , David Lim • Oct. 25, 2018

Healthcare prices lowest in Baltimore, highest in San Jose in 2016, report shows

Variation in costs can be related to, among other factors, differences in price levels and growth of service categories such as inpatient, outpatient and professional services, according to the Health Care Cost Institute.

By Tony Abraham • Oct. 25, 2018

Trump signs opioids bill as GAO says government can do more

Also this week, CMS rolled out a payment model to improve care coordination for mothers with opioid use disorders.

By Meg Bryant • Oct. 25, 2018

More evidence shows doctors leery of risk in payment models

Research from RAND and the AMA showed a widespread perception that alternative payment models are changing more quickly and becoming increasingly complex, creating new challenges for practices that use them.

By Meg Bryant • Oct. 24, 2018

Amgen cuts US Repatha price 60% amid market pressure

While effective, the cholesterol drug's $14,520 list price has been a tough pill to swallow for payers. On Wednesday, Amgen said it would lower that price to $5,850.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 24, 2018

Medicaid enrollment down amid increase in managed care, report finds

Reasons for the decline include no new states expanding Medicaid over the past year, a strong economy and that the program "appears to have reached a natural ceiling," according to A2 Strategy Group.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 24, 2018

Risky business: 5 provider strategies to take on downside risk

"Over time, regulations change," Heritage Provider Network CEO Richard Merkin said. "You have to adjust. If you embrace the status quo, you're dead."

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Oct. 24, 2018

Loss of pre-existing condition protections would hit 100M, Avalere says

The analysis comes as the Trump administration props up skimpy health plan options and backs a Texas lawsuit seeking to repeal the ACA.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 24, 2018

APM adoption up to 34%, but downside risk slow to catch on

Organizations truly committed to value-based payment need to be willing to put their money where their mouth is, Seth Morris, director of network development at Anthem, said at a summit announcing the findings of a new report.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Oct. 23, 2018

Viagra no more: The changing face of drug ads on TV

Gone are twin bathtubs and little blue pills. Instead, pharma promotions on TV are more likely to feature complex biologics and cancer drugs. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 23, 2018

Burnout hurts nurses' ability to meet profession's demands

Because nurses usually have frequent direct interactions with patients, burnout may pose a risk to "patient and organizational outcomes," according to a new white paper from Press Ganey.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 23, 2018

CEO Matt Eyles on why AHIP will probably have to change its name

The insurer lobby's leader addresses key issues affecting the industry and the group's evolving role as insurers morph into both provider and payer.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 23, 2018

Critics pounce as CMS gives states more leeway to skirt ACA

New guidance on 1332 Medicaid waivers makes it easier for states to use association and short-term health plans that limit coverage for pre-existing conditions.

By Tony Abraham • Oct. 23, 2018

Hospital execs admit lack of readiness for Ebola in 2014, but defenses improving

Most said they could adequately respond to such an emergency now, but acknowledge they were not ready to handle Ebola cases during the outbreak, according to a report from the HHS Office of Inspector General.

By Les Masterson • Oct. 22, 2018

CVS-Aetna merger hits snag in New York, clears Connecticut

New York financial regulators want assurances the companies won't raise premiums in the state.

By Meg Bryant • Oct. 22, 2018