Matthew is an associate editor for The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®). He joined AJMC® in 2019 and creates content for Medical World News®, a 24-hour online program developed MJH Life Sciences® focusing on pressing topics within managed care, as well as the nonwork-related activities of health care stakeholders.
He has a BA in journalism & media studies and economics from Rutgers University. You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn.
Advocate Speaks on Prior Authorization, Insurance-Related Barriers for HS Treatment
Brindley Brooks, who founded HS Connect (HSconnect.org), a patient advocacy group for those affected with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), discussed step edits and other barriers to treatment caused by insurance requirements in the management of HS.
Race, Insurance Type Among Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Atopic Dermatitis
Most patients with atopic dermatitis had flunctuating levels of depressive symptoms, with having public or no insurance, more severe itch, and skin pain cited as additional predictors of adverse mental health outcomes.
Hepatitis C Reinfection Rates Low After Successful Treatment in People Who Inject Drugs
Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antiviral medications was associated with low HCV reinfection rates among patients who inject drugs, although risk for reinfection was highest in the first 24 weeks of treatment and among those with ongoing injecting drug use.
Advocate Addresses Factors Physicians Should Consider in Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Brindley Brooks, who founded HS Connect (HSconnect.org), a patient advocacy group for those affected with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), spoke on the need for awareness among physicians and patients on the clinical features of HS in regard to both physical and psychosocial burdens.
Overuse of Systemic Corticosteroids, Substantial Cost Burden for AD Seen in Germany
Systemic corticosteroids were more commonly prescribed vs other systemic drug options in Germany for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) despite their unfavorable risk-benefit profile, with a substantial economic burden cited among these populations.
Risk of Myocardial Infarction Greater Among Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa
An increased risk of developing myocardial infarction was observed among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), whereas risk of cerebrovascular accident and peripheral vascular disease was comparable between those with HS and controls.
Dr Patrick Burnett Discusses Risk Factors for Adverse Behavioral Health, QOL in Psoriasis
Patrick Burnett, MD, PhD, FAAD, chief medical officer of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, discussed key factors associated with poor behavioral health issues and quality of life among patients with psoriasis.
Dr Elaine Siegfried Discusses Step Edits, Barriers to AD Treatment
Elaine Siegfried, MD, professor of pediatrics and dermatology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, speaks on step edits and other barriers limiting access to biologic, topical, and other medications for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).
Horizon Model Makes Behavioral Health the "Quarterback" in Chronic Care Management
Stakeholders from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey discuss new ways to address management gaps for chronic behavioral health conditions, including a new integrated care model that puts community behavioral health providers in charge of overall care.
Dr Patrick Burnett Reviews Patient Survey Findings on Unmet Needs in Psoriasis
Patrick Burnett, MD, PhD, FAAD, chief medical officer of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, discusses findings of a recent survey exploring the emotional burden of plaque psoriasis and unmet needs related to current topical treatments.
Disinfectant Linked With Reduced Hospital-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection
Hospital ward cleaning with potassium peroxymonosulphate-based environmental disinfectant and a decrease in days of therapy with carbapenems were associated with a reduction in the rate of hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection.