Providers Bill for End-of-Life Talks
In the first year that providers could bill Medicare for end-of-life discussions, nearly 575,000 beneficiaries had such conversations. According to Kaiser Health News, the use was much higher than expected and 23,000 providers submitted more than $43 million in covered charges. The American Medical Association had predicted that just 300,000 people would take part in end-of-life discussions in the first year. The benefit pays $86 for the first 30-minute office visit and $75 for additional sessions.
Not Enough Patients in Cancer Clinical Trials
With science racing ahead, there are too many experimental cancer drugs and not enough patients to take part in their clinical trials. The New York Times reported that part of the issue is that these new revolutionary treatments, such as immunotherapies, are only effective in select patients. There are now more than 1000 immunotherapy trials underway, and cancer centers worry that these trials don’t always address new questions—instead, the drug companies are simply trying to get proprietary drugs approved.
Maine to Consider Medicaid Expansion
In November, Maine residents will vote on a ballot question that requires the state to apply for Medicaid expansion. The state’s expansion of Medicaid is expected to cost $54 million each year, according to AP. Proponents say the move will reduce the number of uninsured and create jobs, but opponents want any Medicaid expansion to include work requirements and worry it will lead to unexpected enrollment and budget shortfalls.
Real-World Study Reveals Key Insights into DLBCL Treatment Patterns, Outcomes
April 18th 2024A recent study offers valuable insights into the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients across different lines of therapy, providing a look into the landscape of DLBCL management.
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Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Pegcetacoplan for PNH More Cost-Effective Than Anti-C5 Monoclonal Antibodies
April 18th 2024A cost-utility analysis conducted from the perspective of the Italian health system found that pegcetacoplan was more effective and less costly than 2 complement 5 (C5) inhibitors for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
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Exploring Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Variations
March 26th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the March 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on variations in prior authorization use across Medicare Advantage plans.
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Many Patients With Psoriasis in Clinical Trials Experience Nocebo Effects, Study Finds
April 18th 2024Half of patients exposed to placebo in clinical trials experienced adverse events (AEs), which may be partially explainable by nocebo effects, according to a recent review and meta-analysis.
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Low-Volume Hospitals Had Higher Reoperation Rate, Postoperative Complications in CRC
April 18th 2024Patients opting for elective colorectal surgery to address colorectal cancer (CRC) could have different rates of reoperation and postoperative complications based on the size of the hospital.
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