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Episode 6 - Pharmacotherapy Versus Bariatric Surgery
Substantial and sustained weight loss results in improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, and clinicians may consider pharmacotherapy and/or bariatric surgery in appropriate patients. Peter Salgo, MD, comments that bariatric surgery is a more expensive option compared with pharmacotherapy.
Although pharmacotherapy may be less expensive, Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FACE, FNLA, notes that surgery is a first-choice option for many patients, especially for patients who have a body mass index of 35 or greater and need to lose a larger proportion of weight very quickly.
Maria Lopes, MD, MS, explains that in order to evaluate the financial benefits of pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, comparative effectiveness data are needed. Even more important, Dr Lopes states, are data to show that pharmacotherapy options are truly effective.
Jeffrey D. Dunn, PharmD, MBA, comments that because treating obesity is expensive, key stakeholders in healthcare need to figure out how to better spend the limited resources currently available for the management of obesity.
Together, Kari Uusinarkaus, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, and Drs Handelsman and Lopes conclude that a multi-stakeholder approach, with help from the government, is necessary. Dr Handelsman adds that because obesity is so expensive, prevention programs are essential.
Joanne Mizell: Lifestyle Modification Programs Take Holistic Aim at Metabolic Disease
May 1st 2024Joanne Mizell shares insurer strategies in addressing the escalating rates of metabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of holistic treatment methods like lifestyle modification programs, which integrate nutrition, physical activity, and community engagement.
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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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USPSTF Lowers Age for Biennial Mammograms to 40, Citing Early Detection Benefit
April 30th 2024The USPSTF lowered the recommended starting age for mammograms from 50 to 40 years, citing moderate benefits for early detection in this age group. Disparities persist, especially for Black women, highlighting the need for improved access to health care and social support.
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Makers of medical tests will have about 4 years to show the FDA that their new offerings deliver accurate results; after previously decreasing for 27 years, US tuberculosis (TB) cases increased every year since 2020; a US district judge rejected a challenge by Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson to the Medicare drug price negotiation program.
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