Health Care Cost

A presentation at the Association of Community Cancer Centers’ 40th National Oncology Conference explored how a cancer screening initiative can be sustainable and revenue positive while driving value-based savings in an evolving market.

Margaret Liang, MD, MSHPM, gynecologic oncologist and program director for the gynecologic oncology fellowship program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, discusses the Association of Community Cancer Centers' Financial Advocacy Services guidelines, which focus on providing financial support to patients with cancer.

Kathy Oubre, MS, CEO of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, speaks on the unique perspectives and challenges smaller health care practices may face when entering into alternative payment models and shares key insights for addressing these issues.

The FDA has approved Tofidence, the first tocilizumab biosimilar in the United States, which will be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Madeleine McDowell, MD, hopes these data insights will help change providers' behavior in terms of adopting earlier and more regular screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Jennifer Sturgill, DO, Central Ohio Primary Care, discusses how shortages of antibiotics and medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have affected primary care, as well as addresses the impact on heart failure care of CMS’ recent announcement of the first 10 drugs up for price negotiation in 2026 under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Major companies committed to joining Medicare drug price negotiations; Boehringer Ingelheim introduced a low-cost version of its adalimumab biosimilar; schools begin to stock naloxone amid rising opioid deaths among young people.

This year’s 40th National Oncology Conference from the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) will take place in Austin, Texas, from October 4-6, with content designed to reflect the theme of “Reimagining Innovation.”

In this interview from our recent Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event, Kristine Slam, MD, FACP, Central Ohio Surgical Associates, discusses the positive impact that Choosing Wisely and enhanced recovery after surgery, or EROS, protocols have had on patients receiving treatment for breast cancer.

The October issue of Health Affairs examines the multifaceted aspects of structural racism in health care, exploring historical roots, policy implications, public biases, innovative solutions, and institutional challenges, urging action to confront and dismantle disparities.

A new grant aims to address maternal mortality in predominantly Black rural areas; Eli Lilly's drug to treat atopic dermatitis has not received FDA approval; a preliminary injunction is granted to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

Drug maker payments to ophthalmologists were associated with the choice of higher-cost therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that could increase Medicare costs, but biosimilars could help.

The number one ingredient that an oncology-based alternative payment model needs to succeed is collaboration, explained Nicolas Ferreyros, managing director of policy, advocacy, and communications, Community Oncology Alliance (COA).

Employees want to know that their employers have a vested interest in their health, Vikki Walton, MBA, health equity leader at Mercer, explains.

Chemotherapy drug shortages put young patients at risk; restrictions and challenges cause concerns of a rise in teen births; at least 28 companies failed to prove sufficient product testing for cough syrups.

Adjuvant therapy, instead of just surgery alone, for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgery incurs lower medical costs than surgery alone.

At the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Oncology Policy Summit, prominent figures in the health care industry from diverse organizations emphasized a commitment to advancing health equity and addressing pressing social and health disparities.

The CDC recommends pregnant women receive RSV vaccinations; 6 states expand their Medicaid programs to offer dental coverage; a new bill aims to address issues in the US organ transplant system

Matthew Crowley, MD, MHS, associate professor of medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, discusses telehealth initiatives at Duke Health, as well as overcoming virtual challenges and barriers that underserved and underinsured patient populations who need diabetes care face.

At the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health 2023 Wellness Summit, Seun Ross, PhD, explains the business case for achieving health equity.

Drugmakers turn to artificial intelligence (AI); new reports of vaccine appointment cancellations or insurance issues; Biden plans to clear Americans’ credit scores of medical debt.

A survey of gastroenterologists, dermatologists, and rheumatologists found Amjevita had the most recognition, followed by Cyltezo, the only interchangeable biosimilar on the US market.

Public health professionals are the backbone of our health system, and their contributions are vital to the well-being of our communities. As a society, we must value their work, provide the support they need, and ensure that public health remains a rewarding and viable career choice.

"CMS cannot do this alone. We have to do this in partnership. So really thinking about providers and beneficiaries and how we do this together," Ellen Lukens, MPH, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, explained.

A new study aimed to summarize publicly available coverage policies of commercial health insurers for digital medicine services.

Laurie Sobel, the associate director for women’s health policy at KFF, moderated a panel discussion with Christine Gilroy, MD, MPH; Victoria Nichols, MPH; and Don Downing, RPh, about insurance coverage of FDA-approved Opill and other OTC contraceptives.

We are in the midst of a transformative time in oncology that could also be a little scary if you are not prepared, said Nicolas Ferreyros, managing director of policy, advocacy, and communications, Community Oncology Alliance.

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, director of pharmacy at Emory Winship Cancer Institute, shares his unique perspectives as both a provider and payer on the use of prior authorizations (PAs) and "Gold Cards" in patients with rare diseases.

In this interview from our Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event, held in partnership with the Zangmeister Cancer Center of Columbus, Ohio, on September 14, Kristine Slam, MD, FACP, Central Ohio Surgical Associates, discusses the benefits of value-based care in the breast cancer space.

At the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health 2023 Wellness Summit, Vikki Walton, MBA, addresses the role employers have in health equity.