TeleConnect introduces the concept of connecting primary care physicians and specialists by leveraging technology. Improving communication in a health care system betters patient care.
This case report of a novel methodology for the analytic development of bundled payments addresses statistical analysis, data visualization, and clinical consultation.
This study examined how inclusion of different provider specialties affected Continuity of Care Index values, year-to-year stability, and association with emergency department visits.
Medication dose captures modification of hypertension treatment intensity more precisely than medication count, and this measure should be preferred in studies that aim to improve hypertension management.
The generic drug market focuses on price. However, multiple generic metformin drugs have been recalled due to poor drug quality. The authors examine price and quality after these recalls.
CMS began reimbursement for non–face-to-face chronic care management in 2015, and results from Louisiana show that it increases outpatient visits but decreases inpatient and emergency department encounters.
Formulary restrictions can create treatment barriers for patients with atrial fibrillation, including unnecessary delays in treatment and prescription abandonment, with vulnerable populations at greater risk.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with immediate weekly visit trend decreases for overall, primary care, and specialty care with long-term recovery trends; transformation to virtual visits; and increasing long-term trends for meeting patient scheduling and visit needs.
Johns Hopkins Medicine underwent a reorganization of its population health services, with a new structure, set of priorities, and development of a 3-year strategic plan.
Management of empagliflozin and ertugliflozin may be suboptimal following an insurance carrier’s formulary updates. Pharmacists may improve the management.
According to new research, treating depression in older adults could decrease risk of dementia by 51%.
This article describes the Philadelphia Medicaid Opioid Prescribing Initiative that was launched by a multidisciplinary team and mailed local Medicaid providers individualized prescribing report cards.
Preventing addiction is key to ending the opioid epidemic—2020 alone saw more than 93,000 overdose deaths—as are expanding access to treatment, promoting recovery, and building a multifaceted strategy that incorporates nonopioid alternative and their coverage by providers. Although appropriate in certain situations, opioids are not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Construction of a composite measure, use of a summary disparity statistic, and measure selection are key considerations in the design of equity-focused payment programs.
A database of information about more than 30,000 patients verified improved morbidity and mortality due to vaccines and preventive health care in prospective trials.
Telephone visits may offer a simple and convenient option to address patient primary care needs without raising safety concerns.
Addressing avoidable emergency department (ED) utilization takes interventions in partnership with providers.
A survey completed by 100% of leaders of diverse care systems in Minnesota participating in an observational study showed little difference in approach to care coordination.
This study describes financial issues that influenced telemedicine provision and use for patients with chronic conditions and their providers during COVID-19.
Addressing avoidable emergency department (ED) utilization takes interventions in partnership with providers.
The authors analyzed the impacts of COVID-19 on orthopedic operating room efficiency via comparison of 14,856 surgeries performed before, during, and after the pandemic.
Medicare Shared Savings Program accountable care organizations spent less on surgical care by reducing inpatient surgery, increasing outpatient surgery, and reducing spending on postacute care after inpatient surgery.
The authors call on Congress to reform Medicare reimbursement for dialysis, saying the recent rule puts clinics at risk of closure.
Naturally occurring variations in appointment frequencies do not appear to have a major impact on clinical outcomes, but they significantly affect waiting times.
This review describes the impact of nonmedical switching of biologic therapies on US patients and providers, with a focus on switching to in-class alternatives.
This scoping review found 350 articles that discuss US health insurance providers’ use of patient-reported outcomes about health-related quality of life.
Opioid utilization management in Medicare was associated with mixed effects on opioid prescribing, and prior authorization was associated with a decreased likelihood of subsequent overdose.
CMS began reimbursement for non–face-to-face chronic care management in 2015, and results from Louisiana show that it increases outpatient visits but decreases inpatient and emergency department encounters.