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Patient-reported symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may contribute information that can be used to infer future exacerbations and related costs.

A look at the latest news in healthcare, including a study that identifies an increased risk of diabetes in cancer survivors, 2 FDA approvals, Senator Bernie Sanders released a plan for universal healthcare coverage in the US, and the economics of aging.

Top managed care stories this week included UnitedHealth reporting larger-than-expected losses on Affordable Care Act health plans, new guidelines from the government that will improve patient access to medical records, and new information that can reduce risk of diabetes.

A program for homebound patients reduces spending and improves care in high-risk older Medicare beneficiaries.

The profile of high-cost patients in a Massachusetts ACO differed greatly, depending on their enrollment in Medicare, Medicaid, or a commercial plan.

Presenting patients with a one-page handout of information on additional interventions and data on the low value of a service did little to dissuade patients choosing to use a low-value service.

After pressure from insurers over concerns of rising costs, the government is eliminating several special open enrollment periods and will provide stronger enforcement of the remaining special open enrollment periods.

Carfilzomib has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with dexamethasone or lenalidomide, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have previously received 1 to 3 lines of therapy.

The program seeks to reach an estimated 86 million Americans who have prediabetes, almost all whom don't know they have it.

What we're reading, January 22, 2016: the average premium under the Affordable Care Act rose to $408 before tax credits; seniors will face higher Medicare Advantage premiums with a merge between Aetna and Humana; and Hawaii could be the first state to offer long-term care benefits.

An individualized comprehensive care package for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients reduces 90-day mortality.

An estimated 15.7% of individuals 65 or older may have received nonrecommended screenings for prostate and breast cancer, according to a new study published in JAMA Oncology.

Palliative care initiated in the emergency department for patients with advanced cancer improves quality of life without shortening survival.

The study found a stronger association than researchers expected; it appears that risky behavior in one area implies risky behavior elsewhere.

Patients with high mental health care costs incur nearly 30% more costs than the usual high-cost patients.

A pocket veto ends hopes of Medicaid coverage for the Diabetes Prevention Program, MannKind partners with a pain medication manufacturer, and Governor Terry Branstad finds more Medicaid managed care woes.

Americans tend to support the US government's involvement in world affairs, but there is an increasingly large partisan divide on the country's approach to global healthcare.

A retrospective analysis of data from the National Cancer Data Base has found that patients who had cancer surgery at 56 days after the end of combined chemoradiotherapy presented with the best overall survival and successful removal of their residual tumors.

A new law in California mandates hospitals recognize and involve family caregivers during hospital admissions and discharges in order to reduce the barriers for better care.

A look at healthcare utilization and experience for high-need patients in 9 high-income countries.

More that a year after Congress first delayed upcoming rules on salt and whole grains, a new agreement takes the rougher edges off the school lunch program while preserving current limits on sodium. But it opens the door for a lobbying frenzy at USDA on "a la carte" foods.

A study presented at the 2016 Cancer Survivorship Symposium hosted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified significant uncertainty on who is responsible for the care of cancer survivors.

What we're reading, January 20, 2016: UnitedHealth losses on Obamacare health plans steepen; more "skin in the game" doesn't necessarily result in savvier shoppers; and despite recommendations few high school students are tested for HIV.

The new rule has implications for personalized medicine, because having access to records helps tailor treatments for everything from cancer to chronic conditions.

The results of a new JAMA study underscore the importance of advance care planning in improving the quality of care that patients receive at the end of life.

A look at the economic implications of aging and what can be done to address the growing healthcare financial challenges.

The University of Colorado study adds to the growing concern that sleep deprivation is connected to rising rates of diabetes and obesity.

A review of WalletHub's list of the least expensive states to smoke shows there's a definite relationship between the cost of lighting up and high rates of smoking among adults, based on CDC data.

A new study analyzes how much the difference in readmission rates between safety net and non-safety net hospitals can be explained by measurable factors, such as patient characteristics.

What we're reading, January 19, 2016: the Obama administration is looking to make it easier for patients to access their medical records; a clinical trial has left 1 brain dead and 4 hospitalized; and hospitals are experimenting with mobile technologies to track patient health at home.