After various accusations about his work, Ronny Jackson, MD, has withdrawn from consideration to run the Department of Veterans Affairs; a new online shopping tool would help doctors find cheaper medications for patients based on the patient’s insurance plan information; hospitals have found a new revenue opportunity in self-management courses that teach patients how to prevent or delay complications of disease.
At the beginning of the week, the Senate postponed a confirmation hearing for Ronny Jackson, MD, the president’s pick to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, after accusations about his management came to light. Now, the White House has withdrawn the nomination, despite Jackson calling the allegations “false and fabricated,” reported The New York Times. The accusations from more than 23 people who worked with Jackson included creating a hostile work environment, improperly dispensing prescription drugs, and being intoxicated while traveling with the president.
A new online shopping tool would help doctors find cheaper medications for patients based on the patient’s insurance plan information. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, when the physician is prescribing a medication, the tool, Gemini Health, would generate a list of similar drugs and what out-of-pocket costs the patient would be responsible for. Gemini’s first customer is Blue Shield of California, which will introduce the service to 6000 doctors over the next 2 months.
Hospitals have found a new revenue opportunity in self-management courses that teach patients how to prevent or delay complications of disease. Kaiser Health News reported hospitals are targeting patients with early or mild diabetes to teach them how to modify their habits, but the classes come at a hefty price. While research has found the classes can save an estimated $1300 over 3 years for every Medicare Advantage patient who complete the program, the cost of the classes might prevent patients from actually attending.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen