Clinical

What we're reading, January 7, 2016: the uninsured rate at the end of 2015 was essentially unchanged from the beginning of the year; CMS may start paying for some rehab for drug or alcohol addiction; and follow-up care plans after hospital discharge are often too difficult for patients to understand.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine underscores the need for early cardiovascular screening in adult survivors of cancer.

A new study conducted by researchers at Kaiser Permanente has found that a considerable number of working-age adults who survive cancer and its toxic treatments, end up with substantial medical debts or declare bankruptcy.

Drugs targeting genetic mutations that drive tumor growth have revolutionized treatment for some serious forms of cancer, but the tumors usually become resistant to the drugs’ therapeutic effects and resume growth.

Patients with cancer who have paid sick leave are almost twice as likely to retain their jobs.

In their Viewpoint in JAMA Oncology, Sanket S. Dhruva, MD, and Vinay Prasad, MD, MPH, have raised objections to CMS’ turnaround on coverage decision for the antibody blinatumomab.

What we're reading, January 5, 2016: A special report highlights how the working poor slip through the cracks of the Affordable Care Act; the FDA approved 51 drugs in 2015 with nearly half being first-in-class; and the Senate is expected to vote on President Obama's nomination for FDA commissioner next Tuesday.

Results from the ACRIN 6666 trial have found that breast cancer detection rate using ultrasonography is comparable with mammography.

What we're reading, January 4, 2016: health insurers offering free doctor's visits for some plans; some consumers find paying the Affordable Care Act penalty cheaper than buying insurance; and clinicians and patients are increasingly worried about opioid dangers.

An imaging agent that can eliminate the unknown and help instill confidence in a surgeon’s ability to successfully remove all cancerous tissue is being evaluated by surgical oncologists at Duke University.

How well postmenopausal patients tolerate tamoxifen and anastrozole for one type of breast cancer varies with age.

Women over 65 years of age with early-stage, fast-spreading breast cancer had better chances of surviving if they endured treatment therapy, according to a new study.

This week in managed care top stories included the news that patients suing states for access to hepatitis C medication, a study that found 91% of patients who survive an opioid overdose get another prescription, and Martin Shkreli's arrest continues to affect the pharmaceutical world.

Neglecting patient and caregiver preferences hamstrings the development of medical technologies and engaging these stakeholders is vital, said John Bridges, PhD, associate professor of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Despite Congressional directives for 30 years to diversify clinical research, the number of studies that include minorities and the diversity of scientists being funded have not improved.

During the last month of 2015, The American Journal of Managed Care asked readers to choose what they thought was the top healthcare story from the year. Options included overall themes from the year and specific events.

An update on where the field of biosimilars currently stands.

What we're reading, January 1, 2016: key healthcare legal battles in 2016; study looks at the safety and outcomes of giving birth outside of the hospital; and a tool helps providers better understand the costs they incur.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ease of preparation prior to the screening test is an important determinant of colonoscopy uptake.

New data does not support the idea that aspirin has protective qualities and “down-the-road” benefits for breast cancer patients. It may, however, help reduce breast density and improve earlier detection of some breast cancers.

What we're reading, December 31, 2015: small innovations from doctors and insurers can make a big difference in cutting healthcare costs; WellCare is transitioning its pharmacy benefit management to CVS Health; and US health officials remind Americans to get the flu shot.