Health Care Cost

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.

Robin Shah, CEO of Thyme Care, which he founded in 2020 with Bobby Green, MD, president and chief medical officer, joins hosts Emeline Aviki, MD, MBA, and Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, to discuss his evolution as an entrepreneur in oncology care innovation and his goal of positively changing how patients experience the cancer system.

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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer potential solutions to the growing demand in mental health; patients face weight loss drug shortages and insurance complications; updated mask guidelines cause worry among health care workers.

Medicare’s administered pricing system has never had to deal with labor scarcity before.

"Even though awareness was increasing, it wasn't translating into action," Taylor-Desir explains. "We know from our experience as physicians, that physical health and mental health are tied."