Insurance

Most MA Plans in Annual CMS Report See Star Ratings Increase

October 8th 2021, 9:40pm

Article

Ahead of Medicare open enrollment, which starts October 15, CMS released its annual report of which Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D drug plans achieved 5-star ratings.

Update on Migraine Patient Care Challenges During the Pandemic

October 5th 2021, 5:00pm

Podcast

Migraines plague some 35 million Americans, the majority of them women in their 30s and 40s, and disabling pain and symptoms are linked to lost productivity at work, school, and home. On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we bring you an excerpt of an interview with a headache specialist about the extra challenges for patients and providers during the pandemic.

Dr Elizabeth Kwo on Using Predictive Analytics to Curb Avoidable Hospitalizations During Cancer Therapy

September 29th 2021, 7:30pm

Video

Anemia, fevers, dehydration, and other side effects from cancer treatment are all candidates for targeting with predictive analytics in an effort to care for patients are home instead of the hospital, said Elizabeth Kwo, MD, MBA, MPH, the deputy chief clinical officer at Anthem BCBS, and a speaker at the 10th anniversary of Patient-Centered Oncology Care® conference.

Medicaid Expansion Linked With Reduction in Uninsurance and Improved Blood Pressure, Glucose Control Measures

September 27th 2021, 3:00pm

Article

Results of a representative study of patients at federally qualified health centers found Medicaid expansion was associated with reduced rates of uninsurance, improved blood pressure and diabetes control measures, and progress in closing racial care disparities over 5 years.

Dr Elizabeth Kwo on the Expanding Use of Remote Patient Monitoring

September 23rd 2021, 7:00pm

Video

Remote patient monitoring includes urgent care uses, long-term monitoring to help keep patients with cancer out of the hospital by monitoring the effects of oncology treatment at home, and even voice monitoring to check for altered mental status, said Elizabeth Kwo, MD, MBA, MPH, the deputy chief clinical officer at Anthem BCBS, and a speaker at the 10th anniversary of Patient-Centered Oncology Care® conference.

Could Psychedelics Ease Mental Health Toll From COVID-19, Other Crises?

September 15th 2021, 4:40pm

Article

The fallout from COVID-19 has spotlighted the limitations of US mental health care, prompting the question if alternative treatments—like psychedelics—could help address current and impending crises.

Unraveling the Physical, Mental Health Impacts of 9/11, 2 Decades Later: Part 2

September 10th 2021, 2:00pm

Article

In part 2 of a 2-part series, we look at the mental health risks affecting 9/11 rescuers, the lessons learned that apply to health care workers during the current pandemic, as well as continued barriers to care.

USPSTF Lowers Recommended T2D, Prediabetes Screening Age to 35 Years

August 26th 2021, 4:00pm

Article

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered its recommended screening age for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes from 40 to 35 years among overweight and obese individuals.

ICER Review of AD Therapies Narrowly Supports JAK Inhibitors, Depending on Safety

August 19th 2021, 10:00pm

Article

A review of therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD) found adequate net health benefit for new treatments. However, safety remains a concern for the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

Survey: Parents Cite Insurance Headaches, Knowledge Barriers Around Rare Disease Management

August 11th 2021, 8:15pm

Article

Survey results underscore parents’ frustration with insurers when it comes to caring for their children with rare diseases.