Policy

An author of a study in the May 2021 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® describes how the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging of America, and already-existing workforce shortages will further threaten the dual-eligible population unless policy makers reform scope-of-practice laws.

New guidelines recommend Americans get screened earlier for colon cancer; Johns Hopkins University will send mental health providers on security calls; Tennessee's governor signs bill limiting health care for transgender youth.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought together the world and taught health systems how to be resilient and adapt to both predictable and unpredictable changes, said the panelists during the plenary on day 1 of Virtual ISPOR 2021.

Genome-wide association studies are building the potential for precision medicine for children with respiratory diseases, but the progress also comes with challenges related to cost and issues with early screening, according to speakers at the ATS 2021 International Conference.

Anthony Fauci, MD, told attendees at the ATS 2021 International Conference that the real-world evidence of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is even better than expected.

A pediatric infectious disease expert reviewed some developments in the vaccine development pipeline, especially new efforts targeting infant health through maternal immunizations.

There is a role for pharmacists and pharmacy quality measures in addressing the public health challenge of diabetes, according to speakers at a recent virtual meeting this week.

A voter-passed measure to expand Medicaid coverage in Missouri will not advance; $7.4 billion will soon be available for recruiting and hiring public health workers; the World Health Organization (WHO) is being chastised for its COVID-19 origins report.

To mark National Women's Health Week, The American Journal of Managed Care® assesses challenges posed to women in the United States by the pandemic and looks ahead to potential long-term consequences.

The CDC announces updates to its mask wearing requirements for fully vaccinated individuals.

Rates of COVID-19 deaths have fallen to their lowest point in 10 months in the United States; survey reveals America's public health agencies face significant trust barriers; data from California highlight vaccine administration disparities.

The American Medical Association announces an antiracism plan; CMS requires nursing homes to report vaccination rates; a minority of COVID-19 carriers are responsible for the bulk of a community's virus spread.

The CMS Star Ratings may be of limited value for patients choosing hospitals for specific care needs.

A new analysis finds the global COVID-19 death toll is much higher than previously estimated; data show promising efficacy rates of COVID-19 vaccines in teens; the US COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver may not result in immediate aid to countries.

The study results were released as nephrologists and others are awaiting the findings of a joint task force of 2 national kidney organizations looking at alternative approaches to estimating glomerular filtration rate.

The United States agreed to temporarily suspend COVID-19 vaccine patents; HIV does not appear to impact efficacy of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine; cases of COVID-19 cases could decrease by July.

In a review of literature published since the Affordable Care Act’s passage, more than half of analyses find that Medicare Advantage outperforms traditional Medicare on quality, health, and cost outcomes.

A survey by West Health and Gallup found that Black workers and those making less than $48,000 in the United States were more likely to stay in unwanted jobs out of fear of losing their health benefits.

Alberta, Canada becomes the latest province to begin switching patients from originator adalimumab (Humira) to biosimilar versions as part of its Biosimilars Initiative.

Courtney Blair, MD, discusses how COVID-19 has impacted patients with allergies and other respiratory conditions.

Walgreens, CVS responsible for a majority of wasted US COVID-19 vaccine doses; travel to India restricted by Biden administration amid record daily COVID-19 cases; CDC report links physical adverse events to J&J vaccine with anxiety.

Although the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) has delayed the start of payment models for kidney care, one dialysis provider says it remains committed to the concept.

CVS will expand its pilot mental health program; CMS adopts new rules to lower out-of-pocket costs; a study highlights overuse of cervical cancer screening tests.

Blacks and Hispanics were underrepresented in relation to their US racial distribution in clinical trials for ophthalmology drug approvals from 2000 to 2020.

President Biden outlined new health initiatives in his first speech to a joint session of Congress; data show the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color; COVID-19 case rates decline in half of US states.

Patients with long COVID-19 at Veterans Health Administration facilities are being prescribed more addictive medications; indoor social distancing may provide a false sense of security; a drug for inflammatory bowel disease may blunt COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.

Tuesday marked the first of 3 days of hearings on whether checkpoint inhibitors should keep indications after follow-up studies failed to show benefits that led to accelerated approval.

CDC updates mask guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans.

The summit will address priority patient inputs for comparative effectiveness research and health technology assessments.

Skin cancer is one of the most common diseases dermatologists deal with on a daily basis, and as global rates increase, it is clear that climate change is a contributory factor, said Eva R. Parker, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, during her session at the American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Meeting Experience.