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Episode 11 - Minimizing the Burden of SLE
Even with several metric reports available, Michelle Petri, MD, MPH, explains that measuring the outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is difficult.
Dr Petri explains that measuring outcomes is challenging because multiple organ sites are involved; and because the disease presents in many different ways, healthcare professionals often utilize available indexes as research tools.
Instead of referring to a single guideline when making treatment decisions, healthcare professionals assess these metrics in combination.
Additionally, a correct diagnosis often does not occur until after the disease has become full-fledged. Generally, a patient first seeks the opinion of his or her primary care physician. Often, by the time a correct diagnosis is made with a specialist such as a rheumatologist, the disease has caused permanent damage. Therefore, Dr Petri believes it is necessary to address this issue by enforcing rapid referral to academic rheumatology practices.
Furthermore, Maria Lopes, MD, MS, explains that another challenge to the treatment of SLE, even with the availability of national guidelines, is the overall cost of treatment. Dr Petri agrees and explains that the approval of Benlysta (belimumab), the first biologic approved for lupus, is very expensive due to results of clinical trials that revealed only a 10% difference in outcomes between the group treated with Benlysta and the standard-of-care group.
Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Navigating Health Literacy, Social Determinants, and Discrimination in National Health Plans
February 13th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the February 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on how health plans can screen for health literacy, social determinants of health, and perceived health care discrimination.
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Gene and Cell Therapies Hold Potential—but How Can Payers Manage Their Costs?
April 18th 2024Presenters at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) 2024 annual meeting discussed the current promise and future potential of gene and cell therapies, as well as payer management strategies for these costly treatments.
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Commonwealth Fund Report Details Pervasive Racial and Ethnic Disparities in US Health Care, Outcomes
April 18th 2024Using 25 health system performance indicators, the Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report evaluated racial and ethnic disparities in health care and health outcomes both within and across US states and highlighted the urgent need for equitable health care policies and practices in the US.
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