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Medical economics news

Surgery

Medicare prior authorization affecting plastic and reconstructive surgery didn't have hoped-for effect

A policy aiming to save Medicare money has not had the intended effect on outpatient surgery. As the policy expands across the country, researching the results of this policy could inform how adjustments are made moving forward.

Health

Many nations aren't meeting their green health care commitments, study says

Countries around the world are falling short of their international commitments to improve the sustainability of their health care systems, according to a new study co-led by Yale's Jodi Sherman.

HIV & AIDS

Study finds telehealth effective for HIV patients

A Rutgers Health study suggests telehealth could be a viable long-term option for people living with HIV, potentially saving them time, effort and expense related to in-person medical visits.

Health

The Medicare Advantage influence machine

Federal officials resolved more than a decade ago to crack down on whopping government overpayments to private Medicare Advantage health insurance plans, which were siphoning off billions of tax dollars every year.

Medical economics

What the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us about flu vaccines

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) finds that much needs to be done if we want to be prepared to respond to a potential influenza pandemic, particularly when it comes ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

White House may soon offer 'high-quality' masks to Americans

(HealthDay)—A program to offer high-quality face masks to Americans is being weighed by the Biden administration as a way to help slow the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Health

RNA is hot, mergers are not: Summing up a health summit

JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s annual healthcare conference in San Francisco, which will wrap up on Thursday, has long been considered the industry's flagship event. Executives flock to outline priorities for the year ahead, or set ...

Medical economics

The scapegoat denying Africans COVID vaccines

In 2020, when COVID-19 infection rates were at their peak, the world looked to science and global cooperation to find a vaccine that would prevent further illness and deaths.

Health

California lawmakers debate universal health care proposal

Frustrated with partisan stalemates in Washington, California's overwhelmingly Democratic Legislature on Tuesday will begin debating whether to create their own universal health care system—a move that will test how far ...

Alzheimer's disease & dementia

Aduhelm: Will Medicare cover the controversial Alzheimer's drug?

(HealthDay)—Following a months-long and unprecedented review, Medicare officials expect to announce within the next couple of weeks whether the program will cover the controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm. The drug's ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

South Africa has changed tack on tackling COVID: Why it makes sense

In the final days of 2021 the South African government eased its COVID regulations. On December 30th the government scrapped a curfew that had been in place since March 2020. It also initially announced an easing around quarantines ...

Health

Cost effectiveness of financial incentives for smoking cessation

From a societal perspective, paying people to quit smoking is highly cost-effective, because the benefits of smoking cessation are so great. That's one of the main takeaways from a new study by Louise B. Russell and colleagues. ...

Medical economics

Quality of home health care differs in rural vs. urban settings

The quality of home health care varies by location, with rural home health care agencies initiating care more quickly while urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalizations, according to a new study by researchers at NYU ...