Many thanks for your readership of the last year and here are a few health care predictions and observations about likely trends for 2010.
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States have often been leaders in experimenting with different methods of delivering and financing health care. West Virginia commissioned a report to identify methods by which it might reduce costs, while increasing coverage and not harming quality.
PWC examines the future market for personalized medicine and services, which it defines broadly as including not only genomics, but wellness and prevention services tailored toward the individual. PWC foresees many entrants into and significant growth for this market.
EBRI releases the results of its latest survey of members in consumer-directed, or high deductible, health plans. These members are generally satisfied and exhibit more cost-conscious behaviors and use wellness services more extensively than persons in non-consumer directed plans.
The CBO clarifies the effect the current Senate-passed reform bill will have on Medicare’s solvency. While it may raise the balance in the Trust Fund, it cannot simultaneously reduce the federal deficit by the same amount.
Happy Holidays, here are a few health care presents for your tree, including defensive medicine, FDA regulation of drug/diagnostic combinations, virtual doctor visits, generic drugs and wireless health. Have a great Christmas.
A report suggests that the reforms proposed in the Senate and House bills will lower costs far more than CBO or others project, but the reasoning seems shaky, particularly in estimating lower health costs resulting from coverage.
AHRQ released its annual update of the genetic testing landscape, identifying new tests and discussing trends in this segment, which is at the forefront of personalized medicine.
An article published in the Milbank Quarterly looked at the results of numerous studies of electronic health or medical record implementations, finding a mismatch between assumptions or beliefs about their value and what really occurred, particularly in regard to clinical improvement.
CBO analyzes the final version of the Senate bill, finding the same effect on coverage and the federal deficit. Once again, the cost reduction which pays for coverage subsidies is vaporous and there is little true reform in this bill.
More health care snippets, including hospital costs, wireless health in 2009, genetic testing, caring for the elderly and pay-for-performance programs. Bon Apetit!
The Supreme Court is likely to review and rewrite the criteria for “process” patents in the next few months. The outcome could affect both service and product companies in the health care industry, encouraging or discouraging innovation, depending on your perspective.
A new study suggests that physicians who are paid by capitation for some patients spend less time with those patients. Is that appropriate or inappropriate?
The American Hospital Association has released updated information on the amount of uncompensated care delivered by community hospitals and on the degree of underpayment of costs by Medicare and Medicaid.
Several groups have recently released reports on the expanding science of using incentives and benefit design to encourage consumer involvement in health and lower costs.
About this Blog
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at [email protected].
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