Telemedicine and its cousins are expanding rapidly, partly from a belief that these approaches can improve access and quality, while decreasing cost. An article in Telemedicine and e-Health sets out parameters for research to evaluate these claims.
In the midst of the “meaningful use” proposed rule release comes more research questioning some of the value attributed to implementation of EHRs. The first survey of physicians found that while they view EHRs as useful for billing documentation, the doctors don’t find them particularly helpful in care coordination. The second shows a range of rankings of value from specific vendors.
National health spending growth slowed in 2008, but still grew at a rate much faster than GDP, meaning health care continues to account for a greater share of total GDP. More alarming, the rate of federal spending on health care grew much faster than the overall spending increase.
HHS released its draft version of the rules relating to meaningful use of electronic health information systems and the criteria for which providers will receive incentive payments. Provider organizations did not react in an entirely favorable manner.
It may be too late to stop the current health reform express, but there clearly are better ideas to consider if Congress would merely take a deep breath, pause and think. Alain Enthoven articuates some of those better ideas in a Health Affairs blog post.
Many thanks for your readership of the last year and here are a few health care predictions and observations about likely trends for 2010.
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.
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].
© 2023 Healthy Skeptic.
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