The holidays approach, the Potpourri rolls on, this week unveiling information on potential savings for Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibles; EHR use’s effect on physician revenue; likely physician reaction to the SGR cuts, if implemented; characteristics of California health plan enrollees; CBO’s view of the impact of the reform law on drug prices and a health plan allowing nurse practitioners to be primary care providers.
Cigna releases the latest of its annual reports on the experience of members in its high-deductible health insurance plans, finding that their medical costs continue to be lower in the first and following years, and they appear to receive as good or better medical care.
Studies continue to show the value of telecommunications technology in lowering the cost of managing chronic disease while improving outcomes. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports on telephonic support for self-management of osteoarthritis.
A New England Journal of Medicine article further solidifies the susceptibility of physicians to financial incentives to overuse care when it assists them economically. Removing those incentives does not seem to prevent continued delivery of the same care when it is needed.
Although health care products like drugs and medical devices get blamed for much of the cost in our system, they also often provide better care for patients and the companies making these products are an important part of our economy. A new report summarizes the state of the medical device industry.
New research covering aspects of end-of-life care in Canada and the US reveals that costs continue to be high, even though the use of palliative care in the United States has increased significantly.
There was a big change in the balance of power between the parties in this week’s midterm election but that change may or may not have a significant effect on the health reform law. Changes in government at the state level may have more of a near-term effect.
A new report from the National Bureau of Economics adds to the evidence that obesity is related to substantial health expenditures, but primarily concentrated in a few individuals.
The annual survey of employers in regard to their prescription drug benefits conducted by the PBMI is out. It reveals lots of interesting information about design and cost trends.
The Council for Affordable Health Insurance puts out the latest in its series of reports on mandated benefits, looking at not just the number and type of mandates, but the incremental cost they add to insurance premiums; a cost which is ultimately borne by consumers.