Merck has released showing that it had a net 5.5% unit price increase across all its drugs in 2016. It is acting like it is some kind of a hero for its transparency. This is disgraceful, that increase in far above general inflation and personal income growth. It also makes no sense, because Merck's costs for the drug are undoubtedly going down. So should prices. The drug companies are inevitably going to get what they deserve for avaricious behavior.
I wouldn't normally mention this one, but too good to pass up, Asian hospital search app develop B-Bros raises a fresh 9 billion won (I think that is 37 cents after currency translation, no, its really around $7 million) for its app called "Ddocdoc". Iii Lovelovelove Ititit.
Jellyvision shakes it up, acquiring claims submission automation platform FlexMinder to add to its employee communication services. New company to be named JellyMinder.
India-based Practo has raised a $55 million financing round to expand its practice management software and medical and doctor information service business internationally.
GetWellNetwork, which offers providers a patient engagement system, is acquiring Seamless Medical, which has patient registration and scheduling software.
AssistRx, a vendor of software to facilitate use and management of specialty drugs, is acquiring Caret, which offers care management plans for various conditions.
A survey of health care systems from KPMG finds that 36% say they get some reimbursement under "value-based" contracts and 14% say they get all their revenue that way.
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 khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.