Weekly Spotlight
You may have noticed some changes to the digest over the past few weeks. We’re working on optimizing article selection and streamlining the editorial process. Some new features include brief write ups of top news stories with links to the stories as they appeared in multiple news outlets as well as layout changes to approve readability and automated audience assignments to help you to navigate to the stories that interest you most. Please send feedback and we’ll work to keep making improvements. For example – which stories are of intererest and what might you skip next time? This week happens to be a particularly LONG digest so it’s a perfect opportunity for you to weigh in. We’re always available at info@shpconsulting.llc.
Other Regulatory News
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS Announces Sweeping Policy Changes Across Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA Programs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unveiled multiple significant policy initiatives affecting millions of Americans. CMS is implementing site-neutral payment policies to standardize reimbursement rates across different healthcare settings, while expanding Medicare coverage for remote patient monitoring services through enhanced reimbursement and regulatory support. Simultaneously, CMS announced it will not renew Medicaid’s continuous enrollment provision, ending pandemic-era stability protections for beneficiaries. The agency also identified 2.8 million Americans potentially enrolled in both Medicaid and ACA Exchange plans, prompting policy adjustments to streamline coverage and ensure appropriate federal resource allocation. These coordinated changes represent a comprehensive restructuring of payment systems and enrollment processes across major federal healthcare programs.
Source(s): Modern Healthcare, Modern Healthcare, HHS.gov, Modern Healthcare
Tags: #ALL
CMS targets September for $50B rural healthcare fund applications
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced that applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program will be available in September, aiming to support rural healthcare initiatives over five years.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
Flat 2023 Medicare Advantage Use Raises Questions About 2025 Cost Pressures
Flat trends in Medicare Advantage usage in 2023 raise concerns for policymakers regarding rising healthcare costs and potential policy implications.
Source(s): Managed Healthcare Executive
Tags: #PAYER, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
A STAT Investigation: How UnitedHealth Protects Its Medicare Profits
A recent investigation reveals that UnitedHealth has utilized various research publications to support its Medicare Advantage program, which impacts Medicare policy and reimbursement structures, affecting millions of beneficiaries.
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #PAYER, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER
Medicare Part D premiums likely to increase next year
Anticipated increases in Medicare Part D premiums for the upcoming year have been reported, reflecting ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape.
Source(s): Healthcare Dive
Tags: #PATIENT, #PAYER, #PROVIDER
CMS finalizes 2.6% hospital pay bump for FY2026, moves ahead on mandatory TEAM participation
CMS finalized 2.6% increase in hospital payments for FY2026 and advances mandatory participation in TEAM initiative to improve healthcare quality.
Source(s): Fierce Healthcare
Tags: #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
States sue CMS over final rule on ACA enrollment
Several states have filed a lawsuit against CMS regarding a final rule affecting ACA enrollment, challenging its implications for healthcare access and insurance coverage.
Source(s): Healthcare Finance News
Tags: #PAYER, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER
Opinion: Steve Forbes: CMS must cover FDA-approved medical devices and treatments
Steve Forbes argues Medicare should automatically cover FDA-approved breakthrough medical devices, advocating for more efficient coverage decisions.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #DEVICE, #PAYER, #PATIENT
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) And Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): What You Need To Know About CMS’ Proposed Changes
CMS proposes changes regarding Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), highlighting the implications for healthcare providers and patients. The changes could enhance patient care through technology.
Source(s): Mondaq
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT, #PAYER
Providers pledge to ‘kill the clipboard’ in support of CMS Interoperability Framework
Healthcare providers commit to eliminating outdated documentation practices in favor of supporting the CMS Interoperability Framework to improve efficiency.
Source(s): Healthcare Finance News
Tags: #PROVIDER, #HOSPITAL
Boston Scientific’s coronary DCB gains new Medicare reimbursement
Boston Scientific’s coronary drug-coated balloon (DCB) has received new Medicare reimbursement approval, potentially increasing patient access to this innovative treatment.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #PAYER
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA’s Vinay Prasad Ousted Then Reinstated Amid Sarepta Gene Therapy Controversy and Political Pressure
FDA’s top biologics official Vinay Prasad was removed from his role overseeing vaccines, gene therapies, and blood products following controversy over his management of Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy products. The ouster came after criticism from the Wall Street Journal editorial board and influencer Laura Loomer reportedly prompted President Trump to call for Prasad’s removal, despite opposition from FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. After requesting Prasad’s return, Makary successfully reinstated him weeks later to his leadership position regulating critical biologics including vaccines and gene therapies.
Source(s): InsideHealthPolicy Daily News, Stat, The Hill
Tags: #DRUG, #DEVICE
FDA Appoints Sean Keveney as Chief Counsel, Bringing Extensive HHS Legal Experience to Agency Leadership
The FDA has named Sean Keveney as its new Chief Counsel, marking a significant leadership transition within the agency. Keveney brings extensive healthcare regulatory experience from his previous role as acting general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services. The appointment represents a strategic move to strengthen the FDA’s legal leadership with someone deeply familiar with federal healthcare policy and regulation. The leadership change comes as the FDA continues to navigate complex regulatory challenges across drug approvals, medical devices, and public health initiatives.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review, Law360, Healthcare Innovation
Tags: #ALL
Opinion: Americans should have access to drugs approved overseas
The authors argue for the need to allow Americans access to medications approved in other countries, specifically highlighting Domperidone, which is beneficial for certain medical conditions but unavailable in the U.S. They criticize the FDA’s restrictive policies that limit patient access to effective treatments.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT
FDA Issues Alert on Boston Scientific Watchman Access Systems After 17 Deaths From Air Embolism Risk
The FDA has issued a safety alert regarding Boston Scientific’s Watchman access systems used in left atrial appendage closure procedures, following reports of 17 deaths and 120 serious injuries linked to air embolism risks. The alert, which emerged after Boston Scientific sent a customer letter on July 30, has prompted the company to revise assembly instructions and implement enhanced safety measures for these cardiac devices. The FDA’s warning emphasizes the need for increased care when using these access systems, which are critical components for delivering Watchman left atrial appendage closure devices in cardiovascular procedures.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business, MedPageToday, Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #HOSPITAL
The Future of ART Regimens for HIV Is in Long-Acting Agents
Recent advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) are focusing on longer-acting treatments that do not require daily pills, aiming to reduce toxicity associated with current regimens.
Source(s): MedPage Today HIV/AIDS
Tags: #DRUG, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
FDA formally kicks off medical device user fee negotiations
The FDA has initiated negotiations regarding user fees for medical devices, which is a critical aspect of the regulatory process that affects the availability and cost of medical technologies. The article outlines the implications of these negotiations for the industry.
Source(s): Fierce Biotech
Tags: #DEVICE
Exact Sciences acquires rights to rival Freenome’s blood-based colon cancer test
Exact Sciences has acquired exclusive rights to Freenome’s blood-based colon cancer screening test for $75 million, with potential additional payments totaling $700 million. This strategic move intensifies competition with Guardant Health, which recently received FDA approval for a similar test.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #PAYER
Former F.D.A. Chief Backs Kennedy’s War on Ultraprocessed Food
Dr. David A. Kessler has outlined a legal strategy for Health Secretary Kennedy to challenge the food industry, reflecting a commitment to address the public health crisis posed by ultraprocessed foods.
Source(s): The New York Times
Tags: #ALL
FDA’s Position on Medical Devices and PFAS
The FDA has clarified its stance on the regulation of medical devices in relation to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Source(s): The National Law Review
Tags: #DEVICE
FDA moves to boost domestic drug supply
The FDA is implementing measures aimed at increasing the domestic supply of pharmaceuticals to address shortages and enhance national security.
Source(s): The Hill
Tags: #DRUG, #HOSPITAL, #PATIENT
FDA unveils ‘PreCheck’ program for drug manufacturers
On August 7, the FDA launched the “PreCheck” program to streamline the approval process for new drug manufacturing facilities in the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance communication with drugmakers during critical development phases, aligning with efforts to lower drug prices and boost domestic production.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #DRUG, #HOSPITAL
Unpacking Trump’s approach to health care oversight
Sarepta Therapeutics hiring a Trump-connected lobbying firm amid regulatory pressures following the death of a patient treated with its gene therapy, reflecting the intertwining of politics and health care regulation.
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT
US FDA says country’s IV, injectable saline shortage is resolved
The FDA announced that the nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) and injectable saline has been resolved, alleviating a critical supply issue
Source(s): Reuters
Tags: #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
In internal FDA town hall, employees raise concerns about staffing, impromptu expert meetings
During a town hall meeting, FDA leaders, including George Tidmarsh, addressed staff concerns about operational challenges and staffing issues
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #DEVICE, #DRUG
Navigating FDA’s Evolving Cybersecurity Requirements for Medical Device Manufacturers
The FDA has introduced new cybersecurity requirements for medical device manufacturers, aimed at enhancing the security of devices against potential threats, with focus on patient safety and data protection in the medical technology sector.
Source(s): Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry
Tags: #DEVICE, #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
FDA Announces New FDA PreCheck Program to Boost U.S. Drug Manufacturing
The FDA has launched the PreCheck program to enhance domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing by streamlining regulatory processes and increasing domestic capabilities through regulatory changes aimed at boosting domestic capabilities.
Source(s): FDA.gov
Tags: #DRUG
Eli Lilly’s Oral Obesity Drug Shows Promise but Lags Behind Injectable Competitors in Late-Stage Trials
Eli Lilly’s investigational oral GLP-1 medication orforglipron demonstrated mixed results in phase 3 trials, achieving 12.4-15% weight loss (approximately 27 pounds) compared to the 15-21% efficacy of existing injectable treatments. While the oral formulation underperformed relative to competitors like Wegovy and Zepbound, it would represent the first oral GLP-1 for weight management if approved. The company plans regulatory submission by end of 2025 despite the modest results falling short of initial mid-stage trial expectations, with strong overall earnings offsetting market concerns about the drug’s competitive positioning.
Source(s): STAT, Becker’s Hospital Review, Stat
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT
Health and Human Services
Kennedy Halts $500M in mRNA Vaccine Development Amid Broader Federal Vaccine Policy Overhaul
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. terminated nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts, including a $766 million Moderna flu vaccine deal, citing ineffective programs and favoring ‘whole virus’ vaccines instead. The decision eliminated all 22 BARDA mRNA projects, shocking researchers and raising national security concerns about pandemic preparedness. Critics, including former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, called the move ‘reckless’ and warned it ‘will cost lives,’ particularly as childhood vaccine exemption rates hit record highs amid ongoing measles outbreaks. Simultaneously, CMS eliminated hospital reimbursement tied to vaccine reporting, and the American Pharmacists Association faced labeling as a ‘biased special interest group.’ Despite the mRNA crackdown, Kennedy quietly endorsed flu vaccines for all ages 6 months and older, creating confusion amid conflicting federal vaccine policies that experts warn threaten scientific progress and global health initiatives.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review, Health Exec, Becker’s Hospital Review, MedPage Today Primary Care, STAT, InsideHealthPolicy Daily News, STAT, POLITICO, The New York Times, MedPageToday, Health Exec, InsideHealthPolicy Daily News, STAT, STAT, STAT, Stat, Stat, The New York Times, MedPageToday.com, Stat, Stat, MedPage Today Primary Care, Stat
Tags: #ALL
Trump administration’s $8B NIH funding freeze ruled illegal, disrupting medical research and hospital operations nationwide
The Government Accountability Office found the Trump administration violated federal impoundment law by illegally withholding nearly $8 billion in NIH funding and canceling over 1,800 research grants targeting equity-related activities. The crackdown particularly impacted rare disease research partnerships and international collaborations. Real-world consequences are now emerging: patient volumes at NIH’s Clinical Center dropped 5.7% with cancer trial participation down 20%, UCLA faces suspension of over $584 million in federal funding over antisemitism allegations, and academic health systems nationwide are implementing layoffs and hiring freezes as federal cutbacks compound existing economic pressures on hospital operations.
Source(s): Stat, Stat, Becker’s Hospital Review, InsideHealthPolicy Daily News, Health Exec, STAT, POLITICO, Becker’s Hospital Review, Government Executive, AAMC.org
Tags: #ALL
RFK Jr. Launches Broad Dismissal Campaign Against Federal Health Advisory Bodies
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is systematically targeting federal health advisory committees, announcing potential dismissals of USPSTF members while already removing board members from the NIH Fogarty International Center. Health experts are defending the USPSTF’s track record in enhancing preventative care amid growing concerns about the future of evidence-based health guidance. The moves signal a broader restructuring of federal health advisory infrastructure under Kennedy’s leadership.
Source(s): InsideHealthPolicy, InsideHealthPolicy Daily News, InsideHealthPolicy Daily News
Tags: #ALL
Trump Executive Order Mandates Political Appointee Oversight of Federal Grant-Making Process
President Trump issued an executive order requiring all federal grants to be reviewed by political appointees to ensure they ‘demonstrably advance’ his administration’s agenda. The directive centralizes control over federal grant-making processes, giving political appointees authority over funding decisions that were previously handled by career civil servants and scientific experts. The order has raised significant concerns among researchers and scientific communities about potential threats to research independence, quality, and the traditional peer-review process for scientific grants.
Source(s): Government Executive, MedPageToday.com, Stat
Tags: #ALL
A White House Pandemic Office Is Being Sidelined. Here’s Why That Matters
Concerns are raised regarding the sidelining of a White House pandemic office, with implications for national pandemic preparedness and response.
Source(s): MedPage Today
Tags: #ALL
Deep staff cuts at a little-known federal agency pose trouble for droves of local health programs
Significant staff reductions at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) threaten the distribution of vital funding for community health programs.
Source(s): Government Executive
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT, #HOSPITAL
CDC Urged to Preserve Funding for Overdose Prevention
Public health leaders call on the CDC to maintain funding for critical overdose prevention programs. They emphasize the importance of these programs in combating the ongoing opioid crisis and urge the new CDC director to prioritize these initiatives.
Source(s): MedPage
Tags: #PATIENT, #PROVIDER, #PAYER
RFK Jr. Asks Governors To Share Medicaid Data
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. requests governors provide Medicaid data to track health outcomes related to specific medications.
Source(s): InsideHealthPolicy Daily News
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER
STAT+: Trump is threatening health care giants with the weight of the federal government. It’s working — sometimes
Trump administration’s strategy of pressuring healthcare companies to comply with policies through threats rather than regulation shows mixed results.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #ALL
Trump’s threats to health care giants are working — sometimes
The Trump administration’s approach of utilizing threats instead of new regulations has led to mixed results in compliance from healthcare companies. This strategy reflects a shift in how health policy is being enforced.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #ALL
Abstracts Related to Dietary Guidelines Pulled From Meeting, Raising Concerns
Concerns have been raised after abstracts by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee were retracted from a major nutrition conference, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of their two-year scientific report.
Source(s): MedPageToday
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
NIH Proposes Five Strategies to Cap Open-Access Publishing Fees
The NIH has announced a proposal to cap open-access publishing fees, aiming to make scientific research more accessible. This initiative invites feedback from the scientific community regarding these policies.
Source(s): MedPageToday.com
Tags: #PROVIDER, #DRUG, #DEVICE
Heard on the Hill
Trump Administration’s Multi-Pronged Drug Pricing Strategy Faces Legal, Economic, and Political Challenges
The Trump administration has unveiled an ambitious but controversial approach to lowering prescription drug prices, combining delayed Medicare price negotiations for high-cost cancer drugs through the One Big Beautiful Bill, proposed 250% tariffs on pharmaceutical imports to boost domestic manufacturing, and claims of achieving up to 1,500% price reductions through “most favored nation” pricing. However, the strategy faces significant headwinds: the CBO projects the GOP megabill will add $4.1 trillion to the federal deficit over a decade due to higher borrowing costs, while Trump’s tariff proposal has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum for potentially harming healthcare access. Meanwhile, the courts have upheld Medicare’s existing drug price negotiation program after the U.S. Chamber of Commerce failed to block it through litigation. GOP advisers acknowledge that while pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms are needed, they represent only part of the solution to high drug costs, highlighting the complexity of the administration’s pricing challenge.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review, POLITICO, MedPageToday.com, MedPageToday, Becker’s Hospital Review, MedPageToday.com, Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #DRUG, #PAYER, #PATIENT
UnitedHealth Group faces mounting scrutiny over cybersecurity failures and patient care practices
UnitedHealth Group is confronting multiple congressional investigations and regulatory challenges following significant data breaches and questionable care practices. The Change Healthcare cyberattack affected nearly 193 million individuals, while a separate Episource breach prompted Senators Cassidy and Hassan to demand improved cybersecurity measures from the healthcare giant. Simultaneously, Senators Wyden and Warren launched an investigation into allegations that UnitedHealth incentivized nursing homes to limit hospitalizations, potentially compromising patient care for profit. These developments highlight systemic concerns about data security vulnerabilities and care quality oversight within one of the nation’s largest healthcare conglomerates.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review, Becker’s Hospital Review, STAT
Tags: #PAYER, #PATIENT, #HOSPITAL
‘Talk about affordability’: Warren boosts Mamdani as model for Democratic victory
Senator Elizabeth Warren endorses Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, praising his commitment to affordability for families. At an event focused on affordable childcare, she argues that Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic Party, contrasting with more moderate party leaders who express caution about his socialist views. Mamdani’s focus on reducing living costs is seen as essential for the party’s success in upcoming elections.
Source(s): POLITICO
Tags: #ALL
AAMC backs bill to protect 340B access
The Association of American Medical Colleges supports legislation to amend the 340B statute, ensuring that covered entities can use contract pharmacies to dispense outpatient drugs. This move comes in response to restrictions imposed by drug manufacturers that have limited access to 340B discounts, which are crucial for many healthcare providers.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #DRUG, #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
After Senate moves bipartisan spending bills, Dem leaders request sit down on shutdown-aversion plan
House and Senate Democratic leaders are urging their Republican counterparts to discuss government funding for fiscal 2026 to prevent a potential government shutdown. The Senate has approved three appropriations bills, but negotiations are necessary to align with House proposals.
Source(s): Government Executive
Tags: #ALL
Senate Passed FDA Funding Bill, But House Obstacles Remain
The Senate has passed its fiscal 2026 funding bill for the FDA, but it faces challenges reconciling its flat funding level with proposed cuts from the House. This situation complicates the funding landscape for health agencies.
Source(s): InsideHealthPolicy Daily News
Tags: #ALL
Schumer introduces bill to reverse ‘OBBB’ healthcare cuts, permanently extend ACA subsidies
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation to repeal healthcare cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and to make ACA premium tax credits permanent. The bill has garnered support from the entire Democratic caucus, emphasizing its importance in maintaining healthcare affordability.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #PAYER, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER
Bill seeks to boost healthcare price transparency
Senators John Hickenlooper and Roger Marshall introduced legislation aimed at increasing healthcare price transparency by mandating accessible pricing information between health plans and providers. The bill seeks to empower patients with clear cost information before making healthcare decisions.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #ALL
Notable Notes
Healthcare AI Integration Accelerates with New Tools, Funding, and Governance Frameworks Amid Safety Concerns
Healthcare AI development reached new milestones with Mayo Clinic’s StateViewer dementia diagnostic tool and Ultromics raising $55M for expansion, while multiple companies committed to building patient AI assistants. Health systems are rapidly evolving AI governance policies to balance innovation with safety as multimodal AI technologies emerge. However, reliability concerns persist after Google’s healthcare AI generated references to non-existent body parts, prompting calls to avoid repeating EMR implementation mistakes. Emergency departments are successfully deploying AI scribe tools for documentation, demonstrating practical benefits when AI is carefully integrated into clinical workflows.
Source(s): STAT, MedPageToday.com, Becker’s Hospital Review, Becker’s Hospital Review, Becker’s Hospital Review, Cardiovascular Business, STAT
Tags: #ALL
Gates Foundation commits $2.5 billion to women’s health as scientific innovations drive progress despite persistent barriers
The Gates Foundation announced a major $2.5 billion commitment through 2030 to enhance women’s health globally, representing part of Bill Gates’ plan to donate most of his $114 billion fortune before winding down the foundation over two decades. The investment comes amid promising scientific breakthroughs in women’s health, including next-generation vaccines, long-acting HIV prevention medications, and research showing single-dose HPV vaccines may be as effective as two doses. However, experts warn that funding and access disparities could impede momentum despite these innovations driving new hope for progress in addressing longstanding health inequities affecting women worldwide.
Source(s): Stat, STAT, STAT
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Show Impact: Early Detection Increases Among Younger Adults Following Age Recommendation Changes
Recent changes to colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which lowered the recommended starting age from 50 to 45, have demonstrated significant real-world impact with increased early-stage cancer detection among younger adults. Multiple studies confirm a surge in screening uptake following the guideline revisions, leading to more cancers being caught early in the under-50 population. Healthcare experts emphasize the importance of proactive outreach strategies, including unsolicited FIT kit distribution, to further boost screening rates among young adults and maximize the preventive benefits of the updated recommendations.
Source(s): Stat, Becker’s Hospital Review, MedPage Today Primary Care, Managed Healthcare Executive
Tags: #PATIENT, #PROVIDER, #PAYER
Industry Leaders Call for Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Through Enhanced Transparency and Patient-Centered Approaches
Healthcare industry experts are advocating for comprehensive reforms in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) sector to improve patient outcomes and system transparency. Brian Anderson of Milliman, a PBMI Innovator Award recipient, emphasizes making medications more accessible while warning that mandated transparency requirements could have unintended consequences. Despite consolidation concerns, Anderson notes the PBM market still offers innovation opportunities. David Blair of LucyRx pushes for overhauling traditional PBM models to reduce conflicts of interest and enhance transparency. CVS Caremark’s Joshua Fredell urges the industry to prioritize patient experience improvements. The collective focus centers on transforming PBM operations to better serve patients while navigating complex regulatory and market dynamics.
Source(s): Managed Healthcare Executive, Managed Healthcare Executive, Managed Healthcare Executive, Managed Healthcare Executive articles, Managed Healthcare Executive
Tags: #DRUG, #PAYER, #PATIENT
Physician Financial Pressures Mount as Expenses Surge 11.4% While Starting Salary Disparities Persist Across Specialties
Healthcare providers face mounting financial challenges as physician expenses have soared 11.4%, creating significant operational pressures across the medical profession. Meanwhile, substantial salary disparities continue among specialties, with orthopedic surgeons commanding the highest starting salaries and pediatricians earning the lowest. Despite these disparities, AMN Healthcare’s 2025 report shows most physician specialties experienced increases in average starting compensation, with otolaryngology seeing the largest gains, reflecting the complex economic landscape facing medical professionals.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review, Becker’s Hospital Review, MedPageToday
Tags: #PROVIDER, #HOSPITAL
California union aims to cap healthcare executive pay
The SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West has proposed a statewide initiative to limit hospital executive pay to $450,000, aligning it with the salary of the Governor during what they consider a critical time for the healthcare system. The initiative is set to be placed on the November 2026 ballot pending signature collection.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
IVF Coverage Has Stalled Under Trump
Challenges faced by fertility specialists and their patients, particularly young women with cancer, regarding IVF coverage amid changing policies under the Trump administration.
Source(s): MedPage Today
Tags: #PATIENT, #PROVIDER, #PAYER
Heart surgeon performs first robotic aortic valve replacement of its kind
A pioneering robotic aortic valve replacement surgery, known as AVATAR, has been successfully performed through a minimally invasive approach, marking a significant advancement in cardiac surgery.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #HOSPITAL
Opinion: STAT+: I’ve spent 30 years trying to harness AI to fight cancer. I’m dismayed by the AI pseudo-revolution
The author reflects on three decades of efforts to utilize AI in cancer treatment, expressing disappointment in the current state of AI applications in medicine. He critiques the hype surrounding AI advancements and calls for a more grounded approach to its integration into healthcare.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #DRUG
How economic forces are reshaping the future of cardiac care
Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox discusses the evolving business models in cardiology, emphasizing the importance of economic factors and the role of AI in improving patient care and prevention strategies.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #PROVIDER, #HOSPITAL, #PAYER
New LAAO guidelines: 6 key takeaways for interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) have released new guidelines to aid clinicians in making informed treatment decisions regarding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #PROVIDER, #DEVICE
From health coaching to new plans: How systems are enhancing benefits
Healthcare systems are adapting their benefits to improve employee retention, focusing on initiatives like expanded health coaching and new low-deductible plans to meet the needs of their workforce.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
STAT+: Novo and Hims seem to give conflicting accounts on compounding demand
Discrepancies exist in the accounts provided by Novo and Hims regarding the demand for compounded medications, signaling potential market confusion or miscommunication.
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #DRUG, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
Screen Every Adult for Unhealthy Alcohol Use, USPSTF Says
The USPSTF recommends that all adults be screened for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare measures.
Source(s): MedPageToday.com
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
Insurance companies deny rare disease drugs to 54% of patients, survey finds
Survey reveals insurance companies deny coverage for rare disease drugs to 54% of patients, forcing many to seek alternative funding through charity programs.
Source(s): Health Exec
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT, #PAYER
AI brings early heart failure screening to primary care office visits
A new advanced algorithm is revolutionizing heart failure screening, allowing for earlier detection during primary care visits. Traditionally, many patients are diagnosed in emergency settings when symptoms are severe. This innovation aims to make screening more accessible to a broader patient population.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #DEVICE, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
FTC challenges ‘anticompetitive’ TAVR acquisition
The FTC is attempting to block Edwards Lifesciences from acquiring JenaValve, citing concerns over potential anticompetitive practices in the market for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices.
Source(s): Cardiovascular Business
Tags: #DEVICE, #HOSPITAL, #PROVIDER
Superagers’ brains offer clues to cognitive resilience, and possible treatments, researchers say
Research on octogenarians with exceptional memory, known as superagers, reveals anatomical differences in their brains compared to neurotypical individuals. These findings could enhance understanding of cognitive resilience and could lead to advancements in treatment strategies for age-related cognitive decline.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #DRUG, #DEVICE, #PROVIDER
Opinion: Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for Operation Warp Speed’s global impact
In response to Cambodia’s nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, Marc Siegel argues that Trump should be recognized for Operation Warp Speed’s significant global impact and benefit to future health crises. The article highlights the significant global impact of this public-private partnership during a critical time.
Source(s): STAT
Tags: #ALL
Rural health fund applications open in September: Oz
Applications for a new rural health fund will open in September, aimed at improving healthcare access in rural communities. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address healthcare disparities in rural areas.
Source(s): Modern Healthcare
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT, #HOSPITAL
How to Know When to Freak Out about Data Manipulation at BLS
Concerns are rising regarding the credibility of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) following President Trump’s dismissal of its commissioner. The decision raises questions about the integrity of economic data collection, which is crucial for effective economic decision-making and warns against the risks of introducing political bias into statistical reporting.
Source(s): POLITICO
Tags: #ALL
FTC sues to block Edward LifeSciences’ devicemaker acquisition
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block Edward LifeSciences’ acquisition.
Source(s): Becker’s Hospital Review
Tags: #DEVICE
Lack of Lenacapavir PrEP Access Concerns HIV Advocates
Advocates for HIV prevention express concern over limited access to lenacapavir, a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment.
Source(s): Managed Healthcare Executive articles
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT, #PROVIDER
DOJ and UnitedHealth reach settlement on $3.3 billion Amedisys deal
The DOJ proposed a settlement allowing UnitedHealth to proceed with its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, contingent on the sale of 164 home health and hospice locations to maintain market competition. This divestiture represents approximately $528 million in annual revenue.
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #PAYER, #PROVIDER, #PATIENT
Does Big Pharma Deserve All the Hate?
Examines the complex role of the pharmaceutical industry within the U.S. healthcare system, questioning whether the negative perception is justified and exploring debates about drug pricing and access to essential medications.
Source(s): MedPageToday.com
Tags: #DRUG, #PATIENT, #PAYER
Opinion: If Americans Want Abundant Primary Care, Health Care Needs a YIMBY Moment
Argues for a “Yes In My Backyard” (YIMBY) approach to health care, emphasizing the need for policy changes that facilitate the entry of providers. Policymakers and healthcare entrepreneurs are encouraged to rethink regulatory frameworks to improve access to primary care.
Source(s): Stat
Tags: #PROVIDER, #PATIENT, #PAYER