Author's posts
Young people drove ER utilization for suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic
Emergency department utilization has spiked this year due in large part to suspected suicide attempts by peple ages 12-17, many of them girls, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
During 20…
COVID-19 having an impact on physicians’ salaries, though pay remains high
Physicians’ earnings are on the rise, but the coronavirus has had a dampening effect, and many practices are struggling.
HHS providing $424 million to rural health clinics for COVID-19 testing
As part of the American Rescue Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, is providing $424.7 million in funding to more than 4,200 Rural Health Clinics for COVID-19 testing and mit…
UnitedHealthcare temporarily reverses ER claims denial policy after backlash
Pressure from industry groups caused the insurer to balk, though the policy is still slated to take effect when the pandemic ends.
AHA asks UnitedHealthcare to roll back emergency department claims policy
The American Hospital Association has sent a letter to UnitedHealthcare urging the health insurer to rescind a new policy that would allow it to retroactively reject emergency department claims.
Biden bolsters payments for at-home COVID-19 vaccinations for Medicare beneficiaries
Medicare is incentivizing providers and will pay an additional $35 per dose for vaccine administration in a beneficiary’s home.
Employer health costs projected to rise 6.5% in 2022 due in part to COVID-19
The return of deferred care will increase utilization and health spending, as will investment in new technologies.
Biogen teaming with Cigna, CVS Health to increase access to its Alzheimer’s drug
The company will enter into a value-based contract with Cigna and an initiative with CVS Health based on screening and education.
UnitedHealthcare looks to retroactively deny emergency room claims
The policy is an attempt to curb healthcare costs, but some providers are worried it could lead to lower reimbursement.
