Author's posts
Insurers will make $11.8 billion in Medicare quality bonus payments this year
After increasing by more than 400% between 2015 and 2023, federal spending on Medicare Advantage bonus payments will decline by $1 billion to $11.8 billion in 2024 – an 8% decline – following the expiration of pandemic-era policies that temporarily inc…
Telehealth utilization increased nationally in June
In June, telehealth utilization increased nationally and in the West, Northeast and South, but decreased in the Midwest, according to FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker.
Employers expect benefit costs to rise 5% for third straight year
Total health benefit cost per employee is expected to rise 5.8% on average in 2025, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures, according to an analysis based on a survey by Mercer.
Christus Health to see $25 million expansion at Texas hospital
Christus Health acknowledged the 75th anniversary of Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs this week with a ceremony and announcement of a $25 million hospital expansion.
Elevance to acquire Indiana University Health Plans
Elevance Health has entered into an agreement to acquire Indiana University Health Plans, a managed care organization created by Indiana University Health.
After the acquisition closes, IU Health Plans will operate as part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue…
Many women skip care due to access issues, survey shows
The U.S. healthcare system may not be fully meeting the needs of women, if a new report is any indication. In a survey of consumers conducted by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, women are 35% more likely than men to say they’ve skipped or dela…
Highmark partnering with VR company on low back pain
Highmark, a commercial health insurance plan based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will now cover RelieVRx, an FDA-authorized device for chronic low back pain (CLBP) created by AppliedVR, a virtual reality-based therapeutics company.
This makes RelieVRx a…
Compensation for specialties increasing while primary care slows
In AMGA’s newly released 2024 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey, medical groups and healthcare organizations report an increase in compensation of 3.6% for primary care specialties, 5.1% for medical specialties, 5.5% for surgical speci…
Health execs investing in AI to improve revenue cycles
Health system executives plan to invest in artificial intelligence, automation and managed services to improve revenue cycle performance over the next year, according to a new Guidehouse analysis.
Rite Aid comes out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Rite Aid Corporation said it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, cutting about $2 billion worth of total debt and adding $2.5 billion in exit financing.
The company said it would now have a…
