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FDA plans to ease OTC approvals for some prescription drugs
The FDA is evaluating ways to make sure patients don’t take an inappropriate over-the-counter drug. That could include adding information to the packaging label and offering online questionnaires to help people decide if a drug is right for them.
Federal appeals court rejects hospitals’ challenge to 340B cuts
The three-judge panel sided with the federal government and rejected the American Hospital Association’s attempt to stop Medicare Part B payment cuts to 340B hospitals.
UnitedHealth Group leads Q2 earnings season with higher revenue, profit
UnitedHealth Group kicked off the second quarter earnings season on Tuesday, reporting higher revenue and profit as its insurance arm grew Medicare Advantage and Medicaid membership.
Hospital execs say inpatient volume growth isn’t rebounding
A new survey of hospital executives found inpatient utilization increased 0.7% in the second quarter of 2018, down from 1% at the same time in 2017. Patients continue to flock to cheaper outpatient settings for services.
Hospitals say 340B should not be part of Trump’s drug price agenda
The Trump Administration’s effort to reduce drug prices should not include altering or cutting the 340B program as it won’t lead to lower drug costs, hospitals are telling HHS.
FEMA’s unpreparedness hurt providers in 2017 hurricane season
FEMA didn’t have the infrastructure in place to share information quickly enough to properly react to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, according to its after-action report. That left many providers in the dark as they tried to recover.
AHIP gains four new members
AHIP’s four new members focus on Medicaid managed care and Medicare Advantage portfolios. They have joined the trade group as the industry faces bullish prospects for government business.
Telemedicine could soften geneticist shortage
To help meet the growing demand for genetics services amid a national shortage of genetic providers, some health systems in Northeast Ohio have turned to telemedicine.
7,000 people fail to meet Arkansas Medicaid work requirement
Arkansas’ requirement took effect last month. Participants in the program lose coverage if they don’t meet the work requirement for three months in a calendar year.
Electronic consults help health systems boost efficiency
When doctors consult with specialists virtually, they can cut down on unnecessary specialist visits and gain insights that would otherwise be out of reach.
