Author's posts
Commentary: Investing in women’s preconception care is investing in our future
A key part of advancing health outcomes for women and children is to work with women to plan and space their pregnancies. In the U.S., nearly 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned—6% higher than the global average.
CMS to test new screening for provider enrollment
The CMS wants to make it easier for physicians to enroll in Medicare and Medicaid through a pilot program that streamlines the screening process.
Supreme Court ruling on union fees could shift healthcare politics
American political dynamics around healthcare and other issues could be changed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision Wednesday that significantly weakens public-sector labor unions.
Senate panel eyes creating out-of-network billing limits
A Senate health panel could spur federal action on out-of-network billing as lawmakers mull intervention in escalating health costs.
Justice Kennedy retires, laying ground for Supreme Court shakeup
The retirement of the high court’s swing vote has spurred vocal outcry from abortion-rights groups as anti-abortion activists eye potentially overturning Roe v. Wade as the bench turns more conservative.
CMS denies Massachusetts’ request to choose which drugs Medicaid covers
The CMS has turned down Massachusetts’ request to choose which drugs it will cover for Medicaid patients. Advocates had worried the request, an effort to keep costs down, would prevent access to innovative and life-saving drugs.
Supreme Court rules union fees violate free speech protections
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday dealt a blow to public unions’ ability to collect fees from non-members, ruling the practice violates those workers’ free speech rights.
HFMA conference: changing physician choices to lower costs
Modern Healthcare’s Tara Bannow is attending the Healthcare Financial Management Association’s annual conference in Las Vegas. Here are some takeaways from presentations and meetings on Tuesday.
Sanford Health to merge with Good Samaritan
Sanford Health will merge with Good Samaritan Society, mirroring other health systems that have made a play for long-term care providers to try to better coordinate care once patients leave the hospital.
Mayo Clinic, Blue Cross of Minnesota add downside risk, cut some prior authorizations in new contract
Mayo Clinic and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota have agreed to a five-year contract that includes downside risk, more coordinated care for patients with complex and serious illnesses, and the elimination of some prior authorizations.
