Category: Healthcare Finance News

Electronic prior authorizations reduce burden, time spent, finds AHIP and RTI

Handling prior authorization requests electronically as opposed to manually can reduce the median time between submitting a PA request and receiving a decision — clocking in at around three times faster for a time reduction of about 69%, according to …

Senate to vote this week on Medicare sequester cuts moratorium

Although a vote has yet to be officially scheduled, the Senate is expected to vote on a hotlined version of H.R. 1868.
 

AstraZeneca is questioned over potential use of outdated information in its COVID-19 clinical trial

AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from its COVID-19 vaccine clinical  trial, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board said late Monday.
The outdated information may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data, the board said in n…

Cleveland Clinic teams with Lilly and Anthem on heart surgery option for Lilly health plan

Cleveland Clinics boasts expertise in cardiac surgery, and now that expertise is available to eligible Eli Lilly and Company employees, retirees and their family members through the Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Concierge Program. 
The new program is in col…

NAACOS asks HHS Secretary Becerra to grow Medicare ACO programs

The National Association of Accountable Care Organizations (NAACOS) sent a letter on Monday congratulating Xavier Becerra, secretary of the D

Hospitals urge Congress to pass legislation extending moratorium on Medicare sequester cuts

New analysis shows that as many as half of U.S. hospitals will have negative operating margins throughout 2021.

AstraZeneca vaccine shows 79% efficacy in phase III trial

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has just undergone a phase III trial in the U.S., demonstrating 79% efficacy at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 11% efficacy at preventing severe disease and hospitalization.

Biden administration shares latest round of HHS staff appointments

The new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials during a time when expertise is critical to tackling the ongoing pandemic.

UnitedHealthcare rolls out virtual option to help patients remotely access hearing care

UnitedHealthcare Hearing has introduced a new virtual care offering that’s meant to expand access to custom-programmed hearing aids while reducing the need for in-person appointments for fittings and adjustments. This option is available for those enro…

Sanford Health begins $300 million initiative to improve rural healthcare access

With the endowment, it is expanding its graduate medical education program, investing in community health, and building a virtual hospital.