Category: Healthcare Finance News

HIMSS announces August date for 2021 annual global conference

Once the insurance claim is resolved, HIMSS intends to come forward with additional remedies to cancelled HIMSS20, says CEO Hal Wolf.

House votes to overturn unique patient identifier ban

The voice vote approves the Foster-Kelly Amendment, which removes language that prohibits federal funding for the adoption of a unique patient ID.

Physician practices with more female doctors have smallest gender pay gaps

In nonsurgical specialty practices with 90% male representation, female physicians earn as much as $91,000 less per year.

Telehealth can help safety net providers expand access to medical specialists

Sustaining gains created by expanded telehealth will require more generous reimbursement policies from payers.

Oscar launches virtual primary care in planned 2021 expansion

The insurer also plans to expand individual and family plans to 19 states and 47 markets, including 19 new markets.

HHS official says turnaround times for COVID-19 tests are faster than reported

HHS Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says the media is incorrectly reporting how long it takes for tests to be returned.

Trump’s proposed executive orders on drug pricing may hinder R&D and drug development

The proposals, made during a global pandemic, will likely have little political support and may stifle innovation, experts say.

CMS announces two payment initiatives for COVID-19 drug treatment and counseling

One tracks the effectiveness of COVID-19 drug therapies and the other pays for counseling to slow the spread of the virus.

HHS calls on Congress to end surprise medical billing

A new report by HHS Secretary Alex Azar is calling for congressional action to combat surprise billing and to promote price transparency.

Medicare beneficiaries aren’t confident in government COVID-19 response

Over half of beneficiaries said they have “low confidence” or “no confidence” in the government’s pandemic response.