Category: Healthcare Finance News

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.

Drug price forecast estimates 3.29% increase in hospital drug spending for 2021

The top 10 COVID-19 medications have seen a combined spend increase of $200 million, showing big increases in March and April.

A large racial divide exists in the concern over ability to pay for COVID-19 treatment

Non-white adults say they’re either “extremely concerned” or “concerned” about the potential cost of care.