Category: Healthcare Finance News

Health insurance tax, not rebates, greatest threat to affordability, UnitedHealth Group CEO says

UnitedHealth has already converted, or is in the process of converting, 8 million fully-insured commercial lives to point-of-sale rebates, CEO David Wichmann says.

Humana launches oncology model to reward integrated care

The insurer is offering providers analytics and compensation determined by metrics that address access to care, clinical status assessments, and patient education.

Readmissions may be reduced through effective skilled nursing facility-to-home transition strategies

Better SNF-to-home transitions are needed, both for the physical health of the patient and the fiscal health of the organization.

Hospitals in financial straits due to difficult market conditions, poor cash management practices

Economies of scale and long-term cash forecasts are essential, especially for smaller hospitals that are feeling the pressure from payers.

Primary care accounts for a small share of Medicare spending, RAND study finds

Primary care represents an estimated 2.12 to 4.88 percent of total medical and prescription spending in Medicare Parts A, B and D.

Blue Cross NC $750,000 grant funds expansion of school-based telehealth

Pilot program has reduced unnecessary ER visits and early dismissals among students, many who previously lacked a primary care point of contact.

Sutter Health pays $30 million to settle alleged overpayment of Medicare Advantage funds

Sutter admits no liability in settlement; There’s a federal lawsuit against health system and another that’s ongoing.

Mandatory sugar labels could generate healthcare savings, improve health in a cost-effective way

The label could postpone nearly three million cases of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

When doctors address bad reviews, patient satisfaction can double

Addressing negative reviews can not only salvage a provider’s brand reputation and even lead to higher reimbursement.

Radiation oncology workforce study indicates potential threat to rural cancer care access

Since the previous workforce survey in 2012, the proportion of rural radiation oncologists declined from 16 to 13 percent.