Sharing what we learn begins here
Which State Leads the US in Lowering Opioid Prescriptions?
Massachusetts currently leads the nation in decreasing opioids prescription, according to a Blue Cross Blue Shield report cited by The Boston Herald. Blue Cross Blue Shield's survey illustrated 51 percent fewer opioid prescriptions written in Massachusetts in 2017 than 2013; specifically, Bay State physicians wrote 193 opioids prescriptions per 1,000 Blue Cross-insured members. The national average is 394 per 1,000 members. The study, published in Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 1,000 Americans. In a survey, the researchers queried respondents' attitudes on needle exchanges, (where people can dispose of used syringes and get sterile ones), safe injection sites (where people can use drugs under medical supervision) and broader opinions on addiction.
How Insurers Inadequately Report Medicaid Fraud
The Senate released its version (a.k.a. Better Care Reconciliation Act BCRA) of the House's AHCA. Payers and providers adjust as needed because healthcare reforms, like BCRA, AHCA, and ACA, continuously move through state and federal legislatures. Today's blog, pulls together summaries from numerous resources allowing you a quick glimpse or a deep dive into what waits around the corner. Here are 10 instances which can help you better identify when its time to look for a partner.
AMA Passes Augmented Intelligence Policy
The American Medical Association passed its first policy addressing augmented intelligence in the healthcare industry during its annual meeting in Chicago, which ran June 7 to June 13. The policy suggests tasks for the AMA to address regarding the use of AI in healthcare, with a focus on encouraging healthcare stakeholders and federal policymakers to prioritize "user-centered design." The initiative builds on a proposed a "baseline policy" the association laid out in a May report to its board of trustees.
Study: 60% of America’s Seniors Are Avoiding Healthcare Costs
The Medicare Advantage program continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and health plans. At least one-third of seniors are estimated to be in an MA plan rather than fee-for-service Medicare. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, health plans are competing to capture the Medicare Advantage market.
Why Prescription Drug Price Transparency Matters
The Medicare Advantage program continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and health plans. At least one-third of seniors are estimated to be in an MA plan rather than fee-for-service Medicare. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, health plans are competing to capture the Medicare Advantage market.
Study: More Medicare Patients Dying At Home
The Medicare Advantage program continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and health plans. At least one-third of seniors are estimated to be in an MA plan rather than fee-for-service Medicare. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, health plans are competing to capture the Medicare Advantage market.
4 States With Big Drop in Opioid Prescriptions
Although needle exchanges and safe injection sites have numerous studies backing their effectiveness in fighting opioid addiction, a recent study revealed many Americans oppose both — a stigma that could harm the nation's response to the opioid epidemic, Vox reports. The study, published in Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 1,000 Americans. In a survey, the researchers queried respondents' attitudes on needle exchanges, (where people can dispose of used syringes and get sterile ones), safe injection sites (where people can use drugs under medical supervision) and broader opinions on addiction.
The State of Value-Based Care in 2018
The promises of value-based payment models came to life within the last 12+ months with results of real world tests. They quickly move to the implementation of useful models and processes. With ramped-up implementations overcoming value-based care barriers step out as real things.
Social Stigma Concerning Opioid Use Hinders Fight
Although needle exchanges and safe injection sites have numerous studies backing their effectiveness in fighting opioid addiction, a recent study revealed many Americans oppose both — a stigma that could harm the nation's response to the opioid epidemic, Vox reports. The study, published in Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 1,000 Americans. In a survey, the researchers queried respondents' attitudes on needle exchanges, (where people can dispose of used syringes and get sterile ones), safe injection sites (where people can use drugs under medical supervision) and broader opinions on addiction.
How Can Medicaid Coverage Combat Opioids?
CMS has released new resources describing how states can leverage Medicaid services and health IT tools to support beneficiaries battling opioid addiction. The organization released an Informational Bulletin to guide states on how to cover critical treatment services for Medicaid eligible infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a postnatal drug withdrawal syndrome occurring primarily among babies exposed to opioids during gestation or shortly after birth.