2011 to 2020 saw increase in annual prescription meds expenditures
Apr 15, 2024
Metabolic agents were the most costly category; antidiabetic agents were the mostly costly therapeutic area.
New federal rule means hospitals need written consent for pelvic, prostate exams
Apr 01, 2024
The HHS also issued a new set of guidelines clarifying a longstanding requirement that hospitals must obtain written informed consent as a condition for being reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare to cover Wegovy when patients also have heart disease
Mar 22, 2024
Medicare will now cover the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy if patients using it also have heart disease, US officials announced Thursday.
Billion-dollar weather disasters linked to excess ED visits, mortality
Mar 07, 2024
Greater increases in emergency department and mortality rates were seen for US counties with the greatest loss and damage.
Biogen is dropping controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm
Jan 31, 2024
Biogen said it will shift its focus to a newer Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, which it markets in a partnership with Japan-based Eisai. Leqembi received FDA approval last year.
Denosumab linked to severe hypocalcemia in dialysis-dependent seniors
Jan 25, 2024
The risk increased for severe and very severe hypocalcemia for female dialysis-dependent Medicare patients aged 65 years or older.
Private equity acquisition of hospitals may increase adverse events
Dec 26, 2023
Medicare beneficiaries admitted to private equity hospitals experienced increase in hospital-acquired conditions
Racial and ethnic disparities seen in use of hospice
Dec 18, 2023
Older age was associated with lower odds of short length of stay in those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
New poll finds older Americans believe Medicare should cover weight-loss drugs
Dec 13, 2023
A 2003 law currently prohibits Medicare from covering medications specifically for weight loss. The poll was among those aged 50 to 80.
Million hearts model cuts five-year heart attack, stroke risk in at-risk patients
Oct 18, 2023
Improved outcomes were seen, with no significant changes in Medicare spending.