Dr Dennis Scanlon Says More MA Options, Benefits Significantly Reshape Medicare
February 22nd 2023Dennis Scanlon, PhD, professor of health policy and administration at the Pennsylvania State University, discusses how extra benefit coverage and the choice to shop for plan options are some factors driving Medicare Advantage (MA) program growth.
Brain Structure, Cough Hypersensitivity May Be Linked in Adults With Chronic Cough
February 15th 2023An area of the brain that contributes to cough suppression was found to be smaller in volume in adults with chronic cough than those without, demonstrating a possible connection between brain structure changes and cough hypersensitivity.
Dr Dennis Scanlon Discusses IRA Part D Changes Intended to Expand Access
February 12th 2023Dennis Scanlon, PhD, professor of health policy and administration at the Pennsylvania State University, discusses some of the reasoning behind Part D benefits changes in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the cost questions that remain.
Dr Dennis Scanlon: IRA Drug Price Negotiation Provision a Step in the Right Direction
February 9th 2023Dennis Scanlon, PhD, professor of health policy and administration at the Pennsylvania State University, talks about how it will take time to understand the full effect of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provision allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with companies.
Use of Population-Based Risk Score Might Fail to Detect Frailty in Hospitalized Patients With COPD
February 8th 2023A study of patients hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation found that exclusively using the population-based Hospital Frailty Risk Score tool to assess for frailty may cause it to go undetected and untreated.
Telemonitoring Might Improve CPAP Adherence for Patients With OSA
February 6th 2023Telemonitoring may help improve continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy adherence for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), while motivational enhancement therapy (MET) most significantly impacted long-term adherence, according to a recent study.
Dr Dennis Scanlon Discusses the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medicaid Coverage
February 1st 2023With the public health emergency soon coming to an end, people covered by Medicaid will encounter new barriers, discusses Dennis Scanlon, PhD, professor of health policy and administration, Penn State University.
CARG Chemotherapy Toxicity Tool Helps Patients Understand Risks, Says Dr Alonso V. Pacheco
January 21st 2023Patient quality of life can be improved through shared knowledge between doctors and patients in cancer care using the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) Chemotherapy Toxicity Tool calculator, which Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers piloted, explained Alonso V. Pacheco, MD, medical director and medical oncologist/hematologist, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers.
Health Care Consolidation Is Beneficial in Some Areas for Some Patients, Says Susan Sabo-Wagner
January 19th 2023Patients with higher health literacy and access to resources to self-advocate are more likely to benefit from health care consolidation, discussed Susan Sabo-Wagner, MSN, RN, OCN, executive director of clinical strategy for Oncology Consultants of Houston, Texas.
Susan Sabo-Wagner Describes the Importance of Socio-Cultural Competence in Oncology Care
January 15th 2023Susan Sabo-Wagner MSN, RN, OCN, executive director of clinical strategy for Oncology Consultants of Houston, Texas, explained how cultural competency allows for better care delivery to patients with cancer.
Data Can Be Used to Improve Patient Decision Making and Address Disparities, Says Dr Ken Cohen
January 14th 2023Initiatives to address social determinants of health are likely to positively change the health care landscape, and better patient education can contribute to more favorable care choices says Ken Cohen, MD, director of translational research for Optum Care.
Dr Alonso V. Pacheco Discusses a Tool to Measure Chemotherapy Toxicity for Elderly Patients
January 13th 2023A tool to measure chemotherapy toxicity from the Cancer and Aging Research Group can help determine emergency department visits or hospitalization risk, especially for elderly patients, says Alonso V. Pacheco, MD, medical director and medical oncologist/hematologist, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers.
Dr Ken Cohen Offers Possible Solutions to Reducing Wasteful Health Care
January 12th 2023Creating new incentive models and transparently sharing data in a way that changes behaviors are 2 ways to reduce low-value care in the health care system, explains Ken Cohen, MD, director of translational research for Optum Care.
Limited Appointment Availability and Cost Largest Obstacles to Women’s Mental Health Care
January 5th 2023In the last 2 years, half of women reported needing mental health services compared with only 35% of men. Women who needed mental health care cited provider availability and cost, especially for those who are uninsured, to be 2 major barriers to receiving care.