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Episode 7 - Increased Monetary Costs of Multiple Sclerosis
During this segment, the panelists discuss the how the trend toward outpatient care and development of disease-modifying therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has affected costs of care.
Leslie Fish, PharmD, explains that because most treatment options for MS are available through the pharmaceutical side, the costs of medications and entire cost of treatment for MS has risen dramatically since 2010.
Gary M. Owens, MD, agrees and explains a 3 year analysis that compared the direct medical costs of MS to pharmaceutical costs and revealed that 85% of the expenditures for the treatment of MS result on the pharmaceutical side.
Dr Fish continues by explaining how the decrease in the number of hospitalizations is relative to the trend to treat MS in an outpatient care setting.
The panelists conclude the discussion with concerns that as the treatment costs for MS continue to rise, many aspects of treatment aren’t covered, which leaves a huge burden on patients, their caregivers, and family members.
Stuck in Prior Auth Purgatory: The Hidden Costs of Health Care Delays
June 19th 2025Delays, denials, and endless paperwork—prior authorization isn’t just a headache for providers; it’s a barrier for patients who need timely care, explains Colin Banas, MD, MHA, chief medical officer with DrFirst.
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Moving Evidence From Research to Practice: Q&A With Ken Cohen, MD
June 23rd 2025In 2025, each issue of Population Health, Equity & Outcomes will feature a profile of a health system leader transforming care in their area of expertise. This issue spotlights a conversation with Ken Cohen, MD, executive director of translational research at Optum Health.
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Culture Key to Data Collection of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Cancer Care
June 23rd 2025This research highlights the key factors, like leadership buy-in, mandatory protocols, and electronic health record workflows, that influence the effective collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity in outpatient oncology clinics to improve patient-centered care.
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