Top 5 Most-Viewed Videos of 2023

The top videos on AJMC.com from 2023 include an overview of a type 2 diabetes reversal program with impressive 6-month results, findings on increased risks associated with switching from one anticoagulant to another in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), a warning about potential legal violations when mailing medications, concerns over service denials in certain health plans, and the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM).

Here are our most-viewed videos of 2023. You can check out all of our interviews here.

5. Dr Robert Groves Gives Overview of Results From Virta Diabetes Reversal Program

Robert Groves, MD, chief medical officer and executive vice president for the joint venture Banner|Aetna, discussed the results of a type 2 diabetes reversal program offered through an alliance with Virta Health. As of April 2023, more than 800 patients had enrolled or were being evaluated for the program, with demographics showing a diverse population. The 6-month results exceeded expectations, with a 1.4% reduction in hemoglobin A_1c, an average weight loss of 8.2%, and half the patients discontinuing diabetes-specific medication through lifestyle interventions, demonstrating the success of the program without the use of drugs.

Watch the interview here.

4. Dr Steven Deitelzweig: Switching From Apixaban to Rivaroxaban Linked to Increased Risks for Patients With NVAF

Steven Deitelzweig, MD, system chairman of hospital medicine at Ochsner Clinical School, presented findings at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023 indicating that switching from apixaban to rivaroxaban among patients with NVAF was associated with a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding compared with apixaban continuation. Specifically, switching was associated with a 99% higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism and an 80% increased risk of major bleeding compared with continuation. The study suggests that the safety profile may favor apixaban, and Deitelzweig advised cardiologists to advocate for patients in cases of nonmedical switches and individualize decisions for medical switches.

Watch the interview here.

3. Judy Alberto: Oncologists Need to Be Careful They Are Not in Violation of Stark Law

Judy Alberto, MHA, RPh, BCOP, director of clinical initiatives at Community Oncology Alliance, highlighted the Stark law implications for oncology practices mailing medications. With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending in mid-May, CMS had indicated that mailing oncology medications would be a Stark law violation. Alberto emphasized the need for practices to ensure compliance, explore the value-based enterprise exception, and work with legal counsel to document criteria for continued mail-order services to patients with cancer. The Stark law changes were anticipated to impact numerous community practices, including medically integrated pharmacies.

Watch the interview here.

2. Dr Dennis Scanlon Discusses What to Be Aware of as Medicare Advantage Programs Grow

Dennis Scanlon, PhD, professor of health policy and administration at Pennsylvania State University, discussed concerns about the denial of services in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and the associated impact on beneficiaries. The Office of the Inspector General's report from April 2022 revealed instances where some MA plans were not covering or delaying coverage of services, raising concerns about potential delays in care for Medicare beneficiaries. Scanlon emphasized the importance of the market and regulatory oversight to discipline such behavior and highlighted the trade-off between expanded benefits and potentially limited provider networks in some MA plans.

Watch the interview here.

1. Dr Stephen Schleicher: We’re at a Turning Point in Oncology Care

In this interview from March 2023, Stephen M. Schleicher, MD, MBA, chief medical officer at Tennessee Oncology, discussed the state of value-based care in oncology at the time and his outlook on the EOM, which would begin July 1. He described the evolving landscape of risk-bearing entities, such as MA, and emphasized the need for oncology platforms to adapt and form new partnerships in the expanding ecosystem of value-based care. Schleicher anticipated significant changes in value-based care over the next 2 to 5 years as risk-based care continues to grow and transform the oncology landscape.

Watch the interview here.