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What We’re Reading: WHO’s Annual Health Assembly; New Abortion Bans Passed; FDA Clears Preeclampsia Test
The World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for the next pandemic; new restrictions on reproductive health services in the South; Thermo Fisher Scientific receives FDA approval for a first-of-its-kind preeclampsia test.
Preparing for Future Pandemics at the Annual World Health Assembly
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to implement necessary reforms and honor financial commitments to prepare for future pandemics during the annual World Health Assembly in Geneva, according to Reuters. Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for negotiating preventive measures to tackle the next global health crisis and warned that delaying action would only invite future pandemics. Additionally, the assembly discussed negotiations for a pandemic treaty and the approval of the WHO’s 2024-2025 budget.
Abortion Restrictions Tighten in Southern US as Lawmakers Pass New Bans
As abortion options in the South grow more limited as lawmakers push for stricter restrictions, many Southerners may not have the ability to travel long distances to access abortion care in other states, according to NBC News. North Carolina is set to implement a ban on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, while South Carolina's House of Representatives has approved a 6-week abortion ban. Furthermore, experts fear that the departure of many physicians from states with abortion bans will further limit access to abortions and maternal health care in the South.
FDA Approves First Preeclampsia Biomarker Test by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific has received FDA clearance for a first-of-its-kind test in the United States designed to detect women at risk of severe preeclampsia, according to Reuters. Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy and the postpartum period, is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The biomarker test is expected to significantly improve the prognosis and treatment of thousands of at-risk women in the United States each year.
Neonatology Pricing and Network Participation Under State Balance Billing Regulations
October 2nd 2025This national study of neonatology services found no clear evidence that state surprise billing regulations influenced prices or provider network participation for the commercially insured.
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AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust
September 2nd 2025In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact.
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Managed Care Reflections: A Q&A With Ge Bai, PhD, CPA
October 2nd 2025To mark the 30th anniversary of The American Journal of Managed Care, each issue in 2025 includes a special feature: reflections from a thought leader on what has changed—and what has not—over the past 3 decades and what’s next for managed care. The October issue features a conversation with Ge Bai, PhD, CPA, professor of accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA
August 26th 2025In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.
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