What We're Reading: Opposition to State Public Options; EHRs and Healthcare Fraud; Apixaban Generics Approved

Hospital Opposition to State Healthcare Reform Foreshadows Challenges for Congress

Electronic Health Records Creating a “New Era” of Healthcare Fraud, Officials Say

As individual states increase their efforts to implement public options for residents, insurance companies and hospitals are leading the opposition. Come January, Colorado will vote on a public option which would be managed by private insurers, and could save consumers up to 15% on premiums, according to The Hill. National groups have been rallying against the proposal in Colorado, claiming it is only a matter of time before the impetus behind state reforms reaches the federal level.Software companies used by hospitals to track patients’ medical data have concealed “dangerous flaws” in their electronic health record (EHR) systems, all the while receiving billions of dollars in federal subsidies, according to a Kaiser Health News/Fortune joint investigation. Several whistle blowers revealed instances of fraudulent certification of health technology companies. Hospital chains submitted false claims for EHR stimulus payments, resulting in government lawsuits. General mismanagement of patient data has dire consequences for patients, who could receive incorrect prescriptions as a result.

FDA Approves First Generics of Apixaban

The FDA has approved 2 generic versions for apixaban (Eliquis), which is used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, marking the first generic approvals of a direct oral anticoagulant, according to an FDA news release. The approvals were granted to Micro Labs Limited and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Apixaban is also indicated for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), and reduction of the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy.