Medicare Shared Savings Program saves $2.1 billion in 2023
Accountable care organizations in the Medicare Shared Savings Program earned performance payments totaling $3.1 billion in 2023, the highest since the program’s establishment.
Advanced Primary Care Management
Advanced Primary Care Management – Improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens for primary care practices. APCM from CMS, introduces abundled, prospective payment structure that covers a broad range of care management activities, non-time-based codes not tied to reimbursement with specific time requirements, simplifying the billing process and enabling practices to focus on delivering high-quality care.
Out-of-pocket healthcare costs tarnish patient experience
High out-of-pocket healthcare costs and poor health plan navigability are significantly hindering patient experiences and access to care. Many patients are struggling to afford their medications and medical services, leading to reduced adherence and delayed or denied care. The complex insurance landscape and lack of transparency regarding coverage and costs further exacerbate these issues. Patients are calling for greater affordability, price transparency, and improved plan navigability to ensure they can access the care they need. Additionally, they express interest in personalized medicine and preventive care, emphasizing the importance of safe, effective, and tailored treatments.
Digital health buyers prioritize diabetes, mental health tools
Healthcare organizations are increasingly investing in digital health solutions, with a focus on diabetes, mental health, and preventive care.
A new survey by the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) found that the majority of healthcare providers, payers, and employers have increased their spending on digital health solutions in the past two years. This is driven by rising consumer demand, the potential to improve health outcomes, and potential cost savings.
What your mammogram can tell you about your cardiovascular health
Breast Arterial Calcification (BAC) and Heart Disease Risk:
- Mammograms can detect BAC: In addition to breast cancer, mammograms can also reveal calcifications in the breast arteries.
- BAC may indicate heart disease risk: Studies have shown an association between BAC and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Not a definitive test: While BAC is a potential marker, it doesn’t guarantee heart disease risk. Other factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol also play a role.
- Controversial screening: Some experts question the effectiveness and cost-benefit of routine BAC screening.
- Potential for increased awareness: BAC screening can be an opportunity to discuss heart disease risk with patients and encourage preventive measures.
- More research needed: Further studies are required to better understand the link between BAC and heart disease and to determine the optimal approach for incorporating this screening into clinical practice.
COVID-19 Survivors Face Elevated Heart Disease Risk
NIH Study Links Early COVID-19 Infection to Long-Term Heart Risks (Unvaccinated Participants)
This NIH-funded study investigated the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals infected during the pandemic’s first wave (original virus strain).
Key Findings:
- Unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19 had double the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without COVID-19.
- This risk was even higher (4 times) for those who experienced severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.
- The elevated risk persisted for up to three years after the initial infection.
- The study suggests a possible genetic link between blood type and severe COVID-19 complications. Patients with A, B, or AB blood types had a higher risk of heart attack or stroke after hospitalization for COVID-19 compared to those with type O blood.
Limitations:
- The study only included participants from the UK Biobank (mostly white population).
- It’s unclear if these findings apply to those infected later in the pandemic or vaccinated individuals.
- The mechanism behind the blood type and COVID-19 severity link needs further investigation.
Overall, this study highlights the potential long-term cardiovascular consequences of early COVID-19 infection and suggests the need for further research on the impact of vaccination and blood type.