CMS incorrectly penalizes hospitals in readmissions program, study finds
The incorrect penalties stem from margins of error associated with the 30-day risk-adjusted readmission measure the program relies on. More
Surprise Billing for Colonoscopy: The Scope of the Problem
Federal law eliminates consumer cost sharing for multiple methods of colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopy when done by an in-network provider. However, some patients having screening incur considerable out-of-pocket costs because out-of-network bills are not included in federal mandates. More
Trump boasted he made insulin so cheap ‘it’s like water.’ Americans with diabetes beg to differ.
The president said at Tuesday’s debate that he lowered insulin prices. That’s not true — and, for some, the drug’s expense is a fatal barrier. More
Sky-High Drug Prices Driven by Pharma Profits, House Dems Charge
Enormous drug company profits are the primary driver of soaring prescription drug prices in America, according to a damning investigation that Democrats on the House Oversight Committee began releasing Wednesday. More
For two decades, the FDA approval process for opioids had numerous shortcomings, study finds
“Our study shows that there are evidence gaps that the FDA needs to address in approving new opioids,” said study co-author Thomas Moore. More
Increase transparency at the FDA: We need sunlight to fight the pandemic
To restore public trust in the FDA's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it needs to recommit to transparency and promote accountability. More
Some Georgia hospitals keep pandemic information to themselves
Experts say lives and safety are at stake as public attention wanes More
‘It’s like every red flag’: Trump-ordered HHS ad blitz raises alarms
Staffed in part by associates of a longtime GOP operative, the ad campaign includes CeCe Winans, Dennis Quaid and others pushing an optimistic line about coronavirus. More
Trump’s Vaccine Czar Refuses to Give Up Stock in Drug Company Involved in His Government Role
The administration calls Moncef Slaoui, who leads its vaccine race, a “contractor” to sidestep rules against personally profiting from government positions. Slaoui owns $10 million in stock of a company working with his team to develop a vaccine. More
It’s Not Just Insulin: Lawmakers Focus on Price of One Drug, While Others Rise Too
While insulin is the poster child for outrageous prescription costs, patients are paying ever more to treat depression, asthma, HIV, cholesterol and more. More