PRESS RELEASE: Most U.S. nonprofit hospitals neglect community investment obligation, analysis reveals
Though all nonprofit hospitals enjoy big tax breaks, many fail to make commensurate investments in community health, according to a new analysis from the Lown Institute. The Institute today released Community Benefit findings from its 2021 Hospitals Index, that show nonprofit hospitals collectively failed to invest nearly $17 billion in their communities. More
Characterization of US Hospital Advertising and Association With Hospital Performance, 2008-2016
This cross-sectional study uses data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assess whether higher-performing hospitals are more likely to advertise their services directly to consumers. More
Hospitals Have Started Posting Their Prices Online. Here’s What They Reveal
Since January, hospitals were supposed to be disclosing true prices for their services, as a way to empower patients to shop around. Turns out, compliance is spotty and the data can be hard to find. More
Biden admin releases first rule banning surprise medical bills
The Biden administration released the first part of regulations to implement a law that bans surprise medical bills, outlining what types of charges will be outlawed starting in 2022. More
The Hidden Hand: Big Pharma’s Influence on Patient Advocacy Groups
Although most well-known patient organizations have important missions and provide invaluable services to patients, many appear unable or unwilling to take positions on consumer issues such as lowering prescription drug prices that might anger their drug corporation funders.
Health insurers are threatening not to cover some patients’ ER bills
Plans like United Healthcare say it’s necessary to contain health care costs. Experts say it’s the wrong approach. More
(PDF) The Spread in Hospital Chargemaster Prices for Common Drugs
How New Hospital Transparency Regulations Fall Short More
Prohibited, unlisted, even dangerous ingredients turn up in dietary supplements
Consumers may think they’re safer or more “natural” than pharmaceuticals, but multiple studies show they are sometimes adulterated with medicines and unknown additives. More
Inside ‘Project Onyx’: How Biogen used an FDA back channel to win approval of its polarizing Alzheimer’s drug
When Aduhelm’s prospects appeared dead, Biogen mounted a secret campaign to resurrect the drug and convince the FDA to approve it. More
Doctor acquisitions spiked amid the pandemic
Nearly 70% of all U.S. physicians are now employed by hospitals or corporations. More
Despite new regulation, few hospitals are transparent about their prices
Two new studies analyzing hospital price transparency find that fewer than 25% of hospitals are complying with the new CMS rule. More
Is the FDA’s Drug Approval Process Broken?
A Q&A with physician and former FDA advisor Aaron Kesselheim on why he resigned to protest the approval of a new Alzheimer’s drug — and the reforms necessary to prevent it from happening again. More
The Covid-19 relief bill created 1,000 more residency slots for new doctors. Wealthy hospitals should be last in line to get them
The 1,000 new residency slots funded by the American Rescue Plan should go first to hospitals in rural, underserved, and tribal areas. More
Hemmed In at Home, Nonprofit Hospitals Look for Profits Abroad
Across the street from the Buckingham Palace Garden and an ocean away from its Ohio headquarters, Cleveland Clinic is making a nearly $1 billion bet that Europeans will embrace a hospital run by one of America’s marquee health systems. More
Pricey drugs paid by Medicare lack cost-effectiveness data
"Efforts for value-based reforms may be hampered by a lack of cost-effectiveness data," the authors write. More
Device Makers Have Funneled Billions to Orthopedic Surgeons Who Use Their Products
Federal officials say that some of the money changing hands has corrupted doctors and endangered patients. More
Higher prices drove up Medicare drug spending, advisers say
It was not due to higher volumes of filled prescriptions. More
How Patent Extensions Keep Some Drug Costs High
The Biden administration has a chance to help curb drug costs in naming a new patent office director, some experts say. More
RIP Medical Debt Works with Ballad Health to Abolish Over $277M of Medical Debt
Ballad Health and RIP Medical Debt (RIP) announced today a new agreement that will eliminate $277,974,370.31 million worth of non-governmental payer medical debt (i.e., non-Medicare/Medicaid) for approximately 82,000 people previously served by Ballad Health. More