Posts All of our commentary in one spot. You can also browse by topics or search. 410 posts in this category Posts pagination Newer 1 … 31 32 33 34 35 … 41 Older Let the Games End! October 28, 2021 Summary: Two unrelated news stories highlight ways that powerful actors in our healthcare system manipulate complex reimbursement rules and procedures, approaching and crossing legal boundaries. Detecting and stopping abuse in our complex profit-focused system is impossible. We need to end this gaming, with a simple fair payment system. 5 things about DOJ’s upcoding allegations against […] Medicaid Coverage Reduces Pre-Pregnancy Depression October 26, 2021 Summary: This study compared perinatal mental health outcomes for low-income women in states that expanded Medicaid with states that did not. They found a substantial drop in pre-pregnancy depression, which they attribute to better diagnosis and treatment and/or reduced financial worry. Health coverage reduces morbidity. Medicaid Expansion Associated with Some Improvements in Perinatal Mental HealthHealth […] VA Privatization Worsens Care October 25, 2021 Summary: A new study finds that knee replacement done at Veterans Affairs hospitals has better clinical outcomes than surgery farmed out by the VA to private providers in the community. The VA – socialized medicine – works well. Comparing Complication Rates After Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Delivered Or Purchased By The VA.Health AffairsAug 1, 2021By […] How Private Equity Harms Health Care, Especially in Physician Practices October 22, 2021 Summary: A far-reaching new review of private equity investment in physician practices makes clear that PE tactics – aggressive and sometimes illegal – extract money from the health care system, often without delivering quality in return. Concerns exist regardless of payment model. Private Equity Investment As A Divining Rod For Market Failure: Policy Responses To […] Heart Attack Care Better in Canada than the US October 21, 2021 Summary: This study compared quality of care (eg, best clinical practices like prescribing the right medicines) for young adults (≤55) with an acute myocardial infarction. A low quality of care score was nearly 3 times more likely in the US than in Canada. So Canada, with inexpensive single payer, provides better care. Variations in Quality […] Free Medications Increase Use and Lower Healthcare Costs October 19, 2021 Summary: This important Canadian study found that making essential medicines free – removing financial barriers – raises adherence, lowers medical costs, and generally raises patient perceptions of well-being, including overall health. Adherence at 2 years with distribution of essential medicines at no charge: The CLEAN Meds randomized clinical trial.PLOS MedicineMay 21, 2021By N Persaud et […] Public Health Capacity Needs a Major Boost October 18, 2021 Summary: To achieve a healthy nation, we need not only single payer healthcare, but also robust public health practice. During COVID, an already underfunded and understaffed public health system suffered a buffeting while – and because – it was trying to do its job of mitigating the pandemic. It’s time to rebuild public health capacity. […] Don’t Undermine Medicare via Means Testing in Build Back Better October 15, 2021 Summary: Means test Medicare? What? Yes, suggested by a conservative Democrat for the proposed Medicare improvements in the huge social infrastructure bill in Congress. This would undermine the solidarity of support for a great program, and leave many elders without insurance or care. It must be stopped. Means Testing is the Wrong Approach to Medicare […] We can cut drug prices *and* foster innovation October 14, 2021 Summary: As Congress considers enabling Medicare to negotiate down out-of-control drug prices, pharmaceutical companies warn that innovation will suffer. Not so, says the president of the Commonwealth Fund. And not so, experts agreed back in 2004. It’s time to empower the public purchaser! The U.S. Can Lower Drug Prices Without Sacrificing InnovationHarvard Business ReviewOctober 1, […] Access to Mental Health Care — US worst among wealthy countries October 12, 2021 Summary: World Mental Health Day was October 10th. How is the US doing on access to care? Terribly. Therapists often don’t take insurance, and we lead wealthy nations in financial barriers to care: fully 50% of those in need. Single payer would provide a strong behavioral health benefit. Why It’s So Hard to Find a […] Posts pagination Newer 1 … 31 32 33 34 35 … 41 Older
