FTC commissioner: Agency to continue ‘aggressive enforcement’ of hospital deals
A leader of federal antitrust enforcement touted a continuation of “aggressive” enforcement against hospital deals, even as the share of independent hospitals shrank to a historic low.
Specialty practices use predictive analytics to enhance value-based care
Specialty physician practices embarking on value-based care initiatives should start by expanding their ability to collect and synchronize data.
Part D savings plan dialed back
Part D plans will have fewer new tools to control drug spending than Medicare initially proposed.
Safety net hospitals issue warning about looming DSH cuts
Faced with $4 billion in cuts to Medicaid uncompensated-care payments that start in October, some hospitals warn they may have to close.
Short-term plans have little adverse effect on insurance market: study
Although a federal boost to short-term insurance plans raised alarm among hospital advocates, early evidence suggests there has been little adverse impact on the individual insurance market.
CMS Overhauls the Medicare Shared Savings Program
CMS’s Pathways to Success final rule is a challenging proposition for ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).
HOPDs vs. ASC: Understanding Payment Differences
The growth of ambulatory surgery centers has hospitals and health systems looking at payment in a new way.
States reeling under rising healthcare costs
Rising Medicaid costs and high costs of healthcare for state employees are having a negative effect on state budgets.
Montana’s dive into Medicare reference pricing reduces provider payments by almost $16 million annually
Montana’s adoption of Medicare reference pricing has dramatically reduced payment rates for healthcare services delivered to state employees.
Analysis: CMMI primary care initiatives: Potential opportunity but lots of questions
The five new alternative payment models offer multiple participation options for primary care practices of different sizes with advanced capabilities.