Healthcare industry lambastes Trump administration's short-term health plan proposal
The health insurance and hospital sectors are nearly unanimous in their opposition to the Trump administration's proposal to expand short-term health plans, citing higher premiums as a major consequence if it moves forward.
Such plans have historically been used during a lapse in coverage following a change in employment and limited to just a few months. But the Department of Health and Human Services wants to expand short-term plan coverage for up to a year, a move viewed by many as an attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The plans could skirt key ACA requirements, such as essential health benefits and pre-existing coverage protections.
Administration officials contend the extension will give consumers more choice without raising premiums, but some of the industry's biggest players aren't buying it. (FierceHealthcare)
Most annoying reminder to taking medications? A nagging spouse or partner
There’s no magic bullet for getting patients to take the medications their doctors prescribe.
But there’s one thing that doesn’t work for sure: being nagged by a spouse or partner. A survey by Express Scripts of 800 adults taking medications to treat a chronic condition found that people rated spouse/partners as the most annoying source of reminders to taking their medications. Patients, especially those under 55 years old, were more receptive to technology-based medication reminders such as mobile health apps or wearable devices.
The survey found that nearly one-third of Americans on medications for chronic diseases are not concerned about missing doses even though almost half believe it’s the most important action they can do to protect their health. And 54% of respondents think they do a better job than others at taking their medication as prescribed. Those who consciously decide not to take their medication regularly report side effects as the primary reason (44%), followed by an inconvenience (28%).
One action doctors can take to increase adherence: Offer patients a 90-day supply of medications. The survey found the best rates of adherence among those patients in health plans that allow a 90-day supply, as it creates fewer opportunities to forget refills and renewals. (Express Scripts report)
Leapfrog gives more than 1,000 hospitals a 'C' or worse for safety; infection control a hurdle for low-scoring facilities
Leapfrog Group gave more than 1,000 hospitals a "C" or worse score in the latest update to its Patient Safety Grades, with infection control a top pain point for a number of facilities that lag behind.
Released twice a year, the report includes hospital safety scores issued by Leapfrog between "A" and "F." The group awarded 879 "C" grades, the largest group, 145 "D" grades and 22 "F" grades. In addition, 750 hospitals were awarded an "A" and 683 were given a "B" grade.
Leah Binder, CEO of Leapfrog, told FierceHealthcare that each low-scoring hospital faces its own challenges, but that the infection control measures outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is one area where some hospitals struggle consistently. (FierceHealthcare)
Kentucky doctor convicted as ‘drug dealer in a white coat’
A physician in Franklin, Kentucky, was convicted earlier this week on 15 counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances. Roy D. Reynolds, 69, was convicted following a nine-day trial for prescribing opioid pain medications outside of the course of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose to multiple patients, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
“In this case, a Western Kentucky doctor was no more than a drug dealer in a white coat,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “As much as we respect the medical profession, this is a warning to physicians who purposefully overprescribe pain pills without a legitimate medical purpose—you will lose your medical license and ultimately serve time in federal prison.”
From 2010 to 2013, Reynolds prescribed more Oxycodone than any other primary care prescriber in Simpson County and was among the top 5% of prescribers in the state, according to evidence presented at his trial. The jury acquitted Reynolds on a charge of causing the death of one of his patients, news reports said. (U.S. Attorney’s Office announcement)
Doctors treat patients from third mass shooting in just months
Trauma staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, have treated the victims of three mass shootings in about seven months, including a shooting at a nearby church, a high school in Kentucky and an attack this week at a Waffle House restaurant.
“This was not something that we had at the forefront of our brains even 10 years ago,” said Richard Miller, M.D., the chief of trauma and surgical critical care, when asked about the mass shootings. He and Oscar Guillamondegui, M.D., the trauma medical director, spoke with a reporter about how staff cope with the aftermath. Miller says the hospital debriefs staff after every tragedy and said talking about what has happened is key to avoiding emotional burnout. Doctors must also practice self-care. He participates in triathlons; Guillamondegui turns to biking and swimming. (The New York Times article)