If a patient receives a continuous glucose monitor device through their medical benefit, they may be more adherent and may have lower costs, according to a new analysis. Researchers at CCS, which offers clinical services and home delivery for medical supplies for people with chronic conditions, published the peer-reviewed study this week in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Diabetes (JMIR) and found that patients who secured the monitors through their medical coverage had 23% higher rates of adherence.
Veterans can get quicker emergency medical exams with a Department of Veterans Affairs nurse under a new program that aims to keep patients out of non-VA emergency rooms and urgent care centers for treatment of medical problems that require immediate attention. The VA is rolling out a telehealth emergency care program nationwide that will connect veterans using their cellphones with a VA triage nurse who evaluates their problem and directs them to appropriate care, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. Veterans can receive an immediate video evaluation, instructions on how to manage minor injuries and illnesses at home and receive follow-up appointments for tests and visits with a provider, the VA said.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) announced in a September 12 press release the release of its new report, Hospitals Improving Performance On Key Patient Safety Measures Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels. AHA found that hospitals and health systems' performance on key patient safety and quality measures was better in the first quarter of 2024 than it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analyses by Vizient, a group purchasing organization, show that health systems rebounded and improved after the COVID-19 pandemic when progress in safety measures had been disrupted.
Medicare's open enrollment window opens in a few weeks, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a broad look at the landscape around Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D before sign-ups begin. The agency announced Friday that average premiums in both MA and Part D are set to decline for 2025. CMS said that about 60% of MA beneficiaries will be enrolled in a plan that has a $0 premium for 2025. In addition, most (83%) of enrollees will have the same or lower premiums should they choose to maintain the same coverage, according to an announcement.
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