Many Americans have postponed basic health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 15% missing appointments to see specialists such as orthopedists, dermatologists and cardiologists. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, poses a significant risk for complications in those who acquire SARS-CoV-2.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said the data, released Monday, are the result of "aggressive corrective actions" to root out the cause of improper Medicare fee-for-service payments, which can include over- or underpayments to providers in addition to fraud. 

JAMA Network: Focusing on Digital Health Equity

Renewed focus on health equity comes at a time of rapid digital transformation of the health care system. This transformation offers an opportunity to address many core health equity challenges. Digital health involves digitally enabled tools and environments to augment in-person health care with digital communication, education, and remote care management. 

CMS Faces Calls to Improve Remote Patient Monitoring Coverage in 2022 PFS

With remote patient monitoring projects surging in popularity as a result of the pandemic, telehealth advocates are lobbying the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve proposed coverage plans in the 2022 Physician Fee Schedule.

Better Medicare Alliance: MA Adds $32.5B in Value to Medicare

A new analysis estimates Medicare Advantage provides beneficiaries $32.5 billion a year in additional benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs, as scrutiny continues over more federal funding devoted to the plans.

Task Force Makes Recommendations on SUD, Pain, Mental Health

A new Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force formed by the AMA with the AAFP and other partners has released five recommendations aimed at removing barriers, improving access to care and increasing access to harm-reduction strategies for patients with pain, substance use disorders or mental illness.  

Enabling Better Patient Care With Prescription Decision Support Technology Across the Care Team

Reliable, real-time prescription decision support technology empower the entire care team to work seamlessly to help people get the medicine they need — and stay on therapy.

The Future is Digital — Reimagining Patient Engagement

Interactive patient systems provide a path forward, bringing much-needed efficiency to day-to-day operations for our caregivers, and providing patients and families with the comfort and information they need during one of the most difficult times in history. 

Policies to Promote Shared Responsibility for Safer Electronic Health Records

On August 13, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published new rules regarding the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program and its Protect Patient Health Information Objective.

Reducing Low-Value Care Starts By Understanding Its Drivers

There is no single driver of low-value care — providers, systems, and patients all play a role. With the right tools, stakeholders can work together to re-align incentives and transform our healthcare delivery system into one that prioritizes value, eliminates waste and leads to better overall patient outcomes.