American Medical News - health system reform http://www.amednews.com/ Medical news from the news source for America's physicians en-us Newspaper Medical news Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT Copyright 2011 American Medical Association American Medical News http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/images/rss.gif http://www.amednews.com/ 88 31 The news source for America's physicians http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvsb0521.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvsb0521.htmNearly every state showed health access declines in 2010The share of adults younger than 65 with unmet medical needs due to cost rose to nearly 20% during the last decade, a new study says.Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvl10521.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvl10521.htmMedicaid primary care pay: The next SGR?Putting Medicaid primary care rates on par with Medicare’s raises concerns that doctors will face a new kind of payment cliff after just two years.Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/gvsb0514.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/gvsb0514.htmFederal grants help health center expansions, not operationsFacilities are seeing millions more patients thanks in part to special federal dollars, but they also want to see their base grants boosted.Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvl10507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvl10507.htmDoctors pressured to write prescriptions for OTC drugsLawmakers are being asked to rescind a health reform provision that prevents patients from using flexible spending account money on medications without a doctor’s order.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/bisb0507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/bisb0507.htmInsurers say health reform-related rebates will exceed $1 billionPlans are sending money back for not spending enough on care to meet Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act standards.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvsa0430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvsa0430.htmDire Medicare outlook assumes deep physician pay cutsThe program’s trustees say long-term projections will be even worse in the likely event Congress stops a 31% SGR cut from taking effect in 2013.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/bisb0430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/bisb0430.htmMany young doctors worried about future of medicineA Physicians Foundation survey notes that a majority of physicians younger than 40 are personally optimistic but professionally pessimistic about the health care system.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/bisb1219.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/bisb1219.htmNumber of patients receiving care at retail clinics increasesMore in-store clinics are opening in preparation for a possible role in accountable care organizations and other aspects of health system reform.Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvsb1212.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvsb1212.htmInsurance broker fees must be counted as overhead, HHS saysThe decision means insurers will be required to spend more premium dollars on actual medical care.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/bisb1212.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/bisb1212.htmFewer Americans get health insurance through jobEmployer-sponsored coverage is growing more expensive and covering less.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvsb1205.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvsb1205.htmHHS deems first insurance rate hike unreasonableDespite the rebuke, Everence doesn't plan to reconsider its 11.6% increase for small-group plans in Pennsylvania.Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsg1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsg1128.htmDoctors seek role on insurance exchangesThe AMA also adopts recommendations calling for patient choice of physician to be protected.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prse1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prse1128.htmDelegates back state flexibility on uninsuredStates should have the choice to create insurance programs, but only if they maintain coverage levels mandated under the health reform law, the AMA says.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/bisa1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/bisa1128.htmWal-Mart eyes more involvement in medical care servicesA report by the big box retailer suggests it is looking to provide care as part of health system reform, but it's unclear exactly how.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsc1121.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsc1121.htmRomney calls for more Medicare competitionThe GOP presidential candidate also would support reducing federal spending by increasing the eligibility age for the program to 67 and capping Medicaid spending.Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/bisa1121.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/bisa1121.htmManaging the uncertainty of health system reform (MGMA annual meeting)In an age of profound change, medical practices look for ways to prevent anxiety from disrupting everyday work life.Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/prsb1114.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/prsb1114.htmCritics rap delay in doctor-payment reporting rulesHHS missed its deadline to formulate rules on reporting how much industry pays physicians. Lawmakers, the drug industry and consumer groups call for speedy implementation.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/bisc1114.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/bisc1114.htmInsurer income falls as plans adjust to reduced spending, reform lawStock buybacks for the insurers, however, are boosting per-share earnings.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/edsa1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/edsa1024.htmWhat editorial writers are saying about the Kaiser health insurance reportOther Views on Medical News - Commentary from other news and opinion sourcesMon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/gvl11017.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/gvl11017.htmIOM panel: Insurance exchanges will fail unless cost factor is facedA report for the Dept. of Health of Human Services notes that greater use of standardized, evidence-based medicine could reduce health spending.Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsb1010.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsb1010.htm28 states get new HHS grants to review insurance hikes42 used similar funds to scale back premium increases for individual and small group plans.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsa1010.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsa1010.htmObama gambles on health reform before Supreme CourtBy asking justices to hear the case now, the White House probably is ensuring that an opinion will come before the 2012 elections, experts say.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/gvsa1003.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/gvsa1003.htmBracing for Medicaid expansionStates with low physician supply could struggle to meet the demand posed by the health reform law's Medicaid expansion starting in 2014.Mon, 3 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvl10926.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvl10926.htmMedicaid claims audits to begin in JanuaryCMS adjusted the RAC program in several ways supported by doctors, including requiring auditors to employ them as medical directors.Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/bisa0919.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/bisa0919.htmInsurance brokers' role expected to change with health reformPhysicians may have to adjust the way they buy coverage for themselves and employees as brokers' commissions diminish or are eliminated.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/gvsc0912.htm http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/gvsc0912.htm Medicare finalizes requirements for special needs plansPrivate Medicare plans for low-income, high-cost patients must enter into contracts with states by 2013.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/gvsa0912.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/gvsa0912.htmAlmost half of uninsured expect no help from health reformPolling experts said Americans are not focused on changes scheduled to begin in 2014 but on the economy and other issues.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/bil20829.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/bil20829.htmMayo, Cleveland clinics seek affiliations with doctors nationwideThe well-known health systems are extending their reach as hospitals compete to buy or team up with practices.Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/gvsd0822.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/gvsd0822.htmMassachusetts patients stay with safety net providers after reformAlthough facilities worried they were the last choices for health care, patients kept going to save money and for the convenience, a study says.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/bisc0822.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/bisc0822.htmWith insurance enrollment up, most employers don't plan to drop coverage in 2014A survey finds only about 2% will 'very likely' stop offering health benefits when insurance exchanges kick in.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/bil10822.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/bil10822.htmEconomy disrupts doctors' retirement plansA survey finds many altering their end-of-career scenarios because of flagging investments and a changing medical system.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/gvsc0815.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/gvsc0815.htmIllinois lawmakers challenge CMS rejection of anti-fraud lawThe measure violates provisions of health system reform by changing Medicaid eligibility requirements, federal officials say.Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/prsc0815.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/prsc0815.htmNational groups unite to target health disparitiesAHA leads an effort to increase data collection, improve diversity in medical leadership and encourage cultural competency training at hospitals and medical schools.Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/08/gvsa0808.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/08/gvsa0808.htmHealth system reform law expected to spark spending reboundA federal report predicts that millions of newly insured people, many of them relatively young and healthy, will visit physicians and fill prescriptions starting in 2014.Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/01/bisa0801.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/01/bisa0801.htmPace of mergers, acquisitions revs up for physician practicesAn industry report finds health system reform driving consolidation among those who deliver care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/01/gvl10801.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/01/gvl10801.htmIOM list of preventive services expected to boost women's healthIf accepted by federal officials, these routine services would carry none of the cost-sharing that leads some women to delay care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/25/gvl10725.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/25/gvl10725.htmStates may get substantial power over health insurance exchangesThe Obama administration stresses state flexibility in the first proposed federal regulations on the health plan marketplaces that will launch by 2014.Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/25/gvsa0725.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/25/gvsa0725.htmMore Democrats join GOP against Medicare cost-control boardThe American Medical Association is among the groups backing a bill to repeal the Medicare Independent Payment Advisory Board.Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/bisa0704.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/bisa0704.htmMcKinsey claims health reform report isn't 'predictive'The consultancy firm defends its much-criticized study showing far more employees losing coverage in 2014 than other studies.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/prl10704.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/prl10704.htmAMA delegates reaffirm key reform policy but target parts of law for changeThe AMA house directed the Association to seek repeal of the Medicare Independent Payment Advisory Board and a provision expanding nonphysicians' scope of practice.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/gvsc0704.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/gvsc0704.htmGOP doctors stand behind Medicare privatization planPhysician lawmakers defend their voucher proposal, saying Democratic cost-control measures would be a more drastic alternative.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/prsi0704.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/04/prsi0704.htmAMA house seeks repeal of OTC drug-spending rulePatients with tax-exempt medical spending accounts are asking physicians to write prescriptions for over-the-counter medications.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/gvsa0627.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/gvsa0627.htmHHS to end exemptions for limited benefit plansMore than 1,400 health plans have been exempted from the reform law's $750,000 annual minimum coverage requirement.Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/bisb0627.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/bisb0627.htmSome Medicaid managed care plans have higher costs, lower qualityBut a report says the publicly owned companies may be key to absorbing the expected growing number of Medicaid enrollees.Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/prsc0620.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/prsc0620.htmAMA reaffirms policy on health insurance mandatesSome physicians tried to get fellow delegates to change the Association's stance on that aspect of the health system reform law but fell short.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/bisb0620.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/bisb0620.htmCalifornia Blue Shield pledges $180 million in rebatesThe money will go to customer credits, public health and ACOs. The insurer will limit annual income, but doesn't guarantee it won't raise rates again.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/bisa0620.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/bisa0620.htmMore employers consider dropping health coverage, report saysPrevious surveys found that most businesses in 2014 are not planning to stop offering insurance, which would move employees to health insurance exchanges.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/gvsb0620.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/20/gvsb0620.htmBill would roll back restrictions on HSAs, FSAsThe changes could reduce account holders' reliance on prescriptions for over-the-counter drugs and direct more tax-exempt consumer dollars toward retainer primary care services.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/06/gvsb0606.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/06/gvsb0606.htmHouse revives bill to allow interstate health insurance salesSenate Democrats and President Obama oppose the legislation, but three states have adopted their own versions of the federal measure.Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/16/gvsa0516.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/16/gvsa0516.htmVermont approves universal health programThe measure adopted by the Legislature and supported by the governor would establish a single-payer-type plan, although some private insurers would stay.Mon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/09/gvsb0509.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/09/gvsb0509.htmPhysicians with many Medicaid patients are likely to treat more in 2014Doctors with low Medicaid patient loads may be unwilling or ill-equipped to see those who become eligible, a survey finds.Mon, 09 May 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment