Flurry of doctor group buyouts helps fuel ‘extraordinary’ surge in health M&A
Companies across the healthcare spectrum are pursuing deals to strengthen operations after two years of pandemic-driven challenges, a new PwC report found.
Omicron cuts Pfizer vaccine’s potency, but data shows booster may restore protection
Preliminary laboratory testing by Pfizer and partner BioNTech indicated three doses may protect against omicron as well as two doses perform against the original coronavirus strain.
Study finds surgery volumes bounced back after 2020 COVID-19 shutdown
But more recently, confounding factors such as healthcare staffing shortages are causing the delta variant headwind to drag on. Rapidly increasing inpatient volumes are leading some U.S. hospitals to again delay surgical procedures.
Kaiser Permanente workers ratify contract agreement after narrowly avoiding strike
After months of contentious negotiations, workers have agreed to a new contract that secures wage increases and safe staffing commitments.
New CVS primary care locations to include physicians for first time
CVS wants to broaden its care delivery strategy, including “physician-led primary care centers with integrated virtual and home assets,” CVS EVP and president of pharmacy services Alan Lotvin said Thursday.
Hospital, doctor lobbies sue HHS over implementation of surprise billing ban
Congress intended for an arbiter to be able to consider a constellation of factors when payment disputes arise, but the final rule severely limits what an arbiter can consider, the lawsuit claims.
Employers report highest annual increase in per-employee health costs in over a decade
The findings raise questions of whether employers are experiencing a temporary correction to the cost trend or if they’re staring down the barrel of a new period of higher cost growth.
FDA seeks comment on 3D printing of medical devices at hospitals, doctor’s offices
The agency’s discussion paper lays out the benefits and challenges of creating 3D-printed devices in healthcare settings as well as a potential approach for regulatory oversight.
Hospital price disclosure push coming up short, JAMA study finds
Researchers said lack of transparency on costs for services by independent providers that bill separately from hospitals is complicating CMS’ effort to help patients shop around for the best value.
Centene rethinking its international business as it looks to divest non-core assets
As the payer continues its quest to improve profit margin, it’s now re-examining its international business, two hospital operators in the U.K. and Spain.