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.
House passes legislation to avoid Medicare cuts in year-end sprint
Groups like the American Hospital Association came out in support of the legislation, which would mitigate some of the cuts set to soon take effect.
Bright Health nabs $750M capital infusion with help from new investor (and competitor) Cigna
Cigna, a new investor in the company, is investing $550 million in an apparent competitor, attracted by its clinical network and opportunities to drive value there as more insurers look to snap up doctor’s groups.
Physician income dips when hospitals buy practices: Health Affairs
Average doctor pay slipped in hospital employment arrangements even as health systems typically benefit financially from acquiring physician practices.