May 2014
Hospitals are hyping better outcomes with the robot, but economics and marketing may be driving the push
Payers attracted by the siren song of this cost-cutting strategy don’t always appreciate its risks and complications
Fine tuning, not abandoning PSA testing, is the approach
Humana CMO looks to Medicare Advantage and quality scores to drive the company toward new relationships with members, providers, and the government
An instance where the ubiquitous “more research is needed” very much sums up the debate
Departments
Estimates for Sovaldi place it in an expensive neighborhood for medications, but the virus it fights moves slowly
There’s still no “magic pill,” but new medications abound. With the disease uncontrolled in millions, it’s time to get utilization management just right.
Kaiser Permanente patients who feel that they are part of the care decision process are more likely to stay on antidepressants
Otezla (apremilast) sparks hope about treatment, but also concern about depression and suicidal thoughts