Episodios

  • 19: The Weekly Dose from Patient Care: How Medicaid Policies Impact Postpartum Depression Care

    19: The Weekly Dose from Patient Care: How Medicaid Policies Impact Postpartum Depression Care
    May 22 2025
    In this episode of The Weekly Dose, Patient Care editors speaks with Elizabeth Mollard, PhD, about new research she presented at the 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting that highlighted how Medicaid policy directly impacts postpartum depression (PPD) diagnosis rates. Drawing on national data, Mollard explains that more generous Medicaid coverage—especially extended postpartum eligibility—leads to more frequent diagnoses of PPD, a finding that underscores the critical importance of access to care. The conversation covers clinical implications, the effects of the COVID-19-era Medicaid expansion and wind-down, and practical recommendations for clinicians and policymakers to improve mental health outcomes for postpartum patients.

    Key Points:

    • More robust Medicaid coverage leads to higher rates of PPD diagnosis.
      This is not indicative of higher prevalence, but rather of improved access and identification of women in need of care.

    • Medicaid policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic offer a natural experiment.
      When postpartum Medicaid coverage was expanded nationally, diagnosis rates rose. After the expansion ended, diagnoses dropped—likely due to decreased access, not decreased incidence.

    • Universal screening should be standard clinical practice.
      Mollard recommends screening beyond the six-week postpartum visit and ensuring continuity of care for those who screen positive.

    • Medicaid must support a full range of postpartum mental health services.
      Coverage should include not only screening, but also counseling, medications like zuranolone, and extended eligibility through 12 months postpartum.

    • Policy gaps leave many women uninsured at a vulnerable time.
      Many working women earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance, making extended postpartum coverage essential to reduce disparities and prevent worsening mental health outcomes.
    Más Menos
    5 m
  • 18: Weekly Dose from Patient Care Online: New Findings on BV, Atopic Dermatitis, Colorectal Cancer, and More

    18: Weekly Dose from Patient Care Online: New Findings on BV, Atopic Dermatitis, Colorectal Cancer, and More
    May 7 2025
    In this episode of Weekly Dose, we dive into the most impactful clinical research from the past week on Patient Care, covering key studies across multiple specialties. We begin with a study on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, highlighting the significant impact of antimicrobial therapy for male partners in reducing recurrence rates. Next, we explore a meta-analysis on the use of dupilumab in treating atopic dermatitis in children, showcasing its effectiveness in reducing disease severity and pruritus. We also cover a groundbreaking study on colorectal cancer risk models for adults aged under 45 years, introducing new ways to personalize screening strategies.

    Additionally, we discuss the EKSTROM trial, which presents data on colchicine’s role in stabilizing coronary plaque and reducing cardiovascular risk. Finally, we look at the FDA’s approval of dupilumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria, offering new hope for patients with persistent symptoms despite antihistamine treatment.
    Más Menos
    5 m
  • 17: Medical Economics Pulse, April 4, 2025: CMS Director Oz, autoinjector factory in South Carolina, rural independent practice declines

    17: Medical Economics Pulse, April 4, 2025: CMS Director Oz, autoinjector factory in South Carolina, rural independent practice declines
    Apr 4 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s Friday, April 4, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and former television host, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), succeeding Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. While some applaud his communication skills and medical background, others voice strong concern over his history of promoting non-evidence-based treatments and his alignment with controversial policy positions. Pharmacy stakeholders, like the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, see Oz’s appointment as an opportunity to push for reform of pharmacy benefit managers and chronic disease prevention, while critics warn of potential threats to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act.

    On the innovation front, there’s a big move in South Carolina. SHL Medical has officially opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Charleston. The site will specialize in advanced drug delivery systems, including autoinjectors, a growing market driven by the surge in biologics. The new 360,000-square-foot facility, representing a $220 million investment, is designed to manufacture SHL Medical’s autoinjectors used in the treatment of endocrine and metabolic disorders — including GLP-1 therapies — as well as dermatology, musculoskeletal diseases, and other therapeutic areas. This facility also signals a reshoring trend — bringing manufacturing closer to U.S. health care markets, reducing supply chain delays, and potentially improving access and cost-efficiency.

    Finally, the independent physician practice is quietly vanishing from the heart of rural America. According to a recent report from the Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI), rural areas are seeing a steady decline in small, physician-owned practices. What’s driving this? Financial strain, staffing shortages, and increasing administrative burdens have forced many doctors to either retire early or join larger health systems. For communities already grappling with limited access to care, this shift widens the health care gap, particularly in primary care and preventive services. As this situation gets worse, the medical community may turn to advocacy and push for policies that preserve autonomy and access in these underserved areas.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 16: Medical Economics Pulse, April 2, 2025: Medical device industry booming, diabetic medication adherence, advancing digital health

    16: Medical Economics Pulse, April 2, 2025: Medical device industry booming, diabetic medication adherence, advancing digital health
    Apr 2 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s Wednesday April 2, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    First, the medical device industry is on an impressive trajectory. A recent report from BCC Research indicates that the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%, growing from $810.4 billion in 2024 to reach $1.3 trillion by 2029. This surge is driven by technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and wearable devices, enhancing both efficiency and intelligence in patient care tools. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population are amplifying the demand for innovative medical technologies. Will President Trump’s tariffs create headwinds for the device industry? Stay tuned.

    Turning to patient adherence, a concerning study from the University of Virginia Health System reveals that nearly 40% of patients with Type 2 diabetes discontinue their medications within a year of initiation. This trend poses significant health risks and underscores the need for more effective treatment strategies. Researchers advocate for a patient-centered approach that combines medication with continuous glucose monitoring and lifestyle interventions. The goal is to create personalized treatment plans that align with patient preferences, thereby improving adherence and overall health outcomes.

    In the realm of digital health, the American Telemedicine Association and the Digital Therapeutics Alliance have formed the Advancing Digital Health Coalition. This partnership aims to promote the integration of digital health solutions into patient care, emphasizing the importance of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment outcomes. The coalition seeks to focus on four key areas of policy, including federal and state resources for reimbursement, federal regulations, partnerships and business opportunities around the world, and digital interventions to assist patients.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 15: Medical Economics Pulse, March 28, 2025: Major HHS restructuring, FDA device approval delays, Medicare and weight-loss medications

    15: Medical Economics Pulse, March 28, 2025: Major HHS restructuring, FDA device approval delays, Medicare and weight-loss medications
    Mar 28 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s March 28, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs as part of a major reorganization aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. While the department claims the move will increase efficiency, it raises concerns about potential disruptions in health care services, regulatory oversight, and public health programs. For physicians, this could translate to longer processing times for Medicare reimbursements, slower policy updates, and administrative inefficiencies. Experts warn that fewer personnel could lead to gaps in regulatory enforcement and delayed responses to emerging health threats. For clinicians, this means staying vigilant about billing issues, policy changes, and patient access challenges that may result from the restructuring.

    Next up, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also reducing its workforce, which is already having a tangible impact on the review and approval process for medical devices. Physicians relying on new technologies for diagnostics, treatments, and procedures may face significant delays in accessing these innovations. This could hinder physicians’ ability to adopt cutting-edge devices that could enhance patient care and clinical outcomes. For specialists in cardiology, neurology, and surgery, where device innovation plays a critical role, this is especially concerning. Staying updated on regulatory timelines and collaborating with industry representatives will be essential to minimize disruptions in patient care.

    Finally, there’s a hot-button issue gaining momentum: whether Medicare should cover weight-loss medications. A recent study found that a majority of older Americans support coverage for these treatments, citing the potential to reduce obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the cost of weight-loss drugs remains a major sticking point. Popular medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy), can cost more than $1,300 per month out-of-pocket. If Medicare were to cover these drugs, analysts estimate it could cost the program billions of dollars annually, sparking concerns over financial sustainability. Physicians may need to advocate for expanded coverage while helping patients navigate cost-effective weight management strategies.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 14: Medical Economics Pulse, March 26, 2025: Patients will wait to see their doctor, new tech in maternity care, avoidable deaths rising in America

    14: Medical Economics Pulse, March 26, 2025: Patients will wait to see their doctor, new tech in maternity care, avoidable deaths rising in America
    Mar 26 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s March 26, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    It’s no secret that patient trust and satisfaction are deeply tied to continuity of care. According to a new study, patients are increasingly willing to wait longer for appointments if it means seeing their own doctor. In fact, more than half of patients expressed a preference for seeing their primary physician rather than being scheduled with another provider for a sooner appointment. This trend highlights a growing demand for familiarity and consistency, which studies have shown can lead to better health outcomes. For physicians, this underscores the importance of strengthening patient-physician relationships. It also raises questions about the need for practice efficiency and scheduling flexibility to accommodate patient preferences.

    Next up, we have an example of technology transforming maternity care. A new platform aims to standardize and modernize maternal health management. The system uses data-driven insights to identify risks and streamline care coordination. By implementing standardized protocols, the technology ensures more consistent care practices across different facilities, reducing variability in maternal health outcomes. For physicians, this represents an opportunity to leverage technology for earlier intervention and improved monitoring of both maternal and fetal health. With the U.S. still grappling with high maternal mortality rates, these innovations could be a game-changer in delivering safer, more reliable care.

    Finally, more Americans die from avoidable causes than citizens of any other high-income country. According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, the U.S. has the highest rate of preventable deaths from conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The report highlights systemic issues, including delayed access to care, inconsistent preventive screening, and fragmented care coordination. For physicians, it reinforces the need for proactive patient engagement, improved chronic disease management, and better coordination with specialists. It also emphasizes the critical role of health policies that support preventive care and access to treatment.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 13: Medical Economics Pulse, March 21, 2025: Louisiana drops mass vax efforts, it's really not an emergency, pancreatic cancer test

    13: Medical Economics Pulse, March 21, 2025: Louisiana drops mass vax efforts, it's really not an emergency, pancreatic cancer test
    Mar 21 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s Friday, March 21, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    The Louisiana Department of Health has announced it will cease promoting mass vaccination efforts, including media campaigns and community health fairs. This decision, directed by state Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, emphasizes individual decision-making over government-led initiatives. This policy shift has raised concerns among health care professionals. The Louisiana chapter of the American College of Physicians, along with the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, issued an open letter urging patients to consult their physicians about vaccinations. Furthermore, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., criticized the state's decision, highlighting the importance of vaccine campaigns for public health and convenience. He expressed concern that halting these promotions could lead to decreased vaccination rates and a resurgence of preventable diseases.

    Next up, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a significant gap between how patients and emergency room physicians assess the urgency of medical conditions. The study analyzed approximately 190 million emergency department visits among adults from 2018 and 2019, comparing patients' reasons for seeking emergency care with physicians' final discharge diagnoses. Findings indicate that agreement on the necessity of emergency care occurred only 38% to 57% of the time. Lead researcher Benjamin Ukert from Texas A&M University highlighted the implications of these findings, noting that nearly 40% of emergency department visits are not medical emergencies. This discrepancy is costly both financially and in terms of hospital resources.

    Finally, in promising news for oncology, Immunovia has announced positive results from its VERIFI study, marking the second clinical validation of its next-generation pancreatic cancer diagnostic test. The study met its primary endpoint, with the test successfully identifying 77% of stage I and II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases. This advancement is crucial, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The results show additional biomarkers supporting the diagnosis of early-stage disease are critical for improving long-term outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • 12: Medical Economics Pulse, March 19, 2025: Handheld ultrasound, AI & patient data privacy, Medicaid's AUD treatment gaps

    12: Medical Economics Pulse, March 19, 2025: Handheld ultrasound, AI & patient data privacy, Medicaid's AUD treatment gaps
    Mar 19 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    First up: A new handheld ultrasound device is making waves in the medical community by making diagnostic imaging more affordable and portable. Traditionally, ultrasound machines have been bulky and costly, limiting their use to hospitals or specialized clinics. However, this new device, known as point-of-care ultrasound, or POCUS, is compact, wireless, and designed for ease of use, bringing imaging capabilities to outpatient settings, small practices, and even rural areas. For physicians, this means faster, real-time diagnostics at the bedside — helpful for assessing everything from fluid status to identifying fractures. Improved accessibility could enhance patient care by reducing wait times for imaging and potentially cutting costs associated with delayed diagnoses.

    Next, a recent breakthrough in artificial intelligence (AI) could improve patient data privacy without sacrificing usability. The new technology uses federated learning, a decentralized AI training method that processes data locally rather than on centralized servers. For physicians, this means patient information can remain secure on local devices, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. The AI model still learns from the data but does so without transferring sensitive information. This innovation could lead to safer data-sharing practices in clinical trials, telemedicine, and electronic health records.

    Finally, a recent study found Medicaid has inconsistent coverage of medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers found only 43% of Medicaid managed care plans cover all FDA-approved AUD medications. These include acamprosate, disulfiram, and oral and injectable naltrexone — all proven to support recovery. The lack of comprehensive coverage creates barriers to treatment for patients struggling with alcohol dependence, particularly in lower-income populations. For physicians treating AUD, this limited coverage can mean fewer options when prescribing evidence-based pharmacological interventions. Advocates for AUD treatment say the study highlights the need for policy reform to improve access to addiction treatments under Medicaid plans.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
    Más Menos
    3 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup