Practice Transformation
In a recent paper, The Genomic Medicine Working Group of the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research of the National Human Genome Research Institute identified the most significant advances in genomic medicine. Of the top 10 papers identified by the working group, the CDC selected those with immediate or near-term impact on clinical practice and public health. Among them: Most BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant carriers are not detected in the population, and genes included in testing for susceptibility to sudden cardiac death should be modified. (CDC blog post; the paper)
Pharmaceutical companies are testing new ways to get reimbursed for their most expensive medicines, ranging from installment plans and subscriptions to complex value-based contracts that tie payments to outcomes. This is largely driven by public pressure and insurer pushback about the high cost of medicine. It’s all still experimental, with many of these novel payment arrangements limited to drugs for rare diseases. (WSJ)
Evidence & Innovation
Doctors expect digital technology and data to create a different world of medicine in the next couple of decades, according to a report from Stanford Medicine. For example, physicians, residents and medical students say they expect almost a third of their current duties could be automated in 20 years. Nearly half of physicians (47%) and most medical students (73%) are seeking additional training in areas such as advanced statistics, genetic counseling, population health and coding. Of those physicians seeking additional training, 34% are pursuing classes in artificial intelligence. (FierceHealthcare; report)
Policy Solutions
In a recent Health Affairs Blog post, a group of consumer advocates ask and answer this question: “Why aren’t more patients electronically accessing their medical records?” There’s plenty of blame to go around, but “it’s also important to recognize—and address—the major underlying problems: misaligned financial incentives and significant gaps in usability.” The solution? Accelerate the move to value-based care. “It’s time to make a dramatic shift to a world in which patient data is no longer a closely held business asset, but a private (for use by the individual!) and public good.” (Health Affairs Blog)
Dr. Kate Goodrich, chief medical officer at Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is leaving next month. She will become a senior vice president for Humana. Last year Modern Healthcare listed Goodrich as 13th of its “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.” (Louisville Business First)
Last year, Finland launched a free online crash course in artificial intelligence for its citizens. Now it’s making the six-week program available to all, in all the languages of the EU. According to the site, it’s supposed to take about six weeks to finish, with each section taking between five and 10 hours. (The Verge; the class)
February 6, 2020 | 8:30-10:30 am
The Bipartisan Policy Center and the GTMRx Institute will co-host, “Get the Medications Right: Innovations in Team-Based Care.” This event will feature keynote presentations and a panel discussion with leaders—including Katherine Herring Capps, Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Susan Dentzer, M.P.H., Gregory Downing, DO, Ph.D., Michael Evans, RPh, Elizabeth Fowler, J.D., Ph.D., Anand Parekh, M.D., and Dan Rehrauer, Pharm.D.—who have been at the forefront of advancing the appropriate and personalized use of medication and gene therapies. As an organization that actively fosters bipartisanship by combining the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security and opportunity for all Americans and that prioritizes “getting things done” above all else, the Bipartisan Policy Center offers an ideal venue for this important event.
Seating is limited, so please be sure to register to attend. There will also be a live-stream of the event. You can find more information here.
