BMJ commentary: Give patients access to their records now
A July opinion piece in the BMJ makes the argument patients need access to their medical records now. Resistance from doctors and policy makers is strong, however. “Patients know what they want and are saying it loud and clear—we want full interactive access to our medical records,” write the authors, who include the patient editor of the BMJ. “We want clinicians, managers, and policy makers to recognize that the benefits of enabling this—and allowing us to correct the record when necessary—vastly outweigh the risks. We think this is both an ethical imperative and a key plank of any strategy to support self-care.” (BMJ)
JAMA: Private equity depletes hospital assets
“Private equity acquisitions appear to have depleted, rather than augmented, hospital assets. Although funds from asset drawdowns might be redeployed to enhance care or efficiency, previous studies suggest such effects may not occur,” according to research published in JAMA last month. In related news, Sen. Ed Markey has introduced legislation to rein in the actions of private equity firms that invest in health care facilities. It would require greater transparency for private equity firms and for-profit companies that own health care entities. (Fierce Healthcare; JAMA)
Practice Transformation
Addressing SDOH, CMM pharmacist can improve individual and community health
Cultivating relationships between comprehensive medication management (CMM) pharmacists and socially disadvantaged patients can improve cardiovascular health outcomes and connect patients to essential resources, according to research published in The Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. “[P]romoting CMM pharmacist care for patients seeking care in socially vulnerable neighborhoods may be crucial for creating more equitable care delivery, promoting better health outcomes, and improving community health.” In partnership with M Health Fairview and the Minnesota Department of Health, the study linked at-risk patients to CMM pharmacists in disadvantaged neighborhoods. (JPHMP Direct)
Another reason to get the shingles vax
The shingles vaccine, recommended for people 50 and older might also decrease the chances of developing dementia, according to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia. It suggested that that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia in the five years following vaccination compared with a control group. Pharmaceutical giant GSK, which makes the Shingrix vaccine, funded and conducted the research. (Washington Post)
Evidence & Innovation
Yet another employer, Wells Fargo, sued over PBM
Former Wells Fargo employees are suing the bank over prescription drugs, alleging that mismanagement of its health plan increased costs for workers. Employees, the plaintiffs argue, were forced to pay nearly $10,000 for a prescription of fingolimod, used to treat multiple sclerosis, when the generic version was available for under $1,000 (without insurance) at pharmacies like Cost Plus Drugs and Rite Aid. This puts Wells Fargo’s relationship with Express Scripts under scrutiny, Fierce Healthcare reports. Meanwhile Cigna CEO David Cordani has pledged to even more aggressively defend its PBM, Express Scripts, as revenue and criticism soar. (Fierce Healthcare; Healthcare Dive)
Policy Solutions
Claim denials are harming health, survey finds
A Commonwealth Fund survey found that nearly 60% of patients who faced coverage denials experienced delayed care, and 47% reported worse health outcomes. Although claim denials can increase health care costs and delay care, many patients are unaware they can contest these denials. Nearly half of surveyed patients under 65 received unexpected medical bills or copayments, and less than half challenged them. Of those who did, 38% had their charges reduced or eliminated. Among those who didn’t contest, almost half were unaware of their right to do so or didn’t know whom to contact. (Modern Healthcare)
Harris and Trump: Compare health care positions
KFF has created a side-by-side comparison that offers quick overview of former President Trump’s and Vice President Harris’ records, positions, public statements and proposed policies on various health care topics. (KFF)
