The Gist Healthcare Podcast

A major health insurer announces that they will loosen their prior authorization rules. The Food and Drug Administration approves the over-the-counter use of an opioid overdose antidote. And, the state of Ohio files a lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A veteran insurance executive has been named the new CEO of insurtech company Oscar Health Oak Street Health and Interwell Health are partnering on a joint venture that will bring primary care to dialysis centers. And, anew analysis finds that staffing at hospitals and health systems is returning to pre-pandemic levels. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CVS Health is expected to complete its $8 billion purchase of Signify Health this week. The state of Tennessee has taken over the finances of troubled insurtech company Bright Health. And, a new survey finds more physicians want to leave their jobs as pay rates fall. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, industry veteran Craig Samitt, MD, joins the podcast. His 30-year career has included leading Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Dean Health System. He shares more about his new role as CEO of Surround Care’s National Physician Enterprise and EVP at Navvis, as well as his thoughts on the current state of the healthcare industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Wyoming judge temporarily blocks the state’s expansive new abortion ban. Ongoing drug shortages could be a national security risk, according to a new Congressional report. And, the CDC warns that a potentially deadly fungus is spreading in hospitals. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North Carolina is poised to expand Medicaid. The Biden Administration seeks to overhaul the nation’s organ transplant system. And, the Department of Justice and two states drop their suit challenging the merger of United Healthcare Group and Change Health. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CMS restarts the No Surprises Act arbitration process following legal challenges. The maternal mortality rate in the United States increased significantly in 2021. And, California partners with CivicaRX to begin producing low-cost insulin. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On last week’s Monday episode, obesity specialist Veronica Johnson, MD, joined the show to give an overview about how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic work and how they’re being incorporated into patient care. On this week’s episode, we hear the second part of that conversation and delve into the shortages of the medication as well as other access barriers faced by some patients.You can listen to part one of that conversation here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new long term study finds that men with low to intermediate risk from prostate cancer can afford to delay some treatments. A new report finds that the rate of SIDS increased for Black babies in 2020. And, early-career physicians employed by UK’s National Health Service went on strike this week. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration will fine the drug manufacturers of 27 medicines for sharp price increases. The FDA approves Pfizer’s bivalent COVID booster for children as young as six months. And, the FDA says that Paxlovid is not responsible for rebound infections of COVID-19 ahead of an advisory committee meeting. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novo Nordisk announces it will cut the cost of its insulin up to 75 percent. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it will cover the experimental Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi for veterans in the early stages of the disease. And, the Department of Justice sues pharmacy chain Rite Aid for its role in the opioid epidemic. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A failed bank utilized by tech companies and venture capitalists may have an impact on digital health startups. Policy experts warn that covering popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy could put a financial strain on Medicare. And, a new report finds that 15% of US adults are past-due on medical bills. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prescription drugs meant to treat chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity have caught the public’s attention for one of their side effects: weight loss. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, we hear the first part of a two-part conversation about GLP-1 drugs, from an overview of how they work to how they are being incorporated into patient care. Veronica Johnson, MD of Northwestern University joins the podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

California pulls its multi-million contract with Walgreens over the company’s recent abortion pill decision. Lobbying group PhRMA and community health centers unite in calls for reforms to the 340B program. And, the manufacturer of a treatment to prevent preterm births pulls its drug from the market following scrutiny. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WeightWatchers moves into the Ozempic market with its acquisition of telehealth company Sequence. Best Buy partners with Atrium Health to provide in-home hospital services. And, Walgreens-backed VillageMD acquires a large Connecticut-based physician group. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2022, CommonSpirit–the second largest hospital chain in the United States–was the target of a ransomware attack that hobbled operations at many of its 140 hospitals and exposed the private health information of more than 600,000 patients.The attack on CommonSpirit was the largest ransomware attack in 2022 but it was hardly an isolated incident. One analysis found that up to 290 hospitals in the U-S were impacted by a ransomware attack last year. And a new study published in JAMA found that from January 2016 to December 2021, 374 ransomware attacks on US health care organizations exposed the private health information of nearly 42 million patients. So what can hospital systems do to better protect themselves and their patients? On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, J. Carlisle Larsen is joined by Steve Cagle–CEO of Clearwater, a firm that provides cybersecurity, compliance, and privacy solutions focused on the healthcare industry.This episode originally aired on January 9, 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walgreens won’t sell abortion pills in states where Republican Attorneys General object. UnityPoint Health and Presbyterian Healthcare Services have announced their intent to merge in a multi-billion dollar deal. And, a new survey finds that physicians are nearly twice as likely as the general population to attempt suicide. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey from The Pew Research Center found that 60% of Americans are uncomfortable with healthcare providers relying on artificial intelligence to make diagnoses or recommend potential treatments.  On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Alec Tyson of Pew Research joins to talk more about what the survey reveals about public perception of AI in healthcare.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walmart Health announces that it’s expanding into two new states and will nearly double in size. FDA advisors recommend two new RSV vaccines for seniors. And, a new study found that most primary care telehealth visits did not require an in-person follow-up. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices after public and political backlash. Insurtech Bright Health tells investors it needs to raise $300 million to stay afloat. And, greater numbers of younger people are being diagnosed with advanced cases of colorectal cancers, according to a new study. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicare Advantage patients account for fewer avoidable hospitalizations. Medical claims are increasing in complexity, according to a new report. And, Wall Street is betting big on psychedelic drugs. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Drug Enforcement Administration seeks to limit what kinds of drugs can be prescribed during telehealth visits after the PHE ends. An Affordable Care Act provision that effectively bans expanding or establishing new physician-owned hospitals is getting more attention from regulators and  lawmakers. And there’s a new, combination at-home testing option for both COVID-19 and the flu. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Trade Commission announced in January a proposed ban on non-compete clauses in employment agreements. NCAs are used broadly by employers, including those in the healthcare industry. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Stuart Vogelsmeier–Executive Vice President  and Chair of the Healthcare and Business practices at St. Louis, MO-based law firm Lashly & Baer – joins the podcast to talk about how hospital systems, physicians, and other healthcare workers could be impacted if the ban goes into effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humana announces it will leave the employer insurance market. The merger between Trinity Health’s MercyOne and Genesis Health System is expected to close next week. And, the popularity of prescription drugs that can be used off-label for weight loss–like Ozempic–is causing a shortage for people with type 2 diabetes. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon finalizes its purchase of primary care provider One Medical. Medicare Advantage grew last year but at a slightly slower rate than in previous years. And, a new survey examines the surge hospitals saw in 2022 payroll spending. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 60% of Medicaid beneficiaries are unaware that state redeterminations are on the horizon. The U.S. Department of Justice has withdrawn three antitrust policies related to the healthcare industry. And, according to new research, we have not seen an uptick in the number of cancer cases as Americans postponed screenings due to COVID--at least not yet. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A proposed merger between SUNY Upstate Medical School and Crouse Health System in Syracuse, New York has been called off. UnitedHealth is close to finalizing its acquisition of home care company LHC Group. And, Senate lawmakers raise the alarm over a potential healthcare worker shortage at a recent committee hearing. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new national survey from strategic healthcare communications consulting firm Jarrard Inc. examines how the public currently perceives hospitals and their business practices. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Executive Chairman David Jarrard joins to discuss the results of the survey and what action steps hospitals should be considering.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A joint FDA advisory panel recommends Narcan nasal spray be available over the counter. Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine will remain free for U.S.  consumers. And, physicians can try a new AI tool to help with some administrative tasks. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration announces three new drug pricing models. State Attorneys General gear up for a fight over abortion pill access. And, South Dakota becomes the second state this year to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sanford Health and Fairview Health Services have pushed back their proposed merger by two months. The CDC raises new mental health concerns for teenage girls. And, the Biden Administration wants nursing homes to disclose whether they’re backed by private equity. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some Kansas lawmakers want to see the state become the latest to expand Medicaid. The Biden administration allows states to use Medicaid funds for food. Johns Hopkins University will sunset its influential COVID-19 tracking dashboard. And, a brief update on the surprise billing arbitration process. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout is prevalent among healthcare workers. In this week’s Monday interview, Even Health co-founder and CEO David Black joins the show to talk about his company’s digital platform–Cabana–which provides professionally-moderated, anonymous peer support for healthcare workers. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North Carolina could become the latest state to expand Medicaid. Minnesota lawmakers weigh opening its state-run insurance plan to all residents. And, National Health Service nurses and ambulance service staff strike in the United Kingdom. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden targeted drug costs and potential threats to Medicare in his 2023 State of the Union Address earlier this week. A new study looks at the number of excess physician deaths early in the pandemic. And, the labor market added 58,000 healthcare jobs last month. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CVS is acquiring primary care provider Oak Street Health in a deal worth $10.6 billion. A judge strikes down key parts of the surprise billing arbitration process. And, a potential treatment for RSV may be out of reach for kids in need. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily.Note: This episode has been updated to reflect that the CVS Health/Oak Street Health deal was officially announced Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 35 million prior authorization requests were sent to Medicare Advantage plans in 2021, according to a new study.  Some health experts are calling for the FDA to review its accelerated approval process for Alzheimer’s drugs. And, states are investigating changing scope of practice laws to ease current healthcare staffing woes. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 53% of physicians in the United States report experiencing burnout and 30% of respondents experiencing burnout for more than two years. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Ochsner Health’s Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Nigel Girgrah talks about how his health system is piloting with platforms to support the mental health wellbeing of its 36,000 employees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal court rules in favor of three drugmakers this week in the ongoing legal fight over the federal 340B drug discount program. CMS releases its proposed pay rate for 2024 Medicare Advantage plans. And, 20 state Attorneys General warn CVS and Walgreens against selling abortion pills. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issues a final rule on how it will audit Medicare Advantage insurers. The Biden Administration proposes rolling back employers’ moral opt-out to the Affordable Care Act contraceptive mandate. And, the Federal Trade Commission orders prescription drug price-tracking company GoodRX to stop sharing patient data with advertisers. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration announces it will end the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies in May.  =More states move to reduce prior authorization requirements for physicians. And, more medical schools are pulling out of U.S. News’ annual rankings. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s office has asked Sanford Health and Fairview Health Services to delay their proposed $14 billion merger.  The FDA is proposing a change that would loosen restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. And, CVS and Walmart are scaling back pharmacy hours due to a staffing shortage. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are roughly 53 million people in the United States who are unpaid caregivers. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Alexandra Drane–co-founder and CEO of ARCHANGELS–joins the show to talk about unpaid caregiving. Her organization conducts research on the broader unpaid caregiving population in order to raise awareness and help companies and state governments locate resources to assist unpaid caregivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mergers in the United States are expected to cost more beginning this year. A new study looks at what happened to beneficiaries after they lose Medicaid coverage. And, Kroger is the latest retailer to get into the clinical trials business. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A U.S. drug manufacturer is suing West Virginia over the state’s abortion pill ban. It’s been two years since a federal hospital pricing transparency rule went into effect - so how are hospitals faring? And, more than 16 million people signed up for healthcare during the most recent ACA marketplace open enrollment period.  That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon announced a new subscription plan for generic prescription drugs. Elevance will acquire Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. And a new strain of gonorrhea found in Massachusetts is raising concerns among public health officials. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FDA denied accelerated approval for Eli Lilly’s experimental Alzheimer’s drug. Coronavirus shots may be delivered annually--similar to flu vaccines--under a newly proposed FDA policy. And, Dollar General is piloting a mobile healthcare clinic program in Tennessee. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress extended Medicare’s hospital at home waiver at the end of last year in its $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Dr. Pippa Shulman of Medically Home joins host J. Carlisle Larsen to talk more about the future of that care model. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive free emergency care at any VA or non-VA hospital, a shift in Veterans Affairs policy. The number of women in the United States becoming physicians is growing. And, Ochsner Health and Xavier University plan to start a new medical school together. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The number of Americans putting off healthcare due to cost has reached a new high, according to a recent poll. The Biden Administration will probe the use of antipsychotics in nursing homes. And, a new report shows which codes have dominated the Independent Dispute Resolution process of the No Surprises Act. That's coming up on today's episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.