February 11, 2021 | Overview: Biden’s health-related actions so far
INDUSTRY NEWS
Overview: Biden’s health-related actions so far
Health law expert Timothy Jost recently provided an overview of the administration’s health-related activity. For example, secretaries across several departments will review regulations, guidance and policies to determine whether they are consistent with strengthening the ACA and Medicaid. He also outlined COVID-related executive orders, memoranda, etc. “Implementing these policies will take months. The Biden administration has set an aggressive agenda to expand Medicaid and ACA coverage, make up for marketplace coverage losses …, restore access to women’s health services…, and establish a plan for attacking the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Commonwealth Fund)
AAFP: Engage PCPs in vax distribution effort
Primary care physicians should play key role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, argues Shawn Martin, CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He cites three key reasons: trust, the fact primary care practices are “proven, foundational” sources of care, and population health management expertise. “The process of identifying and prioritizing individuals for vaccination is achievable through a coordinated effort with primary care physicians who have insight into an individual’s health history.” The elderly and others prioritized to receive the vaccine likely “have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician who understands their health care status, risk and needs.” (AAFP News blog)
INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION
Engaging business in public health
In Mesa County, Colo., businesses that agree to follow certain public health protocols can open with less stringent rules than would ordinarily apply. Mesa County public health director Jeff Kuhr and Diane Schwenke, president of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, developed the “5-star” program. Businesses complete a form and the health department sends them a list of program requirements, which includes mask enforcement. The program launched in July with about 100 businesses and has grown to around 600. Colorado has unveiled a statewide version, and officials in Utah, Michigan and Canada have expressed interest. (Kaiser Health News)
Largely because of the pandemic, 48% of employers’ onsite and near-site health centers have transitioned to expand virtual care services, according to a survey conducted by Willis Towers Watson. Virtual services include chronic condition management (46%), behavioral health (41%), care navigation (33%) and physical therapy (21%). Fifty-seven percent said they plan to keep the virtual care services implemented for the duration of the pandemic. (American Journal of Managed Care; WTW announcement)
CONSUMERS & PROVIDERS
Women who forgo reconstruction largely satisfied
Women with breast cancer who did not have reconstructive surgery after their mastectomy were generally satisfied with the decision, according to a survey study of over 900 patients in research published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. The strongest predictor of low satisfaction was perceived lack of support from the surgeon. "At least 20% of patients felt that their surgeon did not support their decision to forgo reconstruction, and a high level of flat denial was strongly related to dissatisfaction with the outcome." As one respondent noted, "it was like I was 'expected' to have reconstruction." (MedPage Today; Annals of Surgical Oncology)
Low health literacy associated with resistance to hospice care
Patients who have low levels of health literacy are more likely to seek intensive curative treatment vs. hospice care at end of life, according to a study published in the American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine. Patients who lack an understanding of health care information or terminology, do not understand their own illnesses or who misconstrue the nature of hospice or palliative care may lack the necessary tools to make an informed decision about their end-of-life wishes, according to researchers. (Hospice News; American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine)
NEW & NOTED
Young adults driving spread: Young adults are driving the spread of COVID-19, accounting for nearly two-thirds of new cases nationally, according to research published in Science. “This study provides evidence that the resurgent COVID-19 epidemics in the US in 2020 have been driven by adults aged 20-49, and in particular adults aged 35-49, before and after school reopening," the authors conclude. (United Press International; Science)
Innovation and the pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovation at hospitals, paving the way for further tech-enabled improvements after the pandemic subsides. Becker’s Hospital Review asks eight hospital executives to offer examples. (Becker's Hospital Review)
Evidence-based bundle saves lives: Compliance with a relaxed care bundle was associated with lower 30-day mortality and shorter hospital stays among children with sepsis, according to interim data presented at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's Critical Care Congress. (MedPage Today*)
MULTI-MEDIA
Health care workers were honored in various ways at Sunday’s Super Bowl. Perhaps the most moving was Amanda Gorman's performance of her poem, "Chorus of the Captains. " It honored educator Trimaine Davis, Florida nurse manager Suzie Dorner and James Martin, a Marine veteran who volunteers with the Wounded Warrior Project for their work amid the coronavirus pandemic. All three were named honorary captains before the game. (Sports Illustrated)
MARKETVOICES...QUOTES WORTH READING
"Some [mastectomy] patients were told that excess skin was intentionally left—despite a preoperative agreement to perform a flat chest wall closure—for use in future reconstruction, in case the patient changed her mind. We were surprised that some women had to struggle to receive the procedure that they desired." Deanna J. Attai, MD, co-author of a study on women who prefer to “go flat,” quoted by MedPage Today