December 15, 2023 Recent News

 

Healthcare

Hospitals

Physicians

Healthcare

Cigna is planning to merge with Humana to form a mega insurance company.  Five years ago Cigna tried to acquire Anthem buy that was blocked by the FTC.  At the same time Aetna quit its attempt to buy Humana.  Both plans have many Medicare Advantage contracts.  Under the threat of a FTC challenge, Cigna has backed out of its attempt to acquire rival Humana.  

In yet another failed plan in California, the state wanted to give money to help Medicaid turn into a social service organization.  The problem is that the organizations and people who are supposed to do the lifting  either do not know about the program or not doing their jobs.  Also the state, as usual, is doing a very poor job of getting the information to those who are to implement the program.

The CDC is urging providers to increase coverage for influenza, Covid and RSV immunizations.  It is interesting since Medicare on pays for RSV immunization for those on Part D.  Get your own house in order.        Top

Hospitals

Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center has lost its ACS trauma center designation due to problems that are documenttation. administration in nature.  The hospital retains its Idaho level II designation.

Sixty employees of Baptist Health in Coral Gables, Florida have taken voluntary separation.  These are executives at the director level for above.          Top

Physicians

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes the weight reduction drugs that are all the rage, have paid US physicians at least $25 million over the past 10 years to promote their obesity drugs.  

The physicians and dentists working at Los Angeles County hospital will go on strike after Christmas for benefits and understaffing.          Top

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 DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.