Intellectual Property Waived for COVID Vaccines; Private Practice Shrinking Rapidly
Biden is willing to waive intellectual property for COVID-19 vaccines to boost access and production, while the share of physicians in private versus hospital-owned practices hit a new low last year.
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By - Hoping those April showers have brought some May flowers. Here are the top stories healthcare executives need to know about this week.
Biden backs waiver of COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property
The Biden-Harris administration is supporting a waiver of COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property (IP) rights in order to speed up vaccine distribution around the world, according to a new statement from the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
The move is staunchly opposed by leading pharmaceutical companies, which argue waiving IP rights will actually hinder the fight against COVID-19 and potentially future pandemics. READ MORE
Shift away from private practice accelerates
Less than half of physicians worked in private practices last year, according to the AMA’s biennial analysis on physician practice arrangements. This is the first time the share of physicians in private practices dipped below 50 percent since the professional group started polling physicians in 2012.
Contributing factors, according to the AMA, include mergers and acquisitions, practice closures, physician job changes, and the different practice settings, as well as COVID-19, although to what extent the pandemic will have on physician practice arrangements is still not clear. READ MORE
Mental health claims decreased despite more symptoms
Fewer people received mental healthcare services since the start of COVID-19 even though many individuals have reported increased anxiety, depression, and other symptoms over the last year. The drop in member engagement with mental healthcare was especially high among young children (10 percent). Adults over 75 years and adolescents both experienced a 5 percent decrease. The findings are based on Anthem-affiliated health plan claims from 27 million Americans. READ MORE
Arizona greenlights audio-only telehealth platforms
A new law in Arizona is authorizing the use of audio-only telehealth platforms and permitting providers from other states to treat Arizona residents virtually. The state is now leading the pack toward expanded telehealth coverage after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Telehealth expands access to medical services for low-income families and those living in rural areas, protects vulnerable populations, and allows snowbirds visiting our state to receive telemedicine from their home state. Patients and medical professionals know what’s best for their needs, and we’re working to make sure they have access to those services,” Governor Doug Ducey said. READ MORE
Patient Self-service tools gain in popularity
The adoption and use of self-service tools for patient engagement increased significantly during COVID-19 and are now poised to support reengagement and care access beyond the pandemic, according to a recent survey. Patients reported satisfaction with the tools for online appointment scheduling, especially for vaccination appointments.
Self-service is yet another capability healthcare organizations are adopting to create a digital front door for their patients. READ MORE
Predictive Analytics Model for Lung Cancer Bias Against Black Patients?
A predictive analytics model commonly used to determine lung cancer risk underperformed in Black populations, reveals a cross-sectional, retrospective study of over 1,000 Black and white patients in the Jefferson Lung Cancer Screening Program. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from lung cancer compared to individuals in any other racial and ethnic group.
The study adds to a growing body of literature revealing the potential for bias with analytics models. READ MORE
