The Gist Healthcare Podcast

A recent Washington Post article found that seven companies allegedly submitted around $2 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare for intermittent urinary catheters that were not ordered, wanted, or received by patients. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Washington Post national health reporter Dan Diamond speaks with host J. Carlisle Larsen about the story. You can read the Washington Post article here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nonprofit health insurers SCAN Health and CareOregon call off their proposed merger. Federal lawmakers are reportedly considering a slight Medicare pay increase for physicians. And, a new report outlines the states with the biggest share of adults with medical debt. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal judge throws out a lawsuit challenging Medicare’s drug price negotiation process. The CDC is expected to change its isolation guidelines for COVID-19 infections. And, employer-focused primary care providers Marathon Health and Everside Health plan to merge. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The University of Minnesota strikes a deal with Fairview Health Services to buy back its flagship academic medical center, after selling it more than 25 years ago. The Biden Administration wants more oversight of healthcare accrediting organizations. And, a new study finds that popular weight loss drugs may improve some mental health conditions. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthcare M&A activity was up in 2023 following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from Kaufman Hall. Last Monday, Anu Singh, Managing Director and Leader of the Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions Practice at Kaufman Hall, spoke with host J. Carlisle Larsen about how financial distress was the main driver of many of the smaller-to-medium sized hospital deals last year. In the second half of their conversation, they discuss how more financially stable health systems are considering less traditional, strategic M&A deals and what kinds of conversations are happening right now in C-suites. You can listen to the first part of our conversation here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leaders of three major pharmaceutical companies testified on Capitol Hill this week about the high cost of prescription drugs. The Biden Administration outlines how Medicare Advantage insurers can use AI. And, Walgreens taps a new executive to lead its healthcare business. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A House panel passes a key PBM reform for health insurance for federal employees. Amazon will lay off hundreds of employees across its healthcare division. And, healthcare jobs grew at the fastest rate since the early 1990s. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Optum plans to purchase Oregon-based multi-specialty medical group The Corvallis Clinic. Medicaid’s net enrollment is down by about 10 million midway through the continuous enrollment unwinding process. And, Walgreens partners with pharmacy schools to address workforce shortages. 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 finalizes telehealth flexibilities for opioid treatment programs. Novo Nordisk’s parent company will buy a US-based facility reportedly to ramp up production of its blockbuster weight loss drugs. And senior-oriented primary care provider Cano Health files for bankruptcy. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were 65 hospital and health system M&A deals announced last year, an increase from 53 in 2022. The rise  reflects a growing momentum following a pandemic-related slow down, according to a recent report from Kaufman Hall. Anu Singh, Managing Director and Leader of the Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions Practice, joins the podcast to talk more about how financial distress was a driving factor in smaller deals, as well as how other systems looked for more strategic partnerships. Upcoming webinar: Navigating Strategic Options in a Transformed Operating Environment. (February 26, 2024 at 2:00pm-CT) Register here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.