The Gist Healthcare Podcast

The recent Supreme Court ruling prompts the Department of Health and Human Services to resume layoffs. Physicians could see a potential pay boost as CMS unveils a new Medicare fee schedule proposal. Walgreens shareholders have given the green light for a massive $10 billion sale to a private equity firm. In addition, HealthSpring is set to relaunch nationally following Cigna's acquisition of its Medicare business. Lastly, there's an intriguing update on a court's reversal of a medical debt credit reporting rule.

Michael McAuliff, a seasoned politics and policy reporter for Modern Healthcare, delves into the implications of $1 trillion in healthcare spending cuts following the new legislation. He explains how Medicaid cuts evolved into this massive figure through intense negotiations. McAuliff details the tense atmosphere on Capitol Hill, predicts rural hospitals will face significant losses despite a new fund, and discusses how both parties are strategizing their campaign narratives in response to these changes. A must-listen for those interested in healthcare policy!

The Department of Health and Human Services has canceled a crucial meeting with the US Preventive Services Task Force, raising concerns about political influence. Meanwhile, the US faces a troubling resurgence of measles, with cases hitting a 30-year high due to declining vaccination rates. Discussion also highlights the Senate committee's advancement of a nominee for CDC leadership, indicating significant implications for public health policy. Lastly, learn about CVS's hefty $950 million penalty in a whistleblower case, spotlighting accountability in healthcare.

The Senate has approved a controversial bill that slashes Medicaid funding by $940 billion, stirring reactions from health advocates. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reinforced the Affordable Care Act's preventive services mandate in a significant ruling. In industry news, Novo Nordisk has teamed up with Weight Watchers to promote its weight loss drug, Wegovy. Plus, UPS is expanding its healthcare logistics by acquiring Andlauer Healthcare Group, signaling a strategic shift in their operations.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Stefanie Reed, a pediatric hospitalist and Medical Director of Atrium Health's innovative Pediatric Hospital at Home program, shares insights from the U.S.'s first initiative of its kind. She explains how they adapted the adult hospital-at-home model for children, tackling safety measures and staffing challenges. Dr. Reed reveals impressive early outcomes, including minimal readmissions and saved bed-days. She also dives into the importance of institutional support and offers advice for hospitals exploring similar programs.

The Senate parliamentarian has blocked major Medicaid cuts, shaking up healthcare funding. In a surprising Senate hearing, the nominee for CDC leadership addresses vaccine strategies and staffing concerns. Health insurers unveil plans to reform prior authorization processes, promising less hassle for patients. Plus, get ready for an enlightening discussion on a pediatric hospital-at-home pilot that could reshape care for children.

The Trump Administration is tightening the rules for Affordable Care Act enrollment, making access more challenging. Shocking news reveals Medicare could face insolvency by 2033, several years earlier than expected. In major industry moves, Ascension plans to acquire AmSurg, significantly expanding its surgical network. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk ends its partnership with Hims & Hers, stirring concerns about compounded medication sales. An upcoming report hints at a troubling trend in access to affordable healthcare for many Americans.

A federal judge has deemed the abrupt cancellation of NIH research grants illegal, reinstating roughly 800 projects. Meanwhile, a study warns that proposed cuts to Medicaid could lead to 7.6 million people becoming uninsured and an alarming 16,000 preventable deaths. Additionally, a major cyberattack on a healthcare vendor has compromised the private health data of over five million individuals, raising serious concerns about data security in the health sector.

The Senate Finance Committee proposes larger cuts to Medicaid, sparking concerns over copays and work requirements. Iowa implements stringent restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers to support rural pharmacies. In a surprising twist, the former CEO of 23andMe acquires the bankrupt biotech firm for $305 million, promising data protection. Additionally, insights into the $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma settlement reveal crucial timelines and contributions from the Sackler family to opioid recovery efforts.

Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, an associate professor and emergency medicine director at UPMC, shares her unique journey as a medical consultant for HBO's The Pitt. She reveals how she collaborated with writers to bring authentic medical storylines to life, including a powerful focus on sickle cell disease and its racial disparities. Sylvia discusses the challenges and surprises of on-set consulting, emphasizing how the series’ accurate portrayal of emergency medicine reflects real patient experiences. Her insights bridge the gap between healthcare and television storytelling.