Information technology
Cheaper telehealth may cost Parkland even more | The Dallas Morning NewsTelehealth usually costs much less than traditional treatment and could help bend the cost curve. But if Parkland Health & Hospital System goes all in on the emerging service, it figures to lose even more money.
Pharmaceuticals
Public wary of faster approvals of new drugs, STAT-Harvard poll finds | StatA majority of Americans opposes federal regulatory changes to speed up the development and approval of new medical treatments, a new STAT-Harvard poll finds — suggesting the public has serious doubts about legislation now moving through Congress.
Cigna makes deals with Amgen, Sanofi for pricey cholesterol drugs | Reuters
Cigna Corp signed deals that will pay the makers of Repatha and Praluent, two powerful but pricey cholesterol-lowering treatments, based on how well their customers respond to the medications, the health insurer said on Wednesday.
Physicians
Doctors revolt against medical skills tests—and rack up some wins | StatPhysicians across the nation are revolting against requirements that they regularly prove their medical skills are up to date — and they're winning significant concessions, sparking alarm among some critics who fear relaxing the rules could compromise patient care.
Safety, quality and clinical practice
Highmark offering mobile doctor's office to some patients | Pittsburgh Post-GazetteInsurer Highmark took the wraps off a tractor-trailer turned into doctor's office, which will be used to bring medical care to members who have government-subsidized coverage and transportation issues. Highmark's West Virginia members will be targeted first when patients begin to be seen in the unit in June.