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Information technology

Medicare still lagging behind on telehealth | Medscape

Medicare has long been criticized for its narrow restrictions on the coverage and reimbursement of telehealth services. A new report to Congress by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that not much has changed over the years.

Medical devices and equipment

Medical device maker that HHS secretary invested in would benefit from new rule | Market Watch

The Indiana-based medical device company that got Tom Price into hot water as a nominee for his current position, Secretary of Health and Human Services, would benefit greatly from a new Medicare payment proposal.

Pharmaceuticals

Not-for-profit linked to PhRma rolls out campaign to block drug imports | Kaiser Health News

A nonprofit organization that has orchestrated a wide-reaching campaign against foreign drug imports has deep ties to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, the powerhouse lobbying group that includes Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Bayer.

Kids with Hepatitis C get new drugs and coverage may prove easier than for adults | Kaiser Health News

With the approval this month of two drugs to treat hepatitis C in children, these often overlooked victims of the opioid epidemic have a better chance at a cure. Kids may have an easier time than adults getting treatment approved, some experts say.

Defiant, generic drug maker continues to raise prices | The New York Times

Congressional hearings. Federal investigations. Consumer outrage. In the wake of developments like these, many drug company executives are laying low. Not Arthur P. Bedrosian, chief executive of Lannett Company.

Deterring drug abuse, starting with the vial | STAT

In a summit full of addiction experts, each looking for the next big solution to curb opioid abuse, everything from treatment policies to the containers holding prescription pills are being considered.

Physicians

I taught a non-MD to do brain surgery | STAT

One of the world's most pressing global health stories has long been hiding in plain sight — the devastating shortage of surgeons in many countries around the world.