In a significant move aimed at reforming how Medicare Advantage (MA) plans operate, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed a rule to make prior authorization rules and coverage criteria publicly accessible. This initiative, part of a broader effort from the Biden-Harris administration over the past three years, seeks to ensure that
Health
Meningiomas, the most prevalent primary brain tumors in adults, have garnered attention in recent years for their unique treatment challenges. Surgeons and oncologists often face difficult choices regarding preoperative interventions, particularly the use of embolization. Recent findings from retrospective studies have suggested that preoperative embolization could enhance outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for meningiomas. This
In the ever-evolving realm of medical practice and drug approval, the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks cannot be overstated. Donald Kohn, MD, from UCLA, highlighted the intricacies of this system during an FDA advisory committee meeting regarding the clotting agent andexanet alfa (Andexxa). The discussions reflect a broader theme in healthcare that balances scientific innovation
The recent nominations by President-elect Donald Trump mark a significant shift in the leadership of key health institutions: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the position of Surgeon General. This strategic decision reflects not just a change in personnel but a broader ideological shift that aims to reshape the public’s trust in
The recent nomination of Dr. Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marks a significant turning point in the agency’s trajectory. With a background as a prominent surgical oncologist and health policy expert at Johns Hopkins, Makary’s selection by President-elect Donald Trump brings with it both hope and skepticism regarding the future
Chronic pain has emerged as a significant public health issue in the United States, affecting a staggering number of adults. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed concerning trends regarding the prevalence of chronic pain and its high-impact counterpart, which restricts daily activities. As we delve into this issue,
A pivotal moment in the field of psychiatry and pharmacology recently unfolded when a joint advisory committee of the FDA cast overwhelming votes to reconsider the existing Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program associated with clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic primarily prescribed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The committee’s findings indicate a significant shift in how the
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a vital omega-3 fatty acid, has been widely investigated for its potential benefits on brain health and cognition. Over the years, numerous studies have purported improved cognitive function and brain health as a consequence of increased DHA intake, particularly for populations at risk for neurodegenerative diseases. However, recent findings from the PreventE4
In recent years, health authorities across the globe have sought innovative ways to increase the uptake of vaccinations, particularly amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on public health strategies. A recent study presented at the American Heart Association annual meeting has shed light on the efficacy of electronic nudges in promoting
The selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by president-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has raised eyebrows among health policy experts. Renowned health policy analyst Wendell Primus, PhD, has publicly criticized this decision as “not a good choice.” This statement reflects a broader concern that appointing individuals with