Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: Trump Should Recognize The Success Of America's AIDS Relief Plan; Conflict Continues Between Drug Development And Pricing
The New York Times: The Case For Keeping America’s AIDS Relief Plan
Among global public health advocates, there is a growing concern that President Trump may cut back, or even eliminate, programs that have played a critical role in fighting diseases worldwide. While every administration should strongly review our nation’s overseas commitments, and there are undoubtedly programs that we should cut, I hope he recognizes the success and importance of one in particular: the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. (Bill Frist, 2/9)
JAMA: Privatized Pharmaceutical Innovation Vs Access To Essential Medicines: A Global Framework For Equitable Sharing Of Benefits
The effect of the current privatized model of pharmaceutical innovation on the development and affordability of lifesaving vaccines and medicines has been an enduring source of conflict. The need to promote and reward the development of new drugs and devices through patent protection—and the high prices this promotion and protection generate—seem to adversely affect equitable access to essential medicines and the right to health. Throughout the world, even in the United States, the high cost of pharmaceuticals provokes controversy, as is evident with the pricing of the epinephrine injection (EpiPen) and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni). (Gian Luca Burci and Lawrence O. Gostin, 2/7)
JAMA: Responsible E-Prescribing Needs E-Discontinuation
Implementation of electronic prescribing, also known as e-prescribing, has been one of the successes of health information technology and an advance in health care delivery. Clinician uptake of e-prescribing has been substantial, in part because it is now required by health plans, insurers, and hospitals. ... Despite the advantages, most current e-prescribing systems do not allow electronic cancellation of medication orders, or e-discontinuation. e-Discontinuation would give physicians (and other prescribers) a way to send a message to the pharmacy to electronically stop a prescription from being filled or refilled. (Shira Fischer and Adam Rose, 2/7)
JAMA Forum: Health Equity Matters For Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, And Pacific Islanders
Achieving health equity remains a compelling vision for our diverse nation. But doing so requires clear understanding of health outcomes for all major American populations and their subgroups. In the case of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) — who comprise the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States — fundamental data challenges have long hampered detailed understanding. However, the last decade has witnessed progress. (Howard K. Koh and John J. Park, 2/8)
Stat: The Creative Science Of Coining Drug Names
With more than 30,000 proprietary drugs in the United States alone, coming up with a unique brand name is no easy task. And while these names may seem like they were created by over-caffeinated Scrabble players, they are usually the result of intense focus by creative name development professionals coupled with clear-eyed research designed to enhance the prospects of Food and Drug Administration approval. (Mike Pile, 2/8)
Modern Healthcare: In Hip And Knee Bundled Payments, A Debate Over Volume
A new study adds fuel to a crucial debate in the ongoing push away from volume and toward value: whether paying a set price for a procedure drives hospitals and doctors simply to perform more of them. (Elizabeth Whitman, 2/8)
Cincinnati Enquirer: Competition Would Improve NKY Health Care
I am urging Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin to end the ongoing “turf battle” between St. Elizabeth Healthcare Systems and The Christ Hospitals Health Network and allow true competition in health care in Northern Kentucky. The consumers, the patients, are suffering at the hands of the government because of outdated regulations prohibiting the expansion of health care services by Ohio health care providers in the Northern Kentucky region. I feel strongly that a community without options in health care is a community lacking the capacity to develop and sustain our full economic potential. (Cathy Flaig, 2/8)
