According to a newly-released Health Affairs article analyzing Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) claims data between 2007 and 2014, hospital prices grew substantially faster than physician prices for total inpatient care and hospital-based outpatient care, as well as for four high-volume services: cesarean section, vaginal delivery, hospital-based outpatient colonoscopy, and knee replacement. This Health Capital Topics article will examine the Health Affairs study, as well as the potential and already implemented policies addressing high healthcare prices. (Read more...)  

On January 15, 2019, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA), the first global pharmacy-led health enterprise, announced a seven-year strategic partnership with Microsoft, one of largest multinational digital companies in the world, “ to develop new health care delivery models, technology and retail innovations to advance and improve the future of healthcare .” Financial terms have not yet been disclosed, but the partnership has outlined that Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) cloud infrastructure and WBA’s global retail and outpatient service customer reach of over 8,000 stores will combine to close current gaps in the existing U.S. healthcare delivery structure.  (Read more...)  

On January 31, 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that would eliminate safe harbor protection under the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) for rebates that prescription drug manufacturers grant to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Medicare Part D plans, and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). This proposed rule addresses the changes of the “ modern prescription drug distribution model ” to ensure arrangements benefit federal healthcare program beneficiaries.

As in other industries, there are continuous technological innovations and developments in healthcare. Technology has helped to change the patient experience and has had a significant impact on medical processes. Clinical dialysis methods, such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, etc., all require machines that are technologically evolved and are heavily dependent on technological innovations. This final installment in the five-part series regarding dialysis centers will review the technological environment in which these enterprises operate, including some recent technological advancements. (Read more...)  
ANNOUNCING
Advanced Distance Education to Launch in 2019

The  Institute for Healthcare Valuation  (IHV) &  Consultants' Training Institute  (CTI) are pleased to announce premier healthcare valuation training through a distance education program, the Certificate of Educational Achievement (CEA) for Advanced Education in Healthcare Valuation. The program will launch in 2019 and will bridge the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare valuation to include: the Four Pillars of Healthcare (regulatory, reimbursement, competition, and technology); the market forces shaping the U.S. healthcare industry; and the valuation of healthcare enterprises, assets, and services. Legal professionals and healthcare providers, as well as those wishing to expand their scope of activities in healthcare valuation engagements and those seeking to enhance their current healthcare valuation service lines, will gain comprehensive knowledge through completing the expansive program. The program has been developed and is being presented by industry thought leader Health Capital Consultants , alongside a blockbuster faculty of healthcare subject matter experts from the legal, federal regulatory, and valuation professions.

HCC President, Todd Zigrang , and Vice President and General Counsel, Jessica Bailey-Wheaton , were recently interviewed by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) , where they discussed the development of the distance education program along with the topics that will be covered. Click HERE to watch the entire interview.
REGISTER NOW
HCC President,  Todd A. Zigrang, MBA, MHA, CVA, ASA, FACHE , and HCC Vice President and General Counsel  Jessica Bailey-Wheaton, Esq. will present during the  NACVA and the CTI's 2019 Annual Consultants' Conference at The Grand American Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT.