| February 1, 2013 | America's Health Insurance Plans |
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- Study: Out-of-network billing is out of control
Some health care providers charge exorbitant fees for out-of-network care, sometimes close to 100 times the Medicare rate, a study by AHIP found. "When you're out of network, it's a blank check," said AHIP president and CEO Karen Ignagni. "Unless we deal with cost, we won't have affordability, and unless we have affordability, we won't have people participating" in the Affordable Care Act, she said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(1/31)     
| Providers & Suppliers | | |
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| Medical Update | | |
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- Abdominal fat tied to death risk in heart disease
Data on more than 15,000 heart disease patients showed those who were of normal weight overall but had relatively large waistlines were 27% more likely to die than people who were obese but whose fat was distributed in other areas of their bodies rather than around their waistlines. The findings in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicate physicians should consider distribution of weight in evaluating risk, the researchers said. HealthDay News
(1/31)
- Postpartum hemorrhage doesn't pose greater pregnancy risks
Women who experienced heavy bleeding during their first childbirth were no more likely to suffer from a miscarriage and other pregnancy complications in the future, a study in the journal BJOG found. About 18% of those who had a history of postpartum hemorrhage bled heavily during their second childbirth, compared with 7% of women who didn't have heavy bleeding during their first childbirth. Reuters
(1/29)
- Premature birth rate in U.S. continues to drop
The rate of premature births declined for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 to 11.7%, the lowest rate in the past 10 years, according to a report released by the March of Dimes. Overall, the country was given a "C" rating on premature birth rates, and four states received an "A" for achieving the 9.6% preterm birth rate goal. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News
(1/31)
| Emerging Trends | | |
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- Mobile app aims to help patients find quality docs
BetterDoctor recently unveiled a mobile application to help patients look for quality dentists, pediatricians, general practitioners, OB/GYNs and optometrists in their area. The free app, which works on the iPhone, searches by location and insurance and gives users a list of doctors based on their education, affiliations, referral data and patient reviews. GigaOm
(1/31)
| Health Insurance Plan Company News | | |
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| Pharma News | | |
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- Drugs show efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes, ESRD
Sitagliptin therapy led to a 0.72% reduction in mean A1C levels at 54 weeks, while glipizide treatment resulted in an 0.87% decrease in type 2 diabetes patients with end-stage renal disease who require dialysis, according to a study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Researchers also found the incidence rates of symptomatic hypoglycemia were 6.3% in the sitagliptin group and 10.8% in the glipizide group. Renal and Urology News
(1/30)
| Policy Watch | | |
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| AHIP News | | |
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Learn about AHIP’s Advocacy Coalition for Medigap
The Partnership to Protect Medigap is a coalition advocating for the preservation of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance options. In addition to sharing the latest developments on issues that impact Medigap, the Partnership provides opportunities to get involved in protecting this valuable coverage option for seniors. Find out more.
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Improved business operations for better care
TPA Direct is comprised of AHIP member companies—the industry’s leading third party administrators—and offers guidance to health insurance plans and administrators interested in outsourcing. Royal Health Care, a TPA Direct member, is a leading provider of innovative managed care applications and back office service solutions for a health plan’s key administrative functions. Royal offers clients choices. With more than 10 years’ experience, Royal’s ASP and BPO clients include startups, Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, SNPs and commercial payers.
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Limited sponsorship opportunities at AHIP's National Policy Forum
AHIP’s 2013 National Policy Forum, March 13 and 14 in Washington, D.C., is the perfect venue for you to connect with health plan decision makers. With only eight weeks until the conference, time is running out for you to secure your sponsorship. View the prospectus, and contact AHIP's Business Development Team at BusinessDevelopment@ahip.org or 866-707-AHIP (2447) for details.
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Sales Manager | RxAlly | Leesburg, VA |
| Manager, Payor Relations | The joint Commission | Oakbrook Terrace, IL |
| Government Relations and Compliance Officer | Louisiana Health Cooperative, Inc. | Metarie, LA |
| Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Louisiana Health Cooperative Inc. (LAHC) | Metarie, LA |
| Director Organizational Determinations and Appeals and Grievances | Jackson Health System | Miami, FL |
| CEO CarePoint Health Plan | CarePoint Health Plan | Bayonne, NJ |
| Director of Product Management, UPD | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) | Washington, DC |
| CAQH CORE Manager, Education, Outreach and Participant Relations | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare | Washington, DC |
| CAQH Managing Director, Finance and Administration | Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare | Washington, DC |
| Vice President, Medical Affairs and Senior Medical Director | Confidential Not-for-Profit Health Plan | Nationwide, United States |
| Director of Sales & Marketing | Hometown Health | Reno, NV |
| Asst Director, Medicare Prod. Analytics/Rev. Mgmt | Cambia | Portland, OR |
| Product Development Specialist | Geisinger Health Plan | Danville, PA |
| Marketing/Communications Data Analyst | America's Health Insurance Plans | Washington, DC |
| Media Relations Coordinator | America's Health Insurance Plans | Washington, DC |
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- Wednesday, January 30, 2013
- Tuesday, January 29, 2013
- Monday, January 28, 2013
- Friday, January 25, 2013
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