Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients long were limited to medicating with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or undergoing laparoscopic surgery to reshape the lower end of the esophagus. A range of minimally invasive options now are available, including radiofrequency reshaping, endoscopic suturing and endoscopically placed fasteners. Read More
The draft Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) is always an event for makers of drugs and devices, and this year is no exception. This time, the draft proposes non-controversially to formalize the specialty practice of heart failure and transplant cardiology, a move that was anticipated. While telehealth would enjoy a renewal of momentum under the terms of the draft, novel oncology drugs would be reimbursed at the wholesale acquisition cost plus 1.35 percent, a considerable shave from the current standard of WAC+6. Read More
