Practice Management News

Despite high sustained virologic response rates from Sovaldi-based regimens in clinical practice, there are still barriers to care for adults with hepatitis C virus infection, with financial reasons being the most prevalent barrier.

CMS has proposed changes for the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs in 2017, according to a press release.

The FDA today announced it has reviewed Pentax’s updated, validated manual reprocessing instructions for its ED-3490TK video duodenoscope, and recommends facilities using the device implement them as soon as possible.

From international law firm Arnold & Porter LLP comes a timely column that provides views on current regulatory and legislative topics that weigh on the minds of today’s physicians and health care executives.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions favorably reported legislation that would streamline the FDA’s evaluation process for medical devices, one of seven biomedical innovation bills currently advancing to the full Senate for consideration.

In a systematic review, using antiviral therapy among pregnant mothers with hepatitis B virus infection was found to reduce mother-to-child transmission compared with no treatment and infants receiving vaccination at birth alone, according to published findings.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently wrote a letter to John C. Martin, PhD, chairman and chief executive officer of Gilead Sciences, regarding the cost of Sovaldi and Harvoni. Specifically, Healey urged Martin to reduce the price of the two drugs.

The CDC featured several interventions in a recent MMWR supplement that effectively reduced health disparities in hepatitis A virus and HIV/AIDS care.

In a recent session, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions favorably reported a bill requiring manufacturers of reusable medical devices to submit cleaning instructions and validation data to the FDA before bringing these devices to market. The bill also would require the FDA to develop guidance on when manufacturers should seek clearance from the agency before marketing their products.

CMS has extended the deadline to attest to meaningful use of electronic health records for 2015, according to an email from the agency.