Weekly Dose of Health News May 5 – 9, 2014

Weekly Dose of Health News May 5 – 9, 2014

 

For the first week in May, here is your “Weekly Dose,” peppered with informative articles and links to sites with important information on the Medicaid Waiver DSRIP, the Drug Utilization Review Board Meeting Summary and upcoming Assembly hearings on the opioid crisis.

 

About 80 percent of health exchange enrollees have activated coverage by paying their initial premiums.

 

The University at Albany School of Public Health is conducting a free program on May 15 entitled Mental Health in New York State: Changes and Challenges for Public Health.

 

Avalere Health has released this study that looks at the consumer experience in health exchanges, including the effects of a lack of transparency in drug coverage.

 

Practice makes perfect according to the National Public Radio report on surgeon performance.

 

Reuters reports on Sylvia Mathews Burwell’s first day before the Senate.  The news service reports that the congenial tone suggests that she will be approved as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

 

The New York State Department of Health posted frequently asked questions about the Medicaid Redesign Waiver Amendment Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Plan, or DSRIP.

 

This is how one hospital decreased its caesarean section rate.  Currently, this method of baby delivery is used in one-third of all births.

 

Even though 2014 enrollment has ended in New York’s health exchange, this fact sheet describes who can still enroll in a health plan.

 

The L.A. Times writes on a new Swedish study published in the British journal Lancet on the use of antipsychotic medication and crime incidence reduction.

 

This audio and article from WNYC explores narrow physician networks in the New York Health Exchange and asks if this is the new normal.

 

The New York State Drug Utilization Review Board has posted its April 24 2014 meeting summary here.

 

The New York State Department of Health has announced a May 28 meeting of the Public Health Committee of the Public Health and Health Planning Council to discuss and provide updates on the Medicaid Waiver DSRIP Plan, the State Health Innovation Plan and the Public Health Improvement Projects funded in the state budget.  The meeting will occur in three locations including New York City and Albany.

 

The Assembly has scheduled two hearings on the opioid crisis.  The first is on May 12 in Albany and the second is on June 5 in New York City.