The top articles of 2023 addressed key issues such as representation gaps in aRCC research, concerns about the 340B program's impact on asthma disparities, slow adoption of equity innovations, potential biases in type 2 diabetes risk models, and addressing disparities in psoriasis treatment based on race and culture.
This year, the most-read coverage on the Center on Health Equity and Access explored key health equity issues, including representation gaps in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) research, concerns about the 340B program's impact on chronic asthma disparities, the slow adoption of equity innovations, potential racial biases in type 2 diabetes risk models, and considerations for addressing disparities in psoriasis treatment based on race and culture.
For more from the Center on Health Equity and Access read the rest of our coverage.
5. Age, Race, and Ethnicity Representation Disparities Found in Patients Participating in aRCC Research
Representation disparities exist among patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) in research, with age, race, and ethnicity variations revealed in real-world evidence (RWE), randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Results showed RCT participants were younger at metastatic diagnosis compared with those in RWE and SEER, and Black and Hispanic patients had lower representation in RCTs.
4. Among Medicare Patients With Chronic Asthma, 340B Not Eliminating Disparities
A report raised concerns about the 340B program's efficacy in reducing health disparities for Medicare patients with chronic asthma. The study compared patients treated at 340B health systems with those at non-340B hospitals meeting "disproportionate share" criteria. Disparities were observed, with non-White, dual-eligible, and low-SES patients less likely to receive certain treatments at 340B hospitals indicating that 340B discounts may not significantly curtail demographic disparities in asthma drug treatments and outcomes.
3. Building Better Equity-Based Benefit Designs
During a session at the value-based insurance design (VBID) summit, experts discussed the evolving landscape of health equity, acknowledging that innovations like VBID have been slow to gain traction. The panelists highlighted the pivotal role of George Floyd's murder in 2020 in bringing attention to health equity, prompting insurers to shift focus from internal efforts to addressing disparities. Efforts included forming social justice working groups and implementing equity-based benefit designs, such as reducing financial barriers for conditions that disproportionately affect communities of color.
2. Researchers Uncover Potential Racial Biases in T2D Risk Prediction Models
A study in PLOS Glob Public Health suggested the Prediabetes Risk Test (PRT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prediction models used in the US health care system may have racial bias, potentially perpetuating inequities. The investigation, which assessed the PRT, Framingham Offspring Risk Score, and ARIC Risk Model, found consistent miscalibration with regard to race. The models predicted higher T2D risks for white individuals than for black individuals, raising concerns about disparities in preventive interventions and treatment.
1. Bridging the Gap in Health Care Inequities: Considerations in Treatment Selection, Part 1
The most-read article featured part 1 of a 2-part podcast series. Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, and Bryan Buckley, DrPH, discussed how providers can address disparities in care related to race, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Integrating RECIST and Clinician Approaches Boosts NSCLC Research
May 8th 2024Outcomes among patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer as evaluated within clinical trials via Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and clinician response criteria in observational studies were compared for their concordance and reliability.
Read More
CMS Medicare Final Rule: Advancing Benefits, Competition, and Consumer Protection
May 7th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Karen Iapoce, senior director of government products and programs at ZeOmega, about the recent CMS final rule on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.
Listen
The Joint Commission is launching the Rural Health Clinic Accreditation Program to standardize staff training and patient care practices at rural health clinics nationwide; the American Cancer Society recently launched the largest-ever study of cancer risk and outcomes in Black women; the HHS COVID-19 vaccination campaign saved $732 billion by preventing illness and related costs.
Read More
Tackling Health Inequality: The Power of Education and Experience
April 30th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our final episode of this limited series and our conversation with Janine Jelks-Seale, MSPPM, director of health equity at UPMC Health Plan.
Listen