From Policy to Practice: NCCN Summit Explores Equity in the Cancer Workforce
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Policy Summit emphasized the importance of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the oncology workforce to improve cancer care outcomes and address disparities while navigating legal and societal challenges.
Biden-Harris Administration Expands Mental Health Coverage Protections Nationwide
Ali Khawar, Employee Benefits Security Administration, US Department of Labor, believes the final rule will be a benefit to employers and health plans that are trying to do the right thing and offer robust mental health benefits or substance use benefits.
New Data Suggest Screening Heart Disease by Identifying Plaque, Not Just Risk
"Now we can actually focus and look at the disease itself, treat the heart disease itself, which is the plaque in the coronary arteries, as opposed to treating the risk of disease," Amir Ahmadi, MD, Mount Sinai, says in an interview at the European Society for Cardiology Congress.
Dr John McMurray: FINEARTS-HF Validates Finerenone as Key Treatment for Heart Failure
In patients with heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction, finerenone reduced the risk of heart failure worsening or hospitalizations compared with placebo, explained John McMurray, MD, the co–principal investigator of the FINEARTS-HF trial.
Dr Chris Kramer on the Clinical Importance of Finerenone for Patients With Heart Failure
Christopher Kramer, MD, vice president of the American College of Cardiology, discusses the newest data on finerenone for heart failure presented during the FINEARTS Hot Line session at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.
Dr Dipti Itchhaporia on Health Equity, Clinical Trials, and Emerging Therapies at ESC
After moderating an emerging science session on acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction care, Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, American College of Cardiology, discussed the growing inclusivity in clinical trials through innovative digital tools and addressed the impact of GLP-1 therapies on cardiovascular treatment.
Health Care Bias, Cost of Care Biggest Barriers to Liver Care for LGBTQI+ Patients
In this interview, Sarah Manes, Global Liver Institute, explores the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly those with disabilities, in accessing and receiving appropriate liver care.
Aetna Announces Simplified Access to Fertility Services
Aetna has become the first major US insurer to expand access to fertility services by covering intrauterine insemination as a medical benefit for all eligible plans, marking a significant move toward greater equity in family-building options for people of all backgrounds.
Medicare Semaglutide Coverage: Millions May Gain Access That Could Cost $145 Billion
Medicare has not clearly defined what constitutes "established cardiovascular disease," leading to variability in potential patient eligibility; therefore, researchers aimed to estimate the number of Medicare beneficiaries who would become newly eligible for semaglutide under different definitions.
Dr Martha Gulati Previews ESC 2024: Obesity, Heart Failure, and the Ongoing Debate on HRT
Martha Gulati, MD, Cedars-Sinai, discusses the topics expected to be featured at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, including a debate she's participating in about the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in primary cardiovascular disease prevention.
Brooke Kempf on How LAIs Improve Mental Health Care in Rural Communities
Brooke Kempf, PMHNP, from Indiana University Indianapolis, discusses the importance of timely outpatient care and how innovative approaches like long-acting injectables (LAIs) are helping to bridge the gap in treatment for schizophrenia.
Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: August 24, 2024
Learn more about the negotiated Medicare drug prices and what the FDA's rejection of therapeutic MDMA means for mental health care through expert reactions. Other highlights include pharmacy-based HIV care, gaps in care for gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and the obesity epidemic.
Brooke Kempf: LAIs Provide More Than Just Adherence to Schizophrenia Treatment
The growing utilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) medications for treating patients with schizophrenia indicates a positive trend in mental health practice, according to Brooke Kempf, PMHNP, Indiana University Indianapolis.
Following FDA Rejection, Experts Discuss MDMA Therapy, Improving Care for Veterans With PTSD
The FDA's decision to reject midomafetamine (MDMA) capsules in combination with assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AT) for adults with PTSD reignited the controversial conversation around investigative psychedelic therapy.
Lykos Therapeutics Restructures After FDA Setback, Commits to Progressing MDMA Therapy for PTSD
Along with the company reorganization, Lykos announced it will be reducing its workforce by approximately 75%, with the remaining team focused on continuing efforts in clinical development, medical affairs, and engagement with the FDA.
New Survey Identifies Health Concerns Motivating Voter Choices in Key Demographic
As the 2024 election approaches, older adults, who comprise more than half of ballots cast, are highly concerned about health care costs, financial scams, and fraud. Concern varies based on gender and political ideology.