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Using the case of oral contraceptives as an example, I explain the differences between off-label and off-guideline prescription, and explain how the inappropriate use of oral contraceptives could be reduced by the regulation of off-guideline prescription.

What we're reading, January 4, 2016: health insurers offering free doctor's visits for some plans; some consumers find paying the Affordable Care Act penalty cheaper than buying insurance; and clinicians and patients are increasingly worried about opioid dangers.

The case involves a 25-year-old former college player who had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, even though he never made it to the NFL. He dropped out of college after playing the game 16 years and suffering 10 concussions. He has since been identified as former Missouri State player Michael Keck.

Study finds kids in an urban district picked healthy food after changes to the school lunch program, but it doesn't measure whether they ate it.

An imaging agent that can eliminate the unknown and help instill confidence in a surgeon’s ability to successfully remove all cancerous tissue is being evaluated by surgical oncologists at Duke University.

Hospital employment of physicians and ownership of physician practices is associated with higher prices and spending for outpatient care in the commercial healthcare market.

How well postmenopausal patients tolerate tamoxifen and anastrozole for one type of breast cancer varies with age.

Penny Mohr, MA, senior program officer for improving healthcare systems at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, discusses comparative effectiveness research, healthcare disparities, and patient-centered care at the 20th annual international meeting of ISPOR.

Women over 65 years of age with early-stage, fast-spreading breast cancer had better chances of surviving if they endured treatment therapy, according to a new study.

This week in managed care top stories included the news that patients suing states for access to hepatitis C medication, a study that found 91% of patients who survive an opioid overdose get another prescription, and Martin Shkreli's arrest continues to affect the pharmaceutical world.

Despite Congressional directives for 30 years to diversify clinical research, the number of studies that include minorities and the diversity of scientists being funded have not improved.

During the last month of 2015, The American Journal of Managed Care asked readers to choose what they thought was the top healthcare story from the year. Options included overall themes from the year and specific events.

An update on where the field of biosimilars currently stands.

What we're reading, January 1, 2016: key healthcare legal battles in 2016; study looks at the safety and outcomes of giving birth outside of the hospital; and a tool helps providers better understand the costs they incur.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ease of preparation prior to the screening test is an important determinant of colonoscopy uptake.

In 2014, Forbes said the Massachusetts Health Connector was the worst exchange in the nation.

New data does not support the idea that aspirin has protective qualities and “down-the-road” benefits for breast cancer patients. It may, however, help reduce breast density and improve earlier detection of some breast cancers.

The research has important implications for finding a potential cure for type 1 diabetes.

What we're reading, December 31, 2015: small innovations from doctors and insurers can make a big difference in cutting healthcare costs; WellCare is transitioning its pharmacy benefit management to CVS Health; and US health officials remind Americans to get the flu shot.

Top leaders in healthcare contributed to the anniversary commentary and video series

Most hematologic oncologists have end-of-life discussions with patients with blood cancers too late, according to a new study.

A literature review by researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center has identified a potential use of the cell cycle inhibitor palbociclib in a variety of cancers.

KaloBios Pharmaceuticals has taken multiple hits after CEO Martin Shkreli's arrest on December 17. Now it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The public interest journalism group ProPublica examined records from 2011 through 2014 and found that not only are HIPAA violations common, but they also typically go unpunished.

Studies that provided updates on new drug trials, sessions on value-based care, and the cost of healthcare, were most popular among readers of The American Journal of Managed Care.

Bariatric surgery is becoming a more popular method to address obesity, so physicians and surgeons should be more aware of how time of year affects outcomes.

What we're reading, December 30, 2015: most commonly used generic drugs were cheaper at the end of 2015, meanwhile the FDA has a huge backlog of generic drug applications, and few states are expected to expand Medicaid in 2016.

Stories about therapy, led by updates on Afrezza, were most popular with readers interested in diabetes care.

Puerto Rico’s community health centers face grave challenges because of a lack of funding.

How promoting the penalties of the individual mandates changes the sign-up mix, changing attitudes on women's pelvic health, and the challenges that await Louisiana's new governor as he plans to expand Medicaid.