Weekend Reading: September 30, 2022

Patients face numerous barriers in accessing care, from those grounded in financial difficulty, to societal inequalities restricting access to high quality, affordable care. This week we highlight a number of articles which focus on patient access, barriers to care, and potential solutions to the surging cost for patients.

The 2022 Medical Group Management Association’s DataDive Practice Operations survey report, which was based on data collected during 2021 from more than 2,000 practices, shows a renewed focus on improving patient access in an environment shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care.

The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Insitute, the Diabetes Leadership Council and the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition have bound together to litigate against the HHS over co-pay assistance rules, which prevent financial assistance from drug companies to count towards annual out-of-pocket costs.

Drawing greater awareness to social determinants of health, this article from Revenue Cycle Intelligence highlights how improved tracking and awareness of population health trends can influence future policies and reimbursement.

With a focus on high cost diseases, a new report from Deloitte suggests that barriers to healthcare could surpass $1 trillion by 2040, led by lack of access to care for those with chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

From Healthcare Finance News, CMS is seeking public comments related to promoting efficiency and advancing equity in healthcare.