Researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA) have developed an artificial pancreas capable of delivering automated insulin to pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. The study, presented at the Endocrine Society's 99th annual meeting, reports the artificial pancreas is significantly more effective in diabetes management than current methods.

Measuring pain levels in critically ill patients, especially in those who cannot communicate verbally, is crucial in administering care. A study published in PAIN introduces a new behavior pain assessment tool (BPAT) capable of evaluating pain levels through nonverbal cues.

The pairing of electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and extensive physical therapy has given a man with paralyzed legs the ability to stand and make step-like movements.

The list prices for hospital procedures and tests aren’t “inconsequential,” according to economists, and can be associated with higher payments from insurers and patients. 

Wellmark, the top health insurer in Iowa, will no longer sell plans on the individual market after this year, leaving some parts of the state in danger of having no insurer on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges for 2018.

Payments to insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans will increase by an average of 0.45 percent, according to the final rate notice issued by CMS, above the 0.25 percent bump in pay the agency had previously proposed.

In a final rule issued on March 30, CMS clarified uncompensated care costs for Medicaid patients are limited by what a hospital received from other sources, such as commercial insurers, Medicare or the patients themselves.

The lines are blurring between healthcare providers and payors as more providers are sponsoring their own health plans or partnering with payors. Unfortunately for interested providers, that greater prevalence hasn’t come with any one-size-fits-all approach for making these plans succeed.