The American journal of managed care
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The HIV epidemic remains a critical public health priority in the United States. The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative seeks to reduce HIV diagnoses by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by 2030. Certain demographic groups-including transgender women, cisgender Black women, and Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men-are disproportionately affected by HIV. ⋯ Population health decision-makers, including managed care organizations and federal and state policy makers, can play a vital role in expanding PrEP coverage and uptake by addressing these barriers and ensuring zero out-of-pocket costs for individuals who need PrEP. Enhancing health care provider education and person-centered HIV prevention strategies (eg, same-day PrEP services, telePrEP programs) also can increase PrEP uptake and adherence and patient satisfaction. A continuous focus on improving PrEP access can substantially contribute to achieving the EHE initiative's goal to end the HIV epidemic.
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Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a term to describe the interconnection between cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2020 estimated that 25% of participants had at least 1 CKM condition. It is proposed that CKM syndrome originates in excess and/or dysfunctional adipose tissue, which secretes proinflammatory and prooxidative products leading to damaged tissues in arteries, the heart, and the kidney, and reduction in insulin sensitivity. ⋯ The American Heart Association suggests that CKM syndrome screening should include both biological factors and SDOH. Interventions in patients with stages 0 to 3 CKM syndrome focus on preventing future cardiovascular events by management of excess adiposity, mainly through diet and exercise in the early stages, then through pharmacological treatment of metabolic syndrome components in later stages. There is a general acceptance that treatment of CKM syndrome should involve a holistic approach to prevention, screening, and management to improve outcomes and reduce long-term morbidity and mortality.
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To examine the relationship between adoption of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and health and cost outcomes for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. ⋯ More rapid adoption of newly approved nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treatments was associated with reduced stroke rates and high cost savings. Managed care organizations should consider how delays in the uptake of innovative medications impact health and economic outcomes.
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To assess the capacity of Medicaid providers to take on new patients during a time of unprecedented growth in program enrollment due to Medicaid expansion and the COVID-19 public health emergency. ⋯ Our results suggest that the health care system in Missouri can accommodate even historic growth in Medicaid enrollment and patient loads without compromising access to care as perceived by providers. Further research is needed from the patient side and focused on rural areas.
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Multicancer early detection (MCED) testing could result in earlier cancer diagnosis, thereby improving survival and reducing treatment costs. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of MCED testing plus usual care (UC) screening while accounting for the impact of clinical uncertainty and population heterogeneity for an MCED test with broad coverage of solid cancer incidence. ⋯ Under a range of likely clinical scenarios, MCED testing was estimated to be cost-effective, improving survival and reducing treatment costs.