Healthcare

Addiction Biotech Cannabis Genetics Healthcare Medical Devices Pharmaceutical Science Veterinary
News Release Digital Asset Direct

CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Memorandum of Understanding with CREST International

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding with CREST International, an international not-for-profit certification and accreditation body that supports the global technical information security market and is headquartered in the UK. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving the cyber and supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, suppliers, and vendors through an evaluation process intended to validate the capabilities, experience, and integrity of CMMC COE provider partners. The executed MOU establishes a cooperative agreement between CREST International and the CMMC COE, in coordination with the CMMC COE EU ( http://cmmc-eu.com ), to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices for the DIB contractor community and the information and communications technology community creating a broader CMMC ecosystem to improve security and resilience across the global defense industrial base. CREST ( www.crest-approved.org ) provides internationally recognized accreditations for organizations providing technical security services and also includes professional level certifications for individuals providing vulnerability assessment; penetration testing, cyber incident response; threat intelligence; and security operations center ( SOC ) services. “This is a momentous occasion for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “Our global expansion will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD) beyond North America”. “This new partnership between CREST and CMMC COE will play an important role in strengthening the resilience and protection of vital critical national infrastructure through structured testing to validate security defenses and controls, carried out by highly-qualified and certified professionals,” said Tom Brennan, Chairman of CREST USA. “It is vital that the buying communities in both the public and private sectors have the confidence and trust that their employees, contractors or suppliers have the highest levels of knowledge, skill and competence.” With locations in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States, the partnership reinforces a foundation of global capability for the validation of CMMC providers in 1) training & education; 2) readiness assessment 3) development and implementation of a tailored plan of action & milestones to advance preparedness, and 4) continuous monitoring to ensure maintenance of certification compliance. The CMMC-COE ( www.cmmc-coe.org ) and the CMMC COE EU ( https://cmmc-eu.com/ ) will continue to focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE partner network will be sharing a wide range of capabilities from member organizations, including; cyber standards frameworks, education, solution architectures, cyber mentoring, workforce, and other elements needed to scale to the demands of the entire DIB market place in the US and abroad (400,000 contractors). For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on the CMMC COE EU, please visit https://cmmc-eu.com/ For more information on CREST, please visit www.crest-approved.org About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

November 10, 2020 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

LEADING CALIFORNIA BUSINESS ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS WARNED OF CONSEQUENCES OF ANTHEM BLUE CROSS POLICY

California Rheumatology Alliance

The California Rheumatology Alliance (CRA) along with many other physician and patient advocacy organizations are working to enlist the business community to join in its fight against implementation of a harmful prescription policy from Anthem Blue Cross. The dangerous policy will make it nearly impossible for certain treatments (specifically infusion therapy) to be conducted in physician offices – under their care. The policy is being rushed to implementation on December 1, 2020. In letters to business advocacy organizations, CRA warns the business community of the looming threat to the California workforce. Recipients of the letter include, but are not limited to: California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) California Federation of Business & Professional Women California Small Business Association California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce “Anthem’s new policy transfers medications covered on the medical side of insurance to the pharmacy side. While more economically lucrative for the payers and specialty pharmacies, based on the hidden fees and price concessions - the patient is harmed, as are the businesses employing them,” stated Dr. Samy Metyas, CRA’s President. “Patients that delay treatment or go elsewhere (like a hospital) for care will experience longer waits, less oversight, and substantially higher out of pocket costs. Forcing patients to take on these added burdens, at a time like this, is shameful.” The letter to business advocacy organizations states in part: “…Delay or loss of medical treatment results in increased disease activity resulting in further increases in costs to patient health and welfare. Missed time from work, and lower productivity will cost employers immensely more than any savings promised by this policy change…. …As patient access to proper treatments is lost, it costs everyone more…” “As physicians on the front lines of medical care, we will fight for our patients,” Dr. Metyas continued. “As someone on the front lines protecting California businesses, surely these business-oriented organizations care for the wellbeing of its members too. Hopefully, we will join forces to educate employers and patients to avoid securing insurance policies that reduce access to care.” CRA sent a letter requesting a meeting last week to Anthem’s California Plan President, Beth Anderson that has so far, gone unanswered. “Doctors and patients are worried. From oncologists, to rheumatologists and ophthalmologists, – the dangers of this policy are very real,” said Dr. Metyas. “Anthem’s silence is creating more concern among patients, particularly now when a sense of security and stability is what people are seeking. It must reconsider.” The California Rheumatology Alliance is a specialty physician association comprised of rheumatologists from community practices and medical centers throughout the state. The majority of its members come from the Northern California Rheumatology Society (NCRS), the Southern California Rheumatology Society (SCRS) and the San Diego Rheumatology Society (SDRS). Membership has since expanded to include all those health professionals regularly engaged in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. ### Please visit https://www.calrheum.org/ For more information, or to schedule an interview with a CRA spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.calrheum.org/

November 06, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

GoGetTested Partners with Wichita County Public Health District for Free FDA-Approved COVID-19 Testing

Go Get Tested

In partnership with the Wichita County Public Health Department, GoGetTested, the first end-to-end COVID-19 testing and results management solution in the country, today announced the availability of its FDA-approved COVID-19 testing in Wichita Falls. Providing fast, easy and accessible COVID-19 testing for all, GoGetTested has opened its Covid Response Operating System and mobile testing sites in Wichita Falls at the Multi Purpose Event Center (MPEC), which is located at 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. All tests are free of charge, regardless if individuals are uninsured. In addition to COVID-19 testing, WellHealth will be offering flu shots on site in their newly constructed WellHealth Express Clinics, a Covid, Flu, and Cold point of care rapid delivery unit. Wichita Falls residents will be able to schedule flu shots directly through the GoGetTested platform. Flu shots are free with most insurance carriers and only $30 without insurance. “We are pleased to be able to provide free COVID-19 testing to our residents through the partnership with GoGetTested,” said Lou Kreidler, Director of Health, Wichita Falls – Wichita County Public Health District. “The funding for testing is covered under the CARES Act. This is a great opportunity to add free testing capacity to our community, especially for our underserved population.” Residents can schedule their COVID-19 test online, complete the oral swab test in minutes at one of the testing sites and have their results delivered via text or email within a couple of days. “It is our mission to help as many people as possible find easy, accessible COVID-19 testing sites and deliver quick, accurate results,” said WellHealth CEO Ahmad Gaber, one of the founding partners of GoGetTested. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and we enter flu season, we will continue working with community leaders like those in Wichita Falls, to help keep their residents safe.” GoGetTested was launched as a semi-public, semi-private industry consortium with founding partners from precision primary care startup WellHealth and Silicon Valley-based healthcare fintech startup Wellpay, among other private company partners. By using a unique mobile testing approach, GoGetTested has quickly expanded its geographical reach, especially in rural areas, and can swiftly deploy testing in COVID-19 hotspots. To date, GoGetTested has delivered more than 150,000 COVID-19 tests with the ability to continue testing at a rate of tens of thousands per day. GoGetTested is currently serving residents in Texas and South Carolina, and will expand testing to Nevada, Arizona, Missouri and other states in the coming weeks. For more information on scheduling a test, visit www.gogettested.com. About GoGetTested GoGetTested is the first national, digitally enabled Covid Response Operating System in the country with an end-to-end test scheduling and resulting management platform. Its complete COVID-19 testing experience will help keep the nation’s communities and economies open and safe. GoGetTested was founded as a unique public-private consortium of government, clinical, technology, lab, research and retail partners, including The consortium—which includes Precision Primary Care startup WellHealth, PE-backed Lab HealthTrackRx, event-management company Victory Marketing, inventory and warehouse management company Lead Commerce, and Silicon Valley-based healthcare fintech startup Wellpay. Its Covid-19 response units ensure geographical reach to rural areas and fast activation in virus hotspots. Testing is free for anyone and provides the most complete, adaptive and secure testing services nationwide. Contact Details April White +1 323-216-8589 gogettested@trustrelations.agency Company Website https://www.gogettested.com/

November 05, 2020 08:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

SullivanCotter Releases Annual Health Care Executive Compensation Survey Results and Offers Insight Into Pandemic-Related Pay Actions

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, recently released results from its 2020 Manager and Executive Compensation in Hospitals and Health Systems Survey — which is now in its 28th year. This year’s results include information from more than 2,300 organizations. More importantly, the survey contains the last set of benchmark data compiled prior to the onset of COVID-19 and provides important pre-pandemic reference points for assessing executive compensation programs. “While pay actions are being impacted by the pandemic, the foundational structure of executive compensation programs has generally remained unchanged. The 2020 survey data can be used to assess the competitiveness of base salaries, the level of incentive opportunities and other program design considerations. In light of the impact of the pandemic on business operations, now is an appropriate time to evaluate the broader implications of COVID-19 on your talent strategy, compensation philosophy and program design to ensure they reflect your organization’s new priorities,” said Tom Pavlik, Managing Principal, SullivanCotter. Base Salaries in 2020 In recent years, executive salaries were trending upward due to the focus on recruitment and retention of key leadership talent and an increasingly complex health care market. When comparing data reported by organizations that participated in SullivanCotter’s survey in both 2019 and 2020, median base salaries going into 2020 increased at a rate of 3.4% to 5.6% for the most senior executives of independent health systems (Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, CFOs, COOs and CEOs) as opposed to 0.8% to 4.1% for those executive positions at system-owned hospitals. However, due to the financial impact of COVID-19, many organizations have implemented temporary executive base salary reductions. According to SullivanCotter’s COVID-19 Executive and Employee Compensation Practices Survey series, which was conducted between April 2020 and August 2020 to provide insight into the current practices of more than 100 large health systems, only 14% of organizations were considering or had implemented executive base salary reductions as of April. By May, this number had risen to 31%. Through August, implemented salary reductions reached 45%. However, of this 45%, nearly half had already reinstated the pre-pandemic salaries with the remainder expected to do so by the end of the year. Base Salary Increase Budgets An analysis of the survey data indicates that, prior to COVID-19, median salary increase budgets for health care executives were expected to remain consistent with recent years at 2.7% for independent health system executives and 3.0% for system-owned hospital executives. The pandemic has impacted the financial condition of many organizations and is moderating salary increase plans for FY2021. According to SullivanCotter’s proprietary COVID-19 research, about 40% of organizations had determined their FY2021 executive salary increase budgets by mid-August. The preliminary median executive salary increase budget is 2.5%, with 15% planning to freeze executive salaries. The other 60% of organizations had not yet determined their salary increase budget, and 20%-25% are delaying the timing of these increases. These figures may change over time as financial performance will impact the ability to fully fund planned budgets, and it is anticipated that more organizations may consider executive salary freezes for FY2021. Executive Annual Incentive Plans Executive annual incentive plans (AIPs) are still the norm as organizations are increasingly focused on system-wide alignment and pay-for-performance. Prior to COVID-19, 89% of independent health systems and 67% of system-owned hospitals utilized AIPs with award opportunities varying by health system size based on net revenue. According to SullivanCotter’s research, however, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on executive incentive plans for FY2020. As of mid-August, more than half of the participating organizations had implemented or were still considering changes to FY2020 plans. While one-third did not yet know how they will handle their FY2020 annual incentive payouts, approximately 20% are eliminating or considering eliminating payouts, nearly 30% expect to pay below target, and only about 20% expect to pay at target or above. Considerations for 2020 and Beyond As hospitals and health systems plan for what lies ahead and look to support financial sustainability and mitigate risk, organizations should consider both market practices and their individual financial circumstances when determining their executive compensation and workforce-related actions moving forward. “SullivanCotter’s 2020 survey reflects the most recent normative year prior to COVID-19. Due to the current pandemic and the extremely dynamic environment, the survey data should be used thoughtfully, with appropriate context, and with sound business judgement as you are planning and considering your pay decisions for FY2020 and beyond,” said Bruce Greenblatt, Managing Principal, SullivanCotter. There are a number of important executive compensation considerations for organizations to consider as they move forward: Be mindful of how to appropriately use 2020 survey data. Understand the timing of the data and consider what you are trying to assess before using them. The data can be helpful in benchmarking the competitiveness of compensation program elements and award opportunities. Rely on sound business judgement and discretion when evaluating base salary actions and incentives for FY2020. Plan to revisit incentive performance goals for FY2021 to ensure they are tailored to the current environment. Assess the broader impact of COVID-19 on executive talent strategy and review the compensation philosophy and program design. With continued uncertainty in FY2021 and beyond, remain mindful of the environment and be flexible. For more information on SullivanCotter’s surveys, please visit our website at www.sullivancotter.com, email us or contact us by phone at 888.739.7039. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com/

November 05, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Hearing Aids: How to Pick the Right Type for You or a Loved One

D S Simon Media

It might sound unbelievable, but your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. It’s true. Someone’s hearing experiences are individual to them, and the way they hear sounds is different to anyone else. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/m7KImn3BebQ Yet, the most commonly worn hearing aids use a standardized approach modeled on an ‘average ear’, which can often compromise sound quality with 93% reporting trouble hearing in noisy environments and 55% getting confused about where sounds come from. In fact, hearing loss can cause a person to miss out on hearing the moments that matter most. The problem is so big that according to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 30 million Americans have a hearing loss and could benefit from using hearing aids but fewer than 16% have ever used them. Just like a fingerprint, each person’s hearing is unique. Yet, the most commonly worn hearing aids use a standardized approach modeled on an‘ average ear’, which can often compromise sound quality. ReSound ONE is a long-awaited breakthrough that gives everyone a solution individualized precisely to their own hearing anatomy. ReSound ONE is an entirely new class of hearing aids that offers a truly individualized hearing experience and the best sound quality for every user. ReSound ONE is available in rechargeable and non-rechargeable models. For further information and to take a free hearing test, visit the ReSound.com. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content, produced by award-winning video communications firm.It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 02, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Citybiz Interview with Kevin Hrusovsky, Chairman & CEO, Quanterix

Citybizlist

Spend a few minutes with Kevin Hrusovsky, President, CEO and Chairman of Quanterix, and you will quickly understand that he and his colleagues are on a mission to transform medicine. Hrusovsky believes the Billerica, Mass.-based life sciences company has the technology and know-how to change medicine from merely providing reactive “sick care” to identifying disease and illness at the cellular level so people can be treated while they are still healthy. As a result, healthcare becomes preventative and personalized. “Quanterix is a company that has figured out how to apply rocket science to the blood,” Hrusovsky says. Hrusovsky took Quanterix, QTRX, public in 2017 and since this past March its stock has nearly tripled trading in the $40 range. What’s more, on Oct. 6, Quanterix won an $18.2 million contract from National Institutes of Health to accelerate the development of a next generation Covid-19 test. Why would NIH bother with Quanterix? The company’s technology detects protein biomarkers in extremely low concentrations in blood, serum and other fluids that, in many cases, are undetectable using conventional, analog immunoassay technologies. Its technology is 1,000 times more sensitive than any technology in the world, so it can uncover disease when people are healthy. Quanterix’s hopes to scale to 1 million COVID tests a week in the coming months. The company has 248 employees and will hire an additional 60 for the project. We spent a few minutes with Kevin to discuss the science behind Quanterix, its NIH work and the company’s prospects. Interview Questions: Quanterix Today | Can you provide an explanation of biomarkers, the goal of advancing precision health and a snapshot of Quanterix today? Biomarkers and COVID-19 | Can you explain how Quanterix has pivoted and responded to Covid-19? Can you describe the role of your technology Simoa? Which therapeutic areas, oncology, neurology, cardiology, inflammation and infectious diseases? The NIH Grant | The first week of October, Quanterix announced an $18 million contract with the National Institute of Health. It will accelerate the development of the COVID antigen test based on Quanterix’ Simoa technology. Can you explain the significance of this award? Recent Partnerships | Earlier this month, Quanterix entered into a license agreement with Abbott Laboratories. The license grants Abbott access to Quanterix’s portfolio of bead-based technology patents for IVD invitro diagnostic applications. Can you describe this partnership? Simoa | Can you explain how Simoa holds the keys to a complete high-definition picture of the COVID-19 infection? The PPH Network | What is the Powering Precision Health ecosystem? What is its significance in the rollout? How does Quanterix compete in the competitive COVID testing landscape? Execution/Aspiration | The execution is research and catalyzing “high probability” drug development; the aspiration is high value diagnostic and health services and a neuro toolbox acceleration, COVID and a broader PHH vision. Can you explain the vision for digital biomarker disruption in this context? Disrupt Healthcare | How is Quanterix poised to disrupt healthcare? Powering Precision Health | You’re the founder of Powering Precision Health which is an annual summit focused on the advancement of precision health. Can you tell us about your vision and its impact? 5 to 10 Years Precision Health | Will precision health improve population health? Where is precision health in 5 to 10 years? Citybizlist is a publisher of news and information about business, power, money, and people in 13 major U.S. city markets, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte/Raleigh, Atlanta, South Florida, Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas and Houston. To learn more about the citybizlist content platform, please email the publisher Edwin Warfield edwin.warfield@citybizlist.com Contact Details Edwin Warfield +1 443-562-9472 edwin.warfield@citybizlist.com Company Website https://citybizlist.com/

November 02, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video Image

FABER FOUNDATION MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE FOR CHARITIES & NONPROFITS

The Faber Foundation

Since its launch just a few months ago, The Faber Foundation continues to make a positive difference in the operations of government agencies, first responders, charities, and nonprofit organizations focused on serving others. The Faber Foundation helps combat the spread of COVID-19 by equipping those in need of critical supplies like hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment (PPE) – allowing organizations to continue serving vulnerable communities without disruption. After shifting production of its high-quality vodkas, gin, and rum to the manufacture of hand sanitizer ( Faber Hand Sanitizer ), the Faber team scaled its supply to get sanitizer into the hands of those who needed it most. When supply was short, Faber filled the needs that helped keep organizations operating and people safe. As supplies become more abundant, the team continues to supply businesses and consumers while meeting the steady demand from those working tirelessly to serve others. “More than 3,500,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and other PPE is already donated to a variety of organizations still struggling to obtain critical supplies,” explained Faber’s Director of National Accounts, Brenden Pakebusch. “Organizations like Goodwill and World Vision should be allowed to pursue their work without interruptions due to safety equipment supply shortages. We hope others will join us by supporting these vital efforts.” “Thanks to generous donors like Faber Sanitizer, World Vision has been able to deliver more than 320,000 of PPE like hand sanitizer, face masks, gloves, and boot covers, to first responders, medical centers and the most vulnerable people across the United States,” stated Mike Gillespie, Senior Director for partner engagement at World Vision. “As the world navigates new and unexpected challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable families across the United States are facing an unprecedented crisis.” “COVID-19 has hit Goodwill hard,” said Rick Hill, the CEO of Goodwill Keystone Area. “Goodwill stores and donations centers were shut down for several months, severely reducing our funding income and ability to serve others. The support from Faber continues to make a major difference in our stores and donation centers as operations resume.” The beneficiaries of Faber Foundation’s generosity include organizations, large and small, which work directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross. Organizations that need sanitizer and PPE are encouraged to contact the Faber Foundation here: https://www.thefaberfoundation.com/inquiries. As COVID-19 continues to disrupt public health and the economy, those wishing to support this cause are encouraged to donate here: https://www.thefaberfoundation.com/donate “The Faber Foundation is proud to meet this need,” Pakebusch continued. “These are difficult times, and helping ease anxieties by removing the obstacle of obtaining sanitizer and PPE, further combatting COVID-19, is the most important thing we can do right now. Please join us by considering a gift so we can continue these critical operations.” The Faber Foundation’s existing supply and access to hand sanitizer can reassure nonprofit organizations, school leaders, healthcare workers, and others on the front lines. This hand sanitizer follows FDA guidelines and will be available when needed. The product is shipped directly in a variety of pack sizes, as well as by the pallet load. To learn more about the Faber Foundation’s Hand Sanitizer and support global health, please visit https://www.thefaberfoundation.com. ### To schedule an interview with Faber’s Brenden Pakebusch please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://fabersanitizer.com/

October 30, 2020 02:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CALIFORNIA RHEUMATOLOGY ALLIANCE SOUNDS ALARM ON DANGEROUS POLICY CHANGE FROM ANTHEM BLUE CROSS

California Rheumatology Alliance

The California Rheumatology Alliance (CRA), a specialty physician association comprised of rheumatologists from community practices and medical centers throughout California, released a letter it sent earlier this week to Beth Anderson, Anthem’s California Plan President. The letter requests a meeting and reconsideration of a proposed policy adjustment that will force patients to utilize Anthem’s preferred specialty pharmacies, making it nearly impossible for certain treatments (specifically infusion therapy) to be conducted in physician offices – under their care. Many California physicians have received notices from Anthem stating the insurer’s policy will change on December 1, 2020, requiring the procurement of drugs from Anthem’s designated specialty pharmacy, regardless of less expensive options physicians can obtain via an open marketplace. Normally, physician administered drugs are obtained via a “buy and bill” system where a physician purchases medication and bills the insurance company under a patient’s medical benefit. The new policy moves administered medications away from the physician and the patient’s medical benefit to the patient’s pharmacy benefit - effectively reversing work physicians have done to reduce patient costs for office administered medications. The letter states in part: “…As a result of Anthem’s policy change, patients will be increasingly forced into more expensive sites of care such as hospitals or to sites where there is no direct supervision by physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants… …Higher prices, and reduced access to care – surely these are outcomes you want to avoid…” The full letter may be found here: https://wp.calrheum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-CRA-Letter-to-Anthem.pdf “By disrupting the current model of care, Anthem Blue Cross is putting patients at risk,” stated Dr. Samy Metyas, CRA’s President. “Patients that delay treatment or go elsewhere (like a hospital) for care will experience longer waits, less oversight, and substantially higher out of pocket costs. Forcing patients to take on these added burdens, at a time like this, is shameful.” By transferring medications covered on the medical side of insurance to the pharmacy side, insurers are expecting that more money can be made in the form of hidden fees and price concessions. However, costs rise at much faster rates under these scenarios than with physician procured medicines – a burden on the patient, on Anthem policyholders, and on employers that sponsor plans. “In advance of the implementation of this policy, CRA and other patient advocacy organizations will be taking action to inform patients, employers, and regulators of the dangers accompanying Anthem’s new policy. Removing the acquisition of office administered medications away from the physician and to the patient’s pharmacy benefit through specialty pharmacy will be disruptive and costly for patients,” Dr. Metyas continued, “Anthem Blue Cross can still delay or cancel the implementation of this policy change and we hope they will see the light before it is too late.” The California Rheumatology Alliance is a specialty physician association comprised of rheumatologists from community practices and medical centers throughout the state. The majority of its members come from the Northern California Rheumatology Society (NCRS), the Southern California Rheumatology Society (SCRS) and the San Diego Rheumatology Society (SDRS). Membership has since expanded to include all those health professionals regularly engaged in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. ### Please visit https://www.calrheum.org/ For more information, or to schedule an interview with a CRA spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.calrheum.org/

October 29, 2020 12:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Veteran-Owned Healthcare Company Awarded Medical Equipment Government Contract Valued at $450 Million

Alliant Healthcare Products

Alliant Enterprises (dba Alliant Healthcare Products) has been awarded a Patient Monitoring & Capital Equipment (PMCE) contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) valued at $450 million over 10 years. The contract includes medical products from many of Alliant’s high-profile OEM partners, including Olympus America Inc., Philips Healthcare, Skytron, LINET Americas, Belimed Inc., PROCEPT BioRobotics, Veran Medical Technologies, and many others. The PMCE contract is pre-established and pre-vetted by the government as a source for medical equipment and acts as one of the preferred purchasing platforms for the Department of Defense (DoD). From robotic-assisted surgical devices to hospital beds and endoscopy equipment, this contract will help America’s service members gain access to more than 8,000 best-in-class medical devices and products over the next 10 years. When it comes to new and innovative technology, the lengthy and arduous procurement process has historically limited the ability of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DoD to quickly and efficiently purchase critical products. This contract will remove some of the bureaucratic red tape and pave the way to a smoother procurement process for federal government customers, ensuring veterans and active duty military personnel have quicker access to new technologies and life-saving medical equipment. “This PMCE contract solidifies Alliant’s position as one of the leading providers of medical equipment to the federal government. As a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, we strive to serve those who are actively working to protect our country,” said Eric Albery, President, Alliant Healthcare Products. “As a result of this contract, Alliant is able to provide federal government customers with access to some of the most advanced medical equipment on the market, through an efficient, net-centric ordering, distribution and payment system.” “Olympus and Alliant have established a high-trust relationship based on mutual respect and alignment of goals to meet the unique equipment needs of the federal government,” said Steve Wendt, Vice President for Government and Distributor Relations, Olympus America Inc. “We are excited to work with Alliant to successfully implement this new agreement administered by the Department of Defense, which will bring additional visibility to Olympus’ innovative technologies and make them more accessible to our nation’s service men and women, and our country’s veterans.” “There is no community more deserving, and we look forward to working with Alliant to understand how we can better serve the needs of veterans, active duty service men and women, as well as federal health facilities,” said Derek Farias, National Director Government Channel, Philips Healthcare. The new PMCE contract is effective immediately for government customers, adding to Alliant’s arsenal of pre-established government contracts for medical products. Founded in 2002, Alliant Healthcare has become a trusted and respected staple within the federal government healthcare market, working closely with the DoD, VA, Indian Health Service, National Institute of Health and many other federal agencies. Alliant Healthcare, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that specializes in federal government sales, contracting, and distribution. Working closely with the Department of Defense, US Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies, Alliant provides extraordinary value to government customers by providing dozens of pre-established government contracts, access to thousands of medical products, unparalleled procurement knowledge, local sales support, and a single point of contact for maximized ordering efficiencies and customer service excellence. For more information, visit www.allianthealthcare.com. Contact Details Casey Johnson +1 206-239-0108 cjohnson@apcoworldwide.com

October 29, 2020 07:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 257 258 259 260 261 ... 272