An investigation into opioid prescriptions on Medicare Part D; lawmakers warn telehealth rule could worsen opioid crisis

Taking stock of the drug industry, from the lab to the medicine chest

March 2, 2023 Check out STAT+

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By Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Richard Hollawell STAT+ | Medicare Part D plans authorized opioid prescriptions for cancer pain — to people without cancer More than 800 Medicare beneficiaries received TIRF opioids for breakthrough cancer pain, even though they lacked a cancer diagnosis, an OIG report states. By Ed Silverman Same patient, same drug, same insurer — coverage denied A patient faced paying almost $5,000 for infusions after her insurer denied coverage — even though it covered the drug before. By Tara Bannow Advocates, lawmakers warn that Biden telehealth rule will worsen opioid crisis A DEA proposal would require an in-person examination for telehealth patients in order for them to stay on buprenorphine for longer than 30 days. By Lev Facher Adobe Opinion: New analysis: CMS vastly overestimates hospital price transparency efforts A CMS report that 70% of hospitals are transparently publishing their prices is wrong. Only 25% are complying with the two key rules. By Cynthia A. Fisher

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