Exclusive: UnitedHealthcare pays its Optum providers above-market rates

Additionally, Trump's pick to run FDA is top exec of company that provides compounded weight-loss drugs  

November 25, 2024 Check out STAT+

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A previous version of this newsletter included an outdated subject line. Today's newsletter leads with Part 5 of our investigative series into how UnitedHealth Group wields its unrivaled physician empire to boost its profits and expand its influence. Read the rest of the series here.

STAT+ | UnitedHealth pays its own physician groups considerably more than others, driving up consumer costs and its profits By paying its doctor practices higher rates, UnitedHealth Group can capture higher profits while driving up costs for consumers By Bob Herman, Casey Ross, Lizzy Lawrence, and Tara Bannow STAT+ | Trump's pick to run FDA is top exec of company that provides compounded weight-loss drugs If confirmed, Makary would take the lead of the FDA as it grapples with high-stakes policy issues that could impact Sesame's business. By John Wilkerson, Rachel Cohrs Zhang, and Katie Palmer Trump's promise to reinstate travel bans has scientists deeply concerned Universities are warning foreign students that Trump executive orders could affect their ability to return to the U.S. after winter break By Jonathan Wosen Patrick Sison/AP STAT+ | UnitedHealth wins lawsuit, forcing government to revise its Medicare Advantage ratings A judge ruled the federal government unlawfully factored in a "disputed" phone call to lower UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage ratings. By Bob Herman STAT+ | 'We dodged a bullet': Biotech and pharma react to selection of Marty Makary for FDA commissioner Key figures in biotech, pharma, and medical devices appear relieved about Johns Hopkins surgeon Marty Makary, Trump's pick to head the FDA. By Allison DeAngelis, Adam Feuerstein, Matthew Herper, Lizzy Lawrence, Nicholas St. Fleur, and Jonathan Wosen STAT+ | Cassava Sciences and its Alzheimer's drug are done. The damage lingers It's heartbreaking to consider the time — years, in many cases — that people with Alzheimer's lost by participating in Cassava's Phase 3 trials.  By Adam Feuerstein JoNel Aleccia/AP California health officials: Bird flu virus found in raw milk for sale While the human health implications of drinking H5N1-laced milk are unknown, scientists say the discovery is concerning. By Helen Branswell

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