Physicians have long dabbled in cosmetic medicine to boost their incomes. It is interesting to note that their cosmetic practices are competitive with transparent pricing, while their therapeutic areas of practice is bureaucratic with opaque prices. As a result of competition, cosmetic surgery prices have risen about equal to consumer inflation, which is one-third the rate of medical inflation.
Category: News and Events
Friday Wrap Up
President Biden listens to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer before signing the Chips Act at the White House, Aug. 9. PHOTO: EVAN VUCCI/ASSOCIATED PRESS Reminds me of Augustine’s prayer about chastity Part of the problem is that some of the bill’s promised price cuts don’t kick in for years. Killing the 5% coinsurance for Medicare recipients…
Is Government to Blame for Europe’s Lack of Air Conditioning?
This summer’s heat wave is scorching Texas and much of the United States. It has also led to record temperatures in places like the United Kingdom where it reached 104 degrees in July. The UK is currently bracing up for another week of hot weather. Temperatures have been high across Europe. Paris is currently frying which is not uncommon in July and August.
Who Benefits from Drug Rebates? Mostly Health Plans (Not Consumers)
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have been in the news lately. PBMs manage drug benefits for insurers, self-insured employer health plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D. Recently executives from the three largest PBMs were hauled before Congress to discuss their business models. One reason for scrutiny is that the three largest PBMs control about 80% of the market.