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There is considerable variation in specialty drug coverage across commercial health plans

Variation in Specialty Drug Coverage Across Health Plans

Plans restrict coverage of drugs indicated for cancer less often than drugs indicated for other diseases
Dermal absorption is a more important pathway than inhalation for the intake of low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during barbecuing

Skin Appears to Be Key Pathway for Absorption of BBQ Fumes

During barbecuing, dermal intake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons greater than inhalation intake
There was a large increase in sales of electronic cigarettes and related products in the United States in recent years as their prices fell

CDC: E-Cigarette Sales in the United States Climb As Prices Fall

Average monthly sales of electronic cigarettes and related products rose 132 percent from 2012 to 2017
Some types of bacteria are developing tolerance of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in hospitals

Some Bacteria Now More Tolerant of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

Enterococci bacteria surviving exposure for longer periods of time
In a letter sent to Administrator Seema Verma of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Groups Urge CMS to Reconsider Suspending Risk Adjustment

Twenty-eight medical organizations, including AMA, sent letter to Administrator Verma of CMS
A four-month regimen of rifampin is similar to a nine-month regimen of isoniazid for the prevention of active tuberculosis

Rifampin Similar to Isoniazid for Preventing Active Tuberculosis

Rifampin has significantly higher rate of treatment completion, fewer drug-related adverse events
Anticipation of how providers will receive feedback is important for antimicrobial stewardship programs to consider in informing educational messaging

How Doctors Receive Feedback Is Key for Antimicrobial Programs

For inpatient providers, disagreement about antimicrobial use attribution rises with complexity
Electronic cigarette use is most common among current smokers

E-Cigarettes Don’t Seem to Aid Smoking Cessation Efforts

Dual users had the highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms
There are large coverage gaps in short-term health plans that were approved Wednesday by the Trump administration

New Short-Term Health Plans Have Large Coverage Gaps

Plans don't have to cover existing medical conditions, provide limited benefits
A council on health care spending and value has been established by the journal Health Affairs.

Health Affairs Announces Launch of New Three-Year Initiative

Council on Health Care Spending and Value will be co-chaired by William Frist and Margaret Hamburg