Legislature should evaluate influence of PBMs
As healthcare professionals, our focus should be on dismantling unnecessary barriers between patients and their prescribed treatments. I implore the Arizona Legislature to critically evaluate the influence of PBMs, with the ultimate goal of prioritizing the well-being of patients over the profit-driven motives of intermediaries.
Creighton University addresses health care staffing shortage
Over the next 10 years, Creighton University expects to help fill more than 23,000 jobs and add an estimated $3.6 billion in economic output to Arizona; yet this will not be enough.
Panel considering whether to revive challenge to law barring abortions based solely on genetic abnormalities
A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel is mulling whether to revive a challenge to the 2021 law barring abortions based solely on genetic abnormalities. A district court judge previously declined to renew an injunction on the law as he found the abortion providers and organizations that brought the suit no longer had standing to bring a pre-enforcement challenge post-Dobbs.
Rural healthcare at risk if we don’t hold health plans accountable
Commercial health insurance routinely downgrades and denies payment to healthcare providers, which means providers are left taking care of patients and not getting paid, which is not a good business model. That is why my bill, HB2290 currently up for consideration in the Senate, is important for hospitals, physicians and patients.
Anti-abortion firm pushes court to make virtually all abortions illegal
An anti-abortion law firm is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to reverse a lower court ruling and once again make virtually all abortions illegal in Arizona.
Rural hospitals continue to provide quality care, despite facing challenges
We must pay more to attract physicians and specialists who may otherwise prefer to work in the Phoenix or Tucson areas. Personnel expenses now account for 75 percent of our total operational costs, and we have been recruiting for another primary care physician to join our team for the past two years.
Dean says Obamacare may contribute to doctor shortage
A dean of the state’s medical school warned today that chaos surrounding the transition to the Affordable Care Act may drive young prospects away from medical school.
State invests millions in medical schools, lacks enough physician residency programs
Erin Garvey is sitting at a Mayo Clinic office in Phoenix, wearing a white lab coat and green pants. She has 10 months left in her five-year residency training. After that, she’s off to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she’ll learn more about minimal invasive surgery.
Arizona targets lax medical marijuana doctors
Arizona health officials are looking to root out physicians who are improperly recommending medical marijuana for patients who claim to suffer from chronic pain.
Dry needling
Acupuncturists challenge sharp new trend in physical therapy
Physical therapists in recent years have discovered the magic of the needle.
Arizona court: Law allows suits against hospitals
A new Arizona court decision says lawsuits filed under a state law to protect vulnerable or incapacitated adults from neglect, abuse and exploitation can be filed against hospitals.
AHCCCS expansion isn’t a left or right issue — it’s an Arizona issue
Today I urge our Legislature to expand Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coverage for the working poor. There is no backup plan. This is it. It is neither a left issue nor a right issue. It is an Arizona issue.