Supply Chain

HHS says at least 2 million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with 23,000 dying as a result.

Rising concerns about spending on prescription drugs that treat rare diseases are not justified, according to a new analysis in the journal Health Affairs.

As of July 1, the FDA had 4,036 generic drug applications awaiting approval; median time it takes for the FDA to approve a generic is now 47 months.

Integrated healthcare delivery and financing company UPMC is taking steps to thwart wasteful spending and high costs in forming an independent company called Pensiamo, which aims to help hospitals improve supply chain performance with a source-to-pay offering, including cognitive analytics with IBM Watson Health Technologies.

While the legacy skin test is cheaper in terms of materials, it requires more staff time, and a greater commitment on the part of the patient.

The new rates, initiated on January 1, are being fully implemented on July 1, CMS said.

Boosting support for prescription drug monitoring programs, and establishing a consistent funding source, is strongly related to a reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths, says a new study from Health Affairs.

This prototype machine produces 1,000 pills in 24 hours, faster than it can take to produce some batches in a factory. Allan Myerson, a professor of chemical engineering at MIT and a leader of the effort, says it could become eventually an option for anyone who makes medications, which typically require a lengthy and complex process of crystallization.

While surgical screws or sponges can cost a hospital less than a penny each, when a surgeon accentially leaves one of these behind in a patient's body the mistake can cost both patientsa and healthcare providers dearly.

A new study by the CVS Health Research Institute found that home infusion care is safe, clinically effective and improves quality of life; and when it's compared to infusion care delivered in a hospital or clinic, it may also reduce healthcare costs.