ICER Doubles Down on Flawed Metrics
How much is a life worth? It’s not an easy question, but that doesn’t stop the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review from trying to calculate an answer – even if it means using biased tools. Learn More
Thyroid Eye Disease in the Spotlight
Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week is the perfect time to recognize the voices of patients and caregivers affected by the rare and debilitating – but treatable – autoimmune condition. Learn More
This April, Women’s Eyes Have It
Most Americans are probably aware that men die at a younger age than women, get sick more often and are more likely to suffer from heart disease and other chronic conditions. But this familiar narrative can mislead women about some of the disproportionate risks to their health. One area with a large “reverse health gap” is the eyes. Read more on Health Policy Today.
More States Adopt Step Therapy Limitations While Federal Protections Remain Elusive
Tennessee and Kentucky are the latest states to enact step therapy reform, joining more than two dozen others in protecting commercially insured patients from the harmful practice. Federal officials, meanwhile, are leaving some seniors vulnerable. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Game-Changing Medication Brightens Outlook for Vision Patients
By Paul Phelps, MD, FACS A new drug could restore independence for people with a rare vision condition. For physicians like me, that’s exciting news. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Would You Recognize Thyroid Eye Disease?
Eye bulging, double vision, watery eyes and debilitating eye pain. Any one of these symptoms is reason to visit an eye doctor, but together they could signify thyroid eye disease. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Insurers Push for Cheaper, Untested Eye Treatment
Injecting a syringe of an unapproved treatment into a patient’s eyeball would be a nightmare scenario for most ophthalmologists. But that is what many major insurance companies are now suggesting doctors do. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Are Insurers Slighting Sjögren’s Patients?
By Susan Barajas When you have a disease nobody has heard of, it’s easy to feel alone. And when insurance companies make it harder for you to access treatment, it can become even more disheartening. I know these feelings all too well. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Drug Shortage Distress
With the nation’s attention riveted on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, drugs that allow patients to deal with other serious medical conditions are falling by the wayside. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Read more on Health Policy Today.
Screen Time, Delayed Care Endanger Eyesight
From work to school, book clubs to coffee dates, people are online more than ever before. And eye care professionals are bracing for the inevitable impact on vision health. Read more on Health Policy Today.