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Author: Lauren Brown

Long-Term GLP-1 Use May Slow Medical Cost Growth

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Sustained use of GLP-1 medications is associated with slower medical cost growth over time, according to new findings from Aon. The analysis examined claims data from more than 190,000 GLP-1 users between 2022 and 2025 and found that consistent use—particularly with high adherence—was linked to lower medical cost growth compared to non-users. The research suggests cost trends improve the longer patients remain on therapy, with the strongest impact seen among individuals using GLP-1s for diabetes…
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Where the PA Title Change Effort Stands

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The American Academy of Physician Associates continues its push to transition the profession away from the term “physician assistant” and toward “physician associate,” a change it says better reflects PAs’ roles in modern healthcare. While the organization formally adopted the new title in 2021, it acknowledges that full implementation at the state and federal levels will take years. Progress remains uneven. State PA chapters must pursue rebranding and statutory changes individually, and so far only…
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U.S. at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status

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The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status as cases continue to rise nationwide. As of January 6, the CDC has confirmed 2,147 measles cases across 2025 and 2026, with new cases reported in North Carolina and South Carolina, and dozens of outbreaks ongoing across the country. Most cases are occurring among unvaccinated individuals, and public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine has declined in recent years. While…
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U.S. Flu Activity Remains Elevated Despite Recent Declines

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The CDC’s latest FluView report shows a modest decline in flu activity, with the national influenza positivity rate dropping to 18.6% for the week ending January 10. However, the overall impact of the season remains significant, as flu-related deaths continued to rise and hospitals across the country reported sustained strain on capacity. Some health systems have even postponed elective procedures as emergency departments and inpatient units remain full. Key takeaways from the CDC’s most recent…
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UnitedHealthcare Updates Radiology Reimbursement Policy

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Effective April 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will update its reimbursement policy for radiology services billed on the same day as evaluation and management (E/M) services. When the same provider bills both an E/M service and a global radiology code for the same patient, a full written interpretation and report will be required to separately reimburse the professional component of the radiology service. Reports must follow American College of Radiology guidelines. If different providers bill the E/M…
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UAB Health System Acquires Southview Medical Group

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On Jan. 1, UAB Health System completed its acquisition of Southview Medical Group in Birmingham, Ala. The multi-specialty practice includes 30 providers, caring for over 51,000 patients annually with more than 130,000 patient visits. Under the agreement, UAB assumed ownership of Southview’s provider network facilities, including UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham and UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen locations. Patients will continue seeing their trusted providers while gaining access to UAB’s broader network of specialists, advanced…
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Ends Medicare Fitness Benefit

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will discontinue its Medicare fitness benefit effective Jan. 1, 2026. The move follows a transition in 2024 from the SilverSneakers program to a FlexCard fitness allowance, which the insurer said saw low utilization. A spokesperson noted that maintaining the benefit contributed to higher costs that affect all members, and the change allows BCBS to focus on medical services used by the broadest number of members, helping keep premiums…
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Flu Season Starts Early and Strong

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The current flu season is off to an unusually early and severe start, with flu-like outpatient visits reaching levels rarely seen this time of year. As of mid-December, about 4.1% of outpatient visits were for respiratory illness, making it the third-highest rate for this point in the season since 2010, according to CDC data. The CDC estimates there have already been approximately 4.6 million flu cases nationwide, resulting in about 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths….
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CMS & QPP Updates Providers Should Know

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2025 QPP Data Submission is Now Open QPP Service Center Hold Times 2026 MIPS Payment Adjustments in Effect Based on 2024 Performance Updates to 2026 PY Eligible Clinicians Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) based on Medicare PFS Final Rule Now Available: Updated Technical Release Notes for the 2026 Performance Period Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) for Eligible Clinicians

CMS Removes Mandatory Vaccine Reporting Measures for Medicaid and CHIP

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CMS has announced that states will no longer be required to report immunization status data for children and pregnant individuals, following a Dec. 30 letter sent to state health officials. Beginning in 2026, CMS removed four vaccine-related reporting measures tied to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This change affects a substantial portion of the population, as Medicaid covers nearly 70 million people and CHIP serves approximately 7 million, limiting the availability of…
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