In this policy brief we analyze the effect of Medicare payment adjustments on Medicare-derived revenues to rural primary care providers. Building on prior work in this area, we look at the effect of changes in the Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) from 2013 to 2014 as implemented in the Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013 and the Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Key Findings. (1) Changes to the GPCIs made between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, resulted in an average 0.12% (median 0.18%) Medicare-derived revenue increase in rural primary care practices. (2) Without the GPCI work floor reinstatement, primary care practices in rural areas would have been disproportionately impacted through lower Medicare-related revenues.
Introduction: This real-world study assessed the effectiveness of bebtelovimab (BEB) versus nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NR) among outpatients with COVID-19 during the Omicron variant era.
Methods: We conducted a cohort study evaluating patients treated with BEB or NR from February to August 2022 (study period). Follow-up began the day after treatment and continued for 30 days.
Purpose: To compare long-term care escalation encounters among three care patterns for new episodes of neck pain among Medicare beneficiaries.
Methods: We examined Medicare claims spanning a four-year period for beneficiaries with new episodes of neck pain beginning in 2019. All patients were continuously enrolled under Medicare parts A, B, and D and aged 65-99 years.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as a common endocrine and metabolic disorder, is often regarded as a primary cause of anovulatory infertility in women. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Emerging evidence highlights that energy metabolism dysfunction and oxidative stress in granulosa cells (GCs) are pivotal contributors to aberrant follicular development and impaired fertility in PCOS patients.
Background: Most transgender people face different conditions of health vulnerability on a daily basis. In the Brazilian context, no research review has been found on such situations in the light of the theoretical conceptualization of multidimensional vulnerability. This research aimed to identify and analyze components of social and/or programmatic vulnerability that interfere with access to health care for trans people in Brazil.
Background: Women's decision-making power on contraceptive use is crucial for increasing modern contraceptive uptake. However, evidence in Ethiopia regarding this topic is limited and inconclusive.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with women's decision-making power on modern contraceptive use in Girawa district, Eastern Ethiopia, January 1-30, 2024.
