The American journal of managed care
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Triple therapy is indicated for patients with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Use of this treatment in the appropriate patient population is important to ensure optimal outcomes. This study quantified the use of triple therapy and assessed concordance with 2013-2016 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommendations within a national health plan. ⋯ Results showed that triple therapy was often prescribed among patients classified as GOLD group A or B. Additional research is required, however, to further assess whether these patients may have had an exacerbation that was not evident in claims data. Treatment of COPD should be individualized to optimize outcomes and reduce adverse events.
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The outcomes of liver transplantation may vary according to socioeconomic factors such as insurance coverage. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the type of insurance payer and outcomes of liver transplant candidates and recipients in the United States. ⋯ Liver transplant candidates covered by Medicare or Medicaid have poorer wait-list outcomes and higher posttransplant mortality.
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The Patient-Driven Payment Model addresses perverse incentives in Medicare's previous payment system for skilled nursing facilities, but it includes new incentives that may be problematic.