Month: February 2025

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) announces its strong support for the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act. AANP thanks Senators Merkley (D-OR) and Lummis (R-WY), and Representatives Joyce (R-OH-14), Bonamici (D-OR-1), Kiggans (R-VA-2), Underwood (D-IL-14) and Rogers (R-AL-3) for introducing this bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House and Senate, which would improve health care access for Medicare and Medicaid patients and modernize the programs by removing barriers to practice for nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

“This important legislation takes a necessary step toward modernizing outdated policies that limit patient access to timely care,” said AANP President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP. “Nurse practitioners are essential providers in our nation’s health care system and removing these barriers ensures patients can receive the high-quality care they need—when and where they need it.”

NPs provide high-quality health care to Medicare and Medicaid patients across all geographic areas and health care settings. Approximately 40% of Medicare beneficiaries receive care from NPs, and NPs are the fastest growing Medicare provider group. Yet, despite the essential health care NPs provide to Medicare and Medicaid patients, outdated barriers still exist within the programs that prevent the effective and efficient delivery of care.

The ICAN Act would increase access to health care services for patients across the country by removing outdated federal barriers to care. This bill would authorize NPs to order cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, certify when patients with diabetes need therapeutic shoes, fully include NPs’ patients in the beneficiary attribution process for the Medicare Shared Savings Program, refer patients for medical nutrition therapy, certify and recertify a patient’s terminal illness for hospice eligibility, perform all mandatory examinations in skilled nursing facilities and more.

“Now is the time for Congress to act,” Ferrara added. “By passing the ICAN Act, lawmakers can help ensure Medicare and Medicaid patients receive the comprehensive, patient-centered care they deserve. This legislation strengthens the health care workforce and empowers providers to deliver care more efficiently.”

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 385,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs’ patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care.
NewsBit Bureau

Several hospitals in the Sunshine State, including six in Central Florida, are suing UnitedHealthcare for underpaying for emergency services provided, according to court records.

The suit alleges that the healthcare company failed to pay the amount required by Florida law for the services the hospitals offered.

“United has unilaterally and consistently decided to underpay the Hospitals these claims at only a fraction of the billed charges, at amounts well below the level of payment required by Florida statute,” according to the lawsuit.

In Central Florida, Osceola Regional Hospital, Central Florida Regional Hospital, Poinciana Medical Center, Marion Community Hospital, Oviedo Medical Center and UCF Lake Nona Hospital are listed on the suit along with 11 others in Florida. All of the hospitals listed in the suit are part of HCA Healthcare, Inc.

According to court records, none of the claims involve Medicare Advantage or Managed Medicaid plans.

“The claims at issue in this litigation involve only Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange products,” according to the suit.

The hospitals named in the suit seek damages in the amount of the difference of what UnitedHealthcare paid for the emergency services and the usual provider charges for similar services in the community where they were provided.

The hospitals named in the suit are:

• Osceola Regional Hospital
• Central Florida Regional Hospital
• Poinciana Medical Center
• Oviedo Medical Center
• Marion Community Hospital
• UCF Lake Nona Hospital
• Putnam Community Medical Center of North
• North Florida Regional Medical Center
• Notami Hospitals of Florida
• West Florida Regional Medical Center
• Fort Walton Beach Medical
• Tallahassee Medical Center
• Okaloosa Hospital
• Bay Hospital
• Lawnwood Medical Center
• Okeechobee Hospital
• HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital

The suit continues, saying in part that even though the hospitals listed and UnitedHealthcare do not have a contract, the hospitals must still provide emergency services to any patients who seek care at their facilities.

“Despite being excluded from United’s HIX plan network, the Hospitals provided emergency services and care to United HIX Members on more than 5,500 occasions from January 2022 through the present, and continue to do so on a daily or almost-daily basis.”

According to the lawsuit, the hospitals allege that UnitedHealthcare’s strategy for paying for out-of-network providers is “motivated by its desire to maximize its own profits at the expense of the very hospitals that care for its Members.” ClickOrlando

Novo Health Care Service and Encore Surgical Supplies developed the HealPACK as an innovative surgical dressing solution that enhances the post-surgery healing process, delivered to the patient’s door for treatment in the comfort of the patient’s home. HealPACK is a convenience pack of premium line of surgical dressing products trusted by physicians nationwide. HealPACK comes with a specifically development HealPACK app that supports the prescription and insurance verification process needed to order the product. The app also assists with relevant documentation required for proper reimbursement of the dressings. Each physician-prescribed, patient-specific order is shipped directly to the patient, eliminating risks around the interruption of continued care, increasing patient’s wound care compliance, and saving physicians’ practice time and money.

Miro Kesic, Encore’s CEO said, “In a short amount of time, we have become a market leader in empowering physicians to deliver post operative and conservative therapies for their patients. With a great team, advanced technology, and timely execution, Encore has delivered a superior platform to the market. This has resulted in the exponential growth and success of Encore Surgical.”

Neall French, Encore’s President added, “The next phase in continuing to deliver constant innovation and enhancements, is to align the HealPACK with one the industry’s best, in Tiger BioSciences. Tiger has an exceptional leadership team, impressive portfolio of companies, and a relentless mission in delivering superior clinical outcomes for patients.”

“The HealPACK and HealAPP is a fantastic addition to Tiger’s already impressive Wound Care product offering. Encore Surgical Dressing, LLC will be a new division of Tiger BioSciences that will have access to our vast network of customers in the orthopedic, podiatry as well as plastic surgery divisions. We are looking forward to the continuation of collaboration with Miro’s and Nealls’s team to ensure that more patients can benefit from our overall product offering,” said Oliver Burckhardt, Co-CEO of Tiger BioSciences.
NewsBit Bureau

Medical device maker Dexcom beat fourth-quarter sales estimates helped by resilient demand for its continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) used by patients with diabetes.

Dexcom’s shares fell nearly 37per cent last year, largely due to a slump in July after the company slashed its annual revenue forecast, blaming a restructuring of its sales team, fewer customers and lower revenue.

In July, the company said that based on the compounding effect of lower second-quarter new customer starts, it expects the growth rate in the back half of the year to be impacted.

It reiterated its previous 2025 revenue estimate of $4.60 billion. Analysts on average were expecting revenue of $4.61 billion, as per data compiled by LSEG.

The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.11 billion slightly above the analysts’ consensus estimate of $1.10 billion.

The California-based device maker is pinning its hopes on Stelo, its recently launched device for adults aged 18 and older who do not use insulin, making it the first CGM available for over-the-counter sales.

Increasing diabetes care awareness, wider insurance coverage, and preference for devices that do not need finger pricks have benefited CGMs such as Dexcom’s Stelo and G7. Rival Abbott launched its own OTC CGM, Lingo, weeks after Dexcom’s Stelo debut.

The company is counting on further international expansion to drive growth after it said it had improved access to its devices in markets such as Japan and France last quarter.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned a profit of 45 cents per share, compared to estimates of 50 cents per share. Reuters

Investment firm KKR is set to acquire a controlling 51% stake in Bengaluru-based cancer care hospital chain Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners.

The move underscores KKR’s growing focus on India’s expanding healthcare sector, which has witnessed significant private equity-led consolidation in recent years.

Deal Details and Valuation
Following the purchase, KKR will initiate a mandatory open offer for an additional 26% stake. If successful, KKR’s total ownership in HCG will rise to 77%.

The definitive agreements are expected to be signed in the coming days.

Ownership Structure Post-Transaction
Despite the change in control, HCG’s founding family, led by Dr. BS Ajaikumar, will retain a 10.87% stake in the company. However, Dr. Ajaikumar will transition from his role as Executive Chairman to a non-executive position, where he will focus on research and development initiatives.

CVC Capital Partners, currently holding 60.36% of HCG, will reduce its stake to nine percent after the transaction.

CVC initially acquired its majority share in June 2020, investing approximately ₹1,049 crore through a combination of new shares and convertible warrants. It later increased its stake through a mandatory open offer.

KKR’s Renewed Focus on Healthcare
The acquisition signals KKR’s strategic push into India’s healthcare sector. Previously, the firm exited Max Healthcare in one of its most profitable deals in India.

However, in 2024, KKR re-entered the market by acquiring Baby Memorial Hospital, demonstrating its commitment to specialty hospitals and healthcare services.

India’s cancer care industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%, with HCG expanding even faster due to its aggressive growth strategy. KKR and CVC Capital Partners began bilateral negotiations in October 2024, drawing interest from several global private equity firms, including Bain Capital.

However, KKR ultimately secured the deal after months of discussions. Leading investment banks Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Allegro, and Ambit are advising on the transaction.

HCG’s Expansion and Growth Strategy
Founded in 2005, HCG operates 21 comprehensive cancer centers, three multispecialty hospitals across India, and an international facility in Kenya.

The company faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic due to debt-financed expansion and disruptions in cancer care services. However, it has since improved operational efficiency and pursued strategic growth initiatives.

In late 2024, HCG acquired MG Hospital in Vizag, a 196-bed facility with a strong 35% operating margin. Additionally, the company launched a 200-bed cancer care center in Ahmedabad. It is also expanding its North Bengaluru facility by 125 beds.

As reported by digitalhealthnews.com, HCG has plans to expand its capacity by adding 900 more beds over the next four to five years. This move aims to meet the rising demand for specialized cancer care. Chemindigest

Niti Aayog Member V K Paul on Saturday emphasized the need to expand skilling initiatives beyond traditional medical education, balancing quality with quantity.

India’s care sector is at a crucial juncture, requiring a strengthened workforce to meet both national and global demands, a statement said.

In a summit – Transforming the future of the skilled workforce in the care sector ‘organised by NSDC International here, Paul emphasized the need to expand skilling initiatives beyond traditional medical education, balancing quality with quantity, the statement said.

NSDC International is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Talking about skilling initiatives, Paul said that the NSDC International is playing a pivotal role in this effort, ensuring care professionals trained in India are globally employable.

He highlighted the importance of evolving curriculum, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and scaling up skill-based training programmes to address workforce shortages, including in specialized areas such as geriatric care.

“The private sector collaboration is essential to bridge the skill gap. With structured policies and strong industry-academia partnerships, India can enhance its healthcare skilling ecosystem and emerge as a key contributor to the global workforce.”

The summit witnessed participation of vice chancellors from 50 institutions and around dozen AIIMS chief working towards a stronger healthcare ecosystem, the statement said.

Paul further said, “India’s healthcare workforce is a critical asset to both the nation and the world. With increasing global demand for skilled professionals, structured skilling initiatives play a pivotal role in equipping our workforce with the expertise required to meet international standards.

“India, with its young and skilled workforce, has the potential to bridge this gap. At NSDC International, we are committed to developing a globally competent caregiver workforce by aligning skilling programmes with international accreditation, streamlining certification processes, and integrating cultural adaptability training”. PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US is a major milestone that will strengthen bilateral trade, investment, defence, and technology partnerships, industry body CII said on Saturday.

Welcoming the recently concluded visit, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it eyes stronger trade and tech ties.

CII noted that the wide-ranging joint statement and initiatives announced during the visit under the framework of US-India COMPACT have set a clear forward-looking agenda for India-US relations, creating new opportunities for Indian industry and economic growth.

“A new chapter has been added to the India-US partnership, enabling much stronger collaboration in strategic sectors including defence, energy, semiconductors, space and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology.

“This creates an environment for the private sector on both sides to flourish in true partnership. The visit is especially significant as it will boost manufacturing in India, attract increased foreign direct investment and create jobs,” said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with President Trump strongly reaffirmed a commitment to expand trade and investment between the two countries, it stated.

CII welcomed the decision to work on the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement to reduce trade barriers and streamline regulatory processes, laying a strong foundation for increasing two-way trade.

It also expects that easier market access and regulatory harmonization will emerge from the proposed bilateral trade agreement dialogues, helping Indian products and services find greater foothold in the US market and vice versa.

The target of USD 500 billion in trade by 2030 promises to give a huge boost to exports of labour-intensive goods from India and industrial goods from the US, offering many new opportunities for Indian industry, said CII.

A critical area of partnership that featured in the discussion was around energy that is set to establish long term links as India strives to diversify its energy sourcing.

Given India’s ambitious net zero targets, the US with its vast gas reserves can play the role of a steady supplier to meet India’s energy demands, noted the industry body.

The discussion around nuclear reactors, coming close on the heels of India’s recently announced nuclear energy targets of 100 GW by 2047, has laid the foundation for technology collaboration and new fossil-free fuel options, it said.

Defence cooperation emerged as a prominent pillar of the visit, reinforcing the India-U.S. strategic partnership through expanded technology transfers, joint production, and industrial collaboration.

The industry body noted that the visit’s positive trajectory aligns with India’s broader economic goals. Stronger bilateral ties in trade and technology will fuel economic growth, boost export competitiveness and bring in capital and expertise to critical sectors. Money.Rediff