VAHHS Update

VAHHS Update arrives every Monday to your inbox and shares our reflections, legislative updates, news from our members around the state, and upcoming educational opportunities. You can sign up for VAHHS Update at the link on the bottom of this page.

In the News

Featured
Dr. Marvin Malek: We need to act to rein in ‘prior authorization’

The Legislature should pass H.766, the bill now being considered by the Vermont Senate that takes some first steps reining in the insurance company practice of “prior authorization.”

What Vermonters should know about colorectal cancer
What Vermonters should know about colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in Vermont, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the state, said Dr. Randy Holcombe, the director of the University of Vermont Cancer Center and an expert in colorectal cancer.

‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies
‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies

Health care providers have rallied behind legislation that would limit how insurers could respond to orders and claims submitted by clinicians. But insurance companies say the bill would significantly drive up the cost of premiums. For weeks, health care providers have been telling lawmakers horror stories about dealing with insurance companies.

Vermont's Approach to Primary Care Is Driving Down Costs
Vermont's Approach to Primary Care Is Driving Down Costs

Nearly 3 in 10 Americans lack access to primary medical care, which is essential to detecting chronic health problems in early, treatable stages, if not preventing them altogether. Caring for the millions who have chronic diseases already accounts for 90 percent of the nation's $4 trillion in annual health-care costs. Dramatic increases that lie ahead in the population past the age of 50 will bring new demands.

Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update

Just as robins and crocuses signal spring, the signs of the legislative session winding down are upon us. Each day holds multiple highs and lows as various proposals come up and just as easily float away until next year or get stuck into other bills. Follow everything that’s happening below!

Legislative Update
Vermont's health care providers want health insurance reform
Vermont's health care providers want health insurance reform

Vermont's health care providers have taken aim at health insurance companies, targeting excessive bureaucracy, and the practice of requiring prior authorization for needed procedures and drugs, as compromising patient care and increasing costs, even though prior authorization is intended to lower costs by preventing unnecessary or misguided care.

Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update

Last week, I attended a press conference of health care providers and patient advocates supporting prior authorizations and step therapy reform in H.766 (spotlighted in this week’s Update). After Bob Kinzel’s first question, I briefly wondered if anyone would feel hesitant about going to the podium.

Legislative Update
Health care advocates ask Vermont Senate to approve legislation that could reform prior authorization
Health care advocates ask Vermont Senate to approve legislation that could reform prior authorization

A group of health care advocates on Wednesday urged the Vermont Senate to support legislation that is designed to reduce administrative burdens for providers.

Health Watch: UVM researchers make strides in diagnosis, treatment of traumatic brain injuries
Health Watch: UVM researchers make strides in diagnosis, treatment of traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries often can’t be seen. Beneath the surface, survivors can struggle with mental health, cognitive function, and physical disabilities. Amy Kemp, a TBI survivor in St. Albans, says her injury causes symptoms that have made working and living independently nearly impossible.

Why rural? Vermont nurses explain how they find joy working and living in remote communities | AHA
Why rural? Vermont nurses explain how they find joy working and living in remote communities | AHA

Gifford Health Care is spotlighting team members who live, work and deliver health care in rural Vermont, as part of its “Redefining Rural” video series. Gifford is a federally qualified health center with a critical access hospital in Randolph, Vt., and a network of community health centers throughout central Vermont and the Upper Valley.

Hospital Updates

Featured
Dr. Marvin Malek: We need to act to rein in ‘prior authorization’

The Legislature should pass H.766, the bill now being considered by the Vermont Senate that takes some first steps reining in the insurance company practice of “prior authorization.”

What Vermonters should know about colorectal cancer
What Vermonters should know about colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in Vermont, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the state, said Dr. Randy Holcombe, the director of the University of Vermont Cancer Center and an expert in colorectal cancer.

‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies
‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies

Health care providers have rallied behind legislation that would limit how insurers could respond to orders and claims submitted by clinicians. But insurance companies say the bill would significantly drive up the cost of premiums. For weeks, health care providers have been telling lawmakers horror stories about dealing with insurance companies.

Vermont's Approach to Primary Care Is Driving Down Costs
Vermont's Approach to Primary Care Is Driving Down Costs

Nearly 3 in 10 Americans lack access to primary medical care, which is essential to detecting chronic health problems in early, treatable stages, if not preventing them altogether. Caring for the millions who have chronic diseases already accounts for 90 percent of the nation's $4 trillion in annual health-care costs. Dramatic increases that lie ahead in the population past the age of 50 will bring new demands.

Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update

Just as robins and crocuses signal spring, the signs of the legislative session winding down are upon us. Each day holds multiple highs and lows as various proposals come up and just as easily float away until next year or get stuck into other bills. Follow everything that’s happening below!

Legislative Update
Vermont's health care providers want health insurance reform
Vermont's health care providers want health insurance reform

Vermont's health care providers have taken aim at health insurance companies, targeting excessive bureaucracy, and the practice of requiring prior authorization for needed procedures and drugs, as compromising patient care and increasing costs, even though prior authorization is intended to lower costs by preventing unnecessary or misguided care.

Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update
Legislative Update

Last week, I attended a press conference of health care providers and patient advocates supporting prior authorizations and step therapy reform in H.766 (spotlighted in this week’s Update). After Bob Kinzel’s first question, I briefly wondered if anyone would feel hesitant about going to the podium.

Legislative Update
Health care advocates ask Vermont Senate to approve legislation that could reform prior authorization
Health care advocates ask Vermont Senate to approve legislation that could reform prior authorization

A group of health care advocates on Wednesday urged the Vermont Senate to support legislation that is designed to reduce administrative burdens for providers.

Health Watch: UVM researchers make strides in diagnosis, treatment of traumatic brain injuries
Health Watch: UVM researchers make strides in diagnosis, treatment of traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries often can’t be seen. Beneath the surface, survivors can struggle with mental health, cognitive function, and physical disabilities. Amy Kemp, a TBI survivor in St. Albans, says her injury causes symptoms that have made working and living independently nearly impossible.

Why rural? Vermont nurses explain how they find joy working and living in remote communities | AHA
Why rural? Vermont nurses explain how they find joy working and living in remote communities | AHA

Gifford Health Care is spotlighting team members who live, work and deliver health care in rural Vermont, as part of its “Redefining Rural” video series. Gifford is a federally qualified health center with a critical access hospital in Randolph, Vt., and a network of community health centers throughout central Vermont and the Upper Valley.