About pharma
Circular ecDNA promotes accessible chromatin and high oncogene expression (Nature, subscription required, though you can read the abstract): This article explains the potential for treating cancers by modifying extra-chromosomal DNA.
Walgreens opens first VillageMD site: These sites are primary care clinics in or next to the drug stores.
About healthcare IT
(Another) roadblock identified in VA, DOD transition to Cerner EHR: This article updates the increasing delay of implementing Cerner systems in the VA.
About health insurance
Addiction and mental health vs. physical health: Widening disparities in network use and provider reimbursement: The headline tells the story. This report is a detailed analysis by the actuarial firm Milliman.
Tennessee becomes first state to ask permission for Medicaid block grants: Despite yesterday’s news about the government rethinking block grants, Tennessee is asking for a waiver to change how it gets paid for Medicaid.
Higher Costs for Workers and Their Families: This Commonwealth Fund study looks at individuals’ insurance costs by state. Which have the highest deductibles? Four of the top six are in New England (NOT Massachusetts).
In This Democratic Debate, Health Care Issues Took A Back Seat: Not much new on healthcare in last night’s debate (unless you count family leave policy). This article is a good short summary of the debate’s healthcare content.
FINALLY (This article defies classification)
Top Trump health official spent $3 million on contractors who helped boost her visibility:The health official is CMS administrator Seema Verma.