Latest news with #MSK
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Nearly 20K cancer patients at NYC's Memorial Sloan Kettering at risk of losing critical care over insurance spat
Nearly 20,000 patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering could lose access to critical care because of a contract battle between the renowned cancer hospital and health insurance behemoth UnitedHealthcare. The two sides have until the end of June to hash out a new deal over reimbursement rates — but are trading blame while patients, many in need of lifesaving care, anxiously wait to see if they will keep in-network treatment. Patient Lee Kassler, of Plainview, Long Island, said he was in 'disbelief' and 'shocked' when he found out that he could lose care on July 1 if the Manhattan hospital and health insurance company don't reach an agreement by June 30. 'Full of anxiety, full of stress, saddened, angry, worried, just a whole host of emotions that I was faced with when I was diagnosed with cancer,' Kassler, who has had a rare, incurable gastric cancer since 2022, told The Post Friday. The new grandfather, 61, said he goes to MSK with '110 percent' confidence, and couldn't imagine using another medical center for his 'life and death situation.' MSK officials have been pushing for a higher reimbursement rate for services, claiming the current yearly increase of 1.6% over the last five years isn't on par with rising costs the hospital is facing. 'MSK has worked hard to reach a long-term agreement with UHC — one that reflects the real cost and value of our specialized cancer care,' the hospital said in a statement. 'UHC refused to agree to that.' But UHC argued that the top-rated cancer treatment center is pushing a 35% spike in reimbursement rates over the next three years — which could cost the health insurance provider nearly $470 million. Memorial Sloan Kettering says UnitedHealthcare needs to increase the reimbursement. Christopher Sadowski 'Our top priority is to reach an agreement with MSK that is affordable for consumers and employers,' the company, which also covers Oxford plans, said in a statement to The Post. 'We have proposed meaningful rate increases that would continue to reimburse MSK at levels significantly higher than other National Cancer Institute-designated health systems in the New York City metro area.' The company, whose CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot by alleged gunman Luigi Mangione last year, has also publicly worked to make its case to consumers. MSK chief medical officer Cardinale Smith, meanwhile, argued in an interview the proposal from the health insurer is not financially sustainable. UnitedHealthcare claims MSK's demands are too high. Getty Images 'Bottom line is that there are thousands of patients who need our care and UHC is just not putting them first,' Smith said. About 19,225 patients, including Kassler, could have treatment disrupted, hospital reps said. Sloan Kettering has gotten into past contract fights with Anthem and Cigna before deals were reached. Even if a new agreement with UHC isn't inked by June 30, a New York state law requires a cooling-off period in which at least some patients will get in-network care at the hospital through the end of August. The grace period applies to patients with fully insured UnitedHealthcare or Oxford plans for hospital care, both MSK and the health insurer said. Patients can also apply for continuity of care that would possibly give them a temporary extension of in-network treatment. With his birthday coming up in a few days, Kassler said all he wants is to receive news of a deal. 'The best birthday present was my grandson but the second best would be let's put this behind us,' Kassler said. 'Let me just be under the treatment of Sloan for a long time.'
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Young karatekas show strong balance of kata and kumite
The commitment of the Midrand Shotokan Karate (MSK) karatekas was on full display as they made an early journey to Mpumalanga on June 7 for the Mpumalanga Karate School of Champions' friendly memorial tournament. The young karatekas excelled, with each securing a spot on the podium, bringing home four gold, one silver, and three bronze medals in both kata and kumite. Speaking to MSK shihan Dalson Seanego, he praised the young karatekas for achieving a strong balance between kata and kumite. 'With the evolution of sport karate, many practitioners have shifted their focus to specialising in one category at the expense of the other. Also read: Brian Molapisane Foundation invites locals for a weekend of sport, conversation, and brotherhood 'At MSK, we emphasise the importance of maintaining an effective balance between practising kata and kumite.' The club will be hosting its annual MSK Third Gold Tornament on September 6, moving from the Olifantsfontein Community Hall to the Marlboro Community Hall. MSK is also seeking potential sponsors and new karatekas. For inquiries about becoming a member of the club, readers can contact Ayanda Zulu at 078 351 0334, or visit the MSK website at: To learn more, read the next print publication of the Midrand Reporter. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Medscape
12-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
US Bursitis and BMI Predict Joint Issues in Psoriasis
In patients with mild psoriasis and no initial musculoskeletal signs, ultrasound bursitis at entheses was associated with the development of inflammatory symptoms suggestive of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and those who developed musculoskeletal symptoms had higher BMI and fatigue scores and had a higher risk for transition to PsA. METHODOLOGY: This prospective multicentre study included 78 patients with mild psoriasis without musculoskeletal symptoms who were not on systemic treatment; 82% of them had mild disease and 39.7% presented with onychopathy. Researchers performed ultrasound evaluation of 40 joints and 10 entheses bilaterally at baseline and during follow-up; these were assessed for synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler signal, and entheseal changes including bursitis. Study outcomes were the diagnosis of PsA and new-onset musculoskeletal symptoms. The median follow-up duration was 76.6 months. TAKEAWAY: Among 60 patients who completed the study, 6.6% developed PsA over a mean of 20.2 months according to the CASPAR criteria, corresponding to the annual incidence of approximately 1%. Overall, 56.6% of patients developed musculoskeletal symptoms and had significantly higher BMI ( P = .013) and abdominal circumference ( P = .022) at baseline. = .013) and abdominal circumference ( = .022) at baseline. These patients also scored higher on pain (2.14 vs 0.91; P = .047) and fatigue (3.25 vs 1.21; P = .011) components of the baseline Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease questionnaire than those not developed musculoskeletal symptoms. = .047) and fatigue (3.25 vs 1.21; = .011) components of the baseline Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease questionnaire than those not developed musculoskeletal symptoms. Ultrasound bursitis at entheses was present in 80% of patients who developed inflammatory arthralgia suggestive of PsA ( P = .049). = .049). The total joint ultrasound score at baseline was significantly higher in patients who developed musculoskeletal symptoms ( P = .037). IN PRACTICE: "Around half of the patients with PsO [psoriasis] developed MSK [musculoskeletal] symptoms during the follow-up and they had significantly higher BMI, more joint US [ultrasound] findings and scored higher in pain and fatigue scales at baseline PsAID [Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease] questionnaire, defining a subgroup with potentially higher risk to develop PsA. On the other hand, US bursitis at enthesis was related to the onset of MSK symptoms suggestive of PsA," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Ana Belén Azuaga, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. It was published online on June 04, 2025, in Rheumatology . LIMITATIONS: The sample size was relatively small, potentially underestimating the incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. The exclusion of patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and those on systemic therapy likely excluded individuals with a higher risk of developing PsA. Additionally, a significant proportion of patients initiated disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy during the study, including biologics, which could have affected the development of PsA symptoms. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by research grants from Pfizer and Novartis. Additional support came from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fully insured medical claims analysis shows significant cost savings and 2.4x ROI for Hinge Health populations
Methodology validated by leading global benefits consultant SAN FRANCISCO, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hinge Health, Inc. (NYSE: HNGE) today announced results from a medical claims analysis revealing an average $2,343 savings per member per year on care for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and a 2.4x return on investment (ROI) for fully insured health plan members using its digital MSK platform. The methodology of the medical claims analysis of 4,788 health plan members was validated by Gallagher, a leading global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm. MSK costs remain one of the top drivers of health costs, placing increasing pressure on benefits leaders to ensure programs deliver value and cost-efficiency. The medical claims analysis examined the impact of Hinge Health on medical care costs and utilization among participants enrolled in fully insured health plans. The study found meaningful cost savings from reduced utilization across a spectrum of healthcare services, including injections and physical or occupational therapy, with the majority of claims reductions (44%) coming from avoided surgeries. "Employers today face tremendous pressure to contain costs without sacrificing the quality of employee benefits," said Jim Pursley, President, Hinge Health. "This analysis proves that health plans can deliver better health outcomes and an outstanding member experience with Hinge Health, while driving down healthcare spend." The analysis leveraged a claims database that represented more than 100 million commercially insured lives from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2023. To estimate savings, the study compared medical cost and utilization between Hinge Health participants and a matched control group between a baseline year and the 12 months after Hinge Health members started care. This new analysis builds upon previous cost analysis studies that demonstrate the cost-savings that Hinge Health provides. Hinge Health's digital MSK platform has consistently shown a financial benefit of more than 2x ROI across industries and participant demographics through multiple third-party validations, including a multi-employer study and Medicare population evaluation. About Hinge Health Hinge Health is focused on scaling and automating the delivery of health care, starting with musculoskeletal conditions. Leveraging an AI-powered care model, wearable device, and access to expert clinicians, Hinge Health delivers personalized, evidence-based care that helps people move beyond pain, improving member outcomes and experiences and reducing costs for clients. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. View source version on Contacts media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Fully insured medical claims analysis shows significant cost savings and 2.4x ROI for Hinge Health populations
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hinge Health, Inc. (NYSE: HNGE) today announced results from a medical claims analysis revealing an average $2,343 savings per member per year on care for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and a 2.4x return on investment (ROI) for fully insured health plan members using its digital MSK platform. The methodology of the medical claims analysis of 4,788 health plan members was validated by Gallagher, a leading global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm. MSK costs remain one of the top drivers of health costs, placing increasing pressure on benefits leaders to ensure programs deliver value and cost-efficiency. The medical claims analysis examined the impact of Hinge Health on medical care costs and utilization among participants enrolled in fully insured health plans. The study found meaningful cost savings from reduced utilization across a spectrum of healthcare services, including injections and physical or occupational therapy, with the majority of claims reductions (44%) coming from avoided surgeries. 'Employers today face tremendous pressure to contain costs without sacrificing the quality of employee benefits,' said Jim Pursley, President, Hinge Health. 'This analysis proves that health plans can deliver better health outcomes and an outstanding member experience with Hinge Health, while driving down healthcare spend.' The analysis leveraged a claims database that represented more than 100 million commercially insured lives from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2023. To estimate savings, the study compared medical cost and utilization between Hinge Health participants and a matched control group between a baseline year and the 12 months after Hinge Health members started care. This new analysis builds upon previous cost analysis studies that demonstrate the cost-savings that Hinge Health provides. Hinge Health's digital MSK platform has consistently shown a financial benefit of more than 2x ROI across industries and participant demographics through multiple third-party validations, including a multi-employer study and Medicare population evaluation. About Hinge Health Hinge Health is focused on scaling and automating the delivery of health care, starting with musculoskeletal conditions. Leveraging an AI-powered care model, wearable device, and access to expert clinicians, Hinge Health delivers personalized, evidence-based care that helps people move beyond pain, improving member outcomes and experiences and reducing costs for clients. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
