Specialty Medicine

Glycemic Markers Contribute to The Obesity-Pancreatic Cancer Connection

Sonia Reyes
Oncology Care, Specialty Medicine, GI Cancers, Endocrinology & Metabolic, Managed Care, Population Health Management | Jul 24, 2026
In the UK Biobank study, glucose and HbA1c accounted for up to 20% of the link between obesity and pancreatic cancer, highlighting glycemic control as a modifiable target for prevention.

Medication Burden Climbs After 75 in Patients With Steatotic Liver Disease

Sonia Reyes
Specialty Medicine, GI & Hepatology, Managed Care, Value Based Care | Jul 22, 2026
An NHANES analysis found polypharmacy in older adults with MASLD rises sharply after age 75, raising deprescribing and goal-concordant care questions for payers.

Hospital at Home and Heart Failure Care Equally Effective, But Clinician Judgment Most Important

George Padron
Specialty Medicine, Cardiology, Managed Care, Value Based Care | Jul 21, 2026
Kaiser's hospital-at-home program matched inpatient care on 30-day readmission, mortality, and GDMT in 307 matched heart failure pairs. Cost was not assessed.

Merck's Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor Approval Undercuts Injectables

George Padron
Specialty Medicine, Healthcare Headlines, FDA & Regulations, Cardiology, Access & Affordability, Prior Authorization, Managed Care, Formulary & Coverage, Pharmacy Benefit Trends | Jul 17, 2026
FDA has approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, priced at $315 per month. Merck has positioned it below injectable options, transitioning PCSK9 medications into retail pharmacies.

Air Quality Alerts Blanket the Northeast as Canadian Smoke Pushes the AQI Into the Unhealthy Band

George Padron
Specialty Medicine, Healthcare Headlines, Workforce & Practice, Pulmonology | Jul 16, 2026
Wildfire smoke drove Northeast air quality into the Unhealthy band Thursday. At AQI 151 to 200, the guidance covers everyone, and only KN95 or N95 masks help.