In this edition:

• 🧾 AMA president-elect talks reimbursement

• 🛒 GoodRX works directly with Kroger

• 🟰 Concierge medicine brings up equity issues

• ⁉️ Prompts in EHRs improve asthma care

• And more!

AMA president-elect talks reimbursement

As the newly elected president of the American Medical Association (AMA), Dr. Bobby Mukkamala is poised to tackle some of the most pressing issues in the healthcare industry. An otolaryngologist from Flint, Michigan, Dr. Mukkamala brings a unique perspective shaped by his heritage and experiences. His parents, both physicians, immigrated to the U.S. from India, setting roots in Flint where Dr. Mukkamala was raised and educated. This background has influenced his commitment to medicine and his drive to address the challenges facing physicians today.

During his interview with MedPage Today, Dr. Mukkamala highlighted several key priorities for his term. One of his main goals is to improve Medicare reimbursement for doctors. He emphasized the need for payments to reflect the rising costs of running a medical practice, especially in the post-COVID era. Additionally, he aims to reduce the administrative burden of prior authorizations, which he sees as a significant drain on medical resources.

Another crucial issue he plans to address is the lack of interoperability in electronic health records (EHR). He pointed out the inefficiencies and potential dangers of the current system, where vital patient information often fails to transfer seamlessly between different healthcare providers.

GoodRX works directly with Kroger

Kroger, the leading destination for prescription savings in the U.S., today announced a new direct contracting agreement with The Kroger Co. to deliver improved prescription pricing at more than 2,200 Kroger family pharmacy locations nationwide.

"We are excited to renew our relationship with Kroger," said Scott Wagner, Interim CEO of GoodRx. "Kroger has been a valuable participant in the GoodRx marketplace over the years and an innovator in healthcare, nutrition and wellness. We’ve leveraged our direct contracting model to reach an agreement that we believe supports Kroger’s business goals and helps patients get the prescriptions they need at affordable prices."

A key focus for GoodRx in recent years has been transforming how it delivers value to retail pharmacies. By leveraging its direct-contracting model, GoodRx and Kroger have reached a mutually beneficial agreement that enables them to deliver lower prices directly to patients.

Starting June 1, 2024, patients can present a GoodRx coupon at Kroger Family of Pharmacies to receive almost 50% more savings on the expected patient price for most generics, compared to previously available prices on their prescription medications.