The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury have begun the next steps to establish health insurance exchanges–marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs, similar to the kind of insurance choices as members of Congress. Among other policies, the proposed rules describe how middle-class families will gain access to tax relief to potentially reduce the cost of coverage.
Diagnostic imaging for low back pain, ECG screening of asymptomatic patients, DEXA screening of younger women and imaging of minor head injuries in children were identified as commonly ordered tests with minimal benefits or risks that outweigh benefits, according to a report published May 23 in Archives of Internal Medicine.
