What We're Watching: August 20, 2019

THE TARIFF MAN CAN

Last week the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it was postponing the introduction of an additional 10 percent tariff on an estimated $156 of the $300 billion worth of Chinese products. The tariffs were supposed to take effect on Sept. 1. They will now be rolled out on Dec. 15. Some of the products impacted by this delay include laptops, computer monitors and smartphones, among others.

What we’re saying: Many of the products impacted by the delay are ones that Premier had urged USTR to exclude from the tariff list.

TICKET TO RIDE

Last week the American Logistics Company announced a partnership with Uber Health, the HIPAA-approved platform from the ride-sharing mobile application. The companies will provide healthcare plans and organizations with real-time patient pick-up and drop-off scheduling, GPS tracking and secure communications between providers, payers, non-emergency transportation providers and patients.

What we’re saying: Rides will be customized according to specific patient needs and can be scheduled by clinical staff on behalf of patients without the use of a smartphone. Many Premier members are already using ride sharing services as part of their population health strategies.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Dr. Patel’s Outlook on Cancer Care’s Bright Future
• Value-Based Care Necessitates Shift in Primary Care Staffing Model
• Women leaders still face roadblocks on path to C-suite
• Primary care clinic staffing should reflect patient needs and payment model design
• Premier Submits Comments on CMS RFI on Regulatory Burden
• Premier Inc. Analysis: Primary Care Clinic Staffing Mix Should Depend on Patient Needs and Payment Model Design
• Magellan Health Announces DecisionPoint in Collaboration with Premier, Inc.
• Statement on the 39 Attorney Generals’ Letter to Congressional Leadership Urging Removal of Federal Barriers to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
• Progknowse Announces Partnerships with Three Health Systems
• How Our Health Systems Are Working to Prevent Hospital Drug Shortages

What We’re Watching is a weekly blog focused on the current events Premier is following and their relevance to the work of Premier and its members. Check out last week's update.