What Florida's planned importation of some drugs means for consumers, Medicare

January 11, 2024
In early January 2024, the Food and Drug Administration said it would allow Florida to import some medications from Canada, where they are cheaper than buying in the U.S. It is the first U.S. state to import drugs in bulk, and has raised both acclaim and concern. Stacie Dusetzina, PhD, Professor of Health Policy, explains with CBS News how this policy can impact Florida taxpayers and who stands to benefit most from the expected lower prices of some certain drugs. 

New federal rule adds transparency to nursing home ownership; VUMC-led research informed rule development

November 16, 2023
A new federal rule published Nov. 15 will require additional transparency and disclosure of ownership and management of nursing homes across the country, and the rule was shaped by research conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The rule will help families make more informed decisions about nursing home care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a news release.

Jennifer Erves, PhD, MPH

Jennifer
Erves
PhD, MPH, MAEd, MS, CHES
Associate Professor
Health Policy

Dr. Erves is a public health oncologist focused on cancer prevention behaviors and reducing differences in cancer outcomes for certain populations. Her current research focuses on improving HPV vaccine uptake among minority and underserved populations using behavioral interventions, health communication, and implementation science. 

Her long-standing interests in research include minority health with emphasis on differences in cancer care and outcomes, community engagement, health behavior, and qualitative data analysis. She also works with other researchers, state level committees, as well as community-based organizations and members to develop strategies to reduce these differences in care and outcomes across diseases.

A full CV is available upon request.

View Dr. Cunningham-Erves' research on PubMed.

2525 West End Ave.
Nashville
Tennessee
37203
jennifer.erves@vumc.org

Vaccine hesitancy, cancer prevention and control, community engagement

Hanxuan (Astrid) Yu

Hanxuan (Astrid)
Yu
Health Policy Data Analyst
Health Policy
Office Address
2525 West End Ave.
Room / Suite
1200
Nashville
Tennessee
37203
hanxuan.a.yu@vumc.org

Chaochen (Chad) You, MD, MA

Chaochen (Chad)
You
MD, MA
Senior Database Administrator
Health Policy
Phone
615-630-8469
Office Address
2525 WEA
2525 West End Ave.
Room / Suite
742
Nashville
Tennessee
37203
chad.you@vumc.org

New study brings patient experience evidence to forefront in Medicare Advantage research

August 21, 2023
A new study authored by Department of Health Policy PhD student Emma Achola and faculty in the Department is among the first to use self-reported outcomes to help determine the benefit of post-acute care for Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. To date, most previous research has relied almost entirely on claims data, which does not fully capture the patient experience. In the study, published recently in JAMA Health Forum, the research team used survey data to determine the usage and outcomes of these individuals after certain acute health events. 

Effective medications for opioid use disorder rarely used

August 15, 2023
Most individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder are not on recommended medications and even fewer remain in care, according to a research letter published today in JAMA Internal Medicine by lead author Ashley Leech, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). In 2021, there were more than 100,000 overdose deaths in the United States, with the highest rates among those ages 25-54.
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