The PMD Critical List: Health Execs Earn Big Bucks

Running a large healthcare corporation may be a complex job, but it can also be very lucrative. This week’s Critical List begins with a look at some of the highest-paid CEOs in the healthcare and pharma sectors. Plus, a look at practicing medicine in space and the difficult job of aligning physician and management goals.

• Healthcare CEOs Earn Big Bucks (MedCity News)

Here’s a list of the highest-paid top executives who run the nation’s major healthcare/pharma companies. Leading the way is Actavis chief, Brenton Saunders, who cleared $36 million last year. One CEO says: “It’s a heck of a complex job.”

• The Facebook Physician (Business Standard)

A recent national survey by Johns Hopkins finds that most Americans would like to connect with their doctors via Facebook. Presently, only 37% contact their doctors via e-mail, and just 18% do through Facebook.

• 6 Ways Medicine in Space is Completely Different from on Earth (Time)

Think practicing medicine on earth is tough? Try being an outer space MD. Here’s an interesting report from astro-doc Kjell Lindgren on the challenges of healthcare at zero gravity. Everything from displaced organs to fragile bones.

• Survey Finds Doctors Misunderstand Opioid Abuse (Claims Journal)

Prescription drug abuse is a major national problem and yet nearly half of primary care doctors “incorrectly thought that abuse-deterrent pills were actually less addictive than their standard counterparts. In fact, the pills are equally addictive.”

• A New Way to Compare Cancer Medicines (The New York Times)

They offer miracle-like cures, but with very big price tags. Now “the nation’s leading oncology society has unveiled a new way for doctors and patients to evaluate different treatments”—including “a medicine’s cost, effectiveness and side effects.”

• Physicians “In the Crosshairs” for Anti-Kickback Enforcement (National Law Review)

America’s doctors are under increased scrutiny from the OIG on medical bribery—or a prohibition on “the offer or payment of anything of value with the intent to induce the referral of federal healthcare program business, including specifically Medicare and Medicaid.”

• Doctors Go Online for Medical Information, Too (The Wall Street Journal)

Patients aren’t the only ones who surf the web for health information. While often considered unreliable, some doctors feel that “real-world experiences posted by families of patients on social media may offer a broader perspective on potential outcomes.”

• Phone Records Doctors Insulting Comments (Yahoo Health)

Beware doctors! “A man left the voice recorder on his phone on during his colonoscopy—and was completely shocked to learn what his medical team said about him while he was sedated.” Docs nailed for $500,000 in court.

• How Healthcare Institutions Can Mend Relationships with Their Physicians (Forbes)

With more and more physicians electing to work for “management-led organizations,” it’s vital that the 2 develop better business alignment. The doctors must “feel inspired by the mission and vision of the organization” and be engaged in meaningful decision making.