Editors’ Top Five Week of December 18, 2017

60% of Medical Practices’ Medicare Revenue Expected to Be Risk-Based by 2019
A new study reveals providers are actively pursuing value-based care options, but are skeptical this method actually provides better patient care than traditional fee-for-service. (Virgil Dickson/Modern Healthcare)

Good Friends Might Be Your Best Brain Booster as You Age
SuperAgers maintain lasting friendships and have astonishing memories. (Judith Graham/Kaiser Health News)

How Alex Azar Could Try to Shake Up Drug Prices Through Medicare Part B
At a congressional hearing at the end of November, the nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services wondered aloud about how to modify a government health insurance program that helps tens of millions of Americans over the age of 65 pay for medicines. (Ike Swetlitz/STAT)

People Don’t Take Their Pills. Only One Thing Seems to Help.
High-tech approaches and “reminder” packaging don’t work well. Reducing prices does. (Austin Frakt/New York Times)

The Other Side of the Opioid Debate: What to Do About the Pain?
Minnesota effort to reduce overdose deaths is putting doctors and patients in a bind. (Jeremy Olson/The Star Tribune)