Thursday, June 30, 2016

'It's my turn!' Value of turn-taking not understood until the age of 5 - Medical News Today

'It's my turn!' Value of turn-taking not understood until the age of 5 - Medical News Today

Malaria Vaccine Protection Short-Lived in Young Children

Malaria Vaccine Protection Short-Lived in Young Children

Anthem denies report that deal with Cigna close to collapse | FierceHealthcare

Anthem denies report that deal with Cigna close to collapse | FierceHealthcare

The Daily Jolt: Brian Kemp tries to quell a nurses’ revolt | Political Insider blog

The Daily Jolt: Brian Kemp tries to quell a nurses’ revolt | Political Insider blog

Merger opponents ask DOJ to block Aetna-Humana, Anthem-Cigna deals | The CT Mirror

Merger opponents ask DOJ to block Aetna-Humana, Anthem-Cigna deals | The CT Mirror

AAP Urges Education to Prevent Teen Use of Performance Enhancing Substances

AAP Urges Education to Prevent Teen Use of Performance Enhancing Substances

AAP Report Updates Safe Practices When Sedating a Pediatric Patient

AAP Report Updates Safe Practices When Sedating a Pediatric Patient

Obese fathers may increase daughters' breast cancer risk - Medical News Today

Obese fathers may increase daughters' breast cancer risk - Medical News Today

Allergists: Daily Bath OK for Kids With Eczema

Allergists: Daily Bath OK for Kids With Eczema

Zika Brain Damage May Occur in Babies With Normal-Sized Heads

Zika Brain Damage May Occur in Babies With Normal-Sized Heads

Children May Need Help Staying Hydrated In Summer : Shots - Health News : NPR

Children May Need Help Staying Hydrated In Summer : Shots - Health News : NPR

Summer food program adds farmer's market | The Augusta Chronicle

Summer food program adds farmer's market | The Augusta Chronicle

Two new vaccines ward off Zika in mice | PBS NewsHour

Two new vaccines ward off Zika in mice | PBS NewsHour

Ga., Calif. Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Plan For Sending ER Reimbursements To Patients | Kaiser Health News

Ga., Calif. Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Plan For Sending ER Reimbursements To Patients | Kaiser Health News

Ga., Calif. Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Plan For Sending ER Reimbursements To Patients | Kaiser Health News

Ga., Calif. Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Plan For Sending ER Reimbursements To Patients | Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Blog: House GOP plan to cap Medicaid could stir up stakeholders and voters - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Blog: House GOP plan to cap Medicaid could stir up stakeholders and voters - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Merger roundup: Aetna-Humana extend deadline, Anthem-Cigna take hit | FierceHealthcare

Merger roundup: Aetna-Humana extend deadline, Anthem-Cigna take hit | FierceHealthcare

Many Georgians with cystic fibrosis miss out on life-changing help | Georgia Health News

Many Georgians with cystic fibrosis miss out on life-changing help | Georgia Health News

Will Louisiana’s Medicaid Expansion Be A Harbinger For Georgia? | Kaiser Health News

Will Louisiana’s Medicaid Expansion Be A Harbinger For Georgia? | Kaiser Health News

Monday, June 27, 2016

New ADHD medications target patients who have trouble swallowing pills | AAP News | AAP Gateway

New ADHD medications target patients who have trouble swallowing pills | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Pediatricians urged to screen for suicide risks among teens

Pediatricians urged to screen for suicide risks among teens

Those Baby 'Milestones' May Have Longer-Term Importance

Those Baby 'Milestones' May Have Longer-Term Importance

Looks-Conscious Teens Trying Risky Supplements

Looks-Conscious Teens Trying Risky Supplements

Hovering Parents May Harm Kids

Hovering Parents May Harm Kids

McDonald’s at Grady closes amid complaints by doctor group | Georgia Health News

McDonald’s at Grady closes amid complaints by doctor group | Georgia Health News

Obama Threatens to Veto GOP-Backed Bill on Zika Virus Aid - The New York Times

Obama Threatens to Veto GOP-Backed Bill on Zika Virus Aid - The New York Times

Flu-Miffed: Piecing Together Clues On How FluMist Lost Its Place In The Flu-Fighting Toolbox | Kaiser Health News

Flu-Miffed: Piecing Together Clues On How FluMist Lost Its Place In The Flu-Fighting Toolbox | Kaiser Health News

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Fla. ‘Docs Versus Glocks’ Battle Could Spur Ga. Lawmakers | WABE 90.1 FM

Fla. ‘Docs Versus Glocks’ Battle Could Spur Ga. Lawmakers | WABE 90.1 FM

Georgia’s ranking drops in children’s well-being statistics | Georgia Health News

Georgia’s ranking drops in children’s well-being statistics | Georgia Health News

Expanded Medicaid may translate into fewer unpaid hospital bills | Reuters

Expanded Medicaid may translate into fewer unpaid hospital bills | Reuters

House Republicans Unveil Long-Awaited Replacement for Health Law - The New York Times

House Republicans Unveil Long-Awaited Replacement for Health Law - The New York Times

House Republicans Unveil Long-Awaited Replacement for Health Law - The New York Times

House Republicans Unveil Long-Awaited Replacement for Health Law - The New York Times

Senators push Justice Department to halt health insurance deals - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Senators push Justice Department to halt health insurance deals - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Monday, June 20, 2016

No Amount of Lead Is Safe for Kids

No Amount of Lead Is Safe for Kids

Almost 2 Million U.S. Kids Get Concussions a Year: Study

Almost 2 Million U.S. Kids Get Concussions a Year: Study

Pediatricians Call For More Testing And Tighter Rules On Lead Exposure : Shots - Health News : NPR

Pediatricians Call For More Testing And Tighter Rules On Lead Exposure : Shots - Health News : NPR

Synthetic marijuana dangerous, deadly - The Newnan Times-Herald

Synthetic marijuana dangerous, deadly - The Newnan Times-Herald

Will Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion provide a model for other states? | Georgia Health News

Will Louisiana’s Medicaid expansion provide a model for other states? | Georgia Health News

As Childhood Diabetes Rates Rise, So Do Costs — And Families Feel The Pinch: Study | Kaiser Health News

As Childhood Diabetes Rates Rise, So Do Costs — And Families Feel The Pinch: Study | Kaiser Health News

Hospitals, community health centers compete for primary-care doctors - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Hospitals, community health centers compete for primary-care doctors - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Louisiana's Medicaid expansion is first in the Deep South - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Louisiana's Medicaid expansion is first in the Deep South - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

High-fat diet in pregnancy can affect three future generations - Medical News Today

High-fat diet in pregnancy can affect three future generations - Medical News Today

Brains of teens with conduct disorder are different - Medical News Today

Brains of teens with conduct disorder are different - Medical News Today

California Insurance Regulator Opposes Anthem-Cigna Deal

California Insurance Regulator Opposes Anthem-Cigna Deal
By Erin Mershon, CQ Roll Call, June 16, 2016

California's insurance commissioner is urging the Department of Justice to block a pending $54.2 billion merger between the insurance companies Anthem and Cigna.

The recommendation is a rebuke of one of two mega-mergers for the industry. It is the first opposition from any state regulator, and comes from the commissioner for the nation's largest insurance market. The federal Justice Department and several states are still examining both the Anthem and Cigna merger as well as Aetna's separate efforts to acquire Humana.

California's insurance commissioner does not have approval authority over the Anthem-Cigna merger, unlike state regulators in 23 other states. A separate regulatory body, the California Department of Managed Health Care, is overseeing the transaction in that state and could impose conditions on the transaction.

But despite his agency's inability to block the deal, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones can draw attention to concerns. The agency Jones oversees held a March hearing on the merger at which Anthem executives testified.

"The enhanced market power of the merged companies will permit them to increase premiums, decrease the quality of care provided to their California members in a number of the state's regions, and reduce access to crucially needed insurance markets," Jones wrote in the statement released Thursday. "The Anthem and Cigna merger will harm Californians, California's businesses and our health insurance market."

Jones charged that the companies failed to fully explain how the proposed merger would result in $2 billion in efficiencies, as they have claimed. Anthem's justifications were "vague, speculative and impossible-to-verify assertions," he wrote in a press release.

Jones also takes pains to highlight the considerable overlap the two insurers share in many of the state's insurance markets.

Anthem has a 19 percent marketshare statewide in California; Cigna has a 3.6 percent. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommendations for mergers suggest that if a larger company has a market share above 15 percent, the smaller company's market share should not exceed 1 percent.

The state's administrative services market is more extreme. Anthem has 37 percent of the market share; Cigna has 24 percent. The next largest competitor has 13 percent.

An Anthem spokeswoman said the company has been working with the state's Department of Managed Health Care for more than 10 months.

"Expanding access to affordable health coverage is the foundation of our combination with Cigna and will remain Anthem’s top priority," the company said in a statement. "We do not believe that the California Department of Insurance’s opinion is based on the true merits of this transaction. We are confident that the highly complementary nature and limited overlap of our organizations that will benefit the complex and competitive health insurance markets will be reviewed on the facts by the DOJ and appropriate state authorities."

Despite Overdose Epidemic, Georgia Caps The Number Of Opioid Treatment Clinics | Kaiser Health News

Despite Overdose Epidemic, Georgia Caps The Number Of Opioid Treatment Clinics | Kaiser Health News

Friday, June 17, 2016

Teen Obesity May Mean Liver Disease Later

Teen Obesity May Mean Liver Disease Later

Doctors' Group Backs Later School Start Times

Doctors' Group Backs Later School Start Times

Folic Acid Now Added to Corn Masa Flour: FDA

Folic Acid Now Added to Corn Masa Flour: FDA

CDC Reports Six Cases of Birth Defects Caused by Zika

CDC Reports Six Cases of Birth Defects Caused by Zika

Georgia Ups Efforts To Track Mosquitoes Linked To Zika | WABE 90.1 FM

Georgia Ups Efforts To Track Mosquitoes Linked To Zika | WABE 90.1 FM

Georgia boosts efforts to track Zika mosquitoes | Georgia Health News

Georgia boosts efforts to track Zika mosquitoes | Georgia Health News

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Kathleen Sebelius questions big insurer mergers

Kathleen Sebelius questions big insurer mergers

74% of physicians, health plan executives say quality measures are too complex

74% of physicians, health plan executives say quality measures are too complex

Study: 3% of young children have high blood lead levels | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Study: 3% of young children have high blood lead levels | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Music therapy easing pain for children with cancer - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Music therapy easing pain for children with cancer - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

CMS finalizes changes to ACO cost targets - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

CMS finalizes changes to ACO cost targets - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

North Carolina Providers Wary of Medicaid Overhaul

North Carolina Providers Wary of Medicaid Overhaul
By Marissa Evans, CQ Roll Call, June 07, 2016

North Carolina Republicans may be celebrating the submission of an application to overhaul the Medicaid program but some medical providers in the state are not buying in just yet.

Republican North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed off on a federal application June 1 that would turn the Medicaid program into managed care, saying that would help beneficiaries “reach their full potential.”

“Our proposal provides a North Carolina Medicaid Plan that focuses on patient-centered care and improves health outcomes at more predictable costs,” McCrory said.

Under the proposed federal waiver, the Tar Heel State would dismantle the existing primary care management system and create two systems. Provider-led groups would be in charge of Medicaid funds and create their own networks while commercial insurers would administer services to Medicaid beneficiaries across the state.

The waiver application comes months after lawmakers voted in September to move toward a managed care program. The Republican-led legislature has long criticized the federal health law (PL 111-148, PL 111-152), including Medicaid expansion. Under expansion, the federal government would pay to cover 500,000 low-income North Carolina residents through 2017. By that year, states are responsible for chipping in on the cost until by 2020, they would pay for 10 percent of costs. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have broadened Medicaid.

Advocates are disappointed lawmakers are not considering Medicaid expansion this session, said Ciara Zachary, health policy analyst for the North Carolina Justice Center.

For the overhaul plan, Zachary said there are still unknowns with how the managed care regions would be split up, how network adequacy would be guaranteed and how beneficiaries with more intense health care needs will be treated.

“Because North Carolina has such a strong primary care case management system that’s been developed for so many years, people are just wondering is this going to be better than what we have in place,” Zachary said.

That program, Community Care North Carolina, or CCNC, serves 1.3 million Medicaid patients and has saved almost $400 million a year, according to a 2015 North Carolina State Auditor report. Providers argue that some of the measures that would be implemented under the managed care transformation could have been done through CCNC.

Ben Money, chief executive officer for the North Carolina Community Health Center Association, said in an interview that providers are most worried about the looming administrative burdens that come with the overhaul. He said if the prepaid health plans have varying billing and claims processes, providers may throw their hands up, choose the simplest one and try to force patients to switch to that plan. The situation could be detrimental for low-income people in the program if the health department does not streamline the billing process, Money said.

“If access were restricted across the state because fewer providers were accepting Medicaid payments we’d have to really ramp up to make sure we could meet the demand,” Money said.

While North Carolina may be focused on restructuring the program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could still broach the idea of Medicaid expansion during negotiations, said Trish Riley, executive director for the National Academy of State Health Policy.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the negotiations go,” Riley said in an interview. “There’s a precedent for CMS negotiating waivers for states that don’t expand but that will be the test because uncompensated care would be diminished if they expanded.”

Louisiana's Gov. Edwards tells how he won the Medicaid expansion battle - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Louisiana's Gov. Edwards tells how he won the Medicaid expansion battle - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Antibiotics, Formula Feeding Might Change Baby's 'Microbiome'

Antibiotics, Formula Feeding Might Change Baby's 'Microbiome'

Feds Urge State Medicaid Programs To Encourage Long-Acting Contraceptives | Kaiser Health News

Feds Urge State Medicaid Programs To Encourage Long-Acting Contraceptives | Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Marijuana, alcohol use may harm teens' mental health, academic outcomes - Medical News Today

Marijuana, alcohol use may harm teens' mental health, academic outcomes - Medical News Today

Consumers could be facing biggest increase in ACA health premiums next year - The Washington Post

Consumers could be facing biggest increase in ACA health premiums next year - The Washington Post

American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Childhood Sleep Guidelines

American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Childhood Sleep Guidelines

Breast-Feeding a Boon to Preemies' Hearts: Study

Breast-Feeding a Boon to Preemies' Hearts: Study

Hearing focuses on steps to combat drug-resistant superbugs - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Hearing focuses on steps to combat drug-resistant superbugs - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

New Indiana Medicaid contracts snub UnitedHealthcare - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

New Indiana Medicaid contracts snub UnitedHealthcare - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

AMA asks for end to ban on gun research funding - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

AMA asks for end to ban on gun research funding - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Friday, June 10, 2016

CDC warns Zika spread expected in Georgia - Atlanta Business Chronicle

CDC warns Zika spread expected in Georgia - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Study Questions Use of Antidepressants for Children, Teens

Study Questions Use of Antidepressants for Children, Teens

Teen Smoking Down, E-Cigarette Use Up

Teen Smoking Down, E-Cigarette Use Up

CDC chief Frieden says Zika fight needs funding now | Georgia Health News

CDC chief Frieden says Zika fight needs funding now | Georgia Health News

Next Emory University chief has strong health connection | Georgia Health News

Next Emory University chief has strong health connection | Georgia Health News

Carolinas HealthCare System slapped with antitrust suit - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Carolinas HealthCare System slapped with antitrust suit - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Congress Will Work on $1.1 Billion Measure to Fight Zika, McConnell Says - The New York Times

Congress Will Work on $1.1 Billion Measure to Fight Zika, McConnell Says - The New York Times

For Doctors-In-Training, A Dose Of Health Policy Can Help The Medicine Go Down | Kaiser Health News

For Doctors-In-Training, A Dose Of Health Policy Can Help The Medicine Go Down | Kaiser Health News

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Parents: Stay Mum on Daughter's Weight

Parents: Stay Mum on Daughter's Weight

Sound Sleep Elusive for Many Kids With ADHD

Sound Sleep Elusive for Many Kids With ADHD

Thousands in metro area no longer eligible for food stamps | WSB-TV

Thousands in metro area no longer eligible for food stamps | WSB-TV

GOP Senator: Ga. Should 'Re-Examine' Medicaid Expansion | WABE 90.1 FM

GOP Senator: Ga. Should 'Re-Examine' Medicaid Expansion | WABE 90.1 FM

ER to replace full-service Ellijay hospital | Georgia Health News

ER to replace full-service Ellijay hospital | Georgia Health News

Another sign Georgia could be inching toward Medicaid expansion | Political Insider blog

Another sign Georgia could be inching toward Medicaid expansion | Political Insider blog

Senate panel approves funding bill with big boost to fight opioid epidemic

Senate panel approves funding bill with big boost to fight opioid epidemic

In U.S., 38% of adults and 17% of kids are now obese, CDC study says - LA Times

In U.S., 38% of adults and 17% of kids are now obese, CDC study says - LA Times

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Hospitals target balloons, flowers as potential infection threat - FierceHealthcare

Hospitals target balloons, flowers as potential infection threat - FierceHealthcare

Study Identifies Most Costly Emergency General Surgery Cases - General Surgery News

Study Identifies Most Costly Emergency General Surgery Cases - General Surgery News

SSI Protocol Results in Reduced Infections, Costs - General Surgery News

SSI Protocol Results in Reduced Infections, Costs - General Surgery News

Blog: Rural hospitals taken aback by Washington insurer's fingerpointing over rates - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Blog: Rural hospitals taken aback by Washington insurer's fingerpointing over rates - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare

Study Suggests Federal Standard May Be Thwarting Some Transplant Patients | Kaiser Health News

Study Suggests Federal Standard May Be Thwarting Some Transplant Patients | Kaiser Health News

Pediatricians and the Law: What does law require of physicians caring for patients with limited English proficiency? | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Pediatricians and the Law: What does law require of physicians caring for patients with limited English proficiency? | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Anesthesia Safe for Infants, Toddlers, Study Says

Anesthesia Safe for Infants, Toddlers, Study Says

Do Big Bottles Kickstart Infant Weight Issues?

Do Big Bottles Kickstart Infant Weight Issues?

Support your local quarterback — the primary care physician | Georgia Health News

Support your local quarterback — the primary care physician | Georgia Health News

Consumer groups want transparency during final review of Aetna-Humana deal | Business | stltoday.com

Consumer groups want transparency during final review of Aetna-Humana deal | Business | stltoday.com

May tax revenues up 4.1 percent in Georgia

May tax revenues up 4.1 percent in Georgia

WHO experts say Zika may cause birth defects in thousands of babies | Reuters

WHO experts say Zika may cause birth defects in thousands of babies | Reuters

Children born late seem to score better on cognitive tests - Medical News Today

Children born late seem to score better on cognitive tests - Medical News Today

AAP Statement in Response to FDA's Voluntary Guidance on Reducing Sodium Levels in Food

AAP Statement in Response to FDA's Voluntary Guidance on Reducing Sodium Levels in Food

Frequent Moves During Babies' First Year Associated With Hospitalizations

Frequent Moves During Babies' First Year Associated With Hospitalizations

Childhood Vaccinations Rarely Spur Seizures, Study Finds

Childhood Vaccinations Rarely Spur Seizures, Study Finds

Childhood Vaccinations Rarely Spur Seizures, Study Finds

Childhood Vaccinations Rarely Spur Seizures, Study Finds

Gruesome Cigarette Pack Images Seem to Help Some People Quit

Gruesome Cigarette Pack Images Seem to Help Some People Quit

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Zika update: CDC issues new directives for pediatricians | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Zika update: CDC issues new directives for pediatricians | AAP News | AAP Gateway

Health insurance mega-deals aren't winning over a key party: large employers - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

Health insurance mega-deals aren't winning over a key party: large employers - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events

ADHD Meds May Pose Heart Risks for Some Kids

ADHD Meds May Pose Heart Risks for Some Kids

'Hard' Tap Water Linked to Eczema in Babies

'Hard' Tap Water Linked to Eczema in Babies

The Teen Brain Likes Social Media 'Likes'

The Teen Brain Likes Social Media 'Likes'

Campaign offers Georgia kids free lunch during the summer | WSB-TV

Campaign offers Georgia kids free lunch during the summer | WSB-TV

Patient alert: Deadlock looms between Piedmont, United | Georgia Health News

Patient alert: Deadlock looms between Piedmont, United | Georgia Health News

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Money, Language Barriers Can Affect Kids' Brain Injury Care

Money, Language Barriers Can Affect Kids' Brain Injury Care

Baby's Early Walking May Mean Stronger Bones as Teen

Baby's Early Walking May Mean Stronger Bones as Teen

Many Parents Ill-Informed About Kids' Asthma Meds

Many Parents Ill-Informed About Kids' Asthma Meds

Girl With Zika Birth Defect Born at New Jersey Hospital

Girl With Zika Birth Defect Born at New Jersey Hospital

Most Americans Support Rise in Legal Smoking Age

Most Americans Support Rise in Legal Smoking Age

Kids' Concussion Rates May Be Higher Than Thought

Kids' Concussion Rates May Be Higher Than Thought

Calling Your Kid 'Fat' Could Be Counterproductive

Calling Your Kid 'Fat' Could Be Counterproductive

Talking, Texting Teen Drivers Take Deadly Toll

Talking, Texting Teen Drivers Take Deadly Toll

UnitedHealth To Exit California’s Obamacare Market | California Healthline

UnitedHealth To Exit California’s Obamacare Market | California Healthline

Louisiana begins enrolling 375,000 people into Medicaid | NOLA.com

Louisiana begins enrolling 375,000 people into Medicaid | NOLA.com

Lights Out: Some Children’s Hospitals Take Steps To Ensure A Good Night’s Sleep | Kaiser Health News

Lights Out: Some Children’s Hospitals Take Steps To Ensure A Good Night’s Sleep | Kaiser Health News