Tuesday, June 30, 2020
2 in 3 Parents Would Send Kids to School in Fall: Survey
2 in 3 Parents Would Send Kids to School in Fall: Survey: About two-thirds of U.S. parents say they'll send their kids to school again this fall, and most also support COVID-19 testing and social distancing policies for schoolchildren, a new survey finds.
Piedmont Healthcare to pay $16 million to settle false-claims, kickback allegations
Piedmont Healthcare to pay $16 million to settle false-claims, kickback allegations: The Atlanta-based health system allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary care and paid above fair market value to acquire Atlanta Cardiology Group in 2007.
Georgia's "First Priority" for schools in 2017 has changed
Georgia's "First Priority" for schools in 2017 has changed: The independent school turnaround office created by the "First Priority Act" has been abolished, the role folded into the Ga. Department of Education
Studies find nearly 300 kids with inflammatory condition tied to Covid-19
Studies find nearly 300 kids with inflammatory condition tied to Covid-19: U.S. researchers have found nearly 300 cases of an inflammatory condition in children who have had Covid-19, an alarming apparent side effect of infection.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Pandemic Hits Primary Care Practices Hard Across the U.S.: Study
Pandemic Hits Primary Care Practices Hard Across the U.S.: Study: Huge declines in patient visits during the coronavirus pandemic have slashed U.S. primary care doctors' revenues, a new study finds.
There's No Healthy Alternative to Smoking Except Quitting: Study
There's No Healthy Alternative to Smoking Except Quitting: Study: Smoking is terrible for your heart and lungs, and simply switching to e-cigarettes won't do much good, a major new analysis finds.
Ad Displays in Stores Boost Teen Vaping Rates: Canadian Study
Ad Displays in Stores Boost Teen Vaping Rates: Canadian Study: Canadian provinces that allow retail displays promoting e-cigarettes had nearly three times the teen vaping rate, a new study found.
Study: Primary care practices could lose $15B in 2020 due to COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare
Study: Primary care practices could lose $15B in 2020 due to COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare: A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic could leave primary care practices with a $15 billion revenue loss this year, but the amount could double if telehealth payments decline.
Watch: Teaching Teens How To Navigate Racism In America | Kaiser Health News
Watch: Teaching Teens How To Navigate Racism In America | Kaiser Health News: KHN Midwest correspondent Cara Anthony appeared on KSDK’s “Today in St. Louis” with host Rene Knott to discuss the unwritten rules that Black teens learn to try to safely navigate other people’s racist assumptions.
Conflicting COVID Messages Create Cloud Of Confusion Around Public Health And Prevention | Kaiser Health News
Conflicting COVID Messages Create Cloud Of Confusion Around Public Health And Prevention | Kaiser Health News: The pandemic has been marked by a significant amount of misinformation — some spread on purpose — that could prove deadly.
Georgia initiates process to waive Milestones tests
Georgia initiates process to waive Milestones tests: Gov. Brian Kemp and state school Superintendent Richard Woods say high-stakes standardized tests are a burden as schools confront the coronavirus pandemic
Friday, June 26, 2020
Providers ask Congress for tax relief for COVID-19 assistance | FierceHealthcare
Providers ask Congress for tax relief for COVID-19 assistance | FierceHealthcare: Provider groups are imploring congressional leaders to exempt tax deductions for $175 billion in COVID-19 relief funding.
CMS: Upcoming Medicare payment rule to include proposals to expand telehealth | FierceHealthcare
CMS: Upcoming Medicare payment rule to include proposals to expand telehealth | FierceHealthcare: An upcoming Medicare payment rule will include proposals outlining how the Trump administration plans to permanently expand reimbursement for telehealth services, a CMS official said Thursday.
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Strike Down Affordable Care Act - The New York Times
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Strike Down Affordable Care Act - The New York Times: If successful, the move would permanently end the health insurance program popularly known as Obamacare and wipe out coverage for as many as 23 million Americans.
Vaping tax and tobacco age increase pass Georgia House
Vaping tax and tobacco age increase pass Georgia House: Vaping products would come with a 7% tax in Georgia, according to a bill that passed the Georgia House on Thursday. The legislation also raises the age to buy vaping and tobacco products to 21.
Educators for Black Lives March takes place Friday in Atlanta
Educators for Black Lives March takes place Friday in Atlanta: The Educators for Black Lives March will begin at 3 p.m. Friday in Atlanta. Marchers are calling for school districts to hire more Black teachers, among other demands.
Major issues loom on Georgia Legislature’s final day
Major issues loom on Georgia Legislature’s final day: The Georgia legislative session comes to an end on Friday with something of an anti-climactic feel.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Vaccine Might Guard Against Bacteria That Cause Diarrhea in Kids
Vaccine Might Guard Against Bacteria That Cause Diarrhea in Kids: An experimental vaccine helps protect monkeys against bacteria that cause diarrhea in millions of children worldwide, researchers report.
Signs of Developing Adult Diabetes Seen as Early as Age 8: Study
Signs of Developing Adult Diabetes Seen as Early as Age 8: Study: Kids as young as age 8 can show signs of being at increased risk for diabetes in adulthood, a British study finds.
How ending the COVID-19 public health emergency will impact the healthcare industry
How ending the COVID-19 public health emergency will impact the healthcare industry: The current COVID-19 public health emergency determination expires in July, but HHS can choose to renew it for a 90-day period. That could have a financial impact on providers.
Trump administration says insurers off the hook for back-to-work COVID-19 tests
Trump administration says insurers off the hook for back-to-work COVID-19 tests: Insurers do not have to cover COVID-19 tests employers may require to bring employees back to work, according to a new Trump administration guidance.
Legislature passes maternal mortality plan
Legislature passes maternal mortality plan: Members of the Georgia House voted unanimously on Wednesday to send maternal mortality legislation t...
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Legislation curbs many surprise medical bills, not all
Legislation curbs many surprise medical bills, not all: State lawmakers have passed legislation that could protect Georgians with individual insurance polic...
80 coronavirus beds moving from Atlanta to Milledgeville
80 coronavirus beds moving from Atlanta to Milledgeville: The state is setting up a new temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients in Milledgeville, relocating...
Georgia House panel takes another stab at taxing vaping products
Georgia House panel takes another stab at taxing vaping products: Georgia House panel takes another stab at taxing vaping products
Morehouse gets grant to fight COVID-19 in minority communities | 11alive.com
Morehouse gets grant to fight COVID-19 in minority communities | 11alive.com: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the program on Tuesday.
Hospitalizations rise as Georgia virus cases hit new peak
Hospitalizations rise as Georgia virus cases hit new peak: ATLANTA (AP) — The number of people hospitalized in Georgia because of COVID-19 rose to 1,000 Monday, erasing a month’s worth of progress and showing that an accompanying increase in confirmed...
How much will healthcare costs go up next year? It's anyone's guess, says PwC | FierceHealthcare
How much will healthcare costs go up next year? It's anyone's guess, says PwC | FierceHealthcare: Healthcare costs for employer-sponsored plans are likely to increase in 2021, but it remains unclear by how much due to massive changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report finds.
New CMS office takes aim at clinician's administrative burden
New CMS office takes aim at clinician's administrative burden: The new office will bolster the dialogue between regulators and healthcare workers as staff looks to cull outdated regulations, CMS said.
Hospitals lose HHS lawsuit over price transparency
Hospitals lose HHS lawsuit over price transparency: A federal judge said HHS can force hospitals to reveal the prices they negotiate with insurers because it examined the evidence and explained its decision.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Surging US virus cases raise fear that progress is slipping
Surging US virus cases raise fear that progress is slipping: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Alarming surges in coronavirus cases across the U.S. South and West raised fears Monday that the outbreak is spiraling out of control and that hard-won progress against...
Survey: 1 in 4 physicians had patient seriously affected by prior authorization
Survey: 1 in 4 physicians had patient seriously affected by prior authorization: Providers are pushing Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to force Medicare Advantage plans to streamline and standardize prior authorization and increase health plan transparency.
Continuous Medicaid eligibility linked with fewer coverage gaps
Continuous Medicaid eligibility linked with fewer coverage gaps: Researchers at George Washington University found that children who are guaranteed continuous Medicaid eligibility are less likely to experience gaps in insurance coverage, but it's unclear if they had better health outcomes.
Georgia House tightens regulations on prescription drug pricing | News | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com
Georgia House tightens regulations on prescription drug pricing | News | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com: ATLANTA - Third-party companies that help set prescription drug prices would face tighter regulations under identical bills the Georgia House of Representatives and state Senate passed unanimously Monday.
Moody's: Patient volume recovered a bit in May, but providers face long road to recovery | FierceHealthcare
Moody's: Patient volume recovered a bit in May, but providers face long road to recovery | FierceHealthcare: Patient volumes are rising for healthcare facilities, but a looming deadline for loan repayments and a change in payer mix spell trouble, Moody's says.
Surging U.S. virus cases raise fear that progress is slipping
Surging U.S. virus cases raise fear that progress is slipping: The number of COVID-19 hospital admissions has tripled since Memorial Day to more then 1,400 across eight hospital systems in the Houston metropolitan area. Other states and countries are also seeing increasing case loads.
Stark, anti-kickback law changes can't come soon enough, experts say
Stark, anti-kickback law changes can't come soon enough, experts say: The COVID-19 pandemic is producing even more evidence that proposed changes to Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute regulations should be a priority.
Georgia Senate continues to target ‘surprise medical billing&rsquo...
Georgia Senate continues to target ‘surprise medical billing&rsquo...: The Georgia Senate approved another piece of legislation Monday that aims to cut down on i...
Georgia Senate backs maternal mortality bill
Georgia Senate backs maternal mortality bill: Georgia senators unanimously approved a bill Monday designed to cut back on the state’s s...
Monday, June 22, 2020
Practice Gun Safety for Your Kids' Sake, Especially During Pandemic
Practice Gun Safety for Your Kids' Sake, Especially During Pandemic: With kids staying at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, it's vitally important to keep guns locked up, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Another COVID Plague: Big Surprise Medical Bills for Survivors
Another COVID Plague: Big Surprise Medical Bills for Survivors: Seattle resident Michael Flor's heart nearly stopped when he received a $1.1 million dollar hospital bill for months of COVID-19 treatment.
'Medicaid best price' changes aimed at value-based gene therapy contracts: U.S. agency - Reuters
'Medicaid best price' changes aimed at value-based gene therapy contracts: U.S. agency - Reuters: Proposed changes to requirements that state-run Medicaid programs are given the best drug prices would clear the way for commercial health insurers to enter into "value-based" payment schemes, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said on Wednesday.
Hospitals would receive part of $30B in House infrastructure bill
Hospitals would receive part of $30B in House infrastructure bill: Democrats' opening bid for infrastructure legislation includes funding for the healthcare sector.
CARES Act Medicare loan repayment will cut reimbursement by 25%, industry execs say
CARES Act Medicare loan repayment will cut reimbursement by 25%, industry execs say: Hospital trade groups are warning their clients face a funding cliff once the CMS begins recouping advance Medicare payments under the CARES Act. Hospitals want Congress to extend the repayment timeline or forgive the loans entirely.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Don't Let COVID-19 Scuttle Your Child's Health Exams
Don't Let COVID-19 Scuttle Your Child's Health Exams: Wondering whether stay-at-home advisories mean you should skip your child's check-up? According to one pediatrician, parents should keep their kids' regular health appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.
Industry Voices—Providers should know these research-backed steps to addressing racial health inequalities | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Providers should know these research-backed steps to addressing racial health inequalities | FierceHealthcare: The spread and treatment of COVID-19 serves as an unfortunate example of racial disparities in the U.S.
HHS delays first deadline for COVID-19 provider grant reports
HHS delays first deadline for COVID-19 provider grant reports: HHS reversed course and said healthcare providers will not have to submit a report by July 10 on how they spent COVID-19 relief funds.
Quality of care research needed as telehealth surges
Quality of care research needed as telehealth surges: As telehealth adoption takes off in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, quality analysts and health systems claim much is still unknown about the quality of these virtual visits.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Climate Change Tied to Pregnancy Risks, Affecting Black Mothers Most - The New York Times
Climate Change Tied to Pregnancy Risks, Affecting Black Mothers Most - The New York Times: Women exposed to high temperatures or air pollution are more likely to have premature, underweight or stillborn babies, a look at 32 million U.S. births found.
Climate Change Tied to Pregnancy Risks, Affecting Black Mothers Most - The New York Times
Climate Change Tied to Pregnancy Risks, Affecting Black Mothers Most - The New York Times: Women exposed to high temperatures or air pollution are more likely to have premature, underweight or stillborn babies, a look at 32 million U.S. births found.
Racial bias skews algorithms widely used to guide patient care - STAT
Racial bias skews algorithms widely used to guide patient care - STAT: Decision aids that U.S. physicians use to guide a broad range of patient care are racially biased, researchers reported Wednesday.
Surprise medical billing legislation heads to Georgia governor’s...
Surprise medical billing legislation heads to Georgia governor’s...: The Georgia Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting patients from receiving unex...
Senate health chair lays out two COVID-19 telehealth changes he wants permanent
Senate health chair lays out two COVID-19 telehealth changes he wants permanent: Senate health committee Chair Lamar Alexander laid out his telehealth policy priorities ahead of negotiations on the next COVID-19 legislative package.
Senate health chair lays out two COVID-19 telehealth changes he wants permanent
Senate health chair lays out two COVID-19 telehealth changes he wants permanent: Senate health committee Chair Lamar Alexander laid out his telehealth policy priorities ahead of negotiations on the next COVID-19 legislative package.
State, federal governments create provider safety net to pay for COVID-19 charity care
State, federal governments create provider safety net to pay for COVID-19 charity care: The greatest public health crisis in a century has led states and the federal government to create a complicated web of funding streams to pay for otherwise uncompensated care.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
FDA Approves 'Prescription Video Game' for Kids With ADHD
FDA Approves 'Prescription Video Game' for Kids With ADHD: The first video game to help treat kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Survey: Providers say it could take year or more for revenue to return to pre-pandemic levels | FierceHealthcare
Survey: Providers say it could take year or more for revenue to return to pre-pandemic levels | FierceHealthcare: Medical groups and integrated health systems believe it could take at least a year for their revenue to return to levels before the pandemic hit, a survey found.
Georgia Senate plan cuts school funding, limits furloughs
Georgia Senate plan cuts school funding, limits furloughs: With the state in a financial crisis, Georgia Senate leaders proposed Wednesday a budget for the upc...
Patients cancel care over high-deductible concerns
Patients cancel care over high-deductible concerns: Around 4 out of 5 independent physicians say that high-deductible health plans are the drivers of patients' decisions to cancel or delay care.
A wake-up call for healthcare: emerging ethical lessons from COVID-19
A wake-up call for healthcare: emerging ethical lessons from COVID-19: The pandemic has revealed a need for a much more thoughtful and ethically, medically justifiable approach to the clinical aspects of preparedness planning.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Missing data veils coronavirus damage to minority communities - POLITICO
Missing data veils coronavirus damage to minority communities - POLITICO: The Trump administration is leaving big gaps in race and ethnicity information.
Accuracy of COVID-19 tests still largely unknown
Accuracy of COVID-19 tests still largely unknown: Months into the outbreak, no one really knows how well many of the screening tests work, and experts at top medical centers say it is time to do the studies to find out.
Birx, Fauci: America's chief health science communicators
Birx, Fauci: America's chief health science communicators: Dr. Deborah Birx and Dr. Anthony Fauci have garnered near-universal praise from the healthcare community for their leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges of responding to an unknown virus in the public spotlight.
How to watch the remainder of this year’s legislative session
How to watch the remainder of this year’s legislative session: The Georgia Legislature on Monday ended its three-month hiatus that was aimed at impeding...
Georgia Senate panel approves coronavirus protections for businesses
Georgia Senate panel approves coronavirus protections for businesses: A Georgia Senate panel on Monday took the first step toward putting guidelines in place to protect b...
Monday, June 15, 2020
Pandemic Causing Havoc for Kids With ADHD
Pandemic Causing Havoc for Kids With ADHD: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) generally fare better when they have a clear routine. Now, a new study suggests that as the coronavirus pandemic turned family schedules upside down, kids' symptoms often worsened.
Racism Is a Public Health Crisis, Say Cities and Counties | The Pew Charitable Trusts
Racism Is a Public Health Crisis, Say Cities and Counties | The Pew Charitable Trusts: COVID-19 is spotlighting health disparities; protests add urgency.
C.D.C. Calls for Face Masks at Large Gatherings, Warning of Crowd Risks - The New York Times
C.D.C. Calls for Face Masks at Large Gatherings, Warning of Crowd Risks - The New York Times: In a briefing, officials said the “highest risk”gatherings are those attended by people from outside the local area and where it is hard to stay six feet apart.
A Teen’s Death From COVID | Kaiser Health News
A Teen’s Death From COVID | Kaiser Health News: Andre Guest was just fine one day. The next, he was fighting for his life.
Coronavirus 2nd Wave? Nope, The U.S. Is Still Stuck In The 1st One : Shots - Health News : NPR
Coronavirus 2nd Wave? Nope, The U.S. Is Still Stuck In The 1st One : Shots - Health News : NPR: The nation still sees more than 20,000 new cases on average a day, a number that's barely budged for weeks. Forecasters say we're looking at tens of thousands more deaths this summer.
HHS throws out Obama-era rule against gender discrimination
HHS throws out Obama-era rule against gender discrimination: The Trump administration overturned an Obama-era rule that banned discrimination against patients based on gender identity, arguing the agency violated its authority when it issued the regulation in 2016.
Georgia lawmakers back Monday after three-month COVID-19 hiatus
Georgia lawmakers back Monday after three-month COVID-19 hiatus: The Georgia General Assembly returns Monday after a three-month coronavirus pandemic suspension faci...
Friday, June 12, 2020
As vaccination rates drop due to COVID-19, questions emerge on whether schools can safely reopen this fall
As vaccination rates drop due to COVID-19, questions emerge on whether schools can safely reopen this fall: Following years of large measles outbreaks, many kids have now missed vaccinations amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Can schools safely reopen this fall?
Less-bad budget cuts pitched for public health, child welfare in Georgia | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com
Less-bad budget cuts pitched for public health, child welfare in Georgia | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: State officials overseeing mental health, child welfare and elderly services in Georgia at risk of deep budget reductions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic pressed lawmakers Wednesday to ease up on
Groups ask Kemp, lawmakers to support cigarette tax hike to limit cut
Groups ask Kemp, lawmakers to support cigarette tax hike to limit cut: Groups ask Kemp, lawmakers to support cigarette tax hike to limit cuts
Home Alone: Will Pandemic's Changes Harm Kids' Mental Health Long-Term?
Home Alone: Will Pandemic's Changes Harm Kids' Mental Health Long-Term?: The isolation of the coronavirus pandemic might be stunting the social growth of young children, experts say.
Parents are going to be worried about schools reopening. Here's what doctors need to know | FierceHealthcare
Parents are going to be worried about schools reopening. Here's what doctors need to know | FierceHealthcare: As state and local officials look to reopen schools in the fall, pediatricians and primary care doctors will likely field a lot of questions from worried parents about whether it's safe to send their children back to classrooms amid the coronavirus. Here's what physicians need to know, according to public health and education experts.
Insurers should prepare for 'volatile' individual market due to COVID-19 pandemic: study | FierceHealthcare
Insurers should prepare for 'volatile' individual market due to COVID-19 pandemic: study | FierceHealthcare: Insurers should brace for volatility in the individual market as major job losses due to COVID-19 could increase morbidity in the marketplace, a study found.
House expected to vote on Affordable Care Act tweaks before July 4
House expected to vote on Affordable Care Act tweaks before July 4: A top House Democratic leader said the bill would lower premiums and co-pays.
Coastal Georgia experiencing rise in coronavirus cases
Coastal Georgia experiencing rise in coronavirus cases: Chatham County has seen a jump in the number of coronavirus cases reported.
Against the unknown, Georgia hospitals gird for the next virus wave
Against the unknown, Georgia hospitals gird for the next virus wave: When the hardest hit area of the state confronted the worst of the pandemic, its biggest hospital go...
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Will Schools Reopen in September? And What Will That Look Like?
Will Schools Reopen in September? And What Will That Look Like?: The boisterous bustle of students jostling down crowded hallways to reach lockers and classrooms has long served as one of the most powerful memories of high school life for many.
Here are the specialties hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic | FierceHealthcare
Here are the specialties hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic | FierceHealthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the entire healthcare industry hard, but a new study shows which specialties are faring the worst.
COVID-19 reshapes healthcare utilization
COVID-19 reshapes healthcare utilization: Healthcare professional services utilization dropped by nearly 70% in April year over year, resulting in a 50% decline in revenue.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
AHA News: Finding Balance Between the Good of Youth Sports and Risks of COVID-19
AHA News: Finding Balance Between the Good of Youth Sports and Risks of COVID-19: Kids across the country are eager to return to the fun and fitness of team sports. But as strict lockdowns begin to ease, how should parents, coaches and young athletes balance the benefits with possible exposure to the coronavirus?
HHS to dole out $15B to Medicaid, CHIP providers and $10B to safety net hospitals | FierceHealthcare
HHS to dole out $15B to Medicaid, CHIP providers and $10B to safety net hospitals | FierceHealthcare: HHS plans to distribute $25 billion this week to providers reliant on Medicaid and CHIP after criticism on how the initial rounds of a $175 billion relief fund were distributed.
Cigna: COVID-19 leading to deferred pediatric care for conditions like epilepsy, asthma | FierceHealthcare
Cigna: COVID-19 leading to deferred pediatric care for conditions like epilepsy, asthma | FierceHealthcare: COVID-19 is leading many parents to defer acute care for their children, new data from Cigna show.
HHS' new $35 billion in grants target Medicaid, safety net, hot spot providers
HHS' new $35 billion in grants target Medicaid, safety net, hot spot providers: Hospitals have to submit data on COVID-19 inpatient admissions by June 15 to be eligible for the next $10 billion round of hot spot grants.
Trump administration pushes for reopening healthcare facilities
Trump administration pushes for reopening healthcare facilities: The federal call brings into focus the delicate balance between increasing access to care while ensuring providers are adequately prepared to mitigate contamination and safety concerns.
Trump administration pushes for reopening healthcare facilities
Trump administration pushes for reopening healthcare facilities: The federal call brings into focus the delicate balance between increasing access to care while ensuring providers are adequately prepared to mitigate contamination and safety concerns.
WHO updates its recommendation on wearing masks in public spaces
WHO updates its recommendation on wearing masks in public spaces: The WHO had previously said there was not enough evidence to recommend that masks or face coverings be worn by healthy people. But some countries had already issued that guidance.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Up to 60% of Teens in Some U.S. Schools Used E-Cigs: Study
Up to 60% of Teens in Some U.S. Schools Used E-Cigs: Study: More than 1 in 10 middle and high school students in the United States used e-cigarettes within the last month, according to a University of Michigan study that found the rate in some schools is as high as 60%.
Covid-19 lays bare how racism fuels health disparities among Black people
Covid-19 lays bare how racism fuels health disparities among Black people: There is a mountain of research documenting the widespread effects that racism has on the health — and medical care — of Black people in the U.S.
As physician offices reopen with changes, patient visits ramp up
As physician offices reopen with changes, patient visits ramp up: Physicians are recalling hundreds of furloughed staff, reopening shuttered offices, ordering deep cleaning, scheduling delayed appointments and hoping the expected fall surge of COVID-19 cases is mild and doesn't lead to another partial shutdown.
Monday, June 8, 2020
School districts brace for cuts amid pandemic's economic fallout
School districts brace for cuts amid pandemic's economic fallout: Around Georgia, superintendents try to figure out how to balance budgets with fewer state dollars because of COVID-19
As docs join protests across the country, AMA board pledges action against racism, police brutality | FierceHealthcare
As docs join protests across the country, AMA board pledges action against racism, police brutality | FierceHealthcare: In the face of growing unrest over racial inequality, the leadership of the nation's largest group representing physicians pledged action to confront systemic racism and police brutality.
Rapid Changes To Health System Spurred By COVID Might Be Here To Stay | Kaiser Health News
Rapid Changes To Health System Spurred By COVID Might Be Here To Stay | Kaiser Health News: The coronavirus pandemic has forced the nation’s doctors and hospitals to reevaluate how they work. At least three major changes may have a lasting impact.
Exclusive: Nearly 600 — And Counting — US Health Workers Have Died Of COVID-19 | Kaiser Health News
Exclusive: Nearly 600 — And Counting — US Health Workers Have Died Of COVID-19 | Kaiser Health News: The Guardian and KHN release new figures Saturday showing the harsh toll that the pandemic is taking on the front-line health workers.
CDC develops test to simultaneously detect COVID-19, flu
CDC develops test to simultaneously detect COVID-19, flu: CDC Director Robert Redfield said it's unclear how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last or how it may affect the next flu season, and the agency wants emergency approval of the simultaneous test.
Pandemic could have lasting impact on how state government works
Pandemic could have lasting impact on how state government works: The coronavirus pandemic may have changed the way state government operates for good, and that means...
Friday, June 5, 2020
Gov. Kemp to scale back budget cuts | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com
Gov. Kemp to scale back budget cuts | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: ATLANTA — Citing “reassuring signs of fiscal resilience” in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that cuts to next year’s state budget won’t be as deep as originally feared.
Black Children Hit Especially Hard by COVID-19 Inflammatory Syndrome
Black Children Hit Especially Hard by COVID-19 Inflammatory Syndrome: Black children appear to be particularly vulnerable to the rare but severe inflammatory syndrome striking kids with COVID-19, a new French study suggests.
Anthem offering $2.5B in financial assistance to members, providers impacted by COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare
Anthem offering $2.5B in financial assistance to members, providers impacted by COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare: Anthem will make $2.5 billion in financial assistance available to customers and providers as they weather the coronavirus pandemic.
Will we see a 'wounded generation' because of COVID-19?
Will we see a 'wounded generation' because of COVID-19?: If we forget about protecting the emotional well-being of our children, the trauma of this crisis will haunt a generation of kids burdened by mental and physical problems for years to come.
Senate approves PPP loan tweaks that will help healthcare providers
Senate approves PPP loan tweaks that will help healthcare providers: The Senate passed legislation that would give healthcare providers more flexibility in how they use Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Surveys show some reluctant to send kids to school in fall
Surveys show some reluctant to send kids to school in fall: The results from three Georgia school districts find health and safety concerns about COVID-19 could make a return to normal schooling difficult
Emergency Room Visits Plunge During COVID-19 Pandemic | Time
Emergency Room Visits Plunge During COVID-19 Pandemic | Time: An unprecedented drop in emergency room visits has experts concerned that Americans aren't seeking needed treatment.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Similar to Adults, Obesity Raises Kids' Odds for Severe COVID-19
Similar to Adults, Obesity Raises Kids' Odds for Severe COVID-19: If a child is infected with the new coronavirus, being obese appears to greatly raise the odds for developing a severe form of COVID-19, a new study finds.
Kids Breaking Fewer Bones During Pandemic, But More Fractures Happening at Home
Kids Breaking Fewer Bones During Pandemic, But More Fractures Happening at Home: There's been a nearly 60% drop in broken bones among U.S. children during the coronavirus pandemic, but the rate of fractures that occur at home has climbed, a new study finds.
Lawmakers press HHS to say when Medicaid-reliant providers will get COVID-19 relief funding | FierceHealthcare
Lawmakers press HHS to say when Medicaid-reliant providers will get COVID-19 relief funding | FierceHealthcare: A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants answers from the Department of Health and Human Services on why Medicaid-reliant providers haven't gotten relief funding.
Primary-care practices fear they may not survive the pandemic
Primary-care practices fear they may not survive the pandemic: A series of new surveys by researchers at NYU have found that the city's primary care practices have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. Many of them worry they may not come out on the other side.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Case Study Examines What's Behind Severe Kids' Illness After COVID-19
Case Study Examines What's Behind Severe Kids' Illness After COVID-19: Four of the earliest U.S. cases of a rare inflammatory syndrome in kids with COVID-19 are described in a study that offers insight into the condition.
Primary care doctors experience more burnout and anxiety than other healthcare professionals: research | FierceHealthcare
Primary care doctors experience more burnout and anxiety than other healthcare professionals: research | FierceHealthcare: Healthcare professionals experience high rates of anxiety and burnout, a growing public health concern, particularly in light of projected physician shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic. New research finds that primary care physicians experience more burnout and anxiety than other healthcare professionals, and this could get worse if it's not proactively addressed.
UnitedHealth exec on telehealth use, reimbursement: 'The genie is out of the bottle' | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealth exec on telehealth use, reimbursement: 'The genie is out of the bottle' | FierceHealthcare: Telehealth companies have struggled for years to convince payers to reimburse for their services—and then to convince consumers to use the virtual healthcare offerings. Now, it appears, the industry has truly arrived, experts said during a FierceHealthPayer event Tuesday.
Fauci says he's 'cautiously optimistic' about Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | FierceHealthcare
Fauci says he's 'cautiously optimistic' about Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | FierceHealthcare: Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, M.D., says he believes a successful COVID-19 vaccine will not be a "one and done" and will require a booster dose to provide immunity. Here's what Fauci had to say about going to the ballot box and why a second wave is not inevitable.
Hype Collides With Science As FDA Tries To Rein In ‘Wild West’ of COVID Blood Tests | Kaiser Health News
Hype Collides With Science As FDA Tries To Rein In ‘Wild West’ of COVID Blood Tests | Kaiser Health News: Amid questions about the accuracy of the COVID-19 antibody tests flooding the market — and the usefulness of the results they provide — the FDA has belatedly stepped in to try to rein in the chaos.
Telehealth spending to reach $250 billion in 2020
Telehealth spending to reach $250 billion in 2020: About 20% of all office, outpatient and home health expenses across Medicare, Medicaid and commercially insured populations could be converted to virtual care in the wake of COVID-19, a new report estimates.
Providers want more telehealth flexibility and higher CMS payments
Providers want more telehealth flexibility and higher CMS payments: Following the tectonic shift in telehealth during the past few months, provider groups want CMS to continue to move the ball forward by allowing more providers to take part in virtual care and boosting reimbursements.
HHS changes rules for $50 billion provider grants before key deadline
HHS changes rules for $50 billion provider grants before key deadline: HHS is requiring providers to send their money back Wednesday if they aren't ready to accept grant terms and conditions, but still want to be eligible for their full grant allocation.
Is it safe to have play dates during coronavirus pandemic
Is it safe to have play dates during coronavirus pandemic: Experts weigh in on whether or not it's safe to have play dates while the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Stay-at-Home Orders Could Mean More Obese Kids: Study
Stay-at-Home Orders Could Mean More Obese Kids: Study: As if the childhood obesity epidemic isn't bad enough, new research warns that over one million more American boys and girls stand to become obese if coronavirus-related school closures continue through the end of the year.
Where Are Kids Getting the Most 'Empty Calories'?
Where Are Kids Getting the Most 'Empty Calories'?: U.S. children and teenagers are still downing too many "empty calories" -- primarily from sugary beverages, sweets and pizza, a new government study finds.
Medicaid expansion boosts rural hospitals' margins
Medicaid expansion boosts rural hospitals' margins: The median overall profit margin among not-for-profit critical-access hospitals in Medicaid expansion states increased from 1.8% to 3.7%, compared with a decrease from 3.5% to 2.8% among their peers in non-expansion states, a new study found.
Monday, June 1, 2020
Georgia releases new guidance for schools under COVID-19
Georgia releases new guidance for schools under COVID-19: The recommendations from state education and health officials are meant to allow local officials to react to local conditions
Parents Unaware of Young Kids' Smartphone Use: Study
Parents Unaware of Young Kids' Smartphone Use: Study: Preschoolers may spend more time on smartphones or tablets than their parents realize, and some use apps intended for teens and adults, researchers report.
Georgia is relaxing more coronavirus rules. Here’s what it means...
Georgia is relaxing more coronavirus rules. Here’s what it means...: Bars, nightclubs and amusement parks can soon reopen, summer schools can resume in-person coursework...
Coronavirus Surprise: IRS Allows Midyear Insurance And FSA Changes | Kaiser Health News
Coronavirus Surprise: IRS Allows Midyear Insurance And FSA Changes | Kaiser Health News: Last month, the Internal Revenue Service announced it would let employees add, drop or change some of their benefits for the remainder of 2020. The catch: Your employer has to allow the changes. KHN explains how it could work.
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