Monday, November 30, 2020
How U.S. Medical Schools Are Training Post-Pandemic Doctors | Time
How U.S. Medical Schools Are Training Post-Pandemic Doctors | Time: The coronavirus pandemic has prompted big changes in U.S. medical schools, from remote learning to classes on racial equity.
Preemie Babies End Up Hospitalized More as Kids - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Preemie Babies End Up Hospitalized More as Kids - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Children born prematurely have a higher risk of hospitalization later on than those born at full term, a new study says.Health problems are common in premature babies, though the risk falls as they grow up. But researchers said it has been unclear when the r...
Later School Start Time, Fewer Migraines for Teens? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Later School Start Time, Fewer Migraines for Teens? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: SUNDAY, Nov. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Later school start times for teenagers might help those who struggle with migraines, a new study suggests. Starting school later in the morning could reduce the number of migraines each month for these students, the researchers said. The delayed start would ...
Thousands of Doctors’ Offices Buckle Under Financial Stress of COVID | Kaiser Health News
Thousands of Doctors’ Offices Buckle Under Financial Stress of COVID | Kaiser Health News: Across the nation, primary care practices that were already struggling are closing, victims of the pandemic’s financial fallout. And this is reducing access to health care, especially in rural and other regions already short on doctors.
Moderna Covid vaccine is 94.1% effective, plans to apply for emergency OK Monday
Moderna Covid vaccine is 94.1% effective, plans to apply for emergency OK Monday: Moderna will be the second drugmaker to seek emergency use from the FDA after Pfizer applied for the same authorization on Nov. 20.
CDC panel meets Tuesday to vote on COVID-19 vaccine priority
CDC panel meets Tuesday to vote on COVID-19 vaccine priority: ATLANTA (AP) — A panel of U.S. advisers will meet Tuesday to vote on how scarce, initial supplies of a COVID-19 vaccine will be given out once one has been approved. Experts have proposed...
OSHA Let Employers Decide Whether to Report Health Care Worker Deaths. Many Didn’t. | Kaiser Health News
OSHA Let Employers Decide Whether to Report Health Care Worker Deaths. Many Didn’t. | Kaiser Health News: Four workers died at a facility with one of the largest U.S. outbreaks, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration never conducted an inspection. It’s a pattern that’s played out across the nation, a KHN investigation finds.
Fauci: US may see 'surge upon surge' of virus in weeks ahead
Fauci: US may see 'surge upon surge' of virus in weeks ahead: Fauci said it's "not too late" for people traveling back home after Thanksgiving to help stop the spread of the virus by wearing masks, staying distant from others and avoiding large groups of people.
4 healthcare issues to watch as Congress faces a funding deadline next month
4 healthcare issues to watch as Congress faces a funding deadline next month: Healthcare providers are working to ensure their priorities are included in legislation to avert a government shutdown on Dec. 11.
Providers try to address care delays as COVID-19 continues
Providers try to address care delays as COVID-19 continues: Patients are putting off needed care during the pandemic, creating concerns about the long-term implications for patients.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccine Will Include 6.4 Million Doses | Time
First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccine Will Include 6.4 Million Doses | Time: The U.S. government is gearing up plans to distribute the shots across the country.
Fauci: 'People Should Feel Confident' New COVID Vaccines Safe, Effective - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Fauci: 'People Should Feel Confident' New COVID Vaccines Safe, Effective - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov 25, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The turnaround time -- from the emergence of the new coronavirus to the advent of multiple vaccines to prevent it -- has been nothing short of "breathtaking," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious disease.Still, many Americans a...
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Many adults say they'll wait to get COVID vaccine, poll finds | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Many adults say they'll wait to get COVID vaccine, poll finds | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
Kemp stands pat as White House, experts urge action to combat virus’ surge
Kemp stands pat as White House, experts urge action to combat virus’ surge: President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force warned Georgia is “in the early stages of full resurgence” of the virus and urged state leaders to take aggressive new steps to mitigate spread of the epidemic.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Poll: 1 in 3 Parents Pick Holiday Gathering Over COVID Safety - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Poll: 1 in 3 Parents Pick Holiday Gathering Over COVID Safety - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As COVID-19 cases surge throughout the United States and the holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving on Thursday, families are faced with a challenging choice.Do they skip family gatherings and the usual way they celebrate their traditions? Or do they ris...
Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients to Cities, Straining Hospitals | Kaiser Health News
Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients to Cities, Straining Hospitals | Kaiser Health News: Many rural communities across the U.S. have resisted masks and calls for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, but now rural counties are experiencing record-high infection and death rates.
Critically ill rural patients are often sent to city hospitals for high-level treatment and, as their numbers grow, some urban hospitals are buckling under the added strain.
Atlanta-based federal court: Can’t ban LGBTQ youth conversion therapy
Atlanta-based federal court: Can’t ban LGBTQ youth conversion therapy: The federal appeals court in Atlanta has thrown out bans that prevented therapists from performing conversion therapy on children grappling with their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Eight months in for a COVID-19 doctor: ‘Sadness, regret, betrayal’
Eight months in for a COVID-19 doctor: ‘Sadness, regret, betrayal’: A first-person interview with Jason Stein, M.
A Single COVID-19 Test Can't Guarantee a Safe Thanksgiving | Time
A Single COVID-19 Test Can't Guarantee a Safe Thanksgiving | Time: Receiving a single negative COVID-19 test result days before a gathering can’t guarantee that you won’t wind up infecting others.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Mask Mandates Help Slow Coronavirus Spread, CDC Study Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR
Mask Mandates Help Slow Coronavirus Spread, CDC Study Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR: "This adds to the growing body of evidence that says large, widespread masking helps to slow the spread of COVID," says Dr. Aaron Carroll, a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Parents' Age Key to Whether Kids Get Vaccinated Against COVID, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Parents' Age Key to Whether Kids Get Vaccinated Against COVID, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As scientists worked on COVID-19 vaccines, other researchers were addressing a question: Once shots are available, will parents vaccinate their kids against the new coronavirus?The answer: Younger parents are much less likely than older ones to plan to vacci...
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Causing An “Alarming” Level Of Loneliness In Young Adults - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Causing An “Alarming” Level Of Loneliness In Young Adults - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: 80% of survey respondents say they're experiencing a significant increase in symptoms of depression
Walmart Health opens 2 more locations in Chicago | FierceHealthcare
Walmart Health opens 2 more locations in Chicago | FierceHealthcare: Walmart's clinics charge patients a flat fee for services regardless of insurance status. It currently operates sites in Georgia and Arkansas, with plans to expand into Illinois as well.
Death By A Thousand Clicks: Where Electronic Health Records Went WrongKaiser Health News
Death By A Thousand Clicks: Where Electronic Health Records Went WrongKaiser Health News: The U.S. government claimed that turning American medical charts into electronic records would make health care better, safer and cheaper. Ten years and $36 billion later, the system is an unholy mess. Inside a digital revolution that took a bad turn.
States’ Face-Covering Mandates Leave Gaps in Protection | Kaiser Health News
States’ Face-Covering Mandates Leave Gaps in Protection | Kaiser Health News: Masks have been shown to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that contain the coronavirus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says that masks not only help prevent people from infecting others but help protect the wearers from infection as well.
Parents Complain That Pediatricians, Wary of COVID, Shift Sick Kids to Urgent Care | Kaiser Health News
Parents Complain That Pediatricians, Wary of COVID, Shift Sick Kids to Urgent Care | Kaiser Health News: Referrals of children to urgent care clinics or emergency rooms have become so prevalent that the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with interim guidance on how practices can safely continue to see patients. The academy recommended that pediatricians strive "to provide care for the same variety of visits that they provided prior to the public health emergency."
Physician groups see problems with Trump administration's Stark law, anti-kickback changes
Physician groups see problems with Trump administration's Stark law, anti-kickback changes: An exclusive interview with HHS Secretary Alex Azar and HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan discussing how Stark and anti-kickback law changes could affect the healthcare industry.
COVID-19 Worse Than Ever in the US. We Aren't Acting Like It | Time
COVID-19 Worse Than Ever in the US. We Aren't Acting Like It | Time: A lame-duck president, the holidays, and the false sense of security from vaccine announcements have combined to create a dangerous moment.
Effective COVID-19 Vaccines Don’t Mean the Pandemic Is Over | Time
Effective COVID-19 Vaccines Don’t Mean the Pandemic Is Over | Time: he same public health experts who are encouraged by the positive vaccine results are also warning that vaccines aren’t the panacea that many are desperately hoping they will be. And that, even after more people get the shots, we’ll still have to wear masks and stay a respectful six feet apart from each other.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Nearly half of patients say they'd feel safest getting COVID-19 vaccine at doctor's office: survey | FierceHealthcare
Nearly half of patients say they'd feel safest getting COVID-19 vaccine at doctor's office: survey | FierceHealthcare: As states and healthcare leaders develop vaccination distribution plans, understanding patient preference will be critical to ensuring mass immunization, officials said.
Blues patient-matching project hits 99.5% accuracy
Blues patient-matching project hits 99.5% accuracy: The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the Sequoia Project detail a new algorithmic matching process in a case study that builds on the interoperability not-for-profit's 2018 patient-matching framework.
Can the World's Doctors Survive Another Wave of COVID-19? | Time
Can the World's Doctors Survive Another Wave of COVID-19? | Time: As coronavirus once again spikes around the world, health care workers are at the end of their rope.
Pfizer Files for First COVID-19 Vaccine Clearance With FDA | Time
Pfizer Files for First COVID-19 Vaccine Clearance With FDA | Time: In a TIME 100 Talks, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla discusses the FDA filing, as well as the next steps in COVID-19 vaccine approval and rollout.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Doctors angry, frustrated that many in public not heeding COVID warnings
Doctors angry, frustrated that many in public not heeding COVID warnings: Early in the pandemic, the country paused to clap for health care workers as they left their shifts.
Childhood Lead Exposure Tied to Brain Changes in Middle Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Childhood Lead Exposure Tied to Brain Changes in Middle Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Nov. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged adults who had elevated levels of lead in their blood as children have brain structure changes, new research shows. For the study, the researchers analyzed childhood lead exposure data on 564 participants in a long-term study of people who wer...
Moody's: Insurers will be financially 'unscathed' by COVID-19 but must adapt to industry evolution | FierceHealthcare
Moody's: Insurers will be financially 'unscathed' by COVID-19 but must adapt to industry evolution | FierceHealthcare: While insurers are set to weather COVID-19's financial storm, an inability to keep up with how the pandemic is changing healthcare will be credit-negative in the long term, according to a new report from Moody's Investors Service.
Take It From an Expert: Fauci’s Hierarchy of Safety During COVID | Kaiser Health News
Take It From an Expert: Fauci’s Hierarchy of Safety During COVID | Kaiser Health News: In a new interview, the nation's top infectious disease expert tells us how to survive the coming months and describes how hard it is when people still insist the coronavirus outbreak is “fake news.”
FDA allows 1st rapid COVID-19 test that gives results at home
FDA allows 1st rapid COVID-19 test that gives results at home: U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
AHA News: COVID-19 Patients of All Ages With Obesity Face Higher Risk of Complications, Death - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
AHA News: COVID-19 Patients of All Ages With Obesity Face Higher Risk of Complications, Death - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: People with obesity – regardless of age – are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and have higher risks for complications and death, according to new research.
White House warns of ‘deterioration’ in Georgia as virus rages in U.S.
White House warns of ‘deterioration’ in Georgia as virus rages in U.S.: public health experts warn that cooler weather and social gatherings tied to next week’s Thanksgiving holiday could be accelerants that turn a smoldering epidemic in the Peach State into an inferno.
Pfizer to Seek FDA Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine | Time
Pfizer to Seek FDA Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine | Time: Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine is about 95% effective, according to new data released by the companies.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The good news on Moderna’s vaccine trial resonates in Atlanta | Georgia Health News
The good news on Moderna’s vaccine trial resonates in Atlanta | Georgia Health News: Emory has been a major participant in the Moderna trial, enrolling about 700 volunteers at three centers in Atlanta.
Industry Voices—Taking the pain out of prior authorization management through automation | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Taking the pain out of prior authorization management through automation | FierceHealthcare: If there’s one thing healthcare providers can agree on, it’s that prior authorization management is a heavy administrative burden and only growing heavier. While the need to streamline prior authorization has been evident for years, the financial devastation caused by COVID-19 has motivated providers to reexamine it—and the entire revenue cycle—for improvement opportunities.
Coronavirus: HHS Secretary Azar says FDA will move 'as quickly as possible' to OK Moderna and Pfizer's vaccines
Coronavirus: HHS Secretary Azar says FDA will move 'as quickly as possible' to OK Moderna and Pfizer's vaccines: HHS Secretary Alex Azar said Monday that the FDA will move "as quickly as possible" to issue an authorization for Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
What Doctors Aren’t Always Taught: How to Spot Racism in Health Care | Kaiser Health News
What Doctors Aren’t Always Taught: How to Spot Racism in Health Care | Kaiser Health News: Activists across the country are demanding that medical schools eliminate the use of race as a diagnostic tool, recognize how systemic racism harms patients and reckon with some of medicine’s racist history.
AMA calls racism a 'public health threat'
AMA calls racism a 'public health threat': The American Medical Association Monday voted to recognize systemic racism and interpersonal bias by healthcare workers as a "serious" threat to public health that hinders efforts to achieve health equity and reduce disparities among minority populations.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shows success in U.S. tests
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shows success in U.S. tests: Moderna said its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data. A week ago, Pfizer announced its COVID-19 vaccine appeared similarly effective—which puts both on track to seek permission within weeks for emergency use in the U.S.
Monday, November 16, 2020
Fewer ER Visits for Asthma Crises After Obamacare: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Fewer ER Visits for Asthma Crises After Obamacare: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Ambulances made fewer trips transporting patients with asthma emergencies in New York City after the Affordable Care Act went into effect, new research shows.The likely reason for the decline: Patients had greater access to outpatient management of their con...
Too Many Kids Still Get Antipsychotics They Don't Need - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Too Many Kids Still Get Antipsychotics They Don't Need - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: SUNDAY, Nov. 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Prescriptions of antipsychotic medications for young children are declining, a new study finds.However, doctors are continuing to prescribe the drugs "off-label" for kids with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depressi...
Trends In Coronavirus Cases, Deaths And Hospitalizations This Week : Shots - Health News : NPR
Trends In Coronavirus Cases, Deaths And Hospitalizations This Week : Shots - Health News : NPR: Daily cases have gone up more than 70% nationwide, since the beginning of November. Another way to put it: one in every 378 people in the U.S. tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 94.5% effective, company says | 11alive.com
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 94.5% effective, company says | 11alive.com: Both Moderna and Pfizer are on track to seek permission for emergency use in the U.S. within weeks. Still, initial supplies will be limited and rationed.
Red States’ Case Against ACA Hinges on Whether They Were Actually Harmed by the Law | Kaiser Health News
Red States’ Case Against ACA Hinges on Whether They Were Actually Harmed by the Law | Kaiser Health News: The Republican-led states are trying to prove they were harmed by the 2010 health law — and thus have “legal standing” — because their Medicaid costs increased, even though Congress eliminated the penalty for not having health coverage in 2019. At least one justice was skeptical.
Moderna's Coronavirus Vaccine Nearly 95% Effective, Analysis Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR
Moderna's Coronavirus Vaccine Nearly 95% Effective, Analysis Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR: The vaccine is nearly 95% effective in preventing illness, according to an interim analysis of a clinical test involving 30,000 people.
COVID-19 public health emergency declaration set to expire on Inauguration Day
COVID-19 public health emergency declaration set to expire on Inauguration Day: The declaration is tied to regulatory flexibilities and extra funding for states and healthcare providers.
Friday, November 13, 2020
Telemedicine Is Keeping Kids' Asthma Care on Track: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Telemedicine Is Keeping Kids' Asthma Care on Track: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The use of telemedicine led to an increase in the number of inner-city kids in Los Angeles who kept asthma-related doctor appointments during the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows.The researchers examined "show rates" -- how often parents kept an appo...
Parents of Kids With Food Allergies Also Face Bullying, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Parents of Kids With Food Allergies Also Face Bullying, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: Many parents report being the target of bullying due to their child's food allergy, researchers say
Fitch: COVID-19 accelerating insurers' financial headwinds | FierceHealthcare
Fitch: COVID-19 accelerating insurers' financial headwinds | FierceHealthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating trends impacting insurers' finances, in particular the interest in additional government control in the market, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings.
HHS announces COVID-19 vaccine agreement with drug stores
HHS announces COVID-19 vaccine agreement with drug stores: Federal health officials have reached an agreement with pharmacies across the U.S. to distribute free coronavirus vaccines after they are approved and become available to the public.
States ramp up for COVID-19 vaccine
States ramp up for COVID-19 vaccine: The push could begin as early as next month, when federal officials say the first vaccine may be authorized for emergency use and immediately deployed to high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers.
Provider Relief Fund contract limits UnitedHealthcare's use of provider financial data
Provider Relief Fund contract limits UnitedHealthcare's use of provider financial data: The initial contract for administering the Provider Relief Fund offers a glimpse into the parameters that structured a mammoth effort to quickly get billions of dollars into healthcare providers' bank accounts.
Read the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report for Georgia
Read the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report for Georgia: Georgia returned to the red zone for cases in the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report.
The report, dated Sunday, warned of spread through private gatherings and urged Georgians to be cautious ahead of the holiday season.
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Will Thanksgiving Be a COVID-19 Disaster? It Was in Canada | Time
Will Thanksgiving Be a COVID-19 Disaster? It Was in Canada | Time: Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving in October—and the pandemic accelerated with it.
AMA releases new CPT codes for coronavirus immunizations to prepare for vaccine rollout | FierceHealthcare
AMA releases new CPT codes for coronavirus immunizations to prepare for vaccine rollout | FierceHealthcare: Amid positive COVID-19 vaccine news this week, the American Medical Association announced new vaccine-specific CPT codes to report immunizations for the novel coronavirus.
As coronavirus soars, hospitals hope to avoid an agonizing choice: Who gets care and who goes home - The Washington Post
As coronavirus soars, hospitals hope to avoid an agonizing choice: Who gets care and who goes home - The Washington Post: The number of new daily coronavirus cases in the United States jumped from 104,000 a week earlier to more than 145,000 on Wednesday, an all-time high. Nearly every metric is trending in the wrong direction, prompting states to add new restrictions and hospitals to prepare for a potentially dark future.
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes. | Kaiser Health News
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes. | Kaiser Health News: From the likelihood of achy, flu-like side effects to the need for two doses, weeks apart, consumers need to know now what to expect when vaccines to prevent COVID-19 roll out.
U.S. hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge
U.S. hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge: Hospitalizations surpassed 1 million new confirmed cases in just the first 10 days of November amid a nationwide surge of infections that shows no signs of slowing.
Georgia short of intensive care nurses as winter threatens surge of coronavirus cases
Georgia short of intensive care nurses as winter threatens surge of coronavirus cases: With winter approaching and Covid cases climbing, Georgia faces a shortage of critical care nurses.
New data drills down on comorbidities with highest COVID-19 risks
New data drills down on comorbidities with highest COVID-19 risks: COVID-19 patients who have developmental disorders are three times more likely to die from the virus.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Health care center stage for Senate runoffs
Health care center stage for Senate runoffs: An analysis of census data by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that Georgia ranked 47th out of 50 states for coverage in 2019, with 13.4% of its population between ages 19 and 64, or 1.38 million working-age Georgians, uninsured.
Newborns Are at Low COVID Risk - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Newborns Are at Low COVID Risk - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Overall, babies have a low risk of severe COVID-19 infection, and transmission from mother to newborn is unlikely, new research suggests.For the study, researchers analyzed data from all babies under 29 days old who had COVID-19 and had to be admitted to ...
One-Third of E-Cigarette Users Report Signs of Lung Damage: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
One-Third of E-Cigarette Users Report Signs of Lung Damage: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- One of every three people who vape say they have symptoms associated with damage to the lungs or respiratory tract, a new study reports.Specifically, 33% of e-cigarette users reported having one or more of the five symptoms associated with EVALI, or e-cig...
Urban analysis: More than 3M lost employer insurance due to COVID-19 job losses | FierceHealthcare
Urban analysis: More than 3M lost employer insurance due to COVID-19 job losses | FierceHealthcare: An Urban Institute analysis finds more than 3 million people lost their employer-sponsored insurance, spelling changes to the payer mix for providers.
CDC report says masks now protect wearer as well as the public | TheHill
CDC report says masks now protect wearer as well as the public | TheHill: A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said masks not only protect the general public from COVID-19, but also protect the mask wearer.
Five Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine | Kaiser Health News
Five Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine | Kaiser Health News: The drugmaker says its mRNA vaccine worked in 90% of patients in its trial, but some observers question how long immunity will last and who will benefit.
As cases rise, states say they'll work with Biden on virus
As cases rise, states say they'll work with Biden on virus: Biden's announcement of a virus task force on Monday coincided with tougher actions or statements from a number of governors, including Republicans, as COVID-19 cases soared past 10 million in the U.S. and deaths were approaching 240,000.
Doctors may be better equipped to handle latest virus surge
Doctors may be better equipped to handle latest virus surge: Hospitals are getting slammed. And unlike the earlier outbreaks, this one is not confined to a region or two. Cases are on the rise in 49 states.
Supreme Court justices seem unlikely to strike down full ACA
Supreme Court justices seem unlikely to strike down full ACA: The justices focused on issues including whether challengers had legal standing and whether the entire law would have to fall if the individual mandate were unconstitutional.
Georgia back in coronavirus red zone in latest White House report
Georgia back in coronavirus red zone in latest White House report: Citing an increase in cases, President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force moved the state back into the most severe category for spread of the virus for the first time since mid-September. The report warned of asymptomatic spread, particularly in social gatherings, as cool weather pushes people indoors and friends and families plan holiday events.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
These are the healthcare experts Biden named to his COVID-19 advisory board | FierceHealthcare
These are the healthcare experts Biden named to his COVID-19 advisory board | FierceHealthcare: Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler will be among public health leaders guiding the transition team for President-elect Joe Biden regarding COVID-19. Here's who else is in the lineup.
Centene set to acquire analytics company Apixio | FierceHealthcare
Centene set to acquire analytics company Apixio | FierceHealthcare: Centene will acquire analytics company Apixio, the insurer announced Monday.
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News: Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.
CMS signs off on Medicaid managed-care changes
CMS signs off on Medicaid managed-care changes: The final rule gives states more flexibility to set rates for their managed-care plans and ensure plans have adequate provider networks.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine is looking 90% effective
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine is looking 90% effective: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious-disease expert, said the results suggesting 90% effectiveness are "just extraordinary," adding: "Not very many people expected it would be as high as that."
Healthcare trade groups ready to work with Biden on COVID, affordability and access
Healthcare trade groups ready to work with Biden on COVID, affordability and access: AHA, AAMC, AHIP on Saturday pledged to work with President-elect Joe Biden and a new administration on combating the coronavirus pandemic and continuing to reshape the nation's healthcare system.
Monday, November 9, 2020
Amid COVID-19, teachers innovate, juggle needs of ‘Zoomies’ and 'roomies’
Amid COVID-19, teachers innovate, juggle needs of ‘Zoomies’ and 'roomies’: How teaching kids in classrooms and online concurrently is working at some schools in Marietta and Gwinnett
Covid-19: U.S. Surpasses 10 Million Coronavirus Cases as Global Cases Top 50 Million - The New York Times
Covid-19: U.S. Surpasses 10 Million Coronavirus Cases as Global Cases Top 50 Million - The New York Times: With the pandemic deepening, President-elect Biden is expected to name his coronavirus panel on Monday. France and Italy are enduring record outbreaks and locking down regions.
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News: Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.
Why an antitrust settlement could trigger a big bang in health insurance
Why an antitrust settlement could trigger a big bang in health insurance: A tentative $2.7 billion settlement of an antitrust case would free Blues plans to invade each other's markets. Under the deal, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association agreed to loosen a rule that barred such competition.
COVID-19, ACA would dominate Biden's early regulatory agenda
COVID-19, ACA would dominate Biden's early regulatory agenda: The decisions that the Biden transition team makes in the coming weeks will set the course for his healthcare agenda.
Federal approval of Kemp ACA waiver contains last-minute surprises
Federal approval of Kemp ACA waiver contains last-minute surprises: As Trump officials raced to approve Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's health care waiver two days before the election to block Georgians' shopping on healthcare.
How the human brain is 'prewired' to see words from birth
How the human brain is 'prewired' to see words from birth: According to a study recently published in the journal “Scientific Reports,” at birth, humans have a portion of the brain that is prewired to be responsive to seeing words and letters.
Pfizer says early data shows COVID-19 vaccine is effective
Pfizer says early data shows COVID-19 vaccine is effective: Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19, indicating the company is on track later this month to file an emergency-use application with U.
Friday, November 6, 2020
White House: Despite Hazy Picture, Coronavirus Pandemic Gaining Speed In Georgia | 90.1 FM WABE
White House: Despite Hazy Picture, Coronavirus Pandemic Gaining Speed In Georgia | 90.1 FM WABE: The Trump administration says Georgia’s control of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be slipping.
Federal officials say they can’t even get a clear picture of the situation in the state because of “significant” declines in diagnostic testing.
U.S. Sets Another Daily Record for COVID Cases as Virus Spreads on College Campuses - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
U.S. Sets Another Daily Record for COVID Cases as Virus Spreads on College Campuses - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As the daily U.S. coronavirus case count shattered yet another record on Thursday with 121,000 infections reported, a new survey shows that nearly a quarter of a million COVID-19 cases have now been identified at colleges and universities nationwide.More than...
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, here are 5 health IT issues to watch | FierceHealthcare
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, here are 5 health IT issues to watch | FierceHealthcare: Regardless of who wins the presidential election, healthcare IT leaders are setting their sights on key issues they want the federal government to take action on in the next four years. Here are the five issues to watch.
Coronavirus live updates: U.S. tops 116,000 cases, another record, as health officials worry people are ‘giving up’ - The Washington Post
Coronavirus live updates: U.S. tops 116,000 cases, another record, as health officials worry people are ‘giving up’ - The Washington Post: A second day of six-figure case counts pushed the total number of infections reported in the United States to nearly 9.6 million on Thursday, according to data tracked by The Washington Post.
How Escalating COVID Cases Forced One State to Change Its Masking Strategy | Kaiser Health News
How Escalating COVID Cases Forced One State to Change Its Masking Strategy | Kaiser Health News: Montana is seeking penalties against some businesses that violated its mask and social distancing directives, after months of reluctance to enforce COVID restrictions. Meanwhile, cities, counties and tribal nations still struggle to get people to mask up and avoid crowds.
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Industry Voices—Will the country choose virtual care post-COVID-19? Yes—but only if it's better | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Will the country choose virtual care post-COVID-19? Yes—but only if it's better | FierceHealthcare: Today, telehealth is largely a matter of convenience. But telehealth will prove, in the coming months and years, that it will deliver better primary care to larger numbers of patients—and do so more efficiently than our current brick-and-mortar system.
Many pediatricians say vaccines, visits dropped off amid COVID-19. Nemours says it bucked the trend | FierceHealthcare
Many pediatricians say vaccines, visits dropped off amid COVID-19. Nemours says it bucked the trend | FierceHealthcare: While plenty of adult primary care as well as pediatric practices continue to report sluggish returns in visits among their patients, Nemours officials say they have been able to return to somewhat normal visit volumes and actually increased immunizations among kids year-to-date. Here's how.
Cigna reports $1.4B in Q3 profit, getting a boost from performance at Evernorth | FierceHealthcare
Cigna reports $1.4B in Q3 profit, getting a boost from performance at Evernorth | FierceHealthcare: Cigna posted $1.4 billion in profit for the third quarter, performance it says is bolstered by its newly rebranded Evernorth subsidiary.
Poor and Minority Children With Food Allergies Overlooked and in Danger | Kaiser Health News
Poor and Minority Children With Food Allergies Overlooked and in Danger | Kaiser Health News: Having a child with a food allergy is terrifying for any parent, but for low-income families such allergies can be especially deadly. Food assistance programs and food pantries rarely take allergies into account. And access to specialists, support groups and lifesaving epinephrine can be hard to attain. This especially hurts low-income Black children, who have higher incidences of allergies to corn, wheat and soy than white kids.
Public health may be U.S. election loser as coronavirus surges
Public health may be U.S. election loser as coronavirus surges: Donald Trump's current term doesn't end until Jan. 20. In the 86 days until then, 100,000 more Americans will likely die from the virus if the president doesn't shift course, said Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
HHS proposes rule to review and eliminate old regulations
HHS proposes rule to review and eliminate old regulations: Rules would expire 10 years after HHS issues them if the agency doesn't assess and, if necessary, review a rule "in a timely manner," HHS said. Comments on the proposed rule are due Jan. 4.
GOP Senate majority may mitigate policy risk for healthcare industry
GOP Senate majority may mitigate policy risk for healthcare industry: A divided government would mitigate the risk of the most extreme healthcare policy reforms industry feared.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
For Rural Youth, Mental Health Care Can Be Tough to Find - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
For Rural Youth, Mental Health Care Can Be Tough to Find - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- While young Americans' mental health appears to be getting worse, the places where help is needed most appear to have the fewest resources.A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that rural areas of the United States have fewer mental health servi...
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: CDC warns of COVID risks for pregnant women | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: CDC warns of COVID risks for pregnant women | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
The 3 likely issues that will top Congress' to-do list next year regardless of who wins the election | FierceHealthcare
The 3 likely issues that will top Congress' to-do list next year regardless of who wins the election | FierceHealthcare: Regardless of who wins the elections in November, there are likely three issues that are going to dominate the (non-COVID-19) healthcare discussion in Congress next year, MGMA policy officials said during their annual conference this week.
New York ER docs sue UnitedHealth for alleged underpayments | FierceHealthcare
New York ER docs sue UnitedHealth for alleged underpayments | FierceHealthcare: New York emergency room docs are suing UnitedHealth Group and provider network management firm Multiplan, alleging the two conspired to underpay them for out-of-network claims.
No Winner for President Yet and Health Care Hangs in the Balance | Kaiser Health News
No Winner for President Yet and Health Care Hangs in the Balance | Kaiser Health News: As the votes continue to be counted in the tight battle between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, the federal role in health care is at stake.
Trump exec order could stuff HHS with his political allies
Trump exec order could stuff HHS with his political allies: President Donald Trump last month signed an executive order that would make it easier for federal agencies to fire career civil servants and replace them with political appointees. HHS could be particularly affected by the move.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
More than 61,000 children got Covid-19 last week, a record
More than 61,000 children got Covid-19 last week, a record: The highest number of children with Covid-19 has been recorded, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Newly Legal Edible Cannabis Sparks More ED Visits | MedPage Today
Newly Legal Edible Cannabis Sparks More ED Visits | MedPage Today: Seniors, toddlers among those treated for bad trips
Black Doctor Dies After Giving Birth, Underscoring Maternal Mortality Crisis | MedPage Today
Black Doctor Dies After Giving Birth, Underscoring Maternal Mortality Crisis | MedPage Today: Tragedy shows racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes aren't solely based on access to care
Female Physicians Spend More Time With Patients Than Male Doctors Do, But Earn Less : Shots - Health News : NPR
Female Physicians Spend More Time With Patients Than Male Doctors Do, But Earn Less : Shots - Health News : NPR: a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine that found female primary care physicians spend more time with their patients than male doctors — an average of 2.4 minutes per visit, to be specific. But female physicians still make less money
Neanderthal or Human, Babies Weaned at Same Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Neanderthal or Human, Babies Weaned at Same Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Neanderthals weaned their babies at about the same age as modern humans do, a new study finds.Neanderthals are humans' closest cousins on the evolutionary tree, but there are many questions about their pace of growth and early-life energy requirements.To lea...
Why Kindergarten Matters - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Why Kindergarten Matters - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Being well-prepared to start kindergarten provides lifelong benefits, a new Canadian study shows.It included 2,000 children born in the province of Quebec in 1997 and 1998. At age 5, their knowledge of numbers and their receptive vocabulary (recognition of w...
Newborn Brain Bleeds Resolve by Age 2 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Newborn Brain Bleeds Resolve by Age 2 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Here's some good news for new moms: Babies born with asymptomatic brain bleeds have normal brain development by the time they reach the age of 2, researchers report.MRIs were used to examine the brains of 311 newborns in the Early Brain Development Study at ...
'Deadly' Phase of Pandemic Looms, White House Advisor Birx Warns - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
'Deadly' Phase of Pandemic Looms, White House Advisor Birx Warns - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The pandemic is entering a new and "deadly" phase and the United States needs to adopt a more aggressive approach to curbing the spread of COVID-19, White House coronavirus response coordinator warned Monday.The warning, expressed by Dr. Deborah Birx in a pr...
CMS allows Georgia to rely on private sector for ACA signups starting in 2023 | FierceHealthcare
CMS allows Georgia to rely on private sector for ACA signups starting in 2023 | FierceHealthcare: CMS approved a waiver that sets up a reinsurance program in Georgia and allows the state to leave HealthCare.gov to set up a private sector-run system.
Feds Approve Fractious Georgia Plan to Change ACA Marketplace | Kaiser Health News
Feds Approve Fractious Georgia Plan to Change ACA Marketplace | Kaiser Health News: Under the plan pushed by Gov. Brian Kemp, the healthcare.gov website will no longer provide options for Georgia starting next fall, and consumers will need to rely on private brokers, insurance companies, agents and commercial websites.
CMS approves Georgia's reinsurance plan, exiting HealthCare.gov for 2023 coverage
CMS approves Georgia's reinsurance plan, exiting HealthCare.gov for 2023 coverage: "Today's approval of the state's waiver will usher in a groundswell of healthcare innovation that will deliver lower costs, better care, and more choice to Georgians in the individual market," CMS Administrator Seema Verma said.
Monday, November 2, 2020
Kemp extends Georgia COVID-19 emergency order into December
Kemp extends Georgia COVID-19 emergency order into December: Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday he was extending the public health state of emergency through December 9.
What You Need to Know About the Search for a COVID Vaccine - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
What You Need to Know About the Search for a COVID Vaccine - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Oct. 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Forty-five potential vaccines for COVID-19 are being tested in human trials and many more are being tested in animals.Researchers are using several approaches to trigger an immune response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The most common t...
HHS says providers can use COVID-19 relief grants for vaccine distribution
HHS says providers can use COVID-19 relief grants for vaccine distribution: The agency has recently issued guidance on what expenses and lost revenues healthcare providers can legally count toward the COVID-19 relief grants.
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