Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Vaping, Opioids and 'Anti-Vaxxers' Top Health Stories of 2019
Vaping, Opioids and 'Anti-Vaxxers' Top Health Stories of 2019: The scourge of addiction among Americans young and old made big headlines in 2019, as did one big change in heart health guidelines.
Banned for Decades, DDT and Dioxins Are Still Harming U.S. Babies
Banned for Decades, DDT and Dioxins Are Still Harming U.S. Babies: Decades-banned pesticides apparently continue to interfere with fetal growth during U.S. pregnancies, a new study reports.
Industry Voices—A doctor's perspective on the top 3 healthcare trends to watch in 2020 | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—A doctor's perspective on the top 3 healthcare trends to watch in 2020 | FierceHealthcare: As 2019 comes to a close, this is the perfect time to consider what lies ahead in the new year. As a physician working in digital health, my sense is that the pace of change in medicine is accelerating in ways that we haven’t seen before.
From Medicaid to price transparency, here are the 5 biggest health policy controversies in 2019 | FierceHealthcare
From Medicaid to price transparency, here are the 5 biggest health policy controversies in 2019 | FierceHealthcare: Washington provided a lot of drama for the payer and provider industries in 2019 with unexpected transparency requirements, payment cuts and major uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act.
A Reality Check On Artificial Intelligence: Are Health Care Claims Overblown? | Kaiser Health News
A Reality Check On Artificial Intelligence: Are Health Care Claims Overblown? | Kaiser Health News: As happens when the tech industry gets involved, hype surrounds the claims that artificial intelligence will help patients and even replace some doctors.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Could 1 Dose of HPV Vaccine Be Enough?
Could 1 Dose of HPV Vaccine Be Enough?: In a finding that might make the HPV vaccine more palatable to many, new research suggests a single dose may provide just as much protection from cervical cancer as the recommended two to three doses do.
5 trends and issues to watch in the insurance industry in 2020 | FierceHealthcare
5 trends and issues to watch in the insurance industry in 2020 | FierceHealthcare: Insurers may not expect new major regulations next year, but the presidential election could severely impact their business.
Trump administration extends comment period on insurer transparency rule | FierceHealthcare
Trump administration extends comment period on insurer transparency rule | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration has given insurers more time to comment on a proposed rule to require individual and group plans to give consumers out-of-pocket cost information.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Could Brain Scans Spot Children's Mood, Attention Problems Early?
Could Brain Scans Spot Children's Mood, Attention Problems Early?: Children's mental health issues are hard to predict until they're causing problems, but researchers may have found a way to use brain scans to spot which kids are at risk for depression, anxiety and attention problems.
5 trends and issues to watch in the insurance industry in 2020 | FierceHealthcare
5 trends and issues to watch in the insurance industry in 2020 | FierceHealthcare: Insurers may not expect new major regulations next year, but the presidential election could severely impact their business.
Medicaid supplemental payment changes jeopardize SNF revenue, analysts say
Medicaid supplemental payment changes jeopardize SNF revenue, analysts say: A new CMS proposed rule would give the agency more latitude to restrict financing mechanisms states use to increase federal matching funds for their Medicaid program and could erode a key funding source for SNFs.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Obesity Might Skew Blood Tests in Kids
Obesity Might Skew Blood Tests in Kids: If your child is obese, new research suggests that those extra pounds can alter the results of routine blood tests.
Many Child Care Centers Don't Require Flu Shots
Many Child Care Centers Don't Require Flu Shots: As an early flu season spreads its misery across the United States, new research shows that few child care centers require children or their adult caregivers to get a flu shot.
Congress showers health care industry with multibillion-dollar victory after wagging finger at it for much of 2019 - The Washington Post
Congress showers health care industry with multibillion-dollar victory after wagging finger at it for much of 2019 - The Washington Post: McConnell and Schumer helped curb efforts to crack down, while three taxes were repealed
Cigna's Express Scripts partners with Prime Therapeutics
Cigna's Express Scripts partners with Prime Therapeutics: Cigna's Express Scripts and Blue Cross and Blue Shield-owned Prime want to leverage the scale of the more than 100 million individuals that the pharmacy benefit managers serve.
Cigna's Express Scripts partners with Prime Therapeutics
Cigna's Express Scripts partners with Prime Therapeutics: Cigna's Express Scripts and Blue Cross and Blue Shield-owned Prime want to leverage the scale of the more than 100 million individuals that the pharmacy benefit managers serve.
Insurer CareFirst strikes two deals, marking foray into Medicaid
Insurer CareFirst strikes two deals, marking foray into Medicaid: Baltimore-based insurer CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield is entering the Medicaid managed-care market with acquisitions of two small Medicaid plans in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Lawmakers take a deeper look at surprise billing practices
Lawmakers take a deeper look at surprise billing practices: Members of Congress are homing in on insurer-provider negotiations and physician staffing companies' policies on sending patients surprise medical bills.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Vaping in Kids Under 15 'Skyrocketed' Over 5 Years, Study Finds
Vaping in Kids Under 15 'Skyrocketed' Over 5 Years, Study Finds: The percentage of U.S. teens who started vaping by age 14 tripled in recent years, researchers report.
Congress Approves Raising Age to 21 for E-Cigarette and Tobacco Sales - The New York Times
Congress Approves Raising Age to 21 for E-Cigarette and Tobacco Sales - The New York Times: President Trump is expected to sign it into law as part of the overall spending package. Some advocates warn that more action is needed to reduce teenage vaping of e-cigarettes.
States score $200M from the CMS to combat maternal opioid abuse
States score $200M from the CMS to combat maternal opioid abuse: The CMS awarded 17 states nearly $200 million over the next seven years to combat opioid misuse among expectant mothers and improve care for children impacted by the crisis.
Senate passes spending bill that delays DSH cuts, repeals ACA taxes
Senate passes spending bill that delays DSH cuts, repeals ACA taxes: White House adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters that President Donald Trump is poised to sign the legislation.
Water damage at Atlanta hospital to limit operation for months
Water damage at Atlanta hospital to limit operation for months: An unexpected pipe burst has left the Atlanta hospital's medical and surgical units "completely out of commission." It's a Level 1 trauma center.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Medicaid, CHIP enrollment decline for 2nd straight year | FierceHealthcare
Medicaid, CHIP enrollment decline for 2nd straight year | FierceHealthcare: Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP declined nationally for the second year in a row, with a 2.6% decrease over the past two years, according to a new report.
Industry Voices—Patient loyalty to providers is at risk over transparency | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Patient loyalty to providers is at risk over transparency | FierceHealthcare: At a time when family health coverage costs as much as an economy car, consumers need upfront information on out-of-pocket costs and extended payment options—and they’re willing to switch providers to get it.
Top Republican blasts McConnell for derailing bipartisan drug pricing bill
Top Republican blasts McConnell for derailing bipartisan drug pricing bill: Why don’t more Republicans support the bipartisan Senate drug pricing package? Because Sen. McConnell asked them not to sign on, says Sen. Chuck Grassley.
Court: Part of 'Obamacare' invalid, more review needed
Court: Part of 'Obamacare' invalid, more review needed: NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court on Wednesday struck down “Obamacare’s” now-toothless requirement that Americans carry health insurance but sidestepped a ruling on the law’s overall...
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
County closes elementary schools early because of flu outbreak
County closes elementary schools early because of flu outbreak: The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting widespread flu in Georgia.
American Academy of Pediatrics Report Provides Sweeping Review of Evidence Concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder
American Academy of Pediatrics Report Provides Sweeping Review of Evidence Concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder: American Academy of Pediatrics Report Provides Sweeping Review of Evidence Concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Vaping No Better Than Cigarettes for Your Lungs, Study Suggests
Vaping No Better Than Cigarettes for Your Lungs, Study Suggests: If you think vaping is less likely to harm your lungs than traditional cigarettes, think again.
Don’t Toss That E-Cig: Vaping Waste Is A Whole New Headache For Schools And Cities | Kaiser Health News
Don’t Toss That E-Cig: Vaping Waste Is A Whole New Headache For Schools And Cities | Kaiser Health News: E-cigarettes may look sleek, but they create toxic trash, especially at high schools where vaping is widespread. Disposable nicotine pods can be poisonous, and vape pens contain batteries and metals. Safely disposing of them can mean a trip to the local recycling center.
Number of Americans with a primary care provider declined 2% over a decade, new study shows | FierceHealthcare
Number of Americans with a primary care provider declined 2% over a decade, new study shows | FierceHealthcare: Despite the health benefits, fewer Americans have a primary care provider, according to a new study. The number of patients in the U.S. who have a primary care provider declined by 2% in a little over a decade, according to the study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Treating Babies in Opioid Withdrawal Costs U.S. Over $500 Million Annually
Treating Babies in Opioid Withdrawal Costs U.S. Over $500 Million Annually: The care of babies born dependent on opioids costs the U.S. health care system more than half a billion dollars a year, a new study finds.
Updated Autism Guidelines Stress Earliest Screenings Possible
Updated Autism Guidelines Stress Earliest Screenings Possible: For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians' group has issued new autism guidelines that emphasize early intervention.
Spending Deal Would End Two-Decade Freeze on Gun Research | Business News | US News
Spending Deal Would End Two-Decade Freeze on Gun Research | Business News | US News: WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan deal on a government spending bill would for the first time in two decades provide money for federal research on gun safety. A law adopted in the 1990's has effectively blocked such research and prohibits federal agencies from engaging in advocacy on gun-related issues.
Spending Deal Would End Two-Decade Freeze on Gun Research | Business News | US News
Spending Deal Would End Two-Decade Freeze on Gun Research | Business News | US News: WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan deal on a government spending bill would for the first time in two decades provide money for federal research on gun safety. A law adopted in the 1990's has effectively blocked such research and prohibits federal agencies from engaging in advocacy on gun-related issues.
U.S. government extends deadline to sign up for Obamacare insurance plans - Reuters
U.S. government extends deadline to sign up for Obamacare insurance plans - Reuters: The U.S. government said on Monday the deadline for signing-up for 2020 insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been extended by three days to Dec. 18 to accommodate those who experienced issues while attempting to enroll.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Flu Cases Are Spiking Early, Suggesting Tough Season Ahead
Flu Cases Are Spiking Early, Suggesting Tough Season Ahead: The flu season is off to a fast and furious start, with a strain of the virus that normally arrives later in the season making a strong early appearance, U.S. health officials said Friday.
Eye Injuries From Household Cleaners Drop, But Kids Remain at Risk
Eye Injuries From Household Cleaners Drop, But Kids Remain at Risk: Having little ones visit for the holidays? Be sure to stow household cleaners safely out of their reach.
Poor moms struggle with prenatal care in some states
Poor moms struggle with prenatal care in some states: MACPAC's staff found large disparities in prenatal care access for women with Medicaid-financed births. That could have long-term implications for the Medicaid program, but more research is needed.
MACPAC thinks HHS needs new measures for Medicaid payment errors
MACPAC thinks HHS needs new measures for Medicaid payment errors: MACPAC members think that HHS needs to change the way it measures payment errors in the Medicaid program, especially in managed care.
Lawmakers seek great transparency of provider insurer contracts
Lawmakers seek great transparency of provider insurer contracts: Business groups say the provisions could clear the way for more powerful strategies to reduce healthcare costs, while hospital groups warn they would give payers too much power.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Infighting between Alex Azar, Seema Verma stymies Trump health agenda - The Washington Post
Infighting between Alex Azar, Seema Verma stymies Trump health agenda - The Washington Post: “This isn’t a band of brothers . . . It’s a group of mercenaries,” an HHS official said.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Over 40% of Antibiotics Could Be 'Inappropriately' Prescribed
Over 40% of Antibiotics Could Be 'Inappropriately' Prescribed: When your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, there's a 43% chance it may not be needed, a new study finds.
Secondhand Smoke Starts Kids on Path to Heart Disease: Study
Secondhand Smoke Starts Kids on Path to Heart Disease: Study: Secondhand smoke can harm children's arteries, a new study warns.
Differences Found in Brains of Kids Born to Depressed Parents
Differences Found in Brains of Kids Born to Depressed Parents: The brains of kids who have a high risk of depression because they have parents with depression are structurally different from other kids' brains, a new study finds.
Why do female physicians earn less than men? Here's what the women had to say | FierceHealthcare
Why do female physicians earn less than men? Here's what the women had to say | FierceHealthcare: The majority of female physicians believe that their male counterparts earn more than they do, and 76% say unconscious employer discrimination is the reason.
In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out? | Kaiser Health News
In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out? | Kaiser Health News: The opioid epidemic is intergenerational, with tens of thousands of babies born every year dependent on opioids. Advocates worry that settlement dollars resulting from lawsuits against the drug industry might not benefit these children.
House passes Democrats' government drug-price negotiation bill
House passes Democrats' government drug-price negotiation bill: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a government drug-price negotiation bill pushed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on a largely party-line vote.
CMS approves South Carolina's Medicaid work requirement
CMS approves South Carolina's Medicaid work requirement: South Carolina's work requirement will apply to Medicaid beneficiaries with incomes under 100% of the federal poverty level, or $12,240 for an individual up to $25,100 for a family of four, with some exemptions.
Senate confirms Stephen Hahn as FDA commissioner
Senate confirms Stephen Hahn as FDA commissioner: Hahn, an oncologist and political newcomer, is now in charge of regulating e-cigarettes, ultra-expensive drugs, and medical cannabis products.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Breastfeeding May Bring Added Bonus for Women With MS
Breastfeeding May Bring Added Bonus for Women With MS: Women with multiple sclerosis often find that their symptoms ease during pregnancy. And evidence is growing that breastfeeding might have a similar benefit.
While U.S. leads in IT tools for patients, primary care doctors still struggle to coordinate care | FierceHealthcare
While U.S. leads in IT tools for patients, primary care doctors still struggle to coordinate care | FierceHealthcare: While the U.S. leads in aspects of health information technology, its primary care physicians still struggle to coordinate patient care and communicate with other health and social service providers, according to a new study. The study, published in Health Affairs, looks at how the United States’ primary care health system stacks up with 11 other high-income countries.
House Democrats to vote on flavored e-cigarettes ban next year | TheHill
House Democrats to vote on flavored e-cigarettes ban next year | TheHill: A bill aimed at curbing youth vaping rates by banning flavored e-cigarettes will not get a vote in the House until next year, one of the measure’s co-sponsors said.
Infighting between Alex Azar, Seema Verma stymies Trump health agenda - The Washington Post
Infighting between Alex Azar, Seema Verma stymies Trump health agenda - The Washington Post: “This isn’t a band of brothers . . . It’s a group of mercenaries,” an HHS official said.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Bullying's 'Vicious Circle' Harms Mental Health
Bullying's 'Vicious Circle' Harms Mental Health: Bullied teens are more likely to develop mental health problems, and people with mental health problems are also more likely to become bullies, researchers report.
In Campaign To Stop Teen Vaping, States Turn To Tried-And-True Remedy: Taxes | Kaiser Health News
In Campaign To Stop Teen Vaping, States Turn To Tried-And-True Remedy: Taxes | Kaiser Health News: Historically, taxation has been an effective tool in reducing the number of people who smoke. So 20 states and the District of Columbia have begun implementing taxes on vaping products as they seek to stop young people from getting addicted.
Books, Binders, Bleed-Control Kits: How School Shootings Are Changing Classroom Basics | Kaiser Health News
Books, Binders, Bleed-Control Kits: How School Shootings Are Changing Classroom Basics | Kaiser Health News: School districts around the country, including in Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas, now require bleeding-control kits and training at their public schools in this era of mass shootings.
Surprise billing tweaks fail to win provider support
Surprise billing tweaks fail to win provider support: A bipartisan group of lawmakers produced a deal on surprise billing legislation that is more provider-friendly than previous bills, but hospitals still oppose the deal.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Additives to E-Cigarettes May Be Upping Health Dangers
Additives to E-Cigarettes May Be Upping Health Dangers: Natural compounds added to marijuana-derived vaping liquid produce toxic chemicals in the vapor that users inhale, a new lab study reports.
Is Childbirth More Dangerous in Rural Areas?
Is Childbirth More Dangerous in Rural Areas?: If you are pregnant and live in a rural area of the United States, new research shows that you're at higher risk of life-threatening complications or death during or after childbirth.
Could Obesity Alter a Child's Brain Structure?
Could Obesity Alter a Child's Brain Structure?: Childhood obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure that might result in impulsive kids who struggle with problem-solving, a new study reports.
Many Kids Traveling Overseas Aren't Vaccinated Against Measles
Many Kids Traveling Overseas Aren't Vaccinated Against Measles: Many American kids aren't vaccinated against measles before they travel overseas to areas where the disease is endemic, a new study finds.
Healthcare leaders urge full court press on social determinants of health
Healthcare leaders urge full court press on social determinants of health: Healthcare leaders say the industry needs to make long-term commitments toward addressing social needs.
Centene's Neidorff: WellCare acquisition has cleared final state approvals | FierceHealthcare
Centene's Neidorff: WellCare acquisition has cleared final state approvals | FierceHealthcare: NEW YORK CITY—St. Louis-based Centene Corporation's acquisition of WellCare Health Plans crossed a significant hurdle as the deal earned approval from all 27 states, according to Centene CEO Michael Neidorff. Illinois and New Jersey approved the pending merger of the two insurers, Neidorff said while speaking at the Forbes Healthcare Summit Thursday.
Despite Poor Rankings, Report Finds Georgia Making Strides In Care For Mothers, Babies | 90.1 FM WABE
Despite Poor Rankings, Report Finds Georgia Making Strides In Care For Mothers, Babies | 90.1 FM WABE: Georgia continues to rank among the states with the highest rates of maternal mortality, low birth rate, preterm birth and infant mortality. The findings are part of a report released Thursday by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. Amber Mack is a research and policy analyst for the group. She notes
Flu season arrives early, driven by an unexpected virus
Flu season arrives early, driven by an unexpected virus: An early barrage of illness in the South has begun to spread more broadly, and there's a decent chance flu season could peak much earlier than normal, health officials say.
Healthcare spending growth up 4.6% as prices increased in 2018
Healthcare spending growth up 4.6% as prices increased in 2018: Total healthcare spending hit $3.6 trillion in 2018, accounting for 17.7% of gross domestic product.
Trump pulled into feud between top health officials - POLITICO
Trump pulled into feud between top health officials - POLITICO: Trump's and Pence’s efforts to end the feud come amid broader leadership battles at the health department.
Senate drug-pricing bill would halt DSH cuts for two years
Senate drug-pricing bill would halt DSH cuts for two years: Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and ranking Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon on Friday announced they would like to use their drug-pricing bill's savings to fund healthcare extenders and cancel two years of cuts to disproportionate share hospital payments.
Friday, December 6, 2019
Black Mothers Get Less Treatment For Postpartum Depression Than Other Moms | Kaiser Health News
Black Mothers Get Less Treatment For Postpartum Depression Than Other Moms | Kaiser Health News: Cultural barriers may keep some African American women from seeking treatment for postpartum depression as early as they need it, and the standard screening tools aren’t always relevant for some black women.
Healthcare spending up 4.6% as prices increased in 2018
Healthcare spending up 4.6% as prices increased in 2018: Total healthcare spending hit $3.6 trillion in 2018, accounting for 17.7% of gross domestic product.
668,000 will lose food stamp benefits under new work rules
668,000 will lose food stamp benefits under new work rules: Hundreds of thousands of Americans who rely on the federal food stamp program will lose their benefits under a new Trump administration rule that will tighten work requirements for recipients.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Uncontrolled Asthma a Danger to Pregnant Women, Babies
Uncontrolled Asthma a Danger to Pregnant Women, Babies: Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy puts mothers and their babies at increased risk for serious complications, a new study finds.
Another Downside to Vaping: Higher Odds for Depression
Another Downside to Vaping: Higher Odds for Depression: Vaping, already linked to lung damage, may also have harmful psychological effects, a new study suggests.
California Surprise-Billing Law Protects Patients But Aggravates Many Doctors | Kaiser Health News
California Surprise-Billing Law Protects Patients But Aggravates Many Doctors | Kaiser Health News: A California law, which took effect in July 2017, protects consumers who use an in-network hospital or other facility from surprise bills when cared for by an out-of-network doctor. But physicians say the law has allowed insurers to shrink networks, limiting access to those doctors who have contracted with the patients’ insurance plans.
Virginia moves to drop work requirement for Medicaid
Virginia moves to drop work requirement for Medicaid: Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is hitting "pause" on Virginia's request for federal approval to require some Medicaid recipients to have a job or participate in some form of approved community engagement and pay part of the premiums.
Better neighborhoods boost children's health, study finds
Better neighborhoods boost children's health, study finds: Children whose families received a housing voucher to move to low-poverty neighborhoods were admitted to the hospital nearly 16% less, curbing annual inpatient spending by 24%.
Georgia Gov. Picks GOP Donor Kelly Loeffler for Senate Seat | Time
Georgia Gov. Picks GOP Donor Kelly Loeffler for Senate Seat | Time: Gov. Brian Kemp has chosen a Republican donor and financial services executive from Georgia as his appointment to the U.S. Senate.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Cuts to food stamps are necessary, Trump administration says
Cuts to food stamps are necessary, Trump administration says: Millions of food stamp recipients would see their benefits reduced under a Trump administration plan.
Industry Voices—Helping hospitals prepare for new maternal health accreditation standards | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Helping hospitals prepare for new maternal health accreditation standards | FierceHealthcare: Starting in July 2020, The Joint Commission will require hospitals to meet 13 new “elements of performance” (EPs) related to maternal health as part of the accreditation requirements. This includes new standards for using prevention, early recognition, and timely treatment to address maternal hemorrhage complications and severe hypertension/preeclampsia, two of the most common causes of pregnancy-related deaths.
Anthem Blue Cross Gets Flagged And Fined More Than Other Insurers | Kaiser Health News
Anthem Blue Cross Gets Flagged And Fined More Than Other Insurers | Kaiser Health News: Anthem Blue Cross has received a disproportionate share of violations and fines from California’s largest health insurance regulator, mostly related to its mishandling of patient grievances.
FDA commissioner nominee Hahn advances in Senate
FDA commissioner nominee Hahn advances in Senate: Members of the Senate health committee voted to advance President Donald Trump's pick to run the Food and Drug Administration. He will now face a full Senate confirmation vote.
Fewer rural students are enrolling in medical school
Fewer rural students are enrolling in medical school: The drop comes as the nation faces a physician shortage in rural communities. There is a strong body of research that shows physicians from rural backgrounds are more likely to practice in rural communities.
Texas sues HHS over $25 million in Medicaid payments
Texas sues HHS over $25 million in Medicaid payments: Texas' Health and Human Services Commission said that HHS exceeded its authority when it told the state to repay $25 million in Medicaid payments that it gave to hospitals.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Could a Concussion Raise a Teen Athlete's Suicide Risk?
Could a Concussion Raise a Teen Athlete's Suicide Risk?: High school athletes who suffer repeated concussions may be at heightened risk for suicide, Texas researchers report.
Another Possible Effect of Climate Change: More Preemie Babies
Another Possible Effect of Climate Change: More Preemie Babies: Rising temperatures might help trigger premature birth, a new study finds, suggesting that global warming could deliver more "preemie" babies.
1 in 18 U.S. Teens Carries a Gun to School: Study
1 in 18 U.S. Teens Carries a Gun to School: Study: Fifteen million kids attend high school in the United States, and around 1 in 18 goes armed with a gun, a new study finds.
Prediabetes Now Common Among Teens, Young Adults
Prediabetes Now Common Among Teens, Young Adults: New government research delivers some concerning news for U.S. teens -- almost 1 in 5 has prediabetes.
UnitedHealth projects another big jump in revenue growth in 2020 | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealth projects another big jump in revenue growth in 2020 | FierceHealthcare: UnitedHealth Group projected that it generated $242 billion in 2019 and is projecting a 7% to 8% increase in earnings in 2020 thanks to strong growth from its PBM division Optum.
Michigan governor calls for pause in Medicaid work requirements | TheHill
Michigan governor calls for pause in Medicaid work requirements | TheHill: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is calling for a pause in the state’s Medicaid work requirements to avoid coverage losses on Jan.
Flu season takes off quickly in Deep South states
Flu season takes off quickly in Deep South states: The most recent weekly flu report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds high levels of flu-like illness in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas. The highest level in that report for the week ended Nov. 16 was in Mississippi.
15 Docs Fired From Illinois Health System to Be Replaced With NPs
15 Docs Fired From Illinois Health System to Be Replaced With NPs: A leaked internal memo says they will be replaced with advanced practice nurses as 'patients have made it very clear that they want less costly care and convenient access for lower-acuity issues.'
Monday, December 2, 2019
The Jolt: Grady hospital takes a hit in fight over U.S. Senate seat
The Jolt: Grady hospital takes a hit in fight over U.S. Senate seat: Two Atlanta institutions have suffered collateral damage in the eruption over Gov.
Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Evidence, Barriers, and Best Practices | American Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Evidence, Barriers, and Best Practices | American Academy of Pediatrics: Severe obesity among youth is an “epidemic within an epidemic” and portends a shortened life expectancy for today’s children compared with those of their parents’ generation. Severe obesity has outpaced less severe forms of childhood obesity in prevalence, and it disproportionately affects adolescents. Emerging evidence has linked severe obesity to the development and progression of multiple comorbid states, including increased cardiometabolic risk resulting in end-organ damage in adulthood. Lifestyle modification treatment has achieved moderate short-term success among young children and those with less severe forms of obesity, but no studies to date demonstrate significant and durable weight loss among youth with severe obesity. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has emerged as an important treatment for adults with severe obesity and, more recently, has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy for groups of youth with severe obesity. However, current data suggest that youth with severe obesity may not have adequate access to metabolic and bariatric surgery, especially among underserved populations. This report outlines the current evidence regarding adolescent bariatric surge
Give HIV-Infected Newborns Meds Right Away to Improve Outcomes
Give HIV-Infected Newborns Meds Right Away to Improve Outcomes: Giving HIV-suppressing medications to infected babies within hours of birth is feasible and might help doctors eliminate hidden reservoirs of the virus, new research suggests.
Kentucky snubs Anthem, Passport Health Plan in new Medicaid contract awards | FierceHealthcare
Kentucky snubs Anthem, Passport Health Plan in new Medicaid contract awards | FierceHealthcare: Kentucky awarded new five-year Medicaid managed care contracts to Aetna, Humana, Molina, UnitedHealthcare and WellCare to start next July.
Legal group charges Tennessee block grant proposal vague, asks CMS to punt back to state | FierceHealthcare
Legal group charges Tennessee block grant proposal vague, asks CMS to punt back to state | FierceHealthcare: Tennessee’s waiver proposal to convert its Medicaid program into a block grant is vague and short on specifics, according to an advocacy group that has successfully fought the Trump administration on its efforts to revamp Medicaid.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Smallest Tots Spending Too Much Time on Screens
Smallest Tots Spending Too Much Time on Screens: Even infants are now watching screens, and as they grow so does the time they spend doing it, two new studies show.
Michigan faces lawsuit challenging legality of Medicaid work requirements | FierceHealthcare
Michigan faces lawsuit challenging legality of Medicaid work requirements | FierceHealthcare: Michigan is being sued by a constellation of health advocacy groups calling the state’s Medicaid work requirement program unlawful, the latest state to face a legal challenge over the controversial program.
California’s Working Mothers Get Stronger Support For Workplace Lactation | Kaiser Health News
California’s Working Mothers Get Stronger Support For Workplace Lactation | Kaiser Health News: A new state law that takes effect Jan. 1 requires employers to provide spaces where women can pump their breast milk comfortably and privately, with access to electricity, running water and refrigeration.
Tennessee's Medicaid plan might be more about politics than policy
Tennessee's Medicaid plan might be more about politics than policy: Tennessee's proposal to convert its Medicaid program into a block grant faces practical and legal challenges. Its greatest value might be political.
Surprise billing negotiations revived in Congress
Surprise billing negotiations revived in Congress: After months of stalemate in Congress, committee negotiations on legislation to address surprise medical bills are moving again in both the House and Senate.
CMS wants primary care docs to take on financial risk
CMS wants primary care docs to take on financial risk: The CMS thinks that direct contracting for primary care providers could cut healthcare spending without hurting quality. Its the agency's latest crack at getting providers to transition to value-based care.
Monday, November 25, 2019
4 in 5 Adolescents Worldwide Don't Exercise Enough
4 in 5 Adolescents Worldwide Don't Exercise Enough: Four of five older children and teens around the world don't get the recommended amount of physical activity, a new study says.
Opioid Exposure in Womb Alters the Infant Brain
Opioid Exposure in Womb Alters the Infant Brain: Exposure to opioids in the womb may affect an area of the newborn brain that regulates emotions, a new study shows.
Dramatic Rise in Eye Injuries From BB and Paintball Guns
Dramatic Rise in Eye Injuries From BB and Paintball Guns: Popularized in movies, the phrase, "You'll shoot your eye out," is often repeated jokingly whenever someone talks about BB or paintball guns.
Obesity May Change the Teen Brain, MRI Study Shows
Obesity May Change the Teen Brain, MRI Study Shows: Obese teenagers can have certain brain differences from their thinner peers -- changes that might signal damage from inflammation, a new, preliminary study suggests.
Trump Warns a Flavor Ban Would Spawn Counterfeit Vaping Products - The New York Times
Trump Warns a Flavor Ban Would Spawn Counterfeit Vaping Products - The New York Times: The president again questioned the need for restrictions on e-cigarettes aimed at curbing use among teenagers, who tend to favor fruit and mint flavors.
Tennessee seeks $7.9 billion for nation's first Medicaid block grant
Tennessee seeks $7.9 billion for nation's first Medicaid block grant: Tennessee submitted its long-awaited proposal to share Medicaid cost savings with the federal government, but it won't ask to waive Medicaid benefits after patient advocates pushed back.
Friday, November 22, 2019
More U.S. Kids Are Shunning Sweetened Drinks
More U.S. Kids Are Shunning Sweetened Drinks: American youngsters are drinking far fewer sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks and getting far fewer calories from them than they used to, a new report finds.
Obesity Rates Fall for Many Young Kids in Federal Nutrition Program
Obesity Rates Fall for Many Young Kids in Federal Nutrition Program: Forty-one states and territories have seen drops in obesity rates among young children enrolled in a U.S. nutrition program, a new study shows.
No safety switch: How lax oversight of electronic health records puts patients at risk | FierceHealthcare
No safety switch: How lax oversight of electronic health records puts patients at risk | FierceHealthcare: Experts believe EHRs have made medicine safer by eliminating errors due to illegible handwriting and in some cases speeding up access to vital patient files. But they also acknowledge they have no idea how much safer, or how much the systems could still be improved because no one—a decade after the federal government all but mandated their adoption—is assessing the technology’s overall safety record.
Efforts To Move The Needle On Flu Shot Rates Get Stuck | Kaiser Health News
Efforts To Move The Needle On Flu Shot Rates Get Stuck | Kaiser Health News: In the past decade, federal and state governments have removed cost and access obstacles, but immunization rates remained flat. That worries public health officials.
Obese teens' quality of life improves after weight loss surgery - Reuters
Obese teens' quality of life improves after weight loss surgery - Reuters: (Reuters Health) - Obese teens who have surgery to lose weight report better quality of life, less joint pain and fewer physical limitations after their operations than before, a new study suggests.
~25 Percent of Adolescents, Young Adults Use Rx Opioids
~25 Percent of Adolescents, Young Adults Use Rx Opioids: Focus of prevention should include close friends and family members of teens and young adults
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Infants May Not Be as Immune to Measles as Thought
Infants May Not Be as Immune to Measles as Thought: A surprising new study upends the notion that antibodies passed from mother to fetus protect infants from measles for as much as a year.
Doctors Spot a New, Severe Lung Illness Tied to Vaping
Doctors Spot a New, Severe Lung Illness Tied to Vaping: Canadian researchers report a new twist on the spate of deaths and lung damage from vaping in the United States.
Trump’s F.D.A. Nominee Sidesteps Questions About Banning Flavored Vaping Products - The New York Times
Trump’s F.D.A. Nominee Sidesteps Questions About Banning Flavored Vaping Products - The New York Times: The nominee, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, said the decision to restrict flavors would not be his, if confirmed, because it was already under final review by the White House.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
As Disease Outbreaks Tied to 'Anti-Vaxxers' Rise, States Take Action
As Disease Outbreaks Tied to 'Anti-Vaxxers' Rise, States Take Action: Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are on the across rise in the United States, often fueled by "anti-vaxxer" parents reluctant to immunize their kids.
House stopgap funding bill delays payment cuts to safety net hospitals for a month | FierceHealthcare
House stopgap funding bill delays payment cuts to safety net hospitals for a month | FierceHealthcare: The House is expected to vote on Tuesday on a stopgap government funding bill that includes a month delay of $4 billion in payment cuts to safety-net hospitals.
The politics of Medicaid expansion have changed | FierceHealthcare
The politics of Medicaid expansion have changed | FierceHealthcare: Year by year, resistance to extending Medicaid to more low-income Americans in conservative states has given way. That trend seems likely to continue into 2020.
For Newborns With Hearing Loss, Screening Opens Window To A World Of Sound | Kaiser Health News
For Newborns With Hearing Loss, Screening Opens Window To A World Of Sound | Kaiser Health News: Most infants in the United States have a hearing screening in their first few days of life. Twenty years ago, before universal newborn screening, many kids missed out on early intervention services that help children with hearing loss access sound and develop spoken language.
Juul took a page from Big Tobacco to revolutionize vaping - Los Angeles Times
Juul took a page from Big Tobacco to revolutionize vaping - Los Angeles Times: Documents reviewed by The Times reveal that the chemical formula that makes Juul so palatable and addictive dates back more than four decades — to Reynolds' tobacco laboratories.
Physicians score EHRs an 'F' on usability, study finds
Physicians score EHRs an 'F' on usability, study finds: Electronic health record systems scored in the bottom 9th percentile for technology usability, which could contribute to physician burnout, according to a new study.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Insurance Commissioner announces issue with Anthem marketplace policy | Georgia News | mdjonline.com
Insurance Commissioner announces issue with Anthem marketplace policy | Georgia News | mdjonline.com: An issue with one of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s 2020 plan offerings on the Affordable Care Act’s Healthcare Marketplace was announced Tuesday by Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
Study finds vaccine laws changed amid outbreaks -- often to widen exemptions - UPI.com
Study finds vaccine laws changed amid outbreaks -- often to widen exemptions - UPI.com: When it comes to vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and mumps, outbreaks lead to political action -- often to widen vaccine exemptions, according to an analysis published Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Studies Confirm HPV Shot Is Safe
Studies Confirm HPV Shot Is Safe: The HPV vaccine gives parents a chance to prevent their children from developing some types of cancer, and two new studies reaffirm what past research has found -- the vaccine is safe.
Most Parents Struggle to Spot Depression in Teens
Most Parents Struggle to Spot Depression in Teens: Most American parents say they might have trouble distinguishing between a teen's typical mood swings and possible signs of depression, a new survey finds.
'Don't Give Up:' Parents' Intuition Spots a Rare Illness Before Doctors Do
'Don't Give Up:' Parents' Intuition Spots a Rare Illness Before Doctors Do: Parents usually know their child better than anyone, and if a parent suspects something is wrong, it probably is.
Survey: Maintaining provider directories costs docs $2.7B a year due to influx of requests | FierceHealthcare
Survey: Maintaining provider directories costs docs $2.7B a year due to influx of requests | FierceHealthcare: Physician offices are being weighed down by maintaining provider directories, costing them a full staff day a week and an average cost of nearly $1,000 a month, a new survey found.
UnitedHealth leads the way in Q3 as top insurers rake in $10.2B in profit | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealth leads the way in Q3 as top insurers rake in $10.2B in profit | FierceHealthcare: UnitedHealth Group blew its competitors out of the water in profit for the third quarter, netting $5 billion on the back of continued double-digit growth at Optum.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Nature Nurtures Kids
Nature Nurtures Kids: Taking that trek through the woods with your child may do more than build strong muscles.
America's Sweet Tooth Starts From Infancy
America's Sweet Tooth Starts From Infancy: Bad eating habits begin at a young age in American children, a new study finds.
Children's hospitals collaborate rather than compete on patient safety
Children's hospitals collaborate rather than compete on patient safety: A safety improvement network for children’s hospitals serves as an example for other emerging collaborations.
How Climate Change Will Destroy Children's Health | Time
How Climate Change Will Destroy Children's Health | Time: A sweeping new study offers a stark warning about how bad the climate crisis will be for the health of the next generation of children.
Handling the Anti-Vax Movement | Medpage Today
Handling the Anti-Vax Movement | Medpage Today: How nurses can counter myths and legends surrounding vaccines
AHA Dedicates $20 Million to Youth Vaping Research | Medpage Today
AHA Dedicates $20 Million to Youth Vaping Research | Medpage Today: Association and partners aim to 'hold e-cigarette companies publicly accountable for their lies'
Friday, November 15, 2019
Vaping-Linked Lung Illnesses Top 2,100, CDC Says
Vaping-Linked Lung Illnesses Top 2,100, CDC Says: The number of Americans stricken with a severe lung illness tied to vaping has now reached 2,172, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.
AMA calls EHR fixes a 'national imperative' after doctors give 'F' for usability | FierceHealthcare
AMA calls EHR fixes a 'national imperative' after doctors give 'F' for usability | FierceHealthcare: When it comes to usability, doctors give electronic health record systems an “F.” And that poor usability correlates with physician burnout, according to a study published today in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Doctors say climate change is posing health risks for children around the world | FierceHealthcare
Doctors say climate change is posing health risks for children around the world | FierceHealthcare: Climate change is negatively affecting children’s health across the world, according to a new report. It called on health professionals to communicate those risks and make health impact part of the discussion on climate change.
The Politics of Medicaid Expansion Have Changed | The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Politics of Medicaid Expansion Have Changed | The Pew Charitable Trusts: Republicans show new willingness to break with party orthodoxy to extend coverage.
CMS wants to crack down on supplemental Medicaid payments
CMS wants to crack down on supplemental Medicaid payments: As Medicaid supplemental state payments have become a larger proportion of total program payments, the CMS wants to increase transparency and oversight of the funding.
Antibiotic-resistant infections pose greater threat than estimated
Antibiotic-resistant infections pose greater threat than estimated: Although hospitals have made progress against antibiotic-resistant infections, the CDC's latest report shows they have caused more deaths than previously estimated.
Physician practices spend one staff day per week on directory upkeep
Physician practices spend one staff day per week on directory upkeep: A new report from the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare highlights the significant amount of time and money physician practices spend maintaining provider directories.
Ascension, Google blowback hints at providers' next tech hurdle
Ascension, Google blowback hints at providers' next tech hurdle: Ascension and Google maintain that they followed HIPAA before sharing any patient data, but that may not be enough to gain consumer trust.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Verma Attacks Critics Of Medicaid Work Requirement, Pushes For Tighter Eligibility | Kaiser Health News
Verma Attacks Critics Of Medicaid Work Requirement, Pushes For Tighter Eligibility | Kaiser Health News: The Trump administration’s top Medicaid official says the effort to thwart these work mandates “stifles innovation.”
More Vapers Are Making Their Own Juice, But Not Without Risks | Kaiser Health News
More Vapers Are Making Their Own Juice, But Not Without Risks | Kaiser Health News: It’s easy to buy all the supplies online, and thousands of e-liquid recipes on the internet walk people through all the steps. But experts warn about safety.
Medicaid Tweak Might Offer Means To Improve U.S. Maternal Health | Kaiser Health News
Medicaid Tweak Might Offer Means To Improve U.S. Maternal Health | Kaiser Health News: Many pregnant women lose health coverage shortly after delivery. Democratic presidential candidates are eyeing the issue, and some experts say making Medicaid more accessible to new moms could be an answer.
CMS to Crack Down on 'Shady' Medicaid Payment Schemes | Medpage Today
CMS to Crack Down on 'Shady' Medicaid Payment Schemes | Medpage Today: Also, Administrator Verma defends programs with work requirements
When Should Kids Start -- or Stop -- Playing Contact Sports? | MedPage Today
When Should Kids Start -- or Stop -- Playing Contact Sports? | MedPage Today: Consensus report looks at preventing concussions in youth sports
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Number of Psychiatrists Rising, but 1-in-5 Children Still Live in County Lacking a Psychiatrist
Number of Psychiatrists Rising, but 1-in-5 Children Still Live in County Lacking a Psychiatrist: Death by suicide in children, ages 10-19, increased by 86% from 2007 to 2017, according to the CDC’s fatal injury database, and there is a well-known shortage of child psychiatrist in the U.S.
Lawsuit: Louisiana neglected mental health needs for kids in Medicaid | FierceHealthcare
Lawsuit: Louisiana neglected mental health needs for kids in Medicaid | FierceHealthcare: Louisiana faces a class-action lawsuit claiming the state’s Medicaid program did not provide mental health services to children in its care.
Trump to meet with vaping industry as he mulls tighter regulation - Reuters
Trump to meet with vaping industry as he mulls tighter regulation - Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he will be meeting with vaping industry representatives as his administration considers tightening e-cigarette regulations amid a nationwide outbreak of vaping-related injuries and deaths.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Think Vaping Is Heathier for Your Heart Than Smoking? Think Again
Think Vaping Is Heathier for Your Heart Than Smoking? Think Again: Vaping isn't necessarily better for your heart health than smoking tobacco, a pair of new studies argue.
GOP states to swerve as Medicaid work requirements hit legal wall
GOP states to swerve as Medicaid work requirements hit legal wall: Red states are tapping the brakes on Medicaid work requirements as they await an appeals court ruling. But they're looking for other ways to curb Medicaid enrollment and spending no matter the decision.
Louisiana sued for not providing Medicaid-eligible kids mental healthcare
Louisiana sued for not providing Medicaid-eligible kids mental healthcare: Medicaid-eligible children haven't received the treatment they need or cycled in and out of emergency departments and psychiatric facilities, in violation of several federal laws, the lawsuit alleged.
HHS defends its authority to cut 340B payments
HHS defends its authority to cut 340B payments: HHS urged a federal appeals court to uphold its reimbursement cuts to providers under the 340B drug program, saying Congress gave it the authority to make the changes. But the three-judge panel seemed skeptical of HHS' arguments.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Rural Americans Dying More From Preventable Causes Than City Dwellers
Rural Americans Dying More From Preventable Causes Than City Dwellers: Rural Americans die more often from potentially preventable causes than their urban counterparts, a new government study shows.
Juul Stops Sales of Mint-Flavored E-Cigarettes
Juul Stops Sales of Mint-Flavored E-Cigarettes: Juul Labs will halt sales of its mint-flavored electronic cigarettes, the company announced Thursday.
GOP states to swerve as Medicaid work requirements hit legal wall
GOP states to swerve as Medicaid work requirements hit legal wall: Red states are tapping the brakes on Medicaid work requirements as they await an appeals court ruling. But they're looking for other ways to curb Medicaid enrollment and spending no matter the decision.
Physician groups satisfied with improved payment for E/M codes, reduced documentation in new Medicare rule | FierceHealthcare
Physician groups satisfied with improved payment for E/M codes, reduced documentation in new Medicare rule | FierceHealthcare: (Editor’s Note: The AAP had a physician representative on the workgroup that negotiated with CMS on revisions to the original rule proposal, which organized medicine considered unreasonable and extreme. The modifications that were made were a vast improvement over the original proposal.)
Thursday, November 7, 2019
CMS approves D.C. Medicaid waiver, paving way for broader mental health coverage | FierceHealthcare
CMS approves D.C. Medicaid waiver, paving way for broader mental health coverage | FierceHealthcare: The District of Columbia will be the first region to test a waiver program that aims to allow states to cover more behavioral health services in Medicaid.
Democratic victories in Kentucky, Virginia deal another blow to Medicaid work requirements | FierceHealthcare
Democratic victories in Kentucky, Virginia deal another blow to Medicaid work requirements | FierceHealthcare: Medicaid work requirements will likely take a hit after Democrats made gains in Kentucky and Virginia Tuesday night.
Fed ban on flavored vapes imminent, menthol and vape stores may be spared
Fed ban on flavored vapes imminent, menthol and vape stores may be spared: Amid a national lung illness outbreak, federal regulators are expected to announce a ban on e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco and menthol within days.
CMS approves D.C. waiver of Medicaid IMD 'exclusion rule'
CMS approves D.C. waiver of Medicaid IMD 'exclusion rule': Washington, D.C., scored the first federal approval to waive Medicaid's prohibition on covering residential stays in psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment centers.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
CDC: Too Many Adverse Childhood Events | Medpage Today
CDC: Too Many Adverse Childhood Events | Medpage Today: The more ACEs, the greater the risk for heart disease, depression, socioeconomic hardship
Georgia lawmakers see help, gaps in Kemp health plans
Georgia lawmakers see help, gaps in Kemp health plans: Gratitude, anger, confusion and caution greeted Gov.
1 in 4 High School Kids Vape, Mint Flavor Preferred
1 in 4 High School Kids Vape, Mint Flavor Preferred: More than one in every four U.S. high school students (27.5%) currently vape, a new study shows.
Too Much Screen Time May Be Stunting Toddlers' Brains
Too Much Screen Time May Be Stunting Toddlers' Brains: Toddlers who spend loads of time looking at tablets, smartphones or TVs may be changing their brains, and not for the better.
Allscripts generates $444M in revenue in Q3, bookings up 19% year over year | FierceHealthcare
Allscripts generates $444M in revenue in Q3, bookings up 19% year over year | FierceHealthcare: Health IT company Allscripts reported strong bookings growth in the third quarter of 2019, up 19% year over year, and revenue for the quarter hit $444 million. Allscripts released its 2019 third-quarter results at the close of business Monday, reporting adjusted earnings per share were $0.17, up 6% compared to $0.16 in the third quarter of 2018, which beat Wall Street estimates.
For Young People With Psychosis, Early Intervention Is Crucial | Kaiser Health News
For Young People With Psychosis, Early Intervention Is Crucial | Kaiser Health News: California budget provides $20 million to expand early psychosis treatment around the state.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Georgia unveils Medicaid expansion plan with work requirement
Georgia unveils Medicaid expansion plan with work requirement: Georgia's governor proposed extending Medicaid to about 50,000 poor adults with the condition that they work, job train, volunteer or pursue education for at least 80 hours a month.
Medicaid expansion reduced preventable hospitalizations
Medicaid expansion reduced preventable hospitalizations: Medicaid expansion was linked to greater reductions in hospital admissions, length of stay and hospital costs for conditions that can be managed with ambulatory care, a new study found.
Georgia gambles on insurance market revamp for small gains
Georgia gambles on insurance market revamp for small gains: In reforming its individual insurance market, Georgia wants to test Trump administration flexibility in unproven ways that some experts warn would put hundreds of thousands of people at risk for very little gain.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Kemp’s Medicaid plan would cover thousands, but not most, of Georgia&rsquo...
Kemp’s Medicaid plan would cover thousands, but not most, of Georgia&rsquo...: Tens of thousands of poor Georgians could receive Medicaid or subsidized employer health insurance u...
Playing More Than One Sport Helps Teen Athletes Avoid Injuries: Study
Playing More Than One Sport Helps Teen Athletes Avoid Injuries: Study: Teen girls who play several sports have a lower injury risk than those who focus on just one, a new study finds.
U.S. ERs See Doubling of Teen Sexual Abuse Cases
U.S. ERs See Doubling of Teen Sexual Abuse Cases: Sexually abused youths are turning more often to U.S. emergency departments for help, a new study finds.
Anti-Vaxxers Find Ways Around States' 'Personal Exemption' Bans
Anti-Vaxxers Find Ways Around States' 'Personal Exemption' Bans: When parents can no longer get "personal-belief" exemptions from childhood vaccinations, they may get around it by asking for religious exemptions for their kids, a new study finds.
Many U.S. Parents Can't Find a Psychiatrist to Help Their Child
Many U.S. Parents Can't Find a Psychiatrist to Help Their Child: Despite a growing need for mental health care for children and teens -- including a rise in youth suicide -- many areas of the United States lack any child psychiatrists, new research reports.
Cigarettes Vs. Vaping: That’s The ‘Wrong Comparison,’ Says Inhalation Researcher | Kaiser Health News
Cigarettes Vs. Vaping: That’s The ‘Wrong Comparison,’ Says Inhalation Researcher | Kaiser Health News: Ilona Jaspers, an inhalation toxicologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, believes the common notion of comparing e-cigarettes with traditional, combustible cigarettes is the wrong analogy because the vaping products expose consumers to chemicals in a fundamentally different way.
Return To Sender: A Single Undeliverable Letter Can Mean Losing Medicaid | Kaiser Health News
Return To Sender: A Single Undeliverable Letter Can Mean Losing Medicaid | Kaiser Health News: Colorado, like a number of states, is struggling to deal with returned mail sent out by its Medicaid, SNAP and other aid programs. Now people could lose benefits after just a single piece of returned mail.
CMS moves forward with site-neutral payments, slashes 340b payments
CMS moves forward with site-neutral payments, slashes 340b payments: The CMS will move forward with site-neutral payments for doctor's visits, even though a federal judge ruled against the policy earlier this year. It will also cut drug discounts for safety-net hospitals.
CMS finalizes physician fee schedule rule with cuts to physical therapists, psychologists | FierceHealthcare
CMS finalizes physician fee schedule rule with cuts to physical therapists, psychologists | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration finalized a new payment rule for physicians that will cut payments to physical therapists and psychologists in 2021 but also clarifies changes for evaluation and management coding.
Friday, November 1, 2019
The legal battle over opioids: What happens next? - The Washington Post
The legal battle over opioids: What happens next? - The Washington Post: The best-case scenario for areas grappling with this disaster could be a sweeping settlement among all the parties. But such a deal is unlikely in the near term, according to interviews with attorneys in the case and a survey of attorneys general nationwide.
Former Juul exec alleges company shipped tainted products - ABC News
Former Juul exec alleges company shipped tainted products - ABC News: Get breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
Texas awards nearly $10 billion in Medicaid contracts
Texas awards nearly $10 billion in Medicaid contracts: Health insurers Anthem, Cigna Corp. and Molina Healthcare stand to lose millions in premium revenue after losing ground in the Texas Medicaid Star Plus program, worth nearly $10 billion in premium revenue for managed-care organizations.
Georgia has a new plan to lower insurance premiums
Georgia has a new plan to lower insurance premiums: Georgia Access would create a reinsurance program and provide consumers with more plan options, even if they cover less.
Indiana halts its Medicaid work requirement
Indiana halts its Medicaid work requirement: Indiana will wait until a federal lawsuit challenging its Medicaid work requirement is resolved. The state wants to suspend Medicaid benefits for enrollees who don't comply with the rules.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
An inside look at Walmart's new health clinic | FierceHealthcare
An inside look at Walmart's new health clinic | FierceHealthcare: LAS VEGAS—A typical Walmart store offers customers a little bit of everything, and the retail giant is bringing that one-stop-shop approach to healthcare.
Plan would change Georgia's individual health insurance market
Plan would change Georgia's individual health insurance market: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's plan would invest in reinsurance with a goal of lowering premiums. Web brokers would also become part of the process.
Doctors call for more vaping regulation
Doctors call for more vaping regulation: The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians want more e-cigarette regulation because they're worried that vaping will get another generation of kids hooked on nicotine.
Texas awards nearly $10 billion in Medicaid contracts
Texas awards nearly $10 billion in Medicaid contracts: Health insurers Anthem, Cigna Corp. and Molina Healthcare stand to lose millions in premium revenue after losing ground in the Texas Medicaid Star Plus program, worth nearly $10 billion in premium revenue for managed-care organizations.
Number of uninsured kids continued to climb in 2018
Number of uninsured kids continued to climb in 2018: The number of children without health insurance coverage continued to grow in 2018 as states put up more red tape and the Trump administration ramped up its anti-immigration rhetoric and policies, according to a new report.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
‘Invincible’ Teen Vapers Face Fears, Ask For Help | Kaiser Health News
‘Invincible’ Teen Vapers Face Fears, Ask For Help | Kaiser Health News: Starting to vape is easy, but quitting a nicotine habit can be tough, teens are finding. Some vaping cessation programs have begun to reach out to teens where they live — on their phones.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Nemours CEO Dr. Larry Moss readies system to take on more risk
Nemours CEO Dr. Larry Moss readies system to take on more risk: Nemours Children’s Health System CEO Dr. Larry Moss says it’s time for providers, policymakers and payers to rethink the meaning of health and how to pay for it.
Study: Not washing your hands more harmful than eating raw meat
Study: Not washing your hands more harmful than eating raw meat: Want to avoid E. coli? The preventative measure is washing your hands, according to a new report.
Flavored E-Cigarettes Get Teens Hooked on Vaping, Study Finds
Flavored E-Cigarettes Get Teens Hooked on Vaping, Study Finds: In a finding that shows just how enticing tasty flavors are when it comes to vaping, a new study suggests that teens who use candy- or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to continue vaping and to be heavy users.
Pain Twice as Common for Kids With Autism: Study
Pain Twice as Common for Kids With Autism: Study: Children with an autism spectrum disorder may be twice as likely to experience pain as kids without autism, a new study suggests.
Monday, October 28, 2019
One-Third of U.S. Kids Too Sleepy to Succeed in School
One-Third of U.S. Kids Too Sleepy to Succeed in School: Here's a finding that should prompt parents to crack down on their kids' screen time at night: New research shows that close to one-third of American children don't get sufficient sleep.
Pediatricians' Group Calls for More Research on Artificial Sweeteners
Pediatricians' Group Calls for More Research on Artificial Sweeteners: There are many unanswered questions about the long-term safety and impacts of artificial sweeteners in children, a new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement says.
Experts Support Weight-Loss Surgery for Very Obese Kids
Experts Support Weight-Loss Surgery for Very Obese Kids: Weight-loss surgery should be more widely used to treat severely obese children and teens, a leading pediatricians' group says.
States Try A Gentler Approach To Getting Medicaid Enrollees To Work | Kaiser Health News
States Try A Gentler Approach To Getting Medicaid Enrollees To Work | Kaiser Health News: Facing GOP pressure to install work requirements for adults getting Medicaid coverage, some states seek instead to offer more opportunities for job training.
Text messaging adds considerations for EHR documentation
Text messaging adds considerations for EHR documentation: Secure text messaging services offer a convenient way for physicians to discuss patient care with one another. But hospital leaders must create an easy way for physicians to get relevant decisions made during those conversations into patient records.
CMS delays new primary-care pay model, calls for providers to join
CMS delays new primary-care pay model, calls for providers to join: While the primary-care model won't start until 2021, the CMS wants interested practices to apply for two voluntary pay models. It hopes they will accelerate the move to value-based care.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Flavors Draw Young People to Lifetime Habit of Vaping, Study Shows
Flavors Draw Young People to Lifetime Habit of Vaping, Study Shows: Tasty flavors entice young people to try e-cigarettes, getting them hooked on what can become a lifetime habit, a new study shows.
More Teens Learning to Drive in Safer Conditions
More Teens Learning to Drive in Safer Conditions: Could America's roads become safer in the future?
5 more state Medicaid programs sign on with Lyft for nonemergency transport | FierceHealthcare
5 more state Medicaid programs sign on with Lyft for nonemergency transport | FierceHealthcare: Lyft is growing its reach in Medicaid to five more states, the ride-sharing platform announced Thursday.
Skepticism grows on N.C. Medicaid overhaul rollout for February
Skepticism grows on N.C. Medicaid overhaul rollout for February: The shift to managed-care benefits for 1.6 million of the state's 2.2 million Medicaid recipients is supposed to begin Feb. 1, but final funding and details are hung up in a legislative showdown.
Verma to Democrats: Some insurance ‘better than no insurance at all'
Verma to Democrats: Some insurance ‘better than no insurance at all': CMS Administrator Seema Verma told a House committee that health coverage options only matter if they're affordable and that the administration is ready if judges strike down the ACA. But skeptical Democrats wanted to know what the administration's plan is.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Good News for Parents: Many Preemie Babies Grow Up Fine
Good News for Parents: Many Preemie Babies Grow Up Fine: Having a premature baby can be frightening for parents, but new research delivers a calming finding: Many premature babies end up as healthy adults without major illnesses.
Kansas GOP leader's Medicaid plan would boost tobacco taxes
Kansas GOP leader's Medicaid plan would boost tobacco taxes: The proposal will likely upset conservatives because it would increase tobacco taxes and does not include a work requirement for program participants.
ACA health insurance premiums to fall 4% in 2020
ACA health insurance premiums to fall 4% in 2020: Health insurance premiums for benchmark Affordable Care Act exchange plans will decrease in 2020 for the second year in a row, and most shoppers will have more plan choices.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Scientists Spot Signs of Virus Behind Disease Paralyzing Kids
Scientists Spot Signs of Virus Behind Disease Paralyzing Kids: A new antibody test appears to have honed in on the most likely cause of a mysterious polio-like disease that regularly sweeps through the United States.
Centene, WellCare get OK from 5 states for $17B merger | FierceHealthcare
Centene, WellCare get OK from 5 states for $17B merger | FierceHealthcare: Centene and WellCare announced that another five states have approved the pending merger of the two insurers, bringing the total number of states that have greenlit the deal to 24.
Centene posts $95M profit in 3rd quarter | FierceHealthcare
Centene posts $95M profit in 3rd quarter | FierceHealthcare: Centene Corporation posted $95 million in profit for the third quarter of 2019, a figure that skyrocketed year over year from $19 million in the third quarter of 2018.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Current Health News | Latest | Consumer
Current Health News | Latest | Consumer: License current health news with HealthDay, a leading producer of evidence-based current health news reports. Add current consumer health news to your site.
Many Parents Not Following Safe-Sleep Advice for Babies
Many Parents Not Following Safe-Sleep Advice for Babies: Many U.S. parents are not heeding recommendations on how to put their babies to sleep safely, a new government study finds.
For Generation Juul, Nicotine Addiction Happens Fast And Is Hard To Shake | Kaiser Health News
For Generation Juul, Nicotine Addiction Happens Fast And Is Hard To Shake | Kaiser Health News: One in 4 high school seniors report vaping in the previous month. Teens talk about how quickly vaping became ingrained in teen culture and how hard it is to quit vaping nicotine.
Companies reach $260 million deal to settle opioids lawsuit
Companies reach $260 million deal to settle opioids lawsuit: The tentative deal settles claims brought by the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga and Summit against distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson and the manufacturer Teva.
Arizona drops controversial Medicaid work requirement
Arizona drops controversial Medicaid work requirement: Arizona's Medicaid work requirement and other proposed changes to the program were supposed to go into effect next year. The state is suspending the plan as the courts scrutinize other states' work requirement waivers.
Medicaid spending swells even as enrollment flattens
Medicaid spending swells even as enrollment flattens: Medicaid enrollment is down, but rising drug costs, provider rate hikes and long-term care expenses are propelling Medicaid spending.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Proposed budget cuts could have big impact on health care in Georgia
Proposed budget cuts could have big impact on health care in Georgia: Maternal mortality, rural medical care and other health problems are big priorities for Georgia lead...
Kindergarten Vax Exemption Rates Up -- Again | Medpage Today
Kindergarten Vax Exemption Rates Up -- Again | Medpage Today: Less than half of U.S. states report MMR vax rates at or above 95%
Doctors brace for a severe flu season
Doctors brace for a severe flu season: U.S. health officials are urging people to get their flu shot as soon as possible, and certainly by the end of the month.
Deaths Due to Suicide, Homicide on the Rise Among U.S. Youth
Deaths Due to Suicide, Homicide on the Rise Among U.S. Youth: The anger and fear seething throughout the United States could be having a fatal impact on some of the nation's youngest citizens.
Centene teams up with Walgreens on cloud-based PBM model | FierceHealthcare
Centene teams up with Walgreens on cloud-based PBM model | FierceHealthcare: Centene Corporation, Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager RxAdvance announced this week that they’re joining forces to grow the use of a cloud-based PBM platform.
Juul Suspends Online Sales of Flavored E-Cigarettes - The New York Times
Juul Suspends Online Sales of Flavored E-Cigarettes - The New York Times: Facing multiple inquiries into its marketing practices and its role in the rise of teenage vaping, the company suspended internet access to mango, cucumber and other pods.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Brain Damage From Concussion Evident a Year Later
Brain Damage From Concussion Evident a Year Later: Concussion damage may linger a full year after an athlete returns to play, Canadian researchers report.
Worried Your Teen Is Vaping? How To Have A Tough Conversation : Shots - Health News : NPR
Worried Your Teen Is Vaping? How To Have A Tough Conversation : Shots - Health News : NPR: Vaping has attracted a new generation to nicotine, and is fueling a dangerous outbreak of lung disease. If you're a parent of a teen you're probably worried. But what should you say to your kids?
MGMA19: No progress to fix prior authorization, as practice leaders say it's gotten worse | FierceHealthcare
MGMA19: No progress to fix prior authorization, as practice leaders say it's gotten worse | FierceHealthcare: NEW ORLEANS—Having to seek prior authorization from payers is the most burdensome regulatory issue, and it’s only getting worse, according to practice leaders.
No More Tater Tots? California Schools Put Healthier Lunches To The Test | Kaiser Health News
No More Tater Tots? California Schools Put Healthier Lunches To The Test | Kaiser Health News: In the Golden State and elsewhere, school lunches include less meat, fewer processed foods and more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. One of the challenges nutrition advocates face is a new directive from the Trump administration that cuts the other way.
Non-opioid medication on the rise as U.S. combats opioid crisis
Non-opioid medication on the rise as U.S. combats opioid crisis: Primary-care physicians worry that the opioid crisis will be superseded by a new prescription drug epidemic.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Childhood Risk Factors Can Predict Adult Obesity
Childhood Risk Factors Can Predict Adult Obesity: Certain risk factors in childhood can identify those who are more likely to suffer severe obesity in adulthood, a new study finds.
Good News, Bad News on Concussions in High School Sports
Good News, Bad News on Concussions in High School Sports: New research on concussions reports mixed news for kids playing high school sports.
None of Top-Selling Kids' Drinks Meet Experts' Health Recommendations
None of Top-Selling Kids' Drinks Meet Experts' Health Recommendations: Drinks marketed to children often contain loads of unhealthy sugars and sweeteners, and they come in packages that deliver too-large servings, a new report finds.
Industry Voices—The maternal mortality crisis reflects the worst inefficiencies in U.S. healthcare | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—The maternal mortality crisis reflects the worst inefficiencies in U.S. healthcare | FierceHealthcare: Time deficits and fragmented care, caused by our fee-for-service healthcare system, are driving scary status quo for pregnant women and new moms.
How Investigators Could Pursue a Case Against Juul - The New York Times
How Investigators Could Pursue a Case Against Juul - The New York Times: The rise of vaping-related illnesses and deaths has put the e-cigarette maker squarely in the sights of the government.
How Investigators Could Pursue a Case Against Juul - The New York Times
How Investigators Could Pursue a Case Against Juul - The New York Times: The rise of vaping-related illnesses and deaths has put the e-cigarette maker squarely in the sights of the government.
Vaping is increasing among younger people -- but not so for older adults, study says - CNN
Vaping is increasing among younger people -- but not so for older adults, study says - CNN: Vaping, often described as an "epidemic" in middle and high schools, was not significantly different among adults in the United States in 2014 vs. 2018, according to survey results published Monday.
Teen Vape Culture And Nicotine Addiction Make It Hard To Quit, Kids Say : Shots - Health News : NPR
Teen Vape Culture And Nicotine Addiction Make It Hard To Quit, Kids Say : Shots - Health News : NPR: One in 4 high school seniors say they have vaped in the past month. And for heavy users, scary headlines about serious illness and death are no match for nicotine addiction and peer pressure.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
'Grand conspiracy': Big companies fight over massive state Medicaid contract :: WRAL.com
'Grand conspiracy': Big companies fight over massive state Medicaid contract :: WRAL.com: State officials acknowledge one member of the Medicaid contract evaluation team is dating a Blue Cross executive and another went to work there, but they say Aetna is grasping at straws.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta patients collaborate on 80-foot mural
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta patients collaborate on 80-foot mural: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston has unveiled a new mural created with help from patients, their families and hospital staff.
UnitedHealth posts $5B profit in Q3
UnitedHealth posts $5B profit in Q3: UnitedHealth Group posted higher revenues and profits in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the health insurer said Oct. 15.
Hospitals' fall prevention efforts cause 'epidemic of immobility,' expert says
Hospitals' fall prevention efforts cause 'epidemic of immobility,' expert says: Hospitals' extreme focus on preventing falls has caused an "epidemic of immobility" among elderly patients, one health expert told The Washington Post and Kaiser Health News.
Suicide Attempts Rising Among Black Teens
Suicide Attempts Rising Among Black Teens: Historically, black teenagers in the United States have had lower suicide rates than whites. But a new study finds that more black teens have been attempting suicide in recent years -- and experts are not sure why.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)