Monday, September 30, 2019

Flu season may impede investigation of vaping illnesses

Flu season may impede investigation of vaping illnesses: The 2019-20 flu season could complicate efforts to diagnose and track vaping-related lung illnesses in the U.S., health experts told STAT.

Poll Finds Many Young Americans Think Vaping is Safe

Poll Finds Many Young Americans Think Vaping is Safe: Despite an outbreak of severe lung illnesses and deaths linked to vaping, many young Americans consider e-cigarettes harmless, a new poll shows.

Sticking to One Sport Could Up Injuries Among Teen Athletes

Sticking to One Sport Could Up Injuries Among Teen Athletes: Here's a good reason to encourage your teenager to play more than one sport: New research finds kids who concentrate on only one sport may be at risk for stress fractures, tendinitis and knee injuries.

Pediatricians Stand By Meds For ADHD, But Some Say Therapy Should Come First | Kaiser Health News

Pediatricians Stand By Meds For ADHD, But Some Say Therapy Should Come First | Kaiser Health News: The American Academy of Pediatrics is out with new guidelines on ADHD that some hoped would boost the role of behavioral interventions before medications. But the AAP stuck by its recommendation that children 6 and older should be given medicine combined with therapy after diagnosis.

CMS finalizes hospital antibiotic stewardship requirements

CMS finalizes hospital antibiotic stewardship requirements: Experts say the new federal requirements for hospitals to have an antibiotic stewardship program is a big step toward helping healthcare improve its antibiotic use.

Friday, September 27, 2019

For Poor Kids, Less Time Spent on Reading, Exercise: Study

For Poor Kids, Less Time Spent on Reading, Exercise: Study: As they get older, poor kids tend to read and exercise less than their better-off counterparts, a new study finds.

Vaping-Related Illnesses Climb to 805, C.D.C. Says - The New York Times

Vaping-Related Illnesses Climb to 805, C.D.C. Says - The New York Times: The latest weekly tally includes 275 more reports of patients sickened, in 46 states. There are now 12 deaths linked to vaping-related lung injuries.

Baby Teeth May Identify ADHD | MedPage Today

Baby Teeth May Identify ADHD | MedPage Today: How a child metabolizes nutrients and toxins may play a role in ADHD and autism

Rising hospital bad debt not reflected in DSH formula for years

Rising hospital bad debt not reflected in DSH formula for years: The CMS is now calculating Medicare disproportionate-share hospital payments based in part on hospitals’ bad debt in prior years, when bad debt was lower than it is currently. That means some could see a drop in payments when they need funds more than ever.

Which States Have Banned Vaping? Here's What to Know | Time

Which States Have Banned Vaping? Here's What to Know | Time: Which states have banned vaping? Here's what to know about bans on e-cigarettes in New York, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

#FluBeforeBoo: How AAP is promoting flu vaccines in October

#FluBeforeBoo: How AAP is promoting flu vaccines in October: The American Academy of Pediatrics is adopting a new hashtag in October to promote flu vaccinations, reports ABC affiliate WHAM.

Georgia reports first death from vaping-related illness

Georgia reports first death from vaping-related illness: Georgia health authorities reported the state's first death from a vaping-linked lung illness, and said nine people have been hospitalized so far.

E-Cigarette Maker Juul Stops All Advertising, Replaces CEO

E-Cigarette Maker Juul Stops All Advertising, Replaces CEO: Amid a national outbreak of vaping-linked illnesses and deaths, vape device maker Juul Labs said Wednesday it is stopping all print, digital and television advertising, and its CEO, Kevin Burns, is stepping down.

Why Do Girls Take Longer Than Boys to Recover From Concussions?

Why Do Girls Take Longer Than Boys to Recover From Concussions?: Girls who suffer a concussion while playing school sports are more likely than boys to delay seeking specialty medical care, which can worsen their symptoms and prolong recovery, researchers warn.

Doctors and patients tired of insurance hassles, Verma says

Doctors and patients tired of insurance hassles, Verma says: CMS Administrator Seema Verma said patients and doctors think payers create too much of a burden on them. If they don't change how they do business, they'll "go extinct," she warned.

CMS focused on Medicaid integrity, agency deputy says

CMS focused on Medicaid integrity, agency deputy says: The CMS is ratcheting up its data collection and audits of managed-care plans to ensure Medicaid's integrity.

FDA chief: Agency ‘should have acted sooner’ on e-cigarettes

FDA chief: Agency ‘should have acted sooner’ on e-cigarettes: The FDA chief faced tough questions about why his agency hadn’t done more to grapple with the growing e-cigarette industry.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Juul CEO Steps Down, Company Suspends All U.S. Advertising | Time

Juul CEO Steps Down, Company Suspends All U.S. Advertising | Time: Juul Labs Inc. says Chief Executive Officer Kevin Burns will step down, as the e-cigarette company confronts a growing public backlash

National Vital Statistics Reports Volume 68, Number 11 September 25, 2019

National Vital Statistics Reports Volume 68, Number 11 September 25, 2019  A new CDC report looking at infant and maternal characteristic across Appalachia and the Delta regions of the U.S. found that babies born in these two areas were more likely to be born preterm and to younger mothers compared to the rest of the country.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Seema Verma tells insurers to adopt reforms or face extinction through 'Medicare for All' | FierceHealthcare

Seema Verma tells insurers to adopt reforms or face extinction through 'Medicare for All' | FierceHealthcare: The head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told a crowd of insurers that if they don’t work to increase transparency and reduce patient costs then they will face extinction through Medicare for All.

Indiana's Medicaid work rules challenged in new lawsuit

Indiana's Medicaid work rules challenged in new lawsuit: Two legal advocacy groups have sued to block Indiana's Medicaid work requirement waiver, less than three weeks before a federal appeals court will hear arguments on whether such programs are lawful.

The CMS finalizes rule for cuts to Medicaid DSH payments

The CMS finalizes rule for cuts to Medicaid DSH payments: The CMS finalized how it will calculate $4 billion in cuts to state Medicaid DSH payments. Congress will likely delay the cuts until Nov. 21.

Monday, September 23, 2019

AJC IN-DEPTH: Federal school safety bill to provide funding, info on &lsquo...

AJC IN-DEPTH: Federal school safety bill to provide funding, info on &lsquo...: U.S. Sens.

Everything To Know About The Status of Family Separation | Time

Everything To Know About The Status of Family Separation | Time: An estimated nearly 1,000 children have been separated from their parents since the practice was declared over by the Trump Administration.

Amid Vaping Fears, Broadcasters Say No More TV Ads For E-Cigarettes : Shots - Health News : NPR

Amid Vaping Fears, Broadcasters Say No More TV Ads For E-Cigarettes : Shots - Health News : NPR: Major broadcasters say ads for vaping will no longer be accepted on their airwaves. Meanwhile, in Washington, there's growing consternation and calls for action over youth vaping.

Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse

Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse: Black licorice, banana pudding and other flavored electronic cigarette liquids may make respiratory diseases like asthma worse, a new international study finds.

Giving Your Child a Time-Out Won't Cause Long-Term Damage: Study

Giving Your Child a Time-Out Won't Cause Long-Term Damage: Study: Time-outs don't increase kids' risk of emotional or behavioral problems, according to a new study that researchers say dispels misleading information.

Centene-WellCare merger gets OK from regulators in 17 states | FierceHealthcare

Centene-WellCare merger gets OK from regulators in 17 states | FierceHealthcare: The Centene-WellCare merger was OKed by officials in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

4 major questions on Tennessee's bid to become first state to get a Medicaid block grant | FierceHealthcare

4 major questions on Tennessee's bid to become first state to get a Medicaid block grant | FierceHealthcare: Tennessee's proposal to convert federal funding to a block grant generates a host of questions on legality and coverage.

As Drugmakers Face Opioid Lawsuits, Some Ask: Why Not Criminal Charges Too? : NPR

As Drugmakers Face Opioid Lawsuits, Some Ask: Why Not Criminal Charges Too? : NPR: "The Sackler family does not belong in bankruptcy court," Rep. Max Rose said of Purdue Pharma's owners. "They belong in handcuffs." He and others want charges for drug companies linked to the crisis.

Vaping Illnesses Increase to 530 Probable Cases, C.D.C. Says - The New York Times

Vaping Illnesses Increase to 530 Probable Cases, C.D.C. Says - The New York Times: More than three-fourths of those sickened are male, health officials said, and half are under 25. Missouri reported the eighth death linked to vaping during this summer’s crisis.

Feds reverse decision ending immigrant medical relief

Feds reverse decision ending immigrant medical relief: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it will resume considering "deferred action" requests on a discretionary, case-by-case basis, as it had done for years prior.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Medicaid expansion bill passes commiittee - North Carolina Health News

Medicaid expansion bill passes commiittee - North Carolina Health News: Four years after a Republican Medicaid expansion plan for insuring hundreds of thousands of low income workers was introduced, a bill passes committee.

A Good Night's Sleep Is Key to School Success

A Good Night's Sleep Is Key to School Success: Now that children are back in school, it's important to make sure they get enough shut-eye, sleep experts say.

C-Section Delivery Might Alter Newborn's 'Microbiome'

C-Section Delivery Might Alter Newborn's 'Microbiome': New research reveals that the bacterial composition of a newborn's gut may be dependent on how the baby is delivered.

Millennial women expected to be most impacted by OB-GYN shortage, report says | FierceHealthcare

Millennial women expected to be most impacted by OB-GYN shortage, report says | FierceHealthcare: There’s a growing shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists and millennial women starting families may face the biggest impact, according to a new report.

Camouflaged Vaping Devices Are Hoodwinking Parents And Schools | Kaiser Health News

Camouflaged Vaping Devices Are Hoodwinking Parents And Schools | Kaiser Health News: The vaping hoodie. The vaping watch. The vaping phone case. Each ready to deliver a puff of nicotine (or marijuana) anywhere, anytime. The vaping market is crowded with sleek, camouflaged devices that have teachers and parents struggling to monitor illicit usage of a product that has surged in popularity among high schoolers.

Michigan is Latest State to Ban Flavored E-cigarettes Sales | Time

Michigan is Latest State to Ban Flavored E-cigarettes Sales | Time: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released details of the ban Wednesday and gave retailers two weeks to comply.

Could Mom's Anemia Hurt Baby's Brain? | Medpage Today

Could Mom's Anemia Hurt Baby's Brain? | Medpage Today: Association study suggests an increased risk, though still quite small

Could Mom's Anemia Hurt Baby's Brain? | Medpage Today

Could Mom's Anemia Hurt Baby's Brain? | Medpage Today: Association study suggests an increased risk, though still quite small

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Georgia thinks about how it would spend opioid settlement

Georgia thinks about how it would spend opioid settlement: Georgia health officials said it’s crucial the funds the state gets in the Purdue Pharma settlement go to treatment and coping with the opioid crisis.

Trump's ban on flavored vaping products took a well-connected industry by surprise - The Washington Post

Trump's ban on flavored vaping products took a well-connected industry by surprise - The Washington Post: Big and small players go into crisis mode to try to protect a burgeoning business.

Lopsided urban hospital markets spark cost concerns

Lopsided urban hospital markets spark cost concerns: Nearly three-quarters of urban hospital markets are highly concentrated, drawing concern from researchers who warn that less competition can inflate healthcare costs.

Vaping fight likely more complex than anti-tobacco efforts

Vaping fight likely more complex than anti-tobacco efforts: While federal and state authorities have taken action to curb flavored vaping products after a spate of illnesses related to e-cigarettes, healthcare providers are searching for their role in addressing vaping dangers.

Tennessee proposes first-of-its-kind plan to cap Medicaid funding

Tennessee proposes first-of-its-kind plan to cap Medicaid funding: Tennessee is promising hospitals they can share savings from a proposed Medicaid block grant program, but patient advocates are skeptical.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Watch your step! Snake bites on the rise in Georgia | WSB-TV

Watch your step! Snake bites on the rise in Georgia | WSB-TV: Nearly 400 people have been bitten by snakes in Georgia just this year.

No delay: Nonprofit hospitals must disclose financial data soon | Georgia Health News

No delay: Nonprofit hospitals must disclose financial data soon | Georgia Health News

Analysis: How Your Beloved Hospital Helps To Drive Up Health Care Costs | Kaiser Health News

Analysis: How Your Beloved Hospital Helps To Drive Up Health Care Costs | Kaiser Health News: It’s easy to criticize pharmaceutical and insurance companies. But we spend much more on hospitals.

GAO: Staff shortages, social factors barriers to treating high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries | FierceHealthcare

GAO: Staff shortages, social factors barriers to treating high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries | FierceHealthcare: Social determinants of health such as a lack of stable transportation or housing are making it difficult for states to treat the most expensive Medicaid beneficiaries, a federal watchdog found.

No New Measles Cases Reported in Fading US Outbreak - The New York Times

No New Measles Cases Reported in Fading US Outbreak - The New York Times: The nation's worst measles epidemic in 27 years could be in its final stages as a week went by with no new reported cases.

Can Purdue Pharma's opioid settlement win judge's approval?

Can Purdue Pharma's opioid settlement win judge's approval?: BOSTON (AP) — OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has embarked on a multibillion-dollar plan to settle thousands of lawsuits over the nation's deadly opioid crisis by transforming itself in bankruptcy...

Repealing Medicaid access rule could mean big cuts to provider payments

Repealing Medicaid access rule could mean big cuts to provider payments: CMS wants to repeal a rule that requires states to report on fee-for-service Medicaid payments. Supporters say it will reduce regulatory burden, but opponents argue that it will hurt patients and providers.

Carcinogen Found in Mint and Menthol E-Cigs | Medpage Today

Carcinogen Found in Mint and Menthol E-Cigs | Medpage Today: Flavoring was banned from foods last year for cancer risk

Newborn's 'Microbiome' Could Give Clues to Weight Later

Newborn's 'Microbiome' Could Give Clues to Weight Later: A newborn's first stool holds telltale clues about his risk for becoming an overweight 3-year-old, according to a European study.

Monday, September 16, 2019

EXCLUSIVE: Georgia to join $10B Purdue Pharma settlement deal

EXCLUSIVE: Georgia to join $10B Purdue Pharma settlement deal: Georgia will join the $10 billion settlement against Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, Attorney General Chris Carr tells the AJC.

First air testing results around Sterigenics lead to more questions | Georgia Health News

First air testing results around Sterigenics lead to more questions | Georgia Health News

Georgia confirms three cases of vaping-related lung illnesses

Georgia confirms three cases of vaping-related lung illnesses: Georgia health authorities confirm three cases of vaping-related lung illnesses and are reviewing 10 potential additional cases.

More U.S. Teen Girls Are Victims of Suicide Than Thought, Study Finds

More U.S. Teen Girls Are Victims of Suicide Than Thought, Study Finds: The gender gap in teen suicide is smaller than previously estimated, with more girls dying by suicide each year, a new study contends.

Most U.S. Parents Say Vaccination Should Be Requirement for School: Poll

Most U.S. Parents Say Vaccination Should Be Requirement for School: Poll: More than 8 in 10 U.S. adults say kids should be required to get vaccinated in order to attend school, but far fewer trust the safety of vaccines, a new poll finds.

Kids Often Prescribed Drugs 'Off-Label,' Raising Concerns

Kids Often Prescribed Drugs 'Off-Label,' Raising Concerns: When a child gets sick, doctors are increasingly relying on what's known as "off-label" use of medications, a new study says.

Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging | Kaiser Health News

Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging | Kaiser Health News: State regulators and even one medevac company have raised doubts about prepaid subscriptions and promised benefits offered by air ambulance companies.

GAO report on high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries

GAO report on high-cost Medicaid beneficiaries: The CMS predicts Medicaid spending will reach $1 trillion by 2026. States are trying to control it by coordinating care and targeting basic needs.

Trump, Congress face tough healthcare sprint

Trump, Congress face tough healthcare sprint: For the first time since President Donald Trump took office, both parties are mostly united in wanting to attack the practice of surprise billing and drug prices. But can they deliver?

OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma Files for Bankruptcy | Time

OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma Files for Bankruptcy | Time: Purdue Pharma has filed for bankruptcy after a tentative settlement with state and local governments suing it over the toll of opioids.

Friday, September 13, 2019

U.S. Autism Rates Rising Fastest for Hispanics, Blacks

U.S. Autism Rates Rising Fastest for Hispanics, Blacks: Autism rates among U.S. children are rising fastest among blacks and Hispanics, researchers say.

As deaths add up, many experts say physicians should advise patients to stop vaping | FierceHealthcare

As deaths add up, many experts say physicians should advise patients to stop vaping | FierceHealthcare: Many experts say there’s a simple piece of advice physicians should give to patients about vaping: Stop. As a sixth death was reported this week from a mysterious lung illness linked to vaping and an investigation continues into what specifically caused the illnesses, using electronic or e-cigarettes is not safe and doctors should warn their patients, experts said.

AHIP, BCBSA come to the defense of prior authorization as docs urge overhaul in MA | FierceHealthcare

AHIP, BCBSA come to the defense of prior authorization as docs urge overhaul in MA | FierceHealthcare: As Congress takes a close look at prior authorization, payer groups are defending the practice, which they say is a crucial tool to prevent unneeded treatments and can control soaring healthcare costs.

Pregnancy-related deaths are rising. Geisinger among 30 health systems testing digital tools to stop the trend | FierceHealthcare

Pregnancy-related deaths are rising. Geisinger among 30 health systems testing digital tools to stop the trend | FierceHealthcare: Pregnancy-related deaths and maternal morbidity continue to rise in the U.S. Tackling this issue requires a collaborative approach with health systems sharing best practices rather than siloed efforts, according to some industry leaders.

Vaping-related illness leaves teen with lungs like 'a 70-year-old's' - CNN

Vaping-related illness leaves teen with lungs like 'a 70-year-old's' - CNN: Adam Hergenreder's vaping habit almost killed him. His case is one of now more than 450 lung illness associated with using e-cigarettes across the United States.

House committee throws spotlight on prior authorization burden

House committee throws spotlight on prior authorization burden: Four doctors representing physician associations told House lawmakers that onerous prior authorization requirements delay necessary patient care, lead to burnout in physicians and result in worse outcomes.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Walmart health chief: Opening primary care clinics 'just the start'

Walmart health chief: Opening primary care clinics 'just the start': The first clinic, called Walmart Health, will open in Dallas, Ga., Sept. 13. It will offer primary care, lab, imaging, dental and counseling services.

Lots of Time on Social Media Linked to Anxiety, Depression in Teens

Lots of Time on Social Media Linked to Anxiety, Depression in Teens: Teens who spend more time with social media are more likely to suffer from social withdrawal, anxiety or depression, a new study says.

Dempsey chairs study committee on stressors and babies' brains | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com

Dempsey chairs study committee on stressors and babies' brains | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: Rep. Katie Dempsey will convene on Thursday the first of several meetings examining how – and why – the state can encourage better models for early childhood development.

Hospitals anxious as state crafts rules on disclosing their finances | Georgia Health News

Hospitals anxious as state crafts rules on disclosing their finances | Georgia Health News

'It is time to stop vaping': Kansas reports sixth U.S. death linked to mystery illness - Reuters

'It is time to stop vaping': Kansas reports sixth U.S. death linked to mystery illness - Reuters: A Kansas resident was the sixth person to die in the United States of a mysterious respiratory illness related to vaping, state officials said on Tuesday, as public health officials scrambled to understand a nationwide health problem.

Vaping By The Numbers | Kaiser Health News

Vaping By The Numbers | Kaiser Health News: The explosive rise in a serious lung illness linked to vaping spotlights the popularity of e-cigarettes among teens and young adults. Vaping is now so pervasive among young people that federal health officials say its use has fueled a sharp reversal in what had been a celebrated two-decade decline in overall tobacco use by teenagers.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Georgia now has third-highest percentage of uninsured, report shows | Georgia Health News

Georgia now has third-highest percentage of uninsured, report shows | Georgia Health News

New Strain of Strep Causing Cases of Scarlet Fever

New Strain of Strep Causing Cases of Scarlet Fever: A new, more toxic strain of strep A bacteria is causing an outbreak of scarlet fever among British children, researchers report.

Despite increasing number, female pediatricians earn $51,000 less than male counterparts | FierceHealthcare

Despite increasing number, female pediatricians earn $51,000 less than male counterparts | FierceHealthcare: Among specialties, pediatrics has the highest percentage of women doctors, yet female pediatricians still earn less than their male colleagues, according to a new study.

Medicaid coverage decline drove higher uninsured rate in 2018

Medicaid coverage decline drove higher uninsured rate in 2018: The percentage of people in the U.S. without health insurance increased in 2018 over the year before, largely because of a decline in Medicaid coverage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Siblings of hospitalized kids need help and comfort, too | Georgia Health News

Siblings of hospitalized kids need help and comfort, too | Georgia Health News

Nurturing Childhood Boosts Odds of a Happy Adult Life: Study

Nurturing Childhood Boosts Odds of a Happy Adult Life: Study: Kids who grow up confident that their parents, friends and community have their back are far less likely to struggle with depression or other serious mental health issues as adults, new research indicates.

Listen: Health Officials Warn People To Stop Vaping | Kaiser Health News

Listen: Health Officials Warn People To Stop Vaping | Kaiser Health News: California Healthline reporter Ana Ibarra appeared Monday on WNYC to discuss the recent outbreak of mysterious lung diseases related to vaping, including 60 possible cases in California.

AMA urges states to improve opioid abuse treatment access

AMA urges states to improve opioid abuse treatment access: The American Medical Association and Manatt Health focused on reducing access barriers in Medicaid and state-regulated commercial health plans as well as finding scalable solutions that states can adopt.

FDA: Juul's claims that e-cigarettes are safer are illegal

FDA: Juul's claims that e-cigarettes are safer are illegal: In a sternly worded warning, the agency flagged various claims made by Juul representatives, including that its products are "much safer than cigarettes." Currently, no vaping product has been federally reviewed to be less harmful than traditional tobacco products.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Sterilizing plant shutting down as air tests begin; lawsuit challenges EPD deal | Georgia Health News

Sterilizing plant shutting down as air tests begin; lawsuit challenges EPD deal | Georgia Health News

Kids in Poor Neighborhoods Face Higher Odds for Obesity as Adults

Kids in Poor Neighborhoods Face Higher Odds for Obesity as Adults: Growing up in a poor neighborhood significantly increases kids' odds of becoming obese adults, and the risk is highest among teens, a new study says.

Back-to-School Tips for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Back-to-School Tips for Kids on the Autism Spectrum: Heading back to school can be especially stressful for children with autism and their parents, but preparation and establishing a routine can make it easier.

Cases of Vaping-Related Lung Illness Surge, Health Officials Say - The New York Times

Cases of Vaping-Related Lung Illness Surge, Health Officials Say - The New York Times: Indiana announced a third death linked to the illness on Friday, Minnesota a fourth and California a fifth. State and federal health officials are working urgently to understand the causes.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Some People Vaccinated Against Mumps May Not Be Protected: Study

Some People Vaccinated Against Mumps May Not Be Protected: Study: There are gaps in immunity against mumps among college-aged Americans who were vaccinated in childhood, researchers say.

Lawsuit Challenges End of Immigrant Medical Relief Program | Massachusetts News | US News

Lawsuit Challenges End of Immigrant Medical Relief Program | Massachusetts News | US News: BOSTON (AP) — Civil rights groups are suing President Donald Trump's administration over its decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country for medical treatment and other hardships.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Pregnancy-Related Deaths Still Higher With Some Minorities

Pregnancy-Related Deaths Still Higher With Some Minorities: Pregnancy is a far riskier undertaking for many minority women than it is for white women in the United States, a new government study shows.

Health Officials Close in on Culprit in Vaping Lung Injury Cases

Health Officials Close in on Culprit in Vaping Lung Injury Cases: Lab tests have found a chemical derived from vitamin E in samples of vaping products that have sickened people in 25 states.

CPT changes in 2020 include new codes to allow doctors to bill for digital health | FierceHealthcare

CPT changes in 2020 include new codes to allow doctors to bill for digital health | FierceHealthcare: The American Medical Association released updates to its Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for 2020, including new codes to keep doctors up-to-date with new technology.

Dartmouth study questions overuse of NICUs for babies of normal birth weight | FierceHealthcare

Dartmouth study questions overuse of NICUs for babies of normal birth weight | FierceHealthcare: Nearly half of all newborns admitted to U.S. neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are of normal birth weight, and a new study out of Dartmouth University possibly links this increase to the robust expansion of NICUs over the last two decades.

How Political Maneuvering Derailed A Red State’s Path To Medicaid Expansion | Kaiser Health News

How Political Maneuvering Derailed A Red State’s Path To Medicaid Expansion | Kaiser Health News: When Kansas elected Laura Kelly as governor, Medicaid expansion looked like a shoo-in, with seemingly broad support across state government. It didn’t happen. A look at conservatives’ new health care playbook and the politics of obstruction. Health care for 130,000 Kansans hangs in the balance.

California Lawmakers Send Contested Vaccine Bill To Governor. Will He Sign It? | Kaiser Health News

California Lawmakers Send Contested Vaccine Bill To Governor. Will He Sign It? | Kaiser Health News: The state Senate on Wednesday sent a measure to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that would tighten the rules for children’s medical exemptions from vaccines. Newsom, who said in June that he would sign the measure after amendments had been made at his request, now wants more changes.

Medicaid expansion increased ED use, study shows

Medicaid expansion increased ED use, study shows: New economic analysis of hospital visits in Medicaid expansion states affirms previous studies that under the ACA emergency department use has gone up rather than down.

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Evacuated patients heading home as Dorian passes | Georgia Health News

Thursday, September 5, 2019

'Can't feel my heart:' IG says separated kids traumatized

'Can't feel my heart:' IG says separated kids traumatized: WASHINGTON (AP) — Separated from his father at the U.S.-Mexico border last year, the little boy, about 7 or 8, was under the delusion that his dad had been killed. And he thought he was...

As Measles Outbreak Fades, N.Y. Sets In Motion New Rules On School Vaccinations | Kaiser Health News

As Measles Outbreak Fades, N.Y. Sets In Motion New Rules On School Vaccinations | Kaiser Health News: New York, where nearly 900 people contracted measles this year, has enacted contentious requirements for immunizations.

States get $1.8 billion to battle opioid epidemic

States get $1.8 billion to battle opioid epidemic: The CDC will pay for new state and local data-monitoring programs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will continue funding states' opioid response programs.

Federal judge signs off on CVS-Aetna merger after post-deal review

Federal judge signs off on CVS-Aetna merger after post-deal review: A federal judge signed off on the $70 billion merger between CVS Corp. and Aetna after months of scrutinizing the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust settlement with the companies.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Gov. Kemp issues mandatory evacuation ahead of Dorian | Georgia Health News

Gov. Kemp issues mandatory evacuation ahead of Dorian | Georgia Health News

As Dorian nears, hospitals and nursing homes mobilize | Georgia Health News

As Dorian nears, hospitals and nursing homes mobilize | Georgia Health News

Obese Teen Boys More Prone to Heart Attacks in Middle Age

Obese Teen Boys More Prone to Heart Attacks in Middle Age: Teen boys who are overweight or obese may be more likely to have a heart attack before they're old enough to retire, according to a new study.

CMS' impending overhaul of the Stark law can only go so far, experts say | FierceHealthcare

CMS' impending overhaul of the Stark law can only go so far, experts say | FierceHealthcare: The healthcare industry has been pressing the Trump administration to overhaul the Stark law, but legal experts say the agency can only go so far without turning to Congress.

Trump Promises ‘Phenomenal’ Health Plan. What Might That Mean? | Kaiser Health News

Trump Promises ‘Phenomenal’ Health Plan. What Might That Mean? | Kaiser Health News: In the background, advisers weigh the risks of rolling out a comprehensive health care proposal. Peering into the crystal ball, here’s a glimpse of what could be included in the GOP plan.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Racial Disparities Persist in Breastfeeding in U.S. Infants

Racial Disparities Persist in Breastfeeding in U.S. Infants: Smaller differences ID'd between black and white infants who initiate breastfeeding

Calls Mount to Stop Vaping as Lung Injury Cases Skyrocket

Calls Mount to Stop Vaping as Lung Injury Cases Skyrocket: As lung injuries mount across the United States, officials suspect THC-containing e-cigarette products could possibly play a role.

AAP recommends that all kids age 6 and under get flu vaccine, ideally by end of October | WKRC

AAP recommends that all kids age 6 and under get flu vaccine, ideally by end of October | WKRC: NEW YORK (WKRC) - The American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommendation for the parents whose children are aged 6-years-old or younger: Get them the flu vaccine. The group says that there is not a preference in how the vaccine is administered, whether it be nasal spray or the shot, as there is no difference. AAP says that, ideally, parents should make sure to get their child vaccinated by the end of October.

Walmart moves deeper into primary care market: 4 things to know

Walmart moves deeper into primary care market: 4 things to know: Walmart will give patients access to comprehensive and low-cost primary care at a clinic slated to open next month in Georgia, according to CNBC.

Another voter-backed Medicaid expansion hits snag | FierceHealthcare

Another voter-backed Medicaid expansion hits snag | FierceHealthcare: Federal officials rejected another attempt at a “partial” Medicaid expansion, this time in Idaho.

Joint Commission imposes maternal safety standards for hospital accreditation

Joint Commission imposes maternal safety standards for hospital accreditation: The 13 new standards are in response to widespread adoption of evidence-based practices to prevent maternal mortality due to hemorrhage and hypertension.