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.
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