Thursday, December 31, 2020
'Warp Speed' Officials Say U.S. COVID Vaccine Distribution Too Slow - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
'Warp Speed' Officials Say U.S. COVID Vaccine Distribution Too Slow - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Dec. 31, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Even though 11.4 million doses of the approved Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines had been distributed across the United States by Monday morning, just 2.1 million had made it into the arms of high-risk Americans. That's far too slow a pace, said one off...
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Approval May Be the Most Globally Important Yet | Time
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Approval May Be the Most Globally Important Yet | Time: The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is especially promising for the developing world because it's cheaper and easier to handle and store.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Why Do Obese People Have Higher Risk From COVID-19? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Why Do Obese People Have Higher Risk From COVID-19? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Respiratory problems and other factors -- not inflammation -- may explain why obese people are more likely to have severe COVID-19 and die from it, according to a new study.Other studies have shown that overweight and obese COVID-19 patients are more likely...
COVID-19: Georgia jumps to 11th on list of new U.S. cases, new White House report says
COVID-19: Georgia jumps to 11th on list of new U.S. cases, new White House report says: Georgia again climbed the national rankings in new coronavirus cases again last week, and state officials are racing to reopen a field hospital at the Georgia World Congress Center Thursday this week as medical centers statewide see record numbers of COVID-19 patients.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Another COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Begins Final Clinical Trials - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Another COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Begins Final Clinical Trials - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Vaccine maker Novavax, along with federal health researchers, announced Monday that a phase 3 trial will begin on the safety and effectiveness of another COVID-19 vaccine -- the fifth shot to reach this final stage of development. "We've come this far, this...
Congress breaks two-decade freeze on new Medicare GME slots
Congress breaks two-decade freeze on new Medicare GME slotsEditor’s Note: This could be a hopeful sign that Georgia may be able to increase pediatric residency slots which have not increased at all during the past 20+ years; while other primary care physician residencies (in FM and IM), have seen dramatic gains in Georgia in new programs/hospitals.
Atlanta schools plan in-person return dates for employees, students
Atlanta schools plan in-person return dates for employees, students: Atlanta Public Schools' central office staff to return to in-person work Jan.
Monday, December 28, 2020
More Than 2,900 Health Care Workers Died This Year — And the Government Barely Kept Track | Kaiser Health News
More Than 2,900 Health Care Workers Died This Year — And the Government Barely Kept Track | Kaiser Health News: The National Academy of Sciences cites journalists’ “Lost on the Frontline” project in a push to expand federal tracking of worker fatalities.
Analysis: Some Said the Vaccine Rollout Would Be a ‘Nightmare.’ They Were Right. | Kaiser Health News
Analysis: Some Said the Vaccine Rollout Would Be a ‘Nightmare.’ They Were Right. | Kaiser Health News: There are already signs that the distribution of the COVID vaccines will be messy, confusing and chaotic.
COVID-19 surprise billing ban in 2020 may offer lessons for 2022
COVID-19 surprise billing ban in 2020 may offer lessons for 2022: Providers have demonstrated an ability to comply with a limited ban on balance billing COVID-19 patients as a condition of keeping roughly $125 billion in grant funds.
As COVID turns education upside down, how are kids, adults coping?
As COVID turns education upside down, how are kids, adults coping?: The start of the school year went fine for Misty Waldrop’s little girl, as she learned how to take screenshots and submit assignments online.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
COVID Doesn't Pass From Mom to Fetus During Pregnancy: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
COVID Doesn't Pass From Mom to Fetus During Pregnancy: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- A new study may prove reassuring for expectant moms: Pregnant women who are infected with COVID-19 during their third trimester appear unlikely to pass the infection to their fetuses.This study was conducted between April and June 2020 among women who came ...
White House testing czar: Coronavirus vaccines 'effective' against new strains | TheHill
White House testing czar: Coronavirus vaccines 'effective' against new strains | TheHill: Vaccines are effective against many variants of the coronavirus, and the public shouldn't be worried about it "mutating," the Trump administration's top testing official said Monday.
New White House guidance grants audit extension for COVID relief funds
New White House guidance grants audit extension for COVID relief funds: The White House provided new instructions on how healthcare providers and other organizations should audit their federal COVID-19 relief grants.
As cases rise, Georgia leaders race to ship and administer vaccine
As cases rise, Georgia leaders race to ship and administer vaccine: As Georgia on Tuesday set another daily record of new COVID-19 cases and many hospitals were running out of beds, state officials were racing to keep ahead.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Do Genes Doom Some Kids to Obesity? Probably Not, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Do Genes Doom Some Kids to Obesity? Probably Not, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- While childhood obesity is a significant challenge, German researchers have uncovered some hopeful news while investigating the impact of genes.Though some "obesity genes" do play a minor role in the success of weight loss interventions, environmental, socia...
Involved Dads Make a Difference for Disadvantaged Teens - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Involved Dads Make a Difference for Disadvantaged Teens - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Dads matter: New research shows how attentive, involved fathers can really boost the mental well-being and behavior of teens from low-income families.The study looked at 5,000 U.S. children born between 1998 and 2000, and their fathers' involvement with the...
Warp Speed Official: 7.9 Million Doses Of Vaccine Ready For Distribution Next Week : Coronavirus Updates : NPR
Warp Speed Official: 7.9 Million Doses Of Vaccine Ready For Distribution Next Week : Coronavirus Updates : NPR: The top military official with the federal vaccine effort spoke less than 24 hours after Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine became the second to receive an emergency use authorization from the FDA.
First shipments of Moderna vaccine roll out, a new weapon in U.S. Covid-19 response
First shipments of Moderna vaccine roll out, a new weapon in U.S. Covid-19 response: Distribution of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine begins, adding a second vaccine to the country's fight against Covid-19
Congress approves $900B COVID relief bill, sending to Trump
Congress approves $900B COVID relief bill, sending to Trump: WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Congress to ban surprise bills, include provider grant fix in year-end deal
Congress to ban surprise bills, include provider grant fix in year-end deal: Lawmakers on Monday released details of major COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation, including many provisions important to the healthcare industry.
Monday, December 21, 2020
HIPAA changes shift mindset from protecting to sharing health information
HIPAA changes shift mindset from protecting to sharing health information: While many of the changes should give providers more power over when to disclose patient data, there are still some questions over how permissive regulators will be.
Friday, December 18, 2020
Schools, Day Care Not a Big Factor in Kids Getting COVID: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Schools, Day Care Not a Big Factor in Kids Getting COVID: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As a rule, COVID-19 spreads rapidly in most groups, but new research suggests that schools and day care centers appear to be the exception.Among those under 18, the virus is easily spread by close contact with family members who have COVID-19 and at gather...
After Years of Increases, Teen Vaping Rates Take a Tumble - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
After Years of Increases, Teen Vaping Rates Take a Tumble - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Reversing years of steady increases, the percentage of U.S. high school students who vape has taken a big turn downward -- from 27.5% in 2019 to 19.6% in 2020, according to new government data.Use of any form of tobacco product among American youth also de...
CMS to allow managed care organizations to participate in direct contracting | FierceHealthcare
CMS to allow managed care organizations to participate in direct contracting | FierceHealthcare: CMS proposed allowing Medicaid managed care organizations who care for dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to participate in the value-based care payment model called direct contracting.
State wants health insurers to stop clogging hospital space
State wants health insurers to stop clogging hospital space: With emergency rooms still packed with sick patients waiting for beds, hospitals say they could free up bed space if insurance companies wouldn't keep them waiting as long as a week for permission to send patients to rehab centers.
Morehouse School of Medicine enters $100M partnership to train more Black doctors
Morehouse School of Medicine enters $100M partnership to train more Black doctors: Morehouse School of Medicine is teaming up with CommonSpirit Health in a 10-year, $100 million partnership to train more Black physicians and work toward health equity for underserved communities.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Most Pregnant Women With COVID Are Asymptomatic - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Most Pregnant Women With COVID Are Asymptomatic - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Most pregnant women infected with the new coronavirus don't have symptoms, a new study shows. Researchers analyzed data from a coronavirus screening program in the labor and delivery unit of Elmhurst Hospital in New York City during March and April. Of th...
CommonSpirit, Morehouse medical school launch initiative to increase Black doctors nationwide | FierceHealthcare
CommonSpirit, Morehouse medical school launch initiative to increase Black doctors nationwide | FierceHealthcare: One of the largest health systems in the U.S. is teaming up with one of the top historically Black medical schools to develop more Black doctors across the U.S.
How Moderna's coronavirus vaccine differs from Pfizer's - CNN
How Moderna's coronavirus vaccine differs from Pfizer's - CNN: Moderna's coronavirus vaccine is similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that was authorized and shipped out to Americans earlier this week. But there are a few key differences.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine goes before FDA committee for final review
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine goes before FDA committee for final review: An FDA advisory panel is expected Thursday to recommend authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna. It could be in states by Monday.
Medicaid and CHIP enrollment grew 5.6% since last year
Medicaid and CHIP enrollment grew 5.6% since last year: The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission said the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic drove most of the increase. States need more money to deal with rising healthcare costs, but there's no help on the way.
First COVID-19 vaccines are given in metro Atlanta
First COVID-19 vaccines are given in metro Atlanta: Metro Atlanta on Wednesday saw the area’s first vaccinations to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, as a pharmacist, a nurse and others sat down for their shots before a bank of TV cameras in Gwinnett County.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Pediatricians Want Kids to Be Part of COVID Vaccine Trials | Kaiser Health News
Pediatricians Want Kids to Be Part of COVID Vaccine Trials | Kaiser Health News. (Editor’s Note: Evan Anderson, MD, chair of the Georgia Chapter-AAP Committee on Infectious Disease is quoted in this article. He is professor of pediatric infectious disease at Emory University, Atlanta.)
Pandemic Has Cut Into College Kids' Drinking, Study Shows - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Pandemic Has Cut Into College Kids' Drinking, Study Shows - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- There's been a large drop in drinking among U.S. college students who went home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study finds. It included more than 300 students who were surveyed about two months after pandemic-related campus closures in the sprin...
Lie of the Year: The Downplay and Denial of the Coronavirus | Kaiser Health News
Lie of the Year: The Downplay and Denial of the Coronavirus | Kaiser Health News: It's no worse than the flu, and other deadly disinformation about the coronavirus
HHS wants to boost interoperability for Medicaid and CHIP
HHS wants to boost interoperability for Medicaid and CHIP: A proposed rule would expand interoperability and streamline prior authorization for state Medicaid and CHIP fee-for-service programs, Medicaid and CHIP managed-care plans and individual market plans.
First Georgia COVID-19 vaccines begin
First Georgia COVID-19 vaccines begin: The first five Georgians received the coronaviirus vaccination in Savannah Monday night, shortly after the public health district there received the state’s initial 5,850 doses.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
When Sepsis Strikes Children, Black Kids More Likely to Die: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
When Sepsis Strikes Children, Black Kids More Likely to Die: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of death from severe sepsis is much higher for Black children than for white or Hispanic children, U.S. researchers say. Severe sepsis is a life-threatening immune system overreaction to an infection."Some of the disparities in outcomes from sepsi...
Kids With Dyslexia May Have Hidden Strengths - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Kids With Dyslexia May Have Hidden Strengths - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- There's growing evidence that children with dyslexia may have heightened social and emotional intelligence.Along with showing that dyslexia may be much more complex than poor reading skills, new study findings add to previous research indicating that dyslexi...
Covid-19 now kills more than 1 American every minute. And the rate keeps accelerating as the death toll tops 300,000 - CNN
Covid-19 now kills more than 1 American every minute. And the rate keeps accelerating as the death toll tops 300,000 - CNN: More than 300,000 people in the US have died from coronavirus since the first known death on February 6. That's an average of more than 961 deaths a day.
But this holiday season has been especially brutal, with more than 50,000 deaths in just the past month, according to Johns Hopkins University.
In the past week, an average of 2,403 people in the US have died from Covid-19 every day.
Pediatricians Want Kids to Be Part of COVID Vaccine Trials | Kaiser Health News
Pediatricians Want Kids to Be Part of COVID Vaccine Trials | Kaiser Health News: Some years from now, infants and school-aged children will probably be the mainstay of a universal vaccination program against COVID-19 in the United States. But first, doctors want to be sure that newfangled vaccines won’t harm them.
Pandemic Backlash Jeopardizes Public Health Powers, Leaders | Kaiser Health News
Pandemic Backlash Jeopardizes Public Health Powers, Leaders | Kaiser Health News: At least 181 public health leaders in 38 states have resigned, retired or been fired amid the turmoil of the pandemic. The departures come as backlash against public health is rising with threats to officials’ personal safety and legislative and legal efforts to strip their governmental public health powers.
Feds: 100 million Americans to be fully immunized from COVID-19 by April
Feds: 100 million Americans to be fully immunized from COVID-19 by April: Federal officials said the U.S. is on track to have enough COVID-19 vaccinations to immunize every American by mid-2021.
Monday, December 14, 2020
House and Senate panels reach provider-friendly deal to end surprise medical billing | FierceHealthcare
House and Senate panels reach provider-friendly deal to end surprise medical billing | FierceHealthcare: House and Senate committee leaders announced a deal Friday to end surprise medical bills and hand providers a major win over payment for out-of-network charges.
CDC director: US COVID-19 deaths likely to exceed 9/11 toll for 60 days | TheHill
CDC director: US COVID-19 deaths likely to exceed 9/11 toll for 60 days | TheHill: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield issued a stark warning about the worsening death toll from the coronavirus on Thursday, saying that in a coming brutal stretch of time the country is likely to see more deat
Moderna doses adolescents in COVID-19 vaccine study, setting it up to target 2021-22 school year | FierceBiotech
Moderna doses adolescents in COVID-19 vaccine study, setting it up to target 2021-22 school year | FierceBiotech: Moderna has dosed the first adolescents in a phase 2/3 clinical trial designed to position its COVID-19 vaccine for use in children as young as 12 years old before the start of the 2021-22 school year.
With release of COVID-19 vaccine imminent, distribution plan to be tested
With release of COVID-19 vaccine imminent, distribution plan to be tested: In Georgia, success in getting the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine into the arms of residents largely will rely on a patchwork of preparations.
Friday, December 11, 2020
HHS proposes changes to HIPAA privacy rule to improve care coordination | FierceHealthcare
HHS proposes changes to HIPAA privacy rule to improve care coordination | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration proposed changes Thursday to data privacy rules to give patients more access to their health information and improve care coordination. The changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule will support patients' engagement in their care, remove barriers to coordinated care and reduce regulatory burdens on the health care industry, HHS said.
Supreme Court upholds Arkansas law regulating pharmacy benefit managers | FierceHealthcare
Supreme Court upholds Arkansas law regulating pharmacy benefit managers | FierceHealthcare: In a blow to pharmacy benefit managers, the Supreme Court has upheld a controversial Arkansas law that regulates them, potentially paving the way for other states to do the same.
Moderna begins study of COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents | Reuters
Moderna begins study of COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents | Reuters: Moderna Inc said on Thursday it had dosed the first participants in a mid-to-late stage study testing its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in adolescents aged 12 to less than 18, and aims for data ahead of the 2021 school year.
Fewer Black kids getting flu shots, worrying CDC officials
Fewer Black kids getting flu shots, worrying CDC officials: A different CDC survey found that 48% of U.S. kids were vaccinated against flu at the end of November — the same as last year. Vaccination rates in white and Hispanic children didn’t change much. But they fell in Black children, to 33% from about 44% the previous November.
CMS wants to force insurers to ease prior authorization
CMS wants to force insurers to ease prior authorization: The proposed rule would require payers—including Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program and exchange plans—to build application program interfaces to support data exchange and prior authorization.
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Trump Plan May Set Clock Ticking on Many Health Rules — Setting Off Alarms | Kaiser Health News
Trump Plan May Set Clock Ticking on Many Health Rules — Setting Off Alarms | Kaiser Health News: The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed that the new administration review about 2,400 regulations that affect tens of millions of Americans, on everything from Medicare benefits to prescription drug approvals. Those not analyzed within two years would become void.
Years of research laid groundwork for speedy COVID-19 shots
Years of research laid groundwork for speedy COVID-19 shots: "I think we enter into a golden age of vaccinology by having these types of new technologies," Dr. C. Buddy Creech, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert, said at a briefing of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Surprise billing talks die down after provider lobbying offensive
Surprise billing talks die down after provider lobbying offensive: Last-minute efforts to reach agreement on policy to ban surprise medical bills have slowed amid a multi-front lobbying push by healthcare providers.
Boston Children's first to launch on Google's health study app
Boston Children's first to launch on Google's health study app: Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School launched an app-based research project with Google to study the spread of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Bipartisan COVID-19 relief framework includes $35 billion in provider grants
Bipartisan COVID-19 relief framework includes $35 billion in provider grants: The framework revives the chance that healthcare providers could get additional aid, as grant money had been cut out of recent Senate GOP proposals.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
COVID Fuels Depression Among Pregnant Women, New Moms - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
COVID Fuels Depression Among Pregnant Women, New Moms - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- COVID-19 may be behind a concerning rise in the number of women suffering anxiety and depression before and soon after childbirth, a new study says. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston surveyed more than 1,100 pregnant and postpartum wo...
Georgia’s Brian Kemp stays course as state’s coronavirus rates climb
Georgia’s Brian Kemp stays course as state’s coronavirus rates climb: Amid a post-Thanksgiving surge, Georgia reported the highest weekly total of confirmed and probable coronavirus cases last week than at any point in the pandemic.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
'Body Issues' Raise Depression Risks for Teens - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
'Body Issues' Raise Depression Risks for Teens - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Body dissatisfaction significantly increases teens' risk of depression, researchers say.The degree of heightened risk ranged from 50% to 285%, according to the report published online Dec. 8 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health."These findings d...
More Clues to Why Kids Have Much Milder COVID-19 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
More Clues to Why Kids Have Much Milder COVID-19 - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- A stronger immune system and healthier blood vessels are among reasons kids are less likely than adults to have severe COVID-19, according to experts who reviewed research from around the world."Most children with COVID-19 have no or only mild symptoms, most...
Sports Might Be Good Therapy for Boys With Behavioral Issues: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Sports Might Be Good Therapy for Boys With Behavioral Issues: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Participation in organized sports could help reduce behavior problems in very young boys, a new study of Irish kids suggests.One-year-old boys with developmental delays were less likely to have developed emotional problems or poor conduct by age 5 if they re...
Nonfatal Drug Overdoses Among Youth On The Rise - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Nonfatal Drug Overdoses Among Youth On The Rise - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: Suspected stimulant overdoses increasing in all age groups 0 to 24
Pfizer COVID Vaccine Effective After 1st Dose, But U.S. May Face Supply Shortage - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Pfizer COVID Vaccine Effective After 1st Dose, But U.S. May Face Supply Shortage - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- New data released Tuesday suggests that Pfizer's two-dose coronavirus vaccine begins to work well protecting recipients against COVID-19 within 10 days of the first dose. It also appeared to work well regardless of the trial volunteers' age, sex or weight.Th...
HHS role gives Xavier Becerra new tools to challenge healthcare consolidation
HHS role gives Xavier Becerra new tools to challenge healthcare consolidation: As California's top watchdog, Xavier Becerra has sought to revive competition in healthcare using lawsuits. As HHS chief, he'd have a new go-to: regulation.
Monday, December 7, 2020
Atlanta Public Schools Plans To Resume In-Person Classes In January | 90.1 FM WABE
Atlanta Public Schools Plans To Resume In-Person Classes In January | 90.1 FM WABE: Atlanta Public Schools says it will cautiously move ahead with plans to resume in-person classes next month. At a town hall Thursday, Superintendent Lisa Herring said the district plans to start phasing in students on January 19. The new semester starts on Jan. 5, but APS will still operate virtually at the
States expecting fewer vaccine doses than promised: report | TheHill
States expecting fewer vaccine doses than promised: report | TheHill: The federal government has downgraded the quantity of coronavirus vaccine it projects it will distribute in December from 300 million to closer to 40 million doses
Demand for COVID Vaccines Expected to Get Heated — And Fast | Kaiser Health News
Demand for COVID Vaccines Expected to Get Heated — And Fast | Kaiser Health News: With two vaccines against coronavirus disease poised for release within weeks, experts say they expect attitudes to shift dramatically from hesitancy to “Beanie Baby”-level urgency.
Biden selects Becerra to lead Health and Human Services - POLITICO
Biden selects Becerra to lead Health and Human Services - POLITICO: The choice of Becerra, California's attorney general, caps a turbulent process to fill the Cabinet post.
Aetna will cover noninvasive prenatal testing for all pregnancies
Aetna will cover noninvasive prenatal testing for all pregnancies: The move comes at a time when a number of payers, including UnitedHealthcare and Humana, have begun offering coverage of NIPT for average-risk pregnancies.
High court will hear appeal over Medicaid work requirements
High court will hear appeal over Medicaid work requirements: The timing of the court's decision to take up the issue was curious because by the time the case is argued in late winter or early spring, Joe Biden will be president and his administration is unlikely to continue Medicaid work requirements.
Biden picks Harvard infectious disease expert to head CDC
Biden picks Harvard infectious disease expert to head CDC: The Atlanta-based CDC is getting a new director.
TIME's 2020 Kid of the Year: Meet Gitanjali Rao | Time
TIME's 2020 Kid of the Year: Meet Gitanjali Rao | Time: Meet TIME's first-ever Kid of the Year: a 15-year-old scientist and inventor who uses technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to cyberbullying.
We Almost Have a Vaccine. Not Enough People Want It | Time
We Almost Have a Vaccine. Not Enough People Want It | Time: Despite months of cold, hard facts that should have more and more people lining up for a shot — including that this pandemic is airborne, deadly and getting worse — the opposite seems to be true. The number of Americans who steadfastly say they will not get a vaccine has increased since May, the share of the population who plan to get a vaccine has dropped by double-digits and the partisan rejection of science has grown wider.
Friday, December 4, 2020
Vaccine Cards And Second-Dose Reminders Are Part Of Warp Speed's Immunization Plan : NPR
Vaccine Cards And Second-Dose Reminders Are Part Of Warp Speed's Immunization Plan : NPR: The U.S. government says it will issue a vaccine card and use other tools to help millions of Americans follow through with their immunizations against COVID-19.
CMS rolls out geographic direct contracting model aimed at improving regional health outcomes | FierceHealthcare
CMS rolls out geographic direct contracting model aimed at improving regional health outcomes | FierceHealthcare: CMS rolled out a new model that aims to coordinate care and improve Medicare beneficiary outcomes across an entire geographic region.
Coronavirus Relief Deal Possible: Pelosi And McConnell Scramble As Time Is Short : NPR
Coronavirus Relief Deal Possible: Pelosi And McConnell Scramble As Time Is Short : NPR: With days left before Congress aims to wrap for the year, Republicans and Democrats appear more willing to negotiate on a COVID-19 relief bill. But key sticking points remain.
Among first acts, Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing
Among first acts, Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing: WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden said Thursday that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president, stopping just short of the nationwide mandate...
COVID-19 vaccine rollout barrels on with health disparity in backseat
COVID-19 vaccine rollout barrels on with health disparity in backseat: As the decision looms for President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration, a new analysis argues for targeting the first vaccines to the same low-income Black, Hispanic and Native American households that have disproportionately suffered from the coronavirus.
HHS calls for 'holistic' care approach to maternal health
HHS calls for 'holistic' care approach to maternal health: Federal health officials say any effort to reduce maternal mortality must be based on a coordinated care approach that addresses women's health needs both before they get pregnant and after they give birth.
Next steps for telehealth require congressional action, experts say
Next steps for telehealth require congressional action, experts say: While CMS made moves to expand Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services, the industry will need to push lawmakers if it wants to continue letting beneficiaries access virtual care at home.
Flu season starts light, thanks to COVID-19
Flu season starts light, thanks to COVID-19: Social distancing, vaccinations keeping flu at bay in Georgia
Georgia hospitals already pushing capacity as they brace for COVID surge
Georgia hospitals already pushing capacity as they brace for COVID surge: The predicted dark winter of the pandemic hasn’t even started, yet some Georgia hospitals are already running out of room for patients. That leaves Georgia in a dangerous position before the expected surge of coronavirus infections from Thanksgiving gatherings hits.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Next for Biden: Naming a health care team as pandemic rages
Next for Biden: Naming a health care team as pandemic rages: WASHINGTON (AP) — Up soon for President-elect Joe Biden: naming his top health care officials as the coronavirus pandemic rages. It's hard to imagine more consequential picks. Already one...
Feds Look to Pharmacists to Boost Childhood Immunization Rates | Kaiser Health News
Feds Look to Pharmacists to Boost Childhood Immunization Rates | Kaiser Health News: Fears over COVID-19 have contributed to a slump in inoculations among children. Now the federal government is looking to pharmacists for help, but many of them do not participate in a program that offers free shots to half the kids in the U.S.
Telehealth, ACO changes cemented in physician fee schedule rule
Telehealth, ACO changes cemented in physician fee schedule rule: The final rule permanently expands telehealth services, changes quality reporting under the Medicare Shared Savings Program, reworks payments and coding for physicians, and expands the scope of practice for some clinicians.
HHS estimates 100 million will get COVID-19 vaccine by March
HHS estimates 100 million will get COVID-19 vaccine by March: Vaccine distribution could be carried out within 24 hours after the FDA authorization.
Primary-care spending among private payers declined in 2019
Primary-care spending among private payers declined in 2019: There is no consensus about what overall spending on primary-care spending should be, but research indicates other developed nations spend much more than the U.S.
Governor, hospitals discuss COVID-19 surge in Atlanta and GA
Governor, hospitals discuss COVID-19 surge in Atlanta and GA: Staff shortages and profiteering are besetting Georgia hospitals as the pandemic climbs its third wave.
COVID-19 challenges emotional well-being of kids and college students
COVID-19 challenges emotional well-being of kids and college students: Even before the coronavirus pandemic began, 12-year-old Peyton Paris battled mild anxiety.
Georgia stuck in COVID-19 red zone, but uneven reporting clouds picture
Georgia stuck in COVID-19 red zone, but uneven reporting clouds picture: Public health officials say it’s likely too soon to know what impact Thanksgiving gatherings and travel might have had on Georgia’s coronavirus epidemic. Exposures over the holiday weekend, experts say, might not manifest into symptoms that would send people to seek tests for several days.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
UnitedHealth Group projects at least $277B in revenue for 2021 | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group projects at least $277B in revenue for 2021 | FierceHealthcare: At its investor conference on Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group offered an update on its 2020 guidance and provided the first look at its outlook in 2021.
CMS finalizes physician fee schedule, including controversial updates to E/M visits | FierceHealthcare
CMS finalizes physician fee schedule, including controversial updates to E/M visits | FierceHealthcare: The Trump administration has finalized the annual regulation governing physician payments, and in the rule approved payment adjustments to evaluation and management visits that drew ire from docs.
As Hospitals Fill With COVID Patients, Medical Reinforcements Are Hard to Find | Kaiser Health News
As Hospitals Fill With COVID Patients, Medical Reinforcements Are Hard to Find | Kaiser Health News: More than 93,000 COVID patients are hospitalized across the country. But beds and space aren't the main concern for hospital administrators — It's the health care workforce.
UnitedHealth 2021 forecast dinged by coronavirus
UnitedHealth 2021 forecast dinged by coronavirus: The nation's largest health insurance provider said it expects to take a hit in the new year from treatment and testing costs tied to the pandemic, as well as more claims for elected surgeries as care picks up.
Congress returns with virus aid, federal funding unresolved
Congress returns with virus aid, federal funding unresolved: After months of shadowboxing amid a tense and toxic campaign, Capitol Hill's main players are returning for one final, perhaps futile, attempt at deal-making on a challenging menu of year-end business.
Pushed to rush, FDA head says feds will get vaccine 'right'
Pushed to rush, FDA head says feds will get vaccine 'right': FDA's Dr. Stephen Hahn said federal officials would take the time needed to "get this right" as they review COVID-19 vaccines, despite increasing pressure and growing frustration from President Donald Trump that approval is taking too long.
Hospitals mixed on imposing staff COVID-19 vaccination mandates
Hospitals mixed on imposing staff COVID-19 vaccination mandates: As hospitals prepare to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in a matter of weeks, many haven't determined whether they'll require employees to get vaccinated amid safety and efficacy concerns.
U.K. Authorizes Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | Time
U.K. Authorizes Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | Time: Pfizer and BioNTech say they've won permission for emergency use of their COVID-19 vaccine in Britain.
Here's Who the CDC Says Will Get the COVID-19 Vaccine First | Time
Here's Who the CDC Says Will Get the COVID-19 Vaccine First | Time: A CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decision was the first official step toward prioritizing who will get the scarce first doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Long-Term-Care Residents and Health Workers Should Get Vaccine First, C.D.C. Panel Says - The New York Times
Long-Term-Care Residents and Health Workers Should Get Vaccine First, C.D.C. Panel Says - The New York Times: The C.D.C. director will decide by Wednesday whether to accept the recommendation. States aren’t required to follow it, but most are expected to.
Covid-19 vaccine: Moderna applies for FDA authorization - CNN
Covid-19 vaccine: Moderna applies for FDA authorization - CNN: Pharmaceutical company Moderna applied on Monday to the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization of its Covid-19 vaccine.
Trump administration leaves states to grapple with how to distribute scarce vaccines - POLITICO
Trump administration leaves states to grapple with how to distribute scarce vaccines - POLITICO: The Trump administration is shunting to the states hard decisions about which Americans will get the limited early supplies of coronavirus vaccines — setting up a confusing patchwork of distribution plans that could create unequal access to the life-saving shots.
Who gets the vaccine first and who decides? 3 things to know - ABC News
Who gets the vaccine first and who decides? 3 things to know - ABC News: On Tuesday, independent advisers to the Centers for Disease Control will weigh who should get a COVID-19 vaccine first.
Physician fee-schedule changes could upend compensation, experts say
Physician fee-schedule changes could upend compensation, experts say: Insurers often change how they weight CPT codes based on changes to Medicare's physician fee schedule. If commercial insurers follow Medicare's lead, medical groups could experience huge revenue swings and imbalances.
Americans Face New COVID-19 Restrictions After Thanksgiving | Time
Americans Face New COVID-19 Restrictions After Thanksgiving | Time: Officials are bracing for a disastrous worsening of the nationwide surge because of holiday gatherings over the long weekend.
Monday, November 30, 2020
How U.S. Medical Schools Are Training Post-Pandemic Doctors | Time
How U.S. Medical Schools Are Training Post-Pandemic Doctors | Time: The coronavirus pandemic has prompted big changes in U.S. medical schools, from remote learning to classes on racial equity.
Preemie Babies End Up Hospitalized More as Kids - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Preemie Babies End Up Hospitalized More as Kids - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Children born prematurely have a higher risk of hospitalization later on than those born at full term, a new study says.Health problems are common in premature babies, though the risk falls as they grow up. But researchers said it has been unclear when the r...
Later School Start Time, Fewer Migraines for Teens? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Later School Start Time, Fewer Migraines for Teens? - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: SUNDAY, Nov. 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Later school start times for teenagers might help those who struggle with migraines, a new study suggests. Starting school later in the morning could reduce the number of migraines each month for these students, the researchers said. The delayed start would ...
Thousands of Doctors’ Offices Buckle Under Financial Stress of COVID | Kaiser Health News
Thousands of Doctors’ Offices Buckle Under Financial Stress of COVID | Kaiser Health News: Across the nation, primary care practices that were already struggling are closing, victims of the pandemic’s financial fallout. And this is reducing access to health care, especially in rural and other regions already short on doctors.
Moderna Covid vaccine is 94.1% effective, plans to apply for emergency OK Monday
Moderna Covid vaccine is 94.1% effective, plans to apply for emergency OK Monday: Moderna will be the second drugmaker to seek emergency use from the FDA after Pfizer applied for the same authorization on Nov. 20.
CDC panel meets Tuesday to vote on COVID-19 vaccine priority
CDC panel meets Tuesday to vote on COVID-19 vaccine priority: ATLANTA (AP) — A panel of U.S. advisers will meet Tuesday to vote on how scarce, initial supplies of a COVID-19 vaccine will be given out once one has been approved. Experts have proposed...
OSHA Let Employers Decide Whether to Report Health Care Worker Deaths. Many Didn’t. | Kaiser Health News
OSHA Let Employers Decide Whether to Report Health Care Worker Deaths. Many Didn’t. | Kaiser Health News: Four workers died at a facility with one of the largest U.S. outbreaks, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration never conducted an inspection. It’s a pattern that’s played out across the nation, a KHN investigation finds.
Fauci: US may see 'surge upon surge' of virus in weeks ahead
Fauci: US may see 'surge upon surge' of virus in weeks ahead: Fauci said it's "not too late" for people traveling back home after Thanksgiving to help stop the spread of the virus by wearing masks, staying distant from others and avoiding large groups of people.
4 healthcare issues to watch as Congress faces a funding deadline next month
4 healthcare issues to watch as Congress faces a funding deadline next month: Healthcare providers are working to ensure their priorities are included in legislation to avert a government shutdown on Dec. 11.
Providers try to address care delays as COVID-19 continues
Providers try to address care delays as COVID-19 continues: Patients are putting off needed care during the pandemic, creating concerns about the long-term implications for patients.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccine Will Include 6.4 Million Doses | Time
First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccine Will Include 6.4 Million Doses | Time: The U.S. government is gearing up plans to distribute the shots across the country.
Fauci: 'People Should Feel Confident' New COVID Vaccines Safe, Effective - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Fauci: 'People Should Feel Confident' New COVID Vaccines Safe, Effective - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov 25, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The turnaround time -- from the emergence of the new coronavirus to the advent of multiple vaccines to prevent it -- has been nothing short of "breathtaking," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious disease.Still, many Americans a...
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Many adults say they'll wait to get COVID vaccine, poll finds | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Many adults say they'll wait to get COVID vaccine, poll finds | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
Kemp stands pat as White House, experts urge action to combat virus’ surge
Kemp stands pat as White House, experts urge action to combat virus’ surge: President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force warned Georgia is “in the early stages of full resurgence” of the virus and urged state leaders to take aggressive new steps to mitigate spread of the epidemic.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Poll: 1 in 3 Parents Pick Holiday Gathering Over COVID Safety - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Poll: 1 in 3 Parents Pick Holiday Gathering Over COVID Safety - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As COVID-19 cases surge throughout the United States and the holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving on Thursday, families are faced with a challenging choice.Do they skip family gatherings and the usual way they celebrate their traditions? Or do they ris...
Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients to Cities, Straining Hospitals | Kaiser Health News
Rural Areas Send Their Sickest Patients to Cities, Straining Hospitals | Kaiser Health News: Many rural communities across the U.S. have resisted masks and calls for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, but now rural counties are experiencing record-high infection and death rates.
Critically ill rural patients are often sent to city hospitals for high-level treatment and, as their numbers grow, some urban hospitals are buckling under the added strain.
Atlanta-based federal court: Can’t ban LGBTQ youth conversion therapy
Atlanta-based federal court: Can’t ban LGBTQ youth conversion therapy: The federal appeals court in Atlanta has thrown out bans that prevented therapists from performing conversion therapy on children grappling with their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Eight months in for a COVID-19 doctor: ‘Sadness, regret, betrayal’
Eight months in for a COVID-19 doctor: ‘Sadness, regret, betrayal’: A first-person interview with Jason Stein, M.
A Single COVID-19 Test Can't Guarantee a Safe Thanksgiving | Time
A Single COVID-19 Test Can't Guarantee a Safe Thanksgiving | Time: Receiving a single negative COVID-19 test result days before a gathering can’t guarantee that you won’t wind up infecting others.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Mask Mandates Help Slow Coronavirus Spread, CDC Study Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR
Mask Mandates Help Slow Coronavirus Spread, CDC Study Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR: "This adds to the growing body of evidence that says large, widespread masking helps to slow the spread of COVID," says Dr. Aaron Carroll, a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Parents' Age Key to Whether Kids Get Vaccinated Against COVID, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Parents' Age Key to Whether Kids Get Vaccinated Against COVID, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As scientists worked on COVID-19 vaccines, other researchers were addressing a question: Once shots are available, will parents vaccinate their kids against the new coronavirus?The answer: Younger parents are much less likely than older ones to plan to vacci...
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Causing An “Alarming” Level Of Loneliness In Young Adults - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Causing An “Alarming” Level Of Loneliness In Young Adults - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: 80% of survey respondents say they're experiencing a significant increase in symptoms of depression
Walmart Health opens 2 more locations in Chicago | FierceHealthcare
Walmart Health opens 2 more locations in Chicago | FierceHealthcare: Walmart's clinics charge patients a flat fee for services regardless of insurance status. It currently operates sites in Georgia and Arkansas, with plans to expand into Illinois as well.
Death By A Thousand Clicks: Where Electronic Health Records Went WrongKaiser Health News
Death By A Thousand Clicks: Where Electronic Health Records Went WrongKaiser Health News: The U.S. government claimed that turning American medical charts into electronic records would make health care better, safer and cheaper. Ten years and $36 billion later, the system is an unholy mess. Inside a digital revolution that took a bad turn.
States’ Face-Covering Mandates Leave Gaps in Protection | Kaiser Health News
States’ Face-Covering Mandates Leave Gaps in Protection | Kaiser Health News: Masks have been shown to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that contain the coronavirus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says that masks not only help prevent people from infecting others but help protect the wearers from infection as well.
Parents Complain That Pediatricians, Wary of COVID, Shift Sick Kids to Urgent Care | Kaiser Health News
Parents Complain That Pediatricians, Wary of COVID, Shift Sick Kids to Urgent Care | Kaiser Health News: Referrals of children to urgent care clinics or emergency rooms have become so prevalent that the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with interim guidance on how practices can safely continue to see patients. The academy recommended that pediatricians strive "to provide care for the same variety of visits that they provided prior to the public health emergency."
Physician groups see problems with Trump administration's Stark law, anti-kickback changes
Physician groups see problems with Trump administration's Stark law, anti-kickback changes: An exclusive interview with HHS Secretary Alex Azar and HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan discussing how Stark and anti-kickback law changes could affect the healthcare industry.
COVID-19 Worse Than Ever in the US. We Aren't Acting Like It | Time
COVID-19 Worse Than Ever in the US. We Aren't Acting Like It | Time: A lame-duck president, the holidays, and the false sense of security from vaccine announcements have combined to create a dangerous moment.
Effective COVID-19 Vaccines Don’t Mean the Pandemic Is Over | Time
Effective COVID-19 Vaccines Don’t Mean the Pandemic Is Over | Time: he same public health experts who are encouraged by the positive vaccine results are also warning that vaccines aren’t the panacea that many are desperately hoping they will be. And that, even after more people get the shots, we’ll still have to wear masks and stay a respectful six feet apart from each other.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Nearly half of patients say they'd feel safest getting COVID-19 vaccine at doctor's office: survey | FierceHealthcare
Nearly half of patients say they'd feel safest getting COVID-19 vaccine at doctor's office: survey | FierceHealthcare: As states and healthcare leaders develop vaccination distribution plans, understanding patient preference will be critical to ensuring mass immunization, officials said.
Blues patient-matching project hits 99.5% accuracy
Blues patient-matching project hits 99.5% accuracy: The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the Sequoia Project detail a new algorithmic matching process in a case study that builds on the interoperability not-for-profit's 2018 patient-matching framework.
Can the World's Doctors Survive Another Wave of COVID-19? | Time
Can the World's Doctors Survive Another Wave of COVID-19? | Time: As coronavirus once again spikes around the world, health care workers are at the end of their rope.
Pfizer Files for First COVID-19 Vaccine Clearance With FDA | Time
Pfizer Files for First COVID-19 Vaccine Clearance With FDA | Time: In a TIME 100 Talks, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla discusses the FDA filing, as well as the next steps in COVID-19 vaccine approval and rollout.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Doctors angry, frustrated that many in public not heeding COVID warnings
Doctors angry, frustrated that many in public not heeding COVID warnings: Early in the pandemic, the country paused to clap for health care workers as they left their shifts.
Childhood Lead Exposure Tied to Brain Changes in Middle Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Childhood Lead Exposure Tied to Brain Changes in Middle Age - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: THURSDAY, Nov. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged adults who had elevated levels of lead in their blood as children have brain structure changes, new research shows. For the study, the researchers analyzed childhood lead exposure data on 564 participants in a long-term study of people who wer...
Moody's: Insurers will be financially 'unscathed' by COVID-19 but must adapt to industry evolution | FierceHealthcare
Moody's: Insurers will be financially 'unscathed' by COVID-19 but must adapt to industry evolution | FierceHealthcare: While insurers are set to weather COVID-19's financial storm, an inability to keep up with how the pandemic is changing healthcare will be credit-negative in the long term, according to a new report from Moody's Investors Service.
Take It From an Expert: Fauci’s Hierarchy of Safety During COVID | Kaiser Health News
Take It From an Expert: Fauci’s Hierarchy of Safety During COVID | Kaiser Health News: In a new interview, the nation's top infectious disease expert tells us how to survive the coming months and describes how hard it is when people still insist the coronavirus outbreak is “fake news.”
FDA allows 1st rapid COVID-19 test that gives results at home
FDA allows 1st rapid COVID-19 test that gives results at home: U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
AHA News: COVID-19 Patients of All Ages With Obesity Face Higher Risk of Complications, Death - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
AHA News: COVID-19 Patients of All Ages With Obesity Face Higher Risk of Complications, Death - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: People with obesity – regardless of age – are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and have higher risks for complications and death, according to new research.
White House warns of ‘deterioration’ in Georgia as virus rages in U.S.
White House warns of ‘deterioration’ in Georgia as virus rages in U.S.: public health experts warn that cooler weather and social gatherings tied to next week’s Thanksgiving holiday could be accelerants that turn a smoldering epidemic in the Peach State into an inferno.
Pfizer to Seek FDA Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine | Time
Pfizer to Seek FDA Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine | Time: Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine is about 95% effective, according to new data released by the companies.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The good news on Moderna’s vaccine trial resonates in Atlanta | Georgia Health News
The good news on Moderna’s vaccine trial resonates in Atlanta | Georgia Health News: Emory has been a major participant in the Moderna trial, enrolling about 700 volunteers at three centers in Atlanta.
Industry Voices—Taking the pain out of prior authorization management through automation | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Taking the pain out of prior authorization management through automation | FierceHealthcare: If there’s one thing healthcare providers can agree on, it’s that prior authorization management is a heavy administrative burden and only growing heavier. While the need to streamline prior authorization has been evident for years, the financial devastation caused by COVID-19 has motivated providers to reexamine it—and the entire revenue cycle—for improvement opportunities.
Coronavirus: HHS Secretary Azar says FDA will move 'as quickly as possible' to OK Moderna and Pfizer's vaccines
Coronavirus: HHS Secretary Azar says FDA will move 'as quickly as possible' to OK Moderna and Pfizer's vaccines: HHS Secretary Alex Azar said Monday that the FDA will move "as quickly as possible" to issue an authorization for Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
What Doctors Aren’t Always Taught: How to Spot Racism in Health Care | Kaiser Health News
What Doctors Aren’t Always Taught: How to Spot Racism in Health Care | Kaiser Health News: Activists across the country are demanding that medical schools eliminate the use of race as a diagnostic tool, recognize how systemic racism harms patients and reckon with some of medicine’s racist history.
AMA calls racism a 'public health threat'
AMA calls racism a 'public health threat': The American Medical Association Monday voted to recognize systemic racism and interpersonal bias by healthcare workers as a "serious" threat to public health that hinders efforts to achieve health equity and reduce disparities among minority populations.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shows success in U.S. tests
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shows success in U.S. tests: Moderna said its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data. A week ago, Pfizer announced its COVID-19 vaccine appeared similarly effective—which puts both on track to seek permission within weeks for emergency use in the U.S.
Monday, November 16, 2020
Fewer ER Visits for Asthma Crises After Obamacare: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Fewer ER Visits for Asthma Crises After Obamacare: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: MONDAY, Nov. 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Ambulances made fewer trips transporting patients with asthma emergencies in New York City after the Affordable Care Act went into effect, new research shows.The likely reason for the decline: Patients had greater access to outpatient management of their con...
Too Many Kids Still Get Antipsychotics They Don't Need - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Too Many Kids Still Get Antipsychotics They Don't Need - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: SUNDAY, Nov. 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Prescriptions of antipsychotic medications for young children are declining, a new study finds.However, doctors are continuing to prescribe the drugs "off-label" for kids with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depressi...
Trends In Coronavirus Cases, Deaths And Hospitalizations This Week : Shots - Health News : NPR
Trends In Coronavirus Cases, Deaths And Hospitalizations This Week : Shots - Health News : NPR: Daily cases have gone up more than 70% nationwide, since the beginning of November. Another way to put it: one in every 378 people in the U.S. tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 94.5% effective, company says | 11alive.com
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 94.5% effective, company says | 11alive.com: Both Moderna and Pfizer are on track to seek permission for emergency use in the U.S. within weeks. Still, initial supplies will be limited and rationed.
Red States’ Case Against ACA Hinges on Whether They Were Actually Harmed by the Law | Kaiser Health News
Red States’ Case Against ACA Hinges on Whether They Were Actually Harmed by the Law | Kaiser Health News: The Republican-led states are trying to prove they were harmed by the 2010 health law — and thus have “legal standing” — because their Medicaid costs increased, even though Congress eliminated the penalty for not having health coverage in 2019. At least one justice was skeptical.
Moderna's Coronavirus Vaccine Nearly 95% Effective, Analysis Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR
Moderna's Coronavirus Vaccine Nearly 95% Effective, Analysis Finds : Shots - Health News : NPR: The vaccine is nearly 95% effective in preventing illness, according to an interim analysis of a clinical test involving 30,000 people.
COVID-19 public health emergency declaration set to expire on Inauguration Day
COVID-19 public health emergency declaration set to expire on Inauguration Day: The declaration is tied to regulatory flexibilities and extra funding for states and healthcare providers.
Friday, November 13, 2020
Telemedicine Is Keeping Kids' Asthma Care on Track: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Telemedicine Is Keeping Kids' Asthma Care on Track: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The use of telemedicine led to an increase in the number of inner-city kids in Los Angeles who kept asthma-related doctor appointments during the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows.The researchers examined "show rates" -- how often parents kept an appo...
Parents of Kids With Food Allergies Also Face Bullying, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Parents of Kids With Food Allergies Also Face Bullying, Study Finds - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: Many parents report being the target of bullying due to their child's food allergy, researchers say
Fitch: COVID-19 accelerating insurers' financial headwinds | FierceHealthcare
Fitch: COVID-19 accelerating insurers' financial headwinds | FierceHealthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating trends impacting insurers' finances, in particular the interest in additional government control in the market, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings.
HHS announces COVID-19 vaccine agreement with drug stores
HHS announces COVID-19 vaccine agreement with drug stores: Federal health officials have reached an agreement with pharmacies across the U.S. to distribute free coronavirus vaccines after they are approved and become available to the public.
States ramp up for COVID-19 vaccine
States ramp up for COVID-19 vaccine: The push could begin as early as next month, when federal officials say the first vaccine may be authorized for emergency use and immediately deployed to high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers.
Provider Relief Fund contract limits UnitedHealthcare's use of provider financial data
Provider Relief Fund contract limits UnitedHealthcare's use of provider financial data: The initial contract for administering the Provider Relief Fund offers a glimpse into the parameters that structured a mammoth effort to quickly get billions of dollars into healthcare providers' bank accounts.
Read the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report for Georgia
Read the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report for Georgia: Georgia returned to the red zone for cases in the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report.
The report, dated Sunday, warned of spread through private gatherings and urged Georgians to be cautious ahead of the holiday season.
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Will Thanksgiving Be a COVID-19 Disaster? It Was in Canada | Time
Will Thanksgiving Be a COVID-19 Disaster? It Was in Canada | Time: Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving in October—and the pandemic accelerated with it.
AMA releases new CPT codes for coronavirus immunizations to prepare for vaccine rollout | FierceHealthcare
AMA releases new CPT codes for coronavirus immunizations to prepare for vaccine rollout | FierceHealthcare: Amid positive COVID-19 vaccine news this week, the American Medical Association announced new vaccine-specific CPT codes to report immunizations for the novel coronavirus.
As coronavirus soars, hospitals hope to avoid an agonizing choice: Who gets care and who goes home - The Washington Post
As coronavirus soars, hospitals hope to avoid an agonizing choice: Who gets care and who goes home - The Washington Post: The number of new daily coronavirus cases in the United States jumped from 104,000 a week earlier to more than 145,000 on Wednesday, an all-time high. Nearly every metric is trending in the wrong direction, prompting states to add new restrictions and hospitals to prepare for a potentially dark future.
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes. | Kaiser Health News
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes. | Kaiser Health News: From the likelihood of achy, flu-like side effects to the need for two doses, weeks apart, consumers need to know now what to expect when vaccines to prevent COVID-19 roll out.
U.S. hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge
U.S. hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge: Hospitalizations surpassed 1 million new confirmed cases in just the first 10 days of November amid a nationwide surge of infections that shows no signs of slowing.
Georgia short of intensive care nurses as winter threatens surge of coronavirus cases
Georgia short of intensive care nurses as winter threatens surge of coronavirus cases: With winter approaching and Covid cases climbing, Georgia faces a shortage of critical care nurses.
New data drills down on comorbidities with highest COVID-19 risks
New data drills down on comorbidities with highest COVID-19 risks: COVID-19 patients who have developmental disorders are three times more likely to die from the virus.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Health care center stage for Senate runoffs
Health care center stage for Senate runoffs: An analysis of census data by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that Georgia ranked 47th out of 50 states for coverage in 2019, with 13.4% of its population between ages 19 and 64, or 1.38 million working-age Georgians, uninsured.
Newborns Are at Low COVID Risk - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Newborns Are at Low COVID Risk - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Overall, babies have a low risk of severe COVID-19 infection, and transmission from mother to newborn is unlikely, new research suggests.For the study, researchers analyzed data from all babies under 29 days old who had COVID-19 and had to be admitted to ...
One-Third of E-Cigarette Users Report Signs of Lung Damage: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
One-Third of E-Cigarette Users Report Signs of Lung Damage: Study - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- One of every three people who vape say they have symptoms associated with damage to the lungs or respiratory tract, a new study reports.Specifically, 33% of e-cigarette users reported having one or more of the five symptoms associated with EVALI, or e-cig...
Urban analysis: More than 3M lost employer insurance due to COVID-19 job losses | FierceHealthcare
Urban analysis: More than 3M lost employer insurance due to COVID-19 job losses | FierceHealthcare: An Urban Institute analysis finds more than 3 million people lost their employer-sponsored insurance, spelling changes to the payer mix for providers.
CDC report says masks now protect wearer as well as the public | TheHill
CDC report says masks now protect wearer as well as the public | TheHill: A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said masks not only protect the general public from COVID-19, but also protect the mask wearer.
Five Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine | Kaiser Health News
Five Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine | Kaiser Health News: The drugmaker says its mRNA vaccine worked in 90% of patients in its trial, but some observers question how long immunity will last and who will benefit.
As cases rise, states say they'll work with Biden on virus
As cases rise, states say they'll work with Biden on virus: Biden's announcement of a virus task force on Monday coincided with tougher actions or statements from a number of governors, including Republicans, as COVID-19 cases soared past 10 million in the U.S. and deaths were approaching 240,000.
Doctors may be better equipped to handle latest virus surge
Doctors may be better equipped to handle latest virus surge: Hospitals are getting slammed. And unlike the earlier outbreaks, this one is not confined to a region or two. Cases are on the rise in 49 states.
Supreme Court justices seem unlikely to strike down full ACA
Supreme Court justices seem unlikely to strike down full ACA: The justices focused on issues including whether challengers had legal standing and whether the entire law would have to fall if the individual mandate were unconstitutional.
Georgia back in coronavirus red zone in latest White House report
Georgia back in coronavirus red zone in latest White House report: Citing an increase in cases, President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force moved the state back into the most severe category for spread of the virus for the first time since mid-September. The report warned of asymptomatic spread, particularly in social gatherings, as cool weather pushes people indoors and friends and families plan holiday events.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
These are the healthcare experts Biden named to his COVID-19 advisory board | FierceHealthcare
These are the healthcare experts Biden named to his COVID-19 advisory board | FierceHealthcare: Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler will be among public health leaders guiding the transition team for President-elect Joe Biden regarding COVID-19. Here's who else is in the lineup.
Centene set to acquire analytics company Apixio | FierceHealthcare
Centene set to acquire analytics company Apixio | FierceHealthcare: Centene will acquire analytics company Apixio, the insurer announced Monday.
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News: Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.
CMS signs off on Medicaid managed-care changes
CMS signs off on Medicaid managed-care changes: The final rule gives states more flexibility to set rates for their managed-care plans and ensure plans have adequate provider networks.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine is looking 90% effective
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine is looking 90% effective: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious-disease expert, said the results suggesting 90% effectiveness are "just extraordinary," adding: "Not very many people expected it would be as high as that."
Healthcare trade groups ready to work with Biden on COVID, affordability and access
Healthcare trade groups ready to work with Biden on COVID, affordability and access: AHA, AAMC, AHIP on Saturday pledged to work with President-elect Joe Biden and a new administration on combating the coronavirus pandemic and continuing to reshape the nation's healthcare system.
Monday, November 9, 2020
Amid COVID-19, teachers innovate, juggle needs of ‘Zoomies’ and 'roomies’
Amid COVID-19, teachers innovate, juggle needs of ‘Zoomies’ and 'roomies’: How teaching kids in classrooms and online concurrently is working at some schools in Marietta and Gwinnett
Covid-19: U.S. Surpasses 10 Million Coronavirus Cases as Global Cases Top 50 Million - The New York Times
Covid-19: U.S. Surpasses 10 Million Coronavirus Cases as Global Cases Top 50 Million - The New York Times: With the pandemic deepening, President-elect Biden is expected to name his coronavirus panel on Monday. France and Italy are enduring record outbreaks and locking down regions.
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again | Kaiser Health News: Republican state officials and the Trump administration argue that the justices should overturn the entire law. At issue in the case is Congress’ decision to reduce to zero the penalty for not having health coverage.
Why an antitrust settlement could trigger a big bang in health insurance
Why an antitrust settlement could trigger a big bang in health insurance: A tentative $2.7 billion settlement of an antitrust case would free Blues plans to invade each other's markets. Under the deal, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association agreed to loosen a rule that barred such competition.
COVID-19, ACA would dominate Biden's early regulatory agenda
COVID-19, ACA would dominate Biden's early regulatory agenda: The decisions that the Biden transition team makes in the coming weeks will set the course for his healthcare agenda.
Federal approval of Kemp ACA waiver contains last-minute surprises
Federal approval of Kemp ACA waiver contains last-minute surprises: As Trump officials raced to approve Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's health care waiver two days before the election to block Georgians' shopping on healthcare.
How the human brain is 'prewired' to see words from birth
How the human brain is 'prewired' to see words from birth: According to a study recently published in the journal “Scientific Reports,” at birth, humans have a portion of the brain that is prewired to be responsive to seeing words and letters.
Pfizer says early data shows COVID-19 vaccine is effective
Pfizer says early data shows COVID-19 vaccine is effective: Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19, indicating the company is on track later this month to file an emergency-use application with U.
Friday, November 6, 2020
White House: Despite Hazy Picture, Coronavirus Pandemic Gaining Speed In Georgia | 90.1 FM WABE
White House: Despite Hazy Picture, Coronavirus Pandemic Gaining Speed In Georgia | 90.1 FM WABE: The Trump administration says Georgia’s control of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be slipping.
Federal officials say they can’t even get a clear picture of the situation in the state because of “significant” declines in diagnostic testing.
U.S. Sets Another Daily Record for COVID Cases as Virus Spreads on College Campuses - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
U.S. Sets Another Daily Record for COVID Cases as Virus Spreads on College Campuses - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As the daily U.S. coronavirus case count shattered yet another record on Thursday with 121,000 infections reported, a new survey shows that nearly a quarter of a million COVID-19 cases have now been identified at colleges and universities nationwide.More than...
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, here are 5 health IT issues to watch | FierceHealthcare
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, here are 5 health IT issues to watch | FierceHealthcare: Regardless of who wins the presidential election, healthcare IT leaders are setting their sights on key issues they want the federal government to take action on in the next four years. Here are the five issues to watch.
Coronavirus live updates: U.S. tops 116,000 cases, another record, as health officials worry people are ‘giving up’ - The Washington Post
Coronavirus live updates: U.S. tops 116,000 cases, another record, as health officials worry people are ‘giving up’ - The Washington Post: A second day of six-figure case counts pushed the total number of infections reported in the United States to nearly 9.6 million on Thursday, according to data tracked by The Washington Post.
How Escalating COVID Cases Forced One State to Change Its Masking Strategy | Kaiser Health News
How Escalating COVID Cases Forced One State to Change Its Masking Strategy | Kaiser Health News: Montana is seeking penalties against some businesses that violated its mask and social distancing directives, after months of reluctance to enforce COVID restrictions. Meanwhile, cities, counties and tribal nations still struggle to get people to mask up and avoid crowds.
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Industry Voices—Will the country choose virtual care post-COVID-19? Yes—but only if it's better | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Will the country choose virtual care post-COVID-19? Yes—but only if it's better | FierceHealthcare: Today, telehealth is largely a matter of convenience. But telehealth will prove, in the coming months and years, that it will deliver better primary care to larger numbers of patients—and do so more efficiently than our current brick-and-mortar system.
Many pediatricians say vaccines, visits dropped off amid COVID-19. Nemours says it bucked the trend | FierceHealthcare
Many pediatricians say vaccines, visits dropped off amid COVID-19. Nemours says it bucked the trend | FierceHealthcare: While plenty of adult primary care as well as pediatric practices continue to report sluggish returns in visits among their patients, Nemours officials say they have been able to return to somewhat normal visit volumes and actually increased immunizations among kids year-to-date. Here's how.
Cigna reports $1.4B in Q3 profit, getting a boost from performance at Evernorth | FierceHealthcare
Cigna reports $1.4B in Q3 profit, getting a boost from performance at Evernorth | FierceHealthcare: Cigna posted $1.4 billion in profit for the third quarter, performance it says is bolstered by its newly rebranded Evernorth subsidiary.
Poor and Minority Children With Food Allergies Overlooked and in Danger | Kaiser Health News
Poor and Minority Children With Food Allergies Overlooked and in Danger | Kaiser Health News: Having a child with a food allergy is terrifying for any parent, but for low-income families such allergies can be especially deadly. Food assistance programs and food pantries rarely take allergies into account. And access to specialists, support groups and lifesaving epinephrine can be hard to attain. This especially hurts low-income Black children, who have higher incidences of allergies to corn, wheat and soy than white kids.
Public health may be U.S. election loser as coronavirus surges
Public health may be U.S. election loser as coronavirus surges: Donald Trump's current term doesn't end until Jan. 20. In the 86 days until then, 100,000 more Americans will likely die from the virus if the president doesn't shift course, said Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
HHS proposes rule to review and eliminate old regulations
HHS proposes rule to review and eliminate old regulations: Rules would expire 10 years after HHS issues them if the agency doesn't assess and, if necessary, review a rule "in a timely manner," HHS said. Comments on the proposed rule are due Jan. 4.
GOP Senate majority may mitigate policy risk for healthcare industry
GOP Senate majority may mitigate policy risk for healthcare industry: A divided government would mitigate the risk of the most extreme healthcare policy reforms industry feared.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
For Rural Youth, Mental Health Care Can Be Tough to Find - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
For Rural Youth, Mental Health Care Can Be Tough to Find - Consumer Health News | HealthDay: WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- While young Americans' mental health appears to be getting worse, the places where help is needed most appear to have the fewest resources.A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that rural areas of the United States have fewer mental health servi...
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: CDC warns of COVID risks for pregnant women | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: CDC warns of COVID risks for pregnant women | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
The 3 likely issues that will top Congress' to-do list next year regardless of who wins the election | FierceHealthcare
The 3 likely issues that will top Congress' to-do list next year regardless of who wins the election | FierceHealthcare: Regardless of who wins the elections in November, there are likely three issues that are going to dominate the (non-COVID-19) healthcare discussion in Congress next year, MGMA policy officials said during their annual conference this week.
New York ER docs sue UnitedHealth for alleged underpayments | FierceHealthcare
New York ER docs sue UnitedHealth for alleged underpayments | FierceHealthcare: New York emergency room docs are suing UnitedHealth Group and provider network management firm Multiplan, alleging the two conspired to underpay them for out-of-network claims.
No Winner for President Yet and Health Care Hangs in the Balance | Kaiser Health News
No Winner for President Yet and Health Care Hangs in the Balance | Kaiser Health News: As the votes continue to be counted in the tight battle between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, the federal role in health care is at stake.
Trump exec order could stuff HHS with his political allies
Trump exec order could stuff HHS with his political allies: President Donald Trump last month signed an executive order that would make it easier for federal agencies to fire career civil servants and replace them with political appointees. HHS could be particularly affected by the move.
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