Thursday, April 30, 2020
Georgia teens can skip driving test during pandemic
Georgia teens can skip driving test during pandemic: Gov. Brian Kemp authorized the move in an executive order last week
In Rare Cases, COVID-19 May Be Causing Severe Heart Condition in Kids
In Rare Cases, COVID-19 May Be Causing Severe Heart Condition in Kids: Children don't typically fall seriously ill from the new coronavirus, but doctors are raising the alarm that some kids with COVID-19 infections in Europe have developed Kawasaki disease, a condition that can trigger serious heart problems.
E-Cigarettes as Bad for Arteries as Regular Smokes, Study Finds
E-Cigarettes as Bad for Arteries as Regular Smokes, Study Finds: Electronic cigarettes are touted by some as safer than smoking tobacco. But a new study finds they damage blood vessels just like traditional cigarettes do.
Trump Says Federal Guidelines on Social Distancing Set to Expire
Trump Says Federal Guidelines on Social Distancing Set to Expire: Social distancing guidelines crafted by the federal government to stem the spread of coronavirus expire on Thursday, but President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has no intention of extending the measures.
Anthem says COVID-19 didn't have a major impact on Q1 results but warns effects are coming | FierceHealthcare
Anthem says COVID-19 didn't have a major impact on Q1 results but warns effects are coming | FierceHealthcare: Anthem earned $1.5 billion in profit for the first quarter of 2020, missing Wall Street's expectations.
Cigna posts $1.2B in profit for Q1, beats Wall Street expectations | FierceHealthcare
Cigna posts $1.2B in profit for Q1, beats Wall Street expectations | FierceHealthcare: Cigna beat Wall Street projections for both earnings and revenue in the first quarter. The insurer raked in $1.18 billion in profit for the quarter, it said Thursday.
The Challenges Of Keeping Young Adults Safe During The Pandemic | Kaiser Health News
The Challenges Of Keeping Young Adults Safe During The Pandemic | Kaiser Health News: Even while playing the role of quarantine enforcer for your teens and 20-somethings, recognize that they are as anxious and worried as you are — and with good reason.
Free Clinics Try To Fill Gaps As COVID Sweeps Away Job-Based Insurance | Kaiser Health News
Free Clinics Try To Fill Gaps As COVID Sweeps Away Job-Based Insurance | Kaiser Health News: The volunteer medical providers at the Tree of Life Free Clinic in Tupelo, Mississippi, give crucial health care to the uninsured in the best of times, drawing crowds who line up for hours. Amid the current COVID pandemic, clinic staffers were advised to close. Instead, they chose to adapt — even without critical N95 masks to protect themselves — as the economic crisis intensifies the need for free care.
Groups sow doubt about COVID vaccine before one even exists
Groups sow doubt about COVID vaccine before one even exists: In recent weeks, vaccine opponents have made several unsubstantiated claims, including allegations that vaccine trials will be dangerously rushed or that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, is blocking cures to enrich vaccine makers.
Georgia governor poised to lift restrictions, despite warnings
Georgia governor poised to lift restrictions, despite warnings: Gov. Brian Kemp appears poised to ease social restrictions that created disruptions for millions of Georgians amid a still-spreading global pandemic.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Poll: Georgians back shelter-in-place, oppose rollback of restrictions
Poll: Georgians back shelter-in-place, oppose rollback of restrictions: A broad majority of Georgia voters support a statewide shelter-in-place to combat the spread of the...
AMGA, other physician groups urge CMS to count audio-only telehealth for risk adjustment | FierceHealthcare
AMGA, other physician groups urge CMS to count audio-only telehealth for risk adjustment | FierceHealthcare: More than 100 medical groups and independent practice associations are urging CMS to extend the eligibility for risk adjustment payments to audio-only telehealth services, such as talking to patients over landline phones.
Nearly a third of Americans have put off healthcare during COVID-19
Nearly a third of Americans have put off healthcare during COVID-19: While hospitals have had to delay elective procedures to make room for COVID-19 cases, two new surveys support other data that indicate Americans are putting off treatment of acute conditions requiring immediate care.
Centene expects higher revenue, unchanged earnings from COVID-19
Centene expects higher revenue, unchanged earnings from COVID-19: Medicaid managed-care insurer Centene Corp. escaped the first quarter of 2020 without the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affecting its bottom line. It reiterated its full-year earnings outlook and raised its revenue projections.
Insurers deny 25% of medication claims for infant respiratory illness
Insurers deny 25% of medication claims for infant respiratory illness: A drug used to reduce severity of a common respiratory illness among infants is sometimes denied by both Medicaid and commercial insurers even if patients qualify for it use.
Georgia could be at risk for false-negative COVID-19 tests
Georgia could be at risk for false-negative COVID-19 tests: As the state starts to reopen, false negative coronavirus tests could create false senses of security and inadvertently spread the virus.
Georgia governor weighs next steps amid conflicts over COVID-19
Georgia governor weighs next steps amid conflicts over COVID-19: Many public health experts and scientific models cast doubts on Gov. Brian Kemp's plan to let a shelter-at-home order expire as scheduled on Thursday.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Georgia Among States Working To Build Contact Tracing Abilities | 90.1 FM WABE
Georgia Among States Working To Build Contact Tracing Abilities | 90.1 FM WABE: As more states push to reopen their economies, many are falling short on one of the federal government's essential criteria for doing so — having an efficient system to track people who have been physically near a person infected with the coronavius. An Associated Press review found a patchwork of systems around the
Georgia, other states could go through reserve funds quickly
Georgia, other states could go through reserve funds quickly: Rainy day funds could dry up quickly with states likely facing double-digit unemployment and skyrocketing costs for health care and social services.
Birx Says Social Distancing to Last Through Summer as States Start to Ease Restrictions
Birx Says Social Distancing to Last Through Summer as States Start to Ease Restrictions: With states across America beginning to relax stay-at-home orders, White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx reiterated on Sunday that some form of social distancing will still be necessary through the summer.
FDA Bans Products That Help Kids Hide Vape Use From Parents
FDA Bans Products That Help Kids Hide Vape Use From Parents: With more American teens taking up e-cigarettes, there's a flood of products designed to allow them to vape without getting caught by parents or teachers -- and federal officials want to put a stop to it.
Centene misses Wall Street profit projections amid soaring medical costs in Q1 | FierceHealthcare
Centene misses Wall Street profit projections amid soaring medical costs in Q1 | FierceHealthcare: Centene Corporation earned $46 million in profit for the first quarter of 2020, missing Wall Street projections.
FDA pushed through scores of inaccurate antibody tests without agency review - POLITICO
FDA pushed through scores of inaccurate antibody tests without agency review - POLITICO: Some are giving too many false positive results, which could mislead some people into thinking they have already been infected.
Monday, April 27, 2020
WHO: 'No Evidence' COVID-19 Antibodies Stop Re-infection | Time
WHO: 'No Evidence' COVID-19 Antibodies Stop Re-infection | Time: Catching the novel coronavirus once may not protect you from getting it again, according to the World Health Organization
As Coronavirus Fears Surge, Keep Cleaning Products Away From Children
As Coronavirus Fears Surge, Keep Cleaning Products Away From Children: The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a wave of accidental poisonings from household cleaners and disinfectants.
Birx Says Social Distancing to Last Through Summer as States Start to Ease Restrictions
Birx Says Social Distancing to Last Through Summer as States Start to Ease Restrictions: With states across America beginning to relax stay-at-home orders, White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx reiterated on Sunday that some form of social distancing will still be necessary through the summer.
CVS' Merlo was the top paid health insurance CEO in 2019. Here's a look at what other payer CEOs earned | FierceHealthcare
CVS' Merlo was the top paid health insurance CEO in 2019. Here's a look at what other payer CEOs earned | FierceHealthcare: Anthem chief Gail Boudreaux, the lowest earner among the CEOs we analyzed, received $15.5 million in total compensation for 2019. That includes her $1.4 million base salary, $8.4 million in stock awards and $2.8 million in option awards.
Boudreaux also earned $2.7 million in other cash incentives.
UnitedHealth Group CEO David Wichmann earned $18.9 million in total compensation, with $9.6 million of that coming from stock awards. UnitedHealth also boasts the third-largest CEO pay ratio, 348:1.
CVS' Merlo was the top paid health insurance CEO in 2019. Here's a look at what other payer CEOs earned | FierceHealthcare
CVS' Merlo was the top paid health insurance CEO in 2019. Here's a look at what other payer CEOs earned | FierceHealthcare: Here's a look at what the CEOs of the biggest health insurers earned last year.
Providers see flaws in how HHS will allot $20B in CARES Act grants
Providers see flaws in how HHS will allot $20B in CARES Act grants: The formula to distribute $20 billion isn't clear about how much money providers will get and if enough money will be left after the first direct deposits go out.
Georgia establishes new drive-through testing sites
Georgia establishes new drive-through testing sites: Grim milestones near in coronavirus cases and deaths
Friday, April 24, 2020
Study Confirms Safety, Effectiveness of Children's Vaccines
Study Confirms Safety, Effectiveness of Children's Vaccines: Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) are highly effective and do not cause autism, say researchers who reviewed 138 studies that included 23 million children.
House Passes Another Stimulus Bill as Coronavirus Batters Economy
House Passes Another Stimulus Bill as Coronavirus Batters Economy: The U.S. House passed a $484 billion deal on Thursday that would replenish a small business loan program that has run out of funding. The bill also directs more money to hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
Georgia lawmakers eye mid-June date to resume 2020 session | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com
Georgia lawmakers eye mid-June date to resume 2020 session | Local News | northwestgeorgianews.com: Top state lawmakers in Georgia are eying June 11 as a possible return date for the General Assembly to wrap up the 2020 legislative session, which was put on hold
Anti-Vaccine Activists Latch Onto Coronavirus To Bolster Their Movement | Kaiser Health News
Anti-Vaccine Activists Latch Onto Coronavirus To Bolster Their Movement | Kaiser Health News: Activists failed to convince state legislators that diseases like measles aren’t serious enough to require vaccination. Now they’re joining with conservatives and other anti-lockdown demonstrators who contend the coronavirus isn’t dangerous enough to justify staying home.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
House Set to Sign Off on Economic Stimulus Bill Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
House Set to Sign Off on Economic Stimulus Bill Amid Coronavirus Pandemic: Lawmakers were poised to pass a $484 billion deal on Thursday that would replenish a small business loan program that has run out of funding and direct more money to hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
Half of physicians now using telehealth as COVID-19 changes practice operations | FierceHealthcare
Half of physicians now using telehealth as COVID-19 changes practice operations | FierceHealthcare: Close to half of doctors are now using telehealth to treat patients as the COVID-19 pandemic changes how physicians deliver care. That's up from 18% in 2018. Find out how the current health crisis is changing practice patterns.
CMS approves first emergency Medicaid demonstration waiver
CMS approves first emergency Medicaid demonstration waiver: Washington is the first state to get CMS approval for an emergency Medicaid demonstration waiver, but the agency denied the state's request to temporarily expand Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus forces parents to change screen-time plans - CNN
Coronavirus forces parents to change screen-time plans - CNN: Screen time for Rachel Lubchansky's 5th grade triplets used to be limited to two hours a week. That was before the coronavirus pandemic resulted in months-long school closures nationwide.
Aging and parenthood: Father's age may affect kid's learning ability
Aging and parenthood: Father's age may affect kid's learning ability: Researchers suggest the older the father is, the more likely a child is to develop autism, ADHD or another learning disability.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
HHS will relax enforcement of interoperability rules to ease burden on providers | FierceHealthcare
HHS will relax enforcement of interoperability rules to ease burden on providers | FierceHealthcare: Federal policymakers are relaxing enforcement of recently released data-sharing rules and extending compliance timelines for some requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how the compliance timelines have changed.
Congress to replenish COVID-19 provider grant fund with $75 billion
Congress to replenish COVID-19 provider grant fund with $75 billion: Congressional leaders and the Trump administration agreed to give $75 billion in new grants to providers, bulk up COVID-19 testing, and recharge small business assistance programs.
HHS to exercise enforcement discretion over interop rules
HHS to exercise enforcement discretion over interop rules: HHS will ease enforcement of recently released interoperability rules for a few months on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia residents increasingly on their own to fight coronavirus
Georgia residents increasingly on their own to fight coronavirus: Georgians will be increasingly on their own to fight COVID-19 in the coming weeks as Gov. Brian Kemp scales back statewide social-distancing mandates.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Breast Milk May Help Shield Infants From Dangerous Viruses
Breast Milk May Help Shield Infants From Dangerous Viruses: New mothers have long been told that breast milk is best for their baby, and now there's more evidence that breastfeeding helps protect babies against potentially harmful viruses.
Are Immune-Compromised Kids at Greater Risk From COVID-19?
Are Immune-Compromised Kids at Greater Risk From COVID-19?: One of the few bright spots in the COVID-19 pandemic has been the perception that children are mostly spared from its worst effects. But what about kids already at risk of contracting serious infections due to a compromised immune system? Do they have the same protection?
Coronavirus Fears Have People With Asthma, Emphysema Avoiding the ER
Coronavirus Fears Have People With Asthma, Emphysema Avoiding the ER: Doctors are increasingly worried that people are mistaking stay-at-home orders to mean they should avoid emergency medical care -- including for serious lung diseases.
Coronavirus Fears Have People With Asthma, Emphysema Avoiding the ER
Coronavirus Fears Have People With Asthma, Emphysema Avoiding the ER: Doctors are increasingly worried that people are mistaking stay-at-home orders to mean they should avoid emergency medical care -- including for serious lung diseases.
CARES Act grants could spark False Claims Act issues
CARES Act grants could spark False Claims Act issues: Providers must carefully document how they spend their grants and interpret CARES Act regulations if they don't want to run afoul of false claims law, attorneys said.
Governor's plan to reopen Georgia alarms public health experts
Governor's plan to reopen Georgia alarms public health experts: Gov. Brian Kemp's plan to reopen a Georgia economy battered by COVID-19 has public health experts warning it could spark a new wave of infections.
Monday, April 20, 2020
How to fix the primary care crisis | Medical Economics
How to fix the primary care crisis | Medical Economics: Why don’t more U.S medical school graduates enter primary care? This issue is critical because the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects that there will be a shortage of 21,100 to 55,200 PCPs by 2032.
All That Social Media Hasn't Hurt Kids' Social Skills, Study Finds
All That Social Media Hasn't Hurt Kids' Social Skills, Study Finds: Today's youngsters are as socially skilled as previous generations, despite concerns about their heavy use of technology, like smartphones and social media, new research shows.
How Climate Change Is Putting Doctors In The Hot Seat | Kaiser Health News
How Climate Change Is Putting Doctors In The Hot Seat | Kaiser Health News: Health care providers are seeing the effects of climate change in hospitals across the U.S. ― and urging their peers to take action.
Kemp eyes coordination with other states to reopen economy
Kemp eyes coordination with other states to reopen economy: Gov. Brian Kemp is exploring a coordinated effort with other Southern states to jumpstart the regional economy, as some critics push back on government-imposed restrictions aimed at containing the coronavirus.
Report: Ga. budget shortfall could top $4 billion over 15 months
Report: Ga. budget shortfall could top $4 billion over 15 months: In the the next fiscal year, the shortfall could top 10% of current state spending in Georgia.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Juul's Sales Grew Even After Dropping Flavored E-Cigarettes
Juul's Sales Grew Even After Dropping Flavored E-Cigarettes: Weeks after e-cigarette giant Juul voluntarily stopped selling many flavored vaping products popular with U.S. teens, sales rebounded as customers switched to varieties still on the shelves.
Healthcare leaders urge CMS, ONC to incentivize telehealth adoption as part of the 'new normal' | FierceHealthcare
Healthcare leaders urge CMS, ONC to incentivize telehealth adoption as part of the 'new normal' | FierceHealthcare: Hospitals and health systems across the country are seeing huge increases in virtual medical visits, and it's expected that this trend will only continue in a post-pandemic world. There are steps the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT can take to incentivize telehealth adoption and support deployment, healthcare leaders said.
‘It’s Not Over Until It’s Over’: 5 Things To Know About Hitting The COVID-19 Peak | Kaiser Health News
‘It’s Not Over Until It’s Over’: 5 Things To Know About Hitting The COVID-19 Peak | Kaiser Health News: President Donald Trump says the country has seen a peak in new cases, but that doesn’t mean the end of the pandemic, experts say. Buckle in — we could be social distancing into 2022.
CARES Act direct deposits surprise, confuse specialty physicians
CARES Act direct deposits surprise, confuse specialty physicians: HHS interpreted the CARES Act broadly to allow providers hard hit by elective procedure cancellations to qualify for COVID-19 grant funds.
Gov. Brian Kemp devising plan to reopen Georgia for business
Gov. Brian Kemp devising plan to reopen Georgia for business: Gov. Brian Kemp has quietly begun planning to reopen Georgia for business, weeks before the expected peak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
AMA releases calls for protections for medical residents on pandemic's front lines | FierceHealthcare
AMA releases calls for protections for medical residents on pandemic's front lines | FierceHealthcare: The American Medical Association released new guidance aimed at helping residency programs address the personal, physical and economic stresses residents and fellows are facing.
UnitedHealth sees minimal COVID-19 impact in first quarter
UnitedHealth sees minimal COVID-19 impact in first quarter: UnitedHealth Group executives said COVID-19 has so far had limited effects on the company's earnings. While they acknowledge that could change later in the year, UnitedHealth is keeping its full-year earnings expectations.
Atlanta businesses struggle to make federal relief loans work
Atlanta businesses struggle to make federal relief loans work: Money is too late, too difficult or not coming at all for many Georgia small business owners under the SBA-backed federal coronavirus rescue plan.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus Is Causing a Reshuffling of Pediatric Care | Health News | US News
Coronavirus Is Causing a Reshuffling of Pediatric Care | Health News | US News: Pediatric doctors are treating adult patients and primary care doctors are struggling to make it with patients staying at home.
Milk allergy - is it overdiagnosed?
Milk allergy - is it overdiagnosed?: A new review published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics in April 2020 raises the concern that there may be a significant overdiagnosis of cow's milk allergy in babies and young children, stemming from the use of current medical recommendations.
Study finds kids may be under-counted in coronavirus data
Study finds kids may be under-counted in coronavirus data: The study estimated that for every child in a pediatric intensive care unit with COVID-19, there could be more than 2,300 children in the community infected.
At Delivery, Most Pregnant Women With Coronavirus Don't Show Symptoms: Study
At Delivery, Most Pregnant Women With Coronavirus Don't Show Symptoms: Study: A study of pregnant women admitted to two New York City hospitals for delivery in late March and early April found that about 1 in 7 were infected with the new coronavirus and most didn't show symptoms.
Nearly half physician's practices have had to lay off, furlough workers, MGMA survey finds | FierceHealthcare
Nearly half physician's practices have had to lay off, furlough workers, MGMA survey finds | FierceHealthcare: The survey found practices have seen an average 60% drop in patient volume on average and a 55% decrease in revenue since the beginning of the public health crisis.
C-Section Girls May Face Later Risks for Obesity, T2D | MedPage Today
C-Section Girls May Face Later Risks for Obesity, T2D | MedPage Today: Potential diabetes connection particularly novel, expert says
Clinical and epidemiologic features of COVID-19 in children | 2 Minute Medicine
Clinical and epidemiologic features of COVID-19 in children | 2 Minute Medicine: 1. Children with COVID-19 tended to have milder clinical manifestations, with nearly half of the infected cohort being asymptomatic. 2. Children with COVID-19
Guidance Issued for Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19
Guidance Issued for Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19: Evidence inconsistent with in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from moms with COVID-19 to neonates
COVID-19 distancing drives a halt in measles vaccinations
COVID-19 distancing drives a halt in measles vaccinations: As "non-essential" healthcare is postponed for COVID-19, experts worry that delaying routine immunizations could lead to an outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases after social distancing practices begin to relax.
Private equity-owned doc practices shut out of small business bailout
Private equity-owned doc practices shut out of small business bailout: The Trump administration has determined that healthcare practices owned by private equity funds don't qualify for $350 billion in small business assistance.
Faulty data obscures the coronavirus’ impact on Georgia
Faulty data obscures the coronavirus’ impact on Georgia: Out-of-date, incomplete and sometimes inaccurate data are guiding Georgia’s official response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
The Sooner Young Smokers Start, The Less Likely They Are to Quit
The Sooner Young Smokers Start, The Less Likely They Are to Quit: Kids and teens who take up smoking are more likely to become daily smokers and find it harder to quit by their 40s, a new study finds.
Pediatric Practices Struggle To Adapt And Survive Amid COVID-19 | Kaiser Health News
Pediatric Practices Struggle To Adapt And Survive Amid COVID-19 | Kaiser Health News: Across the U.S., pediatric practices that provide front-line care for the nation’s children are struggling to adjust to crashing revenues, terrified parents and a shortage of protective equipment — and all while being asked to care for young patients who could well be vectors for transmission without showing symptoms.
Georgia officials race to prepare hospitals for COVID-19 peak
Georgia officials race to prepare hospitals for COVID-19 peak: Georgia officials are racing to ensure hospitals can handle a surge in critically ill coronavirus patients that's expected to hit in about two weeks.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Trump and Allies Push Toward Reopening Economy. But Governors Urge Caution. - The New York Times
Trump and Allies Push Toward Reopening Economy. But Governors Urge Caution. - The New York Times: Officials still in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday voiced fears that relaxing protective measures too early could cause the virus to surge once again.
Providers begin receiving first round of CARES Act grants
Providers begin receiving first round of CARES Act grants: The funds were distributed based on providers' share of 2019 Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements.
APPs hope that temporary scope of practice tweaks bring lasting change
APPs hope that temporary scope of practice tweaks bring lasting change: While the regulatory easing will provide some relief to providers grappling with staffing shortages amid the unprecedented pandemic, states will need to craft a more permanent solution.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - 04/10/2020
Dispatch from a country doctor: Seeing patients differently in the time of coronavirus | FierceHealthcare
Dispatch from a country doctor: Seeing patients differently in the time of coronavirus | FierceHealthcare: Across the country, practices large and small, like River Bend Family Medicine, are enlisting the help of telehealth and other technological innovations. Previously, telemedicine coverage for Medicare patients was generally limited to people in remote or underserved areas.
3 lessons from Children's National Hospital on rapidly setting up drive-thru COVID-19 testing | FierceHealthcare
3 lessons from Children's National Hospital on rapidly setting up drive-thru COVID-19 testing | FierceHealthcare: As many schools around the nation began shuttering for the year due to the pandemic last month, top officials at Children's National Hospital were launching their own response with a COVID-19 drive-thru specimen collection site. Here's how they did it.
CMS relaxes rules to boost capacity of providers as facilities tackle COVID-19 outbreak | FierceHealthcare
CMS relaxes rules to boost capacity of providers as facilities tackle COVID-19 outbreak | FierceHealthcare: CMS relaxed a series of rules in the hopes of boosting workforce capacity at provider facilities overwhelmed with the COVID-19 outbreak.
To ‘Keep The Lights On,’ Doctors And Hospitals Ask For Advance Medicare Payments | Kaiser Health News
To ‘Keep The Lights On,’ Doctors And Hospitals Ask For Advance Medicare Payments | Kaiser Health News: As part of the federal response to the coronavirus crisis, Medicare is offering to give hospitals and doctors accelerated payments.
States want to pay Medicaid providers retainer fees to stay open
States want to pay Medicaid providers retainer fees to stay open: States have asked the Trump administration to allow them to pay retainer fees to Medicaid providers to prevent them from going bust and closing their doors.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Centene aims to make it easier for providers to get grants, small business loans | FierceHealthcare
Centene aims to make it easier for providers to get grants, small business loans | FierceHealthcare: Centene Corporation wants to help financially struggling providers secure grants or small business loans as they continue to battle COVID-19.
FDA approves clinical trials for Emory’s COVID-19 antiviral treatment
FDA approves clinical trials for Emory’s COVID-19 antiviral treatment: Clinical trials will determine effectiveness
Group fears nurses jetting to NYC could leave Georgia in the lurch
Group fears nurses jetting to NYC could leave Georgia in the lurch: While registered nurses in Georgia average $30 an hour — 6% lower than the national average — some agencies recruiting nurses to New York City are offering pay rates ranging from $4,000 to $7,250 per week. Also in the mix of incentives — free airfare, hotel rooms, car rentals and free Starbucks coffee
Democrats want to double CARES Act provider grants in fast-moving bill
Democrats want to double CARES Act provider grants in fast-moving bill: Democratic leaders in Congress said they want to give providers an extra $100 billion in grant funds to fight COVID-19 in a funding package Republicans hope to pass quickly.
CMS to distribute $30 billion to hospitals under CARES Act
CMS to distribute $30 billion to hospitals under CARES Act: Verma said there will be a second round of funding where priority will be given to children's hospitals, pediatricians, nursing homes and other providers that receive much of their funding from other sources.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Possible $42 billion cost for COVID-19 hospitalizations among uninsured
Possible $42 billion cost for COVID-19 hospitalizations among uninsured: Treating the nation's uninsured for COVID-19 could cost hospitals as much as $42 billion, according to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
AMA president: “The nation needs more from our leaders."
AMA president: “The nation needs more from our leaders.": The president of the American Medical Association, a Georgia doctor speaking to reporters across the...
Doctors get personal on social media during COVID-19 crisis
Doctors get personal on social media during COVID-19 crisis: During these extraordinary times, many medical professionals have taken to social media to vent, talk about their anxiety, share heartbreak.
Updates: Kemp extends emergency powers to mid-May combat coronavirus
Updates: Kemp extends emergency powers to mid-May combat coronavirus: Updates: Kemp extends emergency powers to mid-May combat coronavirus
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Going Easy on Yourself Is Key to Parenting Through the Pandemic
Going Easy on Yourself Is Key to Parenting Through the Pandemic: The coronavirus pandemic has caught many American families in a vise.
Why Teens Find It Tough to Social Distance
Why Teens Find It Tough to Social Distance: Parenting a teenager can be an emotional minefield in the best of times, but the social distancing of the coronavirus pandemic could really strain young people's mental health.
Americans Got the Memo on Social Distancing, Poll Shows
Americans Got the Memo on Social Distancing, Poll Shows: Americans have gotten the message on the importance of social distancing in stemming the coronavirus pandemic, a new poll shows.
Rapid virus tests come to Atlanta as testing slowly ramps up
Rapid virus tests come to Atlanta as testing slowly ramps up: CVS Health on Monday opened a drive-through coronavirus testing center in Atlanta that the comp...
Georgia enters devastating phase of COVID-19 outbreak
Georgia enters devastating phase of COVID-19 outbreak: Georgia is entering a potentially devastating coronavirus outbreak phase, as scientific models predict a sharp surge in illness and deaths in 2 weeks.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Coronavirus battle taking toll on doctors, healthcare workers 'in the trenches.' Here's what they can do | FierceHealthcare
Coronavirus battle taking toll on doctors, healthcare workers 'in the trenches.' Here's what they can do | FierceHealthcare: His years as an emergency room doctor is helping Shannon Sovndal, M.D., cope with the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. But there’s no doubt, says Sovndal, that it is taking an emotional and physical toll on doctors and other healthcare workers. Here's what they can do.
F.D.A. Approves First Coronavirus Antibody Test in U.S. - The New York Times
F.D.A. Approves First Coronavirus Antibody Test in U.S. - The New York Times: Such a test may help scientists learn how widespread the infection is, and how long people remain immune after recovering.
COVID-19 pushing primary care to brink of collapse
COVID-19 pushing primary care to brink of collapse: By all accounts, we are merely in the opening salvo of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., and already our primary-care defenses are falling apart.
Telemedicine regulatory barriers continue to drop for COVID-19
Telemedicine regulatory barriers continue to drop for COVID-19: CMS said this week that it would temporarily reimburse providers that treat Medicare beneficiaries remotely for more than 80 emergency, pediatric critical care and other services at the same rate as in-person visits.
Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home - HealthyChildren.org
Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home - HealthyChildren.org: Calmly teaching your child good behavior can become more difficult during stressful times. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips for families facing long periods of time holed up at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Outpatient care gets walloped by COVID-19 in March job losses
Outpatient care gets walloped by COVID-19 in March job losses: The healthcare industry's 42,500 jobs lost in March amid the COVID-19 pandemic were almost entirely on the outpatient side. Hospitals added 200 jobs.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Doctors worried about survival of their medical practices: ‘This could be the death blow,’ says physician | FierceHealthcare
Doctors worried about survival of their medical practices: ‘This could be the death blow,’ says physician | FierceHealthcare: Almost 22 years ago, Sumana Reddy, M.D., and two other doctors set up a family medicine practice in the rural area of Salinas, California. Now she worries the coronavirus could be the death of it.
Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage | Kaiser Health News
Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage | Kaiser Health News: The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions out of work and the federal-state health program for low-income people could face unprecedented strains as many states don’t necessarily have the resources or systems in place to meet the demand.
Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage | Kaiser Health News
Medicaid Nearing ‘Eye Of The Storm’ As Newly Unemployed Look For Coverage | Kaiser Health News: The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions out of work and the federal-state health program for low-income people could face unprecedented strains as many states don’t necessarily have the resources or systems in place to meet the demand.
Record number of unemployed Americans will stress state Medicaid programs
Record number of unemployed Americans will stress state Medicaid programs: Millions have signed up for unemployment benefits and many will be expected to sign up for Medicaid, the state and federal program providing low-income people with health care coverage.
Trump hints ACA enrollment should be reopened as a matter of fairness
Trump hints ACA enrollment should be reopened as a matter of fairness: President Donald Trump indicated that he might be willing to reopen insurance enrollment because "it doesn't seem fair" that some people don't have affordable coverage options during the public health crisis.
The Jolt: In the South, coronavirus victims are trending younger
The Jolt: In the South, coronavirus victims are trending younger: The South may be putting its own spin on this worldwide pandemic.
What Georgians need to know about the shelter-in-place order
What Georgians need to know about the shelter-in-place order: Georgia will soon be under a new statewide shelter-in-place order to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s what you should know, incuding the key rules and restrictions and when does it start and how long does it last?
Thursday, April 2, 2020
CDC Director On The Coronavirus Fight For The Months To Come | 90.1 FM WABE
CDC Director On The Coronavirus Fight For The Months To Come | 90.1 FM WABE: When infectious pathogens have threatened the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been front and center. During the H1N1 flu of 2009, the Ebola crisis in 2014, and the mosquito-borne outbreak of Zika in 2015, the CDC has led the federal response. Yet the nation's public health agency,
FCC chief unveils $200M program to boost telehealth services amid COVID-19 outbreak | FierceHealthcare
FCC chief unveils $200M program to boost telehealth services amid COVID-19 outbreak | FierceHealthcare: Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai wants to use $200 million from the economic stimulus package to expand telehealth services across the country. The Trump administration also is trying to lift barriers to telehealth services with provisions in the CARES Act that relax guidelines for Medicare coverage.
Industry Voices—Prenatal care in the time of coronavirus | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Prenatal care in the time of coronavirus | FierceHealthcare: In these times, we are rethinking routine prenatal care for low-risk women. Home monitoring of weight and blood pressure combined with "check-ins" by telephone could replace many routine prenatal visits.
Urban Institute: Medicaid expansion will be a critical safety net as COVID-19 job losses continue nationwide | FierceHealthcare
Urban Institute: Medicaid expansion will be a critical safety net as COVID-19 job losses continue nationwide | FierceHealthcare: As more Americans lose their jobs amid orders from public health officials to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the number of people without health insurance is also expected to rise.
Half of U.S. doctors have treated at least one coronavirus patient but can't easily test for the virus, survey finds | FierceHealthcare
Half of U.S. doctors have treated at least one coronavirus patient but can't easily test for the virus, survey finds | FierceHealthcare: As further evidence of the spreading coronavirus pandemic, a survey of more than 2,600 U.S. physicians finds that half of them report treating at least one patient with possible COVID-19 symptoms but have not been able to test for the virus.
Physician groups back doctors' freedom to speak out about coronavirus conditions | FierceHealthcare
Physician groups back doctors' freedom to speak out about coronavirus conditions | FierceHealthcare: Given reports that doctors and other medical professionals are being silenced about coronavirus conditions, the country’s two largest physician groups say doctors have the right to be heard. Both the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians issued statements Wednesday supporting the rights of physicians to speak out on COVID-19 care conditions.
Trump administration lays out guidelines for small business loans
Trump administration lays out guidelines for small business loans: Some hospitals and physicians can access a $349 billion fund for loans to compensate for losses due to COVID-19.
Coronavirus disrupts pregnancy plans, raises anxiety and questions
Coronavirus disrupts pregnancy plans, raises anxiety and questions: Some pregnant women fear giving birth with no loved ones by their side. Others worry about getting sick with COVID-19 and not being able to hold their newborns.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
$100 Billion-Plus in CARES Act for Healthcare: 3 Ways to Get It | HealthLeaders Media
$100 Billion-Plus in CARES Act for Healthcare: 3 Ways to Get It | HealthLeaders Media: Recent versions of legislation recognize the existential financial threat many healthcare organizations are under as they fight the COVID-19 outbreak.
Parents, Arm Your Kids Against COVID-19 With Good Hand-Washing Habits
Parents, Arm Your Kids Against COVID-19 With Good Hand-Washing Habits: What's the best thing you can teach your kid as the new coronavirus races around the globe? Proper hand-washing habits, a leading pediatricians' group says.
Obamacare: Trump administration won't reopen enrollment for uninsured - CNNPolitics
Obamacare: Trump administration won't reopen enrollment for uninsured - CNNPolitics: The Trump administration has decided not to reopen enrollment in the Affordable Care Act's federal exchanges amid the rising coronavirus pandemic, a senior administration official said Tuesday evening.
Georgia hospitals prepare for coronavirus surge
Georgia hospitals prepare for coronavirus surge: More hospital space and supplies aren’t Georgia's only needs during the coronavirus epidemic. Workers are vital to meeting the demands for care.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)