Friday, July 31, 2020
260 coronavirus cases tied to North Georgia camp outbreak
260 coronavirus cases tied to North Georgia camp outbreak: Some 260 cases of the coronavirus have been tied to attendees and staff at a North Georgia children’s camp in June, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the largest known superspreading events in the state.
New Study Sheds Doubt on Notion Kids Aren't COVID-19 Spreaders
New Study Sheds Doubt on Notion Kids Aren't COVID-19 Spreaders: Children with COVID-19 carry as much or more coronavirus in their nose as adults, suggesting that they could pose a serious infection risk if schools and day care centers reopen, a new study argues.
Fewer than 10% of primary care practices have stabilized operations amid COVID-19 pandemic | FierceHealthcare
Fewer than 10% of primary care practices have stabilized operations amid COVID-19 pandemic | FierceHealthcare: Nearly 9 in 10 primary care practices continue to face significant difficulties with COVID-19, including obtaining medical supplies, a recent survey found. Here's what primary care clinicians say they need from private insurers to help support them through the pandemic.
Dental and doctors' offices still struggling with COVID-19 job loss | FierceHealthcare
Dental and doctors' offices still struggling with COVID-19 job loss | FierceHealthcare: Newly released employment data underscores the lingering toll the pandemic has taken on a range of outpatient services in California and across the U.S., from pediatric and family medical practices to dental offices, medical labs and home health care.
Children May Carry Coronavirus at High Levels, Study Finds - The New York Times
Children May Carry Coronavirus at High Levels, Study Finds - The New York Times: The research does not prove that infected children are contagious, but it should influence the debate about reopening schools, some experts said.
Workers Say GOP's Liability Shields Threaten Their Safety | Time
Workers Say GOP's Liability Shields Threaten Their Safety | Time: Like millions of American workers, Mercedes Taylor, an overnight security guard at Houston's William P. Hobby International Airport, has been forced amid the worsening pandemic…
Avoiding Care During the Pandemic Could Mean Life or Death | Kaiser Health News
Avoiding Care During the Pandemic Could Mean Life or Death | Kaiser Health News: Americans are avoiding hospitals and clinics by the millions, even when they shouldn’t, and many experts expect a jump in preventable disease diagnoses after the COVID crisis eases. Paradoxically, the pandemic may have been good for some heart patients, however.
Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers | Kaiser Health News
Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers | Kaiser Health News: Early in the pandemic, insurers expected the costs of treating COVID-19 would vastly increase medical spending. Instead, non-COVID care has plummeted and insurers have pocketed the result. Still, few industry observers are predicting broad-based premium cuts in 2021, though some health plans have proposed lowering their rates.
Misinformation on coronavirus is proving highly contagious
Misinformation on coronavirus is proving highly contagious: Experts worry the torrent of bad information is dangerously undermining efforts to slow the virus, whose death toll in the U.S. hit 150,000 Wednesday, by far the highest in the world, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
Across rural Georgia, pandemic magnifies challenges of hunger, food
Across rural Georgia, pandemic magnifies challenges of hunger, food: Even before the coronavirus pandemic began, food insecurity rates were worse than in more densely populated areas. The pandemic has only magnified those worries over hunger.
Georgia’s official plan for 2020 COVID-19 testing: get tests
Georgia’s official plan for 2020 COVID-19 testing: get tests: All states submitted 2020 COVID-19 testing plans to the federal government. Georgia's plan points out that it will depend on the federal government and companies to get enough testing capacity.
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Spring School Closures Over Coronavirus Saved Lives, Study Asserts - The New York Times
Spring School Closures Over Coronavirus Saved Lives, Study Asserts - The New York Times: But, experts caution, the findings highlight a period when few precautions were in place, and do not apply to current discussions about reopening schools.
HPV Shots: Safe and Effective, But Many Parents Still Hesitate
HPV Shots: Safe and Effective, But Many Parents Still Hesitate: More than a decade of research has shown that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against a host of cancers, yet a new study finds that only half of American teens complete the multiple-shot regimen.
Missourians to Vote on Medicaid Expansion as Crisis Leaves Millions Without Insurance | Kaiser Health News
Missourians to Vote on Medicaid Expansion as Crisis Leaves Millions Without Insurance | Kaiser Health News: Around the country, Medicaid enrollment is up as people who have lost jobs during the pandemic seek health insurance. Expanding eligibility for Missouri’s program, which could help thousands of recently unemployed residents, will be on the ballot Tuesday.
Anthem doubles second-quarter profit during pandemic
Anthem doubles second-quarter profit during pandemic: Anthem nearly doubled its profit to $2.3 billion in the second quarter as it reaped the benefits of the widespread shutdown of elective procedures and deferrals of routine care during the height the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 exposure forces Pickens, Dooly counties to delay school start
COVID-19 exposure forces Pickens, Dooly counties to delay school start: Pickens and Dooly county school systems are pushing back the start of school due to coronavirus exposures at schools in the districts.
'We’re Nowhere Close'. Coronavirus Aid Package Talks Break Down | Time
'We’re Nowhere Close'. Coronavirus Aid Package Talks Break Down | Time: President Donald Trump dismissed aid to cash-strapped cities in a new coronavirus aid package and lashed out at allies as talks stalemated.
What the Science Actually Says About Kids and COVID-19 | Time
What the Science Actually Says About Kids and COVID-19 | Time: The best research to inform the debate over sending students back to school this fall.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Georgia reports 4,209 new COVID cases, 54 deaths in update | Macon Telegraph
Georgia reports 4,209 new COVID cases, 54 deaths in update | Macon Telegraph: Current coronavirus hospitalizations decreased over the last 24 hours, according to the most recent update.
Georgia reports 4,209 new COVID cases, 54 deaths in update | Macon Telegraph
Georgia reports 4,209 new COVID cases, 54 deaths in update | Macon Telegraph: Current coronavirus hospitalizations decreased over the last 24 hours, according to the most recent update.
Mastering the Violin Won't Help Your Child Master Math: Study
Mastering the Violin Won't Help Your Child Master Math: Study: All the parents who force their children to play an instrument because it has been touted as a way to boost overall intelligence, take note.
Yet Another Study Finds Vaccines Are Safe
Yet Another Study Finds Vaccines Are Safe: Vaccines remain a "remarkably safe" way to protect human health, thanks to a rigorous system of safety monitoring that continues after approval, a new review shows.
Child Care Stresses, Hunger Are Harming U.S. Families During Pandemic
Child Care Stresses, Hunger Are Harming U.S. Families During Pandemic: With everyday life turned upside down, efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are taking a toll on the well-being and health of American families, a new poll reveals.
Anthem earns $2.28B in Q2 profit as payers continue to see strong financial performance amid COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare
Anthem earns $2.28B in Q2 profit as payers continue to see strong financial performance amid COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare: Anthem is the latest health insurer to report strong financial performance as COVID-19 drives down care utilization, earning $2.28 billion in profit in the second quarter.
Public Health Experts Fear a Hasty FDA Signoff on Vaccine | Kaiser Health News
Public Health Experts Fear a Hasty FDA Signoff on Vaccine | Kaiser Health News: The FDA must approve any coronavirus vaccine before it’s widely distributed, but political pressure could cloud the decision.
Centene's Medicaid enrollment is growing slower than expected amid COVID-19
Centene's Medicaid enrollment is growing slower than expected amid COVID-19: Researchers widely anticipated that enrollment in the public insurance program for low-income people would swell during the pandemic, but that's not the case for Centene Corp.
6 football teams not practicing; GHSA reports 655 COVID-19 cases
6 football teams not practicing; GHSA reports 655 COVID-19 cases: Georgia high schools have reported 655 positive COVID-19 tests among athletes and coaches since June 8, when they were allowed to begin summer conditioning, the GHSA reported Tuesday.
A video game can now be prescribed for kids with ADHD
A video game can now be prescribed for kids with ADHD: The FDA on Monday approved a nondrug treatment for kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The video game is called EndeavorRx and is available only with a prescription.
Athens, Tifton hospitals run out of beds for critical patients
Athens, Tifton hospitals run out of beds for critical patients: Georgia starts to run out of intensive care unit beds amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Athens, Tifton hospitals run out of beds for critical patients
Athens, Tifton hospitals run out of beds for critical patients: Georgia starts to run out of intensive care unit beds amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Georgia revamps virus maps, charts that critics said were confusing
Georgia revamps virus maps, charts that critics said were confusing: The Georgia Department of Public Health revamped its coronavirus website to make it maps and charts easier to read and use following complaints and ridicule by the public and media.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
UPDATE: Savannah kicks off world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study
UPDATE: Savannah kicks off world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study: The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government.
Spanking on the Decline in American Homes
Spanking on the Decline in American Homes: American kids have something to celebrate: Spanking has hit a new low.
COVID-19 exposes flaws in our primary-care system
COVID-19 exposes flaws in our primary-care system: Without added investment in key areas of our healthcare system, we will be no more prepared for the next public health crisis than we were for this one.
Centene earns $1.2B in profit in Q2 but warns of 'choppy' financial waters ahead | FierceHealthcare
Centene earns $1.2B in profit in Q2 but warns of 'choppy' financial waters ahead | FierceHealthcare: Centene Corporation earned $1.21 billion in profit for the second quarter. That's a significant boost from the $495 million in profit it reported in the second quarter of 2019.
The COVID-19 Downturn Triggers Jump in Medicaid Enrollment | Kaiser Health News
The COVID-19 Downturn Triggers Jump in Medicaid Enrollment | Kaiser Health News: For the first time since 2017, Medicaid enrollment has begun increasing again, but not by as much as many analysts expected.
Congress Is Nowhere Near a Deal on a New Relief Package | Time
Congress Is Nowhere Near a Deal on a New Relief Package | Time: After days of delay, Senate Republicans appear ready to serve up their opening offer to replace the coronavirus relief package
Monday, July 27, 2020
The Color of COVID: Will Vaccine Trials Reflect America’s Diversity? | Kaiser Health News
The Color of COVID: Will Vaccine Trials Reflect America’s Diversity? | Kaiser Health News: Although racial minorities, older people and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk from COVID-19, they’ve historically been the least likely to be included in clinical trials for treatments for serious diseases. Will that change with COVID-19?
AMA, pharmacists at odds over COVID-19 testing, vaccine pay
AMA, pharmacists at odds over COVID-19 testing, vaccine pay: A fight is brewing over temporary plan to directly reimburse pharmacists for administering vaccines and COVID tests.
HHS officially renews COVID-19 public health emergency
HHS officially renews COVID-19 public health emergency: HHS has renewed the public health emergency designation that is tied to significant funding for healthcare providers and state Medicaid programs.
BREAKING: World’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study begins Monday
BREAKING: World’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study begins Monday: The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Stalking, Harassment of Partners Common Among Teens
Stalking, Harassment of Partners Common Among Teens: Nearly half of U.S. teens have been stalked or harassed by a partner or done the deed themselves, a new study finds.
With Tighter Handgun Laws, U.S. Would See Fewer Suicides by Young People
With Tighter Handgun Laws, U.S. Would See Fewer Suicides by Young People: Hundreds of suicides could be prevented in the United States each year if the minimum age for buying a handgun was raised to 21 in the 33 states that have a minimum age of 18, according to a new study.
With Safety Steps, Moms Unlikely to Pass COVID-19 to Newborns: Study
With Safety Steps, Moms Unlikely to Pass COVID-19 to Newborns: Study: Mothers are unlikely to pass COVID-19 to their newborns if they follow recommended precautions, a small study suggests.
Providers press Senate to add $100B in relief funds in next COVID-19 package | FierceHealthcare
Providers press Senate to add $100B in relief funds in next COVID-19 package | FierceHealthcare: The AMA, AHA and ANA wrote to Senate leadership asking for $100 billion to be included in a new COVID-19 legislative package being hammered out by Congress.
Industry wants an overhaul of CMS' plan for Medicaid value-based drugs
Industry wants an overhaul of CMS' plan for Medicaid value-based drugs: Industry stakeholders say CMS is rushing its plan to help state Medicaid programs, health plans and drugmakers create value-based arrangements for prescription drugs. The proposal also could create an administrative nightmare.
Capitol Recap: Georgia, Atlanta head for mediation over virus
Capitol Recap: Georgia, Atlanta head for mediation over virus: A roundup of Georgia political and government news over the past week.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
HCA profit up 38% during toughest quarter of pandemic
HCA profit up 38% during toughest quarter of pandemic: HCA Healthcare's $1.1 billion quarterly profit comes a day after a prominent trade group warned half of U.S. hospitals could lose money this year without more taxpayer help.
Provider-relief grant-spending reports due in February 2021
Provider-relief grant-spending reports due in February 2021: HHS has also lowered the dollar threshold for providers that will have to produce detailed reports about their spending.
Georgia may push statewide start date of Sept. 8 for schools
Georgia may push statewide start date of Sept. 8 for schools: State may push school districts to wait and open Sept. 8
Pharma companies working on coronavirus drugs ramp up lobbying
Pharma companies working on coronavirus drugs ramp up lobbying: Takeda, which is hoping to develop a plasma treatment for Covid-19, more than doubled its lobbying expenditure in the second quarter of 2020.
Healthcare lobbying plummets, except from private equity-backed staffing firms
Healthcare lobbying plummets, except from private equity-backed staffing firms: Envision Healthcare, which reportedly considered filing for bankruptcy in April, upped its lobbying spending last quarter. So did TeamHealth.
In unusual arrangement, deputy HHS secretary's wife has been lobbying the agency on behalf of healthcare companies | HealthLeaders Media
In unusual arrangement, deputy HHS secretary's wife has been lobbying the agency on behalf of healthcare companies | HealthLeaders Media: Emily Hargan, who is married to Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan, has been lobbying the agency for roughly one month on behalf of health care clients, including Nostrum Pharmaceuticals, the blood glucose monitor company Smart Meter, and TL Management, which runs a chain of nursing homes.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Safe Pregnancy As COVID-19 Surges: What's Best For Mom And Baby? : Shots - Health News : NPR
Safe Pregnancy As COVID-19 Surges: What's Best For Mom And Baby? : Shots - Health News : NPR: Navigating the pandemic's challenges is especially stressful if you're pregnant, expectant mothers say. OB-GYNs offer practical advice on minimizing risks of infection while still leaving the house.
Wave of consolidation may be coming as independent physicians report COVID-19 concerns: McKinsey | FierceHealthcare
Wave of consolidation may be coming as independent physicians report COVID-19 concerns: McKinsey | FierceHealthcare: More than half of independent physicians reported they are worried about their practices surviving the COVID-19 pandemic indicating there may be a sharp uptick in future partnerships and consolidation, a new report found.
AMA report finds nearly 40% decline in opioid prescriptions, but overdose deaths continue to climb | FierceHealthcare
AMA report finds nearly 40% decline in opioid prescriptions, but overdose deaths continue to climb | FierceHealthcare: A new report found a nearly 40% decline in opioid prescriptions, but overdose deaths are still on the rise thanks to illicit drugs such as synthetic fentanyl.
Essential and in Danger: Coronavirus Sickens, Even Kills Public Health Workers | Kaiser Health News
Essential and in Danger: Coronavirus Sickens, Even Kills Public Health Workers | Kaiser Health News: As the coronavirus threatens the nation’s public health army, an outbreak in Maryland reflects the tension between serving the community and protecting workers from a deadly disease.
State of Georgia: COVID-19 cost $880 million in first months of pandemic
State of Georgia: COVID-19 cost $880 million in first months of pandemic: A new preliminary report shows the state of Georgia spent $880 million on COVID-19 during the first three months of the pandemic
Gov. Brian Kemp signs bills amending Georgia’s foster care system
Gov. Brian Kemp signs bills amending Georgia’s foster care system: After making it a priority for the 2020 legislative session, Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a package of legislation revamping the state's foster care system, including allowing guardians to leave foster children with babysitters for up to three days.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Congress Begins Talks on Coronavirus Aid Package as Cases Pass 3.8 million
Congress Begins Talks on Coronavirus Aid Package as Cases Pass 3.8 million: With U.S. coronavirus cases surging past 3.8 million on Tuesday, Congress is negotiating yet another pandemic relief package for cash-strapped Americans.
NIH Project Homes In on COVID Racial Disparities | Kaiser Health News
NIH Project Homes In on COVID Racial Disparities | Kaiser Health News: The pandemic has given the National Institutes of Health an opportunity to show the value of its $1.5 billion “All of Us” research program. A major effort to make the platform’s database representative of America resulted in minorities making up more than half of its more than 270,000 volunteers.
FDA orders removal of fruity Puff Bar vapes | TheHill
FDA orders removal of fruity Puff Bar vapes | TheHill: The federal government on Monday ordered a fruity-flavored vaping product popular with teenagers to be pulled from the market because the manufacturer never received permission to sell it.
Georgia signs deal to expand coronavirus test processing
Georgia signs deal to expand coronavirus test processing: The state of Georgia on Monday announced a partnership with a North Carolina company to help alleviate a coronavirus testing logjam.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Georgia reports a record 4,689 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Georgia reports a record 4,689 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours | Columbus Ledger-Enquirer: The Georgia Department of Public Health reports nearly 140,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases.
Black Kids Face Higher Odds of Post-Op Complications Than White Kids
Black Kids Face Higher Odds of Post-Op Complications Than White Kids: When healthy kids have surgery, serious complications are uncommon. But even in that low-risk scenario, Black children fare worse, a new study finds.
For COVID Tests, the Question of Who Pays Comes Down to Interpretation | Kaiser Health News
For COVID Tests, the Question of Who Pays Comes Down to Interpretation | Kaiser Health News: Additional guidance issued late last month by the Trump administration added to the confusion. Some consumers may find themselves unexpectedly on the hook for the cost of a test.
Friday, July 17, 2020
Frustration grows over Georgia's COVID testing lines, results backlog - Georgia Recorder
Frustration grows over Georgia's COVID testing lines, results backlog - Georgia Recorder: Georgia's average daily case count for coronavirus infections more than tripled in the last month, people continue to have trouble getting tested.
Anthem, CloudMedx launch digital tool to help employers, public health officials track impact of COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare
Anthem, CloudMedx launch digital tool to help employers, public health officials track impact of COVID-19 | FierceHealthcare: Anthem has launched a digital tool that aims to allow public health officials and other health and community leaders to track and predict the impacts of COVID-19.
Poll: 75% of public supports more hospital COVID-19 relief funding as Congress ponders next move | FierceHealthcare
Poll: 75% of public supports more hospital COVID-19 relief funding as Congress ponders next move | FierceHealthcare: A new poll sponsored by the hospital industry finds widespread support for another round of stimulus funding to help hospitals weather the COVID-19 financial crisis.
House bill would cut Medicare restrictions on home telemedicine
House bill would cut Medicare restrictions on home telemedicine: Industry groups including the American Telemedicine Association, the Alliance for Connected Care and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society have rallied around the proposal.
Will Universities Be the Next COVID-19 Tinderboxes? | Time
Will Universities Be the Next COVID-19 Tinderboxes? | Time: No other nation has reopened schools and universities with the level of rampant community transmission we see in the U.S. today.
Trump Admin Funneling Coronavirus Data Away From CDC | Time
Trump Admin Funneling Coronavirus Data Away From CDC | Time: Hospital data related to the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. will now be collected by a private technology firm, rather than the CDC.
Early COVID-19 Vaccines 'Really Encouraging,' Says NIH Boss | TIME
Early COVID-19 Vaccines 'Really Encouraging,' Says NIH Boss | TIME: Collins stressed that the final product will be safe despite the speed at which it's being produced.
Cobb, Fulton County Schools to start school year online
Cobb, Fulton County Schools to start school year online: News from around North Fulton
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Kemp signs bills to extend maternal Medicaid, limit ‘surprise billing'
Kemp signs bills to extend maternal Medicaid, limit ‘surprise billing': Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday signed several health care bills that, among other things, intend to regulate medical billing and extend Medicaid for new mothers during a ceremony at a Marietta hospital.
Where you have to wear masks in Georgia
Where you have to wear masks in Georgia: Beginning Aug. 1, Target and CVS customers will be required to wear masks.
Kemp health insurance proposal drops big changes to Georgia Obamacare
Kemp health insurance proposal drops big changes to Georgia Obamacare: Gov. Brian Kemp has scrapped some dramatic proposals to reshape the Obamacare market
Trump Administration Strips C.D.C. of Control of Coronavirus Data - The New York Times
Trump Administration Strips C.D.C. of Control of Coronavirus Data - The New York Times: Hospitals have been ordered to bypass the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and send all patient information to a central database in Washington, raising questions about transparency.
Rise in COVID-19 cases called ‘frightening’ | Georgia Health News
Rise in COVID-19 cases called ‘frightening’ | Georgia Health News: Georgia’s confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 3,871 in the 24 hours ending Wednesday afternoon, the state’s second-highest daily increase since the pandemic began.
Hospitals’ critical care bed capacity, meanwhile, continues to dwindle, with just 16 percent of beds available. Three hospital regions of Georgia – in the northeast, central and southern regions of the state — have seven or fewer beds available, state figures show.
Fauci calls for U.S. to hit 'reset button' after some states reopened too quickly | FierceHealthcare
Fauci calls for U.S. to hit 'reset button' after some states reopened too quickly | FierceHealthcare: What will it take to get the U.S. back on track? Here's what the nation's top infectious disease expert thinks needs to happen next.
Why Doctors Keep Monitoring Kids Who Recover From Mysterious COVID-Linked Illness | Kaiser Health News
Why Doctors Keep Monitoring Kids Who Recover From Mysterious COVID-Linked Illness | Kaiser Health News: About 1,000 children worldwide have had the condition known as MIS-C — Multisymptom Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Children's hospitals around the U.S. are trying to keep tabs on young people after they recover from the ailment, to gauge any long-term effects.
Family doctor, employer groups join forces to replace fee-for-service
Family doctor, employer groups join forces to replace fee-for-service: The American Academy of Family Physicians and National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions look to scale a care model that aims to shift away from fee-for-service reimbursement.
Get your flu vaccine in the fall
Get your flu vaccine in the fall: Since a COVID-19 vaccine will not be available, the best defense is to control what you can, which means getting a seasonal influenza shot. But availability could be an issue if anticipated demand materializes.
Georgians feeling growing emotional toll from COVID-19 pandemic
Georgians feeling growing emotional toll from COVID-19 pandemic: Experts say many Americans are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, trauma and grief brought on by the pandemic. Not only have lives been upended, but the mechanisms that people use to cope with adversity are off-limits or greatly altered.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
State health director says lag time for COVID-19 test results ‘unacceptable’
State health director says lag time for COVID-19 test results ‘unacceptable’: Dr. Kathleen Toomey on Monday said she’s so concerned about it that she mentioned it to the governor and they are now taking action.
UnitedHealth Group posts $6.6B in Q2 profit amid COVID-19 care deferrals | FierceHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group posts $6.6B in Q2 profit amid COVID-19 care deferrals | FierceHealthcare: UnitedHealth Group reported $6.6 billion in profit for the second quarter, beating Wall Street projections.
CMS should help states curb child abuse, federal watchdog says
CMS should help states curb child abuse, federal watchdog says: HHS' Office of Inspector General recommended that CMS issue guidance to states about using Medicaid data to "help identify incidents of potential child abuse or neglect" but the agency doesn't want to do it.
Median commercial charge for COVID-19 hospitalizations reaches $45,000
Median commercial charge for COVID-19 hospitalizations reaches $45,000: The 51 to 60 age group was the most expensive to treat as well as the most common to be hospitalized for COVID-19, according to a national analysis of commercial claims.
Coronavirus vaccine research shows some promise, Emory says
Coronavirus vaccine research shows some promise, Emory says: A team that includes researchers from Emory University released findings Tuesday of closely-watched...
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Pot Use in Pregnancy Could Mean Sleepless Kids
Pot Use in Pregnancy Could Mean Sleepless Kids: Kids whose moms used pot while pregnant may end up with sleep problems years later, a new study suggests.
Senate Democrats demand $25B for widespread COVID-19 vaccine distribution | FierceHealthcare
Senate Democrats demand $25B for widespread COVID-19 vaccine distribution | FierceHealthcare: Senate Democrats released a plan to facilitate the widespread distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, including a demand of $25 billion to ensure any vaccine is widely distributed.
Providers in emerging COVID hot spots face complex set of challenges
Providers in emerging COVID hot spots face complex set of challenges: Shortages of personal protective equipment and inadequate access to testing persist, but providers in the new hot spots are also dealing with the added complexity of a worn-out workforce and balancing COVID cases with the need to bring back non-emergent procedures.
IRS: For-profit providers have to pay taxes on COVID-19 relief grants
IRS: For-profit providers have to pay taxes on COVID-19 relief grants: Grants to for-profit healthcare providers including hospitals and independent physician practices will be subject to the 21% corporate tax rate.
Monday, July 13, 2020
How To Help Kids With Anxiety During The Pandemic : Shots - Health News : NPR
How To Help Kids With Anxiety During The Pandemic : Shots - Health News : NPR: For children, the distress shows itself in difficult moods, stomachaches or even regression to behaviors from earlier childhood. Here are seven ideas to help anxious kids feel better.
Education secretary won't say if schools should listen to CDC guidelines on reopening | Cnn Politics | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com
Education secretary won't say if schools should listen to CDC guidelines on reopening | Cnn Politics | rockdalenewtoncitizen.com: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Sunday refused to say whether schools should follow guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on reopening, saying those guidelines are meant
Hospitals struggle with PPE shortages amid new COVID-19 surges | FierceHealthcare
Hospitals struggle with PPE shortages amid new COVID-19 surges | FierceHealthcare: Four months into the COVID-19 crisis, the PPE supply chain has not yet caught up, and hospitals are continuing to reuse protective equipment, especially for those systems in new virus hot spots.
Fauci says hard-hit states should be 'pausing' the reopening process | TheHill
Fauci says hard-hit states should be 'pausing' the reopening process | TheHill: Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said Thursday that hard-hit states should not be moving forward with reopening, but stopped short of calling for full shutdowns.
Coronavirus outbreak: Live updates on COVID-19
Coronavirus outbreak: Live updates on COVID-19: Live updates from Modern Healthcare on the coronavirus outbreak and how COVID-19 is affecting the healthcare industry.
U.S. bets on small, untested company to deliver COVID vaccine
U.S. bets on small, untested company to deliver COVID vaccine: As part of its strategy to administer the vaccine as quickly as possible, the Trump administration has agreed to invest more than half a billion in tax dollars in ApiJect Systems America, a young company whose injector is not approved by federal health authorities and that hasn't yet set up a factory to manufacture the devices.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Georgia to reactivate makeshift hospital at Atlanta convention center
Georgia to reactivate makeshift hospital at Atlanta convention center: Georgia is planning to reactivate a makeshift hospital for coronavirus patients built in the Georgia World Congress Center to cope with a sharp increase of severe cases of COVID-19.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s office said Friday the state plans to hash out a new contract for more bed capacity with a metro Atlanta hospital before a part of the sprawling Atlanta convention center is re-converted into a medical facility.The reopening of the temporary hospital is a sign of Georgia’s worsening struggle with the disease. Georgia has set record numbers of new daily coronavirus cases several times over the last two weeks, and hospitalization rates have also soared. Some regions of the state report just a handful of available intensive care beds.
Marijuana, E-Cigarettes Enticing More Young Adults
Marijuana, E-Cigarettes Enticing More Young Adults: E-cigarettes and pot may go hand in hand when it comes to young Americans, a new report suggests.
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Azar voices support for telehealth expansion; Geisinger CEO on second surge | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Azar voices support for telehealth expansion; Geisinger CEO on second surge | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Azar voices support for telehealth expansion; Geisinger CEO on second surge | FierceHealthcare
UPDATED Coronavirus tracker: Azar voices support for telehealth expansion; Geisinger CEO on second surge | FierceHealthcare: Follow along with the latest COVID-19 news straight from the Fierce Healthcare team.
Study: Pregnant women can transmit coronavirus to their babies, results suggest - The Washington Post
Study: Pregnant women can transmit coronavirus to their babies, results suggest - The Washington Post: In a preliminary study, Italian researchers found the virus that causes covid-19 in umbilical cord blood, breast milk and elsewhere among a small sample of women who had the infection.
Physicians' offices big beneficiaries of small-business COVID-19 relief loans
Physicians' offices big beneficiaries of small-business COVID-19 relief loans: Physicians' offices were the largest small-business COVID-19 loan recipients in the healthcare sector, according to new federal data.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of COVID-19 - Reuters
WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of COVID-19 - Reuters: The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged "evidence emerging" of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people.
Walgreens, VillageMD plan hundreds of in-store doctor offices
Walgreens, VillageMD plan hundreds of in-store doctor offices: The chain is investing $1 billion in Chicago-based primary-care startup VillageMD, expanding their existing partnership.
Some states cement COVID-19 telehealth expansions
Some states cement COVID-19 telehealth expansions: Some states, including Colorado and Idaho, that expanded telehealth access and coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic are moving to make those changes permanent.
As pressure mounts, Georgia schools figuring out back-to-school plans
As pressure mounts, Georgia schools figuring out back-to-school plans: School leaders in Georgia are trying to settle on plans for the fall as pressure mounts to reopen sc...
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Trump administration moves to formally withdraw US from WHO | TheHill
Trump administration moves to formally withdraw US from WHO | TheHill: The White House has officially moved to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a senior administration official confirmed Tuesday, breaking ties with a global public health body in the middle of the coronavirus p
Personal Protective Gear Runs Low for Medical Workers Again | Time
Personal Protective Gear Runs Low for Medical Workers Again | Time: The personal protective equipment that was in short supply early in the pandemic is running low again as the coronavirus resumes its spread.
Healthier School Meal Programs Helped Poorer Kids Beat Obesity: Study
Healthier School Meal Programs Helped Poorer Kids Beat Obesity: Study: Just how healthy has the introduction of healthier new meals at America's schools been for kids? A new study ties the policy move to about a half-million fewer obese U.S. children.
States mandate masks, begin to shut down again, as coronavirus cases soar and hospitalizations rise - The Washington Post
States mandate masks, begin to shut down again, as coronavirus cases soar and hospitalizations rise - The Washington Post: U.S. still “knee deep in the first wave” of coronavirus, sets new case record.
Analysis: How A COVID-19 Vaccine Could Cost Americans Dearly | Kaiser Health News
Analysis: How A COVID-19 Vaccine Could Cost Americans Dearly | Kaiser Health News: The United States is the only developed nation unable to balance cost, efficacy and social good in setting prices.
Donald Trump to schools: You must open for business
Donald Trump to schools: You must open for business: President Donald Trump today reinforced his contention the reopening of schools is essential to reopening America, saying: “Our country has got to get back, and it’s got to get back as soon as possible. And I don’t consider our country coming back if the schools are closed.”
NICU Practices May Put Infants at Risk for Thyroid Deficiency | MedPage Today
NICU Practices May Put Infants at Risk for Thyroid Deficiency | MedPage Today: NICU Practices May Put Infants at Risk for Thyroid Deficiency
— Investigators point to iodine exposure as potential cause
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Autism Screening: Time to Focus on Quality Over Quantity | MedPage Today
Autism Screening: Time to Focus on Quality Over Quantity | MedPage Today: Autism Screening: Time to Focus on Quality Over Quantity
— Disappointing sensitivity, positive predictive value for common assessment
Monday, July 6, 2020
Despite COVID-19 increase, insurance companies to pull back telehealth
Despite COVID-19 increase, insurance companies to pull back telehealth: "Telehealth ... allowed us to take care of this patient and likely save her life." So why are health insurance companies looking to scale back?
How scientists know COVID-19 is way deadlier than the flu
How scientists know COVID-19 is way deadlier than the flu: After months of study, scientists have better clarity on the coronavirus's lethal potential—which makes recent case surges all the more alarming.
Industry Voices—Combating physician burnout in the post-COVID-19 future | FierceHealthcare
Industry Voices—Combating physician burnout in the post-COVID-19 future | FierceHealthcare: Addressing burnout starts with confronting it directly, especially from leaders at the top, who can help recognize its pervasiveness and acknowledge the many ways it manifests.
Coronavirus in Georgia: CDC adds coronavirus symptoms
Coronavirus in Georgia: CDC adds coronavirus symptoms: Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its list of coronavirus and COVID-19 symptoms.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Keep Your Kids Safe in the Water. Here's How
Keep Your Kids Safe in the Water. Here's How: Trips to the beach or a pool add to summer's fun, but parents need to ensure that children are safe in and around the water.
Primary care doctors say they are not ready for next COVID-19 surge | FierceHealthcare
Primary care doctors say they are not ready for next COVID-19 surge | FierceHealthcare: As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in parts of the U.S., many primary care practices are not ready to address the current surge or a second wave predicted to come in the fall.
A look at major coronavirus developments over the past week
A look at major coronavirus developments over the past week: As COVID-19 cases rapidly multiply in Georgia, government leaders and public health experts are urgi...
Kids are going to bed later and later, with possible consequences
Kids are going to bed later and later, with possible consequences: Experts say it is unhealthy and will make the transition to normal schedules hard, but the later bedtimes with coronavirus lockdowns aren't all bad
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Georgia coronavirus cases, deaths, hospitalizations July 1, 2020 | 11alive.com
Georgia coronavirus cases, deaths, hospitalizations July 1, 2020 | 11alive.com: Here's the latest COVID-19 data from the state.
Seizures After Vaccination Don't Affect Kids' Development: Study
Seizures After Vaccination Don't Affect Kids' Development: Study: Kids who have a fever-related seizure after getting a vaccine won't have developmental and behavioral problems as a result, according to a new study.
Among Those Disrupted By COVID-19: The Nation’s Newest Doctors | Kaiser Health News
Among Those Disrupted By COVID-19: The Nation’s Newest Doctors | Kaiser Health News: For new medical residents, this has been a year like no other. In part that’s because getting from here to there — from medical school to residency training sites — has been complicated by the coronavirus.
Oklahoma expands Medicaid, first state to do so during pandemic
Oklahoma expands Medicaid, first state to do so during pandemic: Oklahoma voters narrowly approved a ballot initiative that will expand Medicaid to cover more low-income residents.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
A Safer 4th Is One Without Backyard Fireworks
A Safer 4th Is One Without Backyard Fireworks: If you plan to celebrate Independence Day, you might want to reconsider setting off fireworks, Prevent Blindness suggests.
More than 300 organizations, physician groups push Congress to take action on telehealth policies | FierceHealthcare
More than 300 organizations, physician groups push Congress to take action on telehealth policies | FierceHealthcare: Healthcare industry groups are pushing congressional leaders to pass new legislation that will permanently expand telehealth flexibilities. Find out what specific steps the national and regional organizations want Congress to take to expand telehealth.
U.S. FDA comes out with guidance for COVID-19 vaccine approval - Reuters
U.S. FDA comes out with guidance for COVID-19 vaccine approval - Reuters: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday released guidance for approving a coronavirus vaccine, saying the vaccine has to prevent or decrease disease severity in at least 50% of people who are inoculated.
Hollowed-Out Public Health System Faces More Cuts Amid Virus | Kaiser Health News
Hollowed-Out Public Health System Faces More Cuts Amid Virus | Kaiser Health News: The U.S. public health system has been starved for decades and lacks the resources necessary to confront the worst health crisis in a century. An investigation by The Associated Press and KHN has found that since 2010, spending for state public health departments has dropped by 16% per capita and for local health departments by 18%. At least 38,000 public health jobs have disappeared, leaving a skeletal workforce for what was once viewed as one of the world’s top public health systems. That has left the nation unprepared to deal with a virus that has sickened at least 2.6 million people and killed more than 126,000.
Serious coronavirus-linked condition hit 285 U.S. children
Serious coronavirus-linked condition hit 285 U.S. children: At least 285 U.S. children have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to COVID-19. While most recovered, the potential for long-term or permanent damage is unknown, two studies suggest.
FCC adds $197 million to Rural Health Care Program funding
FCC adds $197 million to Rural Health Care Program funding: The additional funding goes toward helping rural healthcare providers purchase broadband and telecommunications services.
Public health emergency being renewed by HHS
Public health emergency being renewed by HHS: Several payment policies and regulatory adjustments are attached to the public health emergency, so the extension is welcome news for healthcare providers.
Distracted driving: 50,000 GSP tickets in two years
Distracted driving: 50,000 GSP tickets in two years: The Georgia State Patrol has issued nearly 50,000 citations since the Hands-Free Georgia Act took effect two years ago
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