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.
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