Latest KFF Health News Stories
In the latest in its series on nursing home conditions, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation of senior care facilities finds 600 cases of neglect, including many at upscale homes.
Health Care Deserts: Nearly 80 Percent Of Rural U.S. Designated As ‘Medically Underserved’
To report on the growing problem, The Washington Post spotlights communities in Texas — where 159 of the state’s 254 counties have no general surgeons, 121 have no medical specialists, and 35 have no doctors at all. More news on rural health conditions comes out of Minnesota and Oklahoma.
Therapy isn’t a solution for many of the African American women. Connecting with other mothers who have lost sons offers some comfort, says Tammy Riley: “They’ve been through it, they know exactly how you feel. You can relate the things you do to cope to the next person.” News on gun violence is on mental health and the use of deadly force among police, and a meeting between President Donald Trump and Wayne LaPierre, as well.
Unlike the U.S. where there’s an abundance of opioids, orthopedic doctors in Gambia don’t have the ability to medicate patients after painful surgeries. “I remember when I first turned up, I’d have to leave the ward when they were doing dressings because I couldn’t handle the screams,” says Dr. Kebba Marenah. Other news on opioids is on profits the Sackler family is making on sales of resorts in ski-areas hit by the epidemic.
Veterans, Active Duty Military Cite ‘Lack Of Service’ On Prescriptions From Pharmacy-Middleman
Since 2009, Express Scripts has held the exclusive right to serve as pharmacy benefit manager to 9.5 million active-duty troops and veterans as well as their dependents, who together received $7.7 billion worth of drugs in 2018. Other news on veterans’ health care is on dental care and a new health center in Manchester, N.H.
Pfizer Executive Chairman Ian Read To Retire At The End Of The Year
Albert Bourla, the company’s chief executive, will assume the post on Jan. 1. Also, a roundup of other recent developments from the drug industry.
About Those Nurses … National Union Critical Of UC Health Response To Concerns About Patient Safety
Outlets also report on on the various roles played by nurses and patient advocates in the delivery of care, as well as other news.
Mylan To Pay $30M To Settle SEC Probe Related To EpiPen Pricing Case Disclosure
The drugmaker allegedly failed to disclose to the Security and Exchange Commission a possible loss related to a previous Department of Justice investigation over whether the company overcharged for its EpiPen, an allergy treatment.
Idaho Officials Seek Federal Approval For Work Requirements For Medicaid Expansion
The waiver — and others expected from Idaho — could take months to process, but “Medicaid expansion will happen on Jan. 1, 2020, regardless of the status of the waivers,” said Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokeswoman Niki Forbing-Orr. Other Medicaid news comes from Kansas, West Virginia and Minnesota.
States Get New Federal Funding To Expand Medicaid Options To Treat Opioid Addiction
Among the states that received the grants are Ohio, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
DOJ Brings Charges Against 35 People In $2.1B Medicare Genetic Cancer Test Scam
Reported to be one of the largest health care fraud schemes in history, it worked on many levels involving doctors, telemarketing companies and testing labs.
Trump Administration Health Transparency Policy Triggering Industry Sparks
Also in the news, The Washington Post reports that the administration initially intended to defend the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, what’s up with websites advertising “Trumpcare”? In addition, outlets report on developments from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as well as the Food and Drug Administration.
The New York Times also reports on a recent trip to the border by lawmakers.
CDC Finds Majority Of Patients With Mysterious Lung Disease Say They Were Vaping Marijuana Compound
In two reports released Friday, federal and state health officials report that about three-quarters of patients reported using products that contained THC. Many said they bought the products from nonretail sources such as friends, family members or street suppliers.
Connecticut And Maryland Raise Age Limit To 21 To Buy Tobacco And Vaping Products
The states join a dozen others with the change from 18 to 21 years old. Public health officials, parents and educators have raised warnings about high use of vaping products among teens. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ plan to temporarily close vaping shops is facing a backlash.
First Edition: September 30, 2019
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pediatricians Stand By Meds For ADHD, But Some Say Therapy Should Come First
The American Academy of Pediatrics is out with new guidelines on ADHD that some hoped would boost the role of behavioral interventions before medications. But the AAP stuck by its recommendation that children 6 and older should be given medicine combined with therapy after diagnosis.
Her Biopsy Report Was Benign. But The Bill Is A Spot Of Contention.
After a test to rule out cancer, Brianna Snitchler faced a $2,170 facility fee for the hospital’s radiology room used that day.
States Target Vaping With Bans. In California, The Action Is Local.
Several states have adopted bans on vaping products, but California isn’t going that far. Instead, cities and counties in the Golden State are stepping in to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions — or ban the sale of e-cigarettes altogether.
Listen: Five Oklahoma Hospitals Collapsed – What Happened?
KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber joined StateImpact Oklahoma reporter Jackie Fortiér to discuss why a series of rural hospitals collapsed, leaving hundreds of residents without jobs and their communities without lifesaving emergency medical care.