Latest KFF Health News Stories
Researchers and doctors are still trying to fully grasp the scope of the coronavirus as the world watches the outbreak nervously. But in the early stages, it’s hard to know exactly what’s real and what’s skewed by the fact that the sickest people tend to be identified first. Meanwhile, scientists are racing to create a vaccine. And, how do bats live with all these viruses?
The opioid company connected to the alleged scheme to encourage doctors to prescribe more painkillers to patients wasn’t named, but court watchers say the documents in question provide clues. And those might point to Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin.
Prominent Harvard Scientist Arrested By U.S. Authorities, Charged With Hiding Ties To China
Charles Lieber—a leading nanoelectronics researcher and the chair of Harvard’s department of chemistry and chemical biology—is accused of making false statements to the Department of Defense about his role in China’s Thousand Talents program. The complaint says, Lieber was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for his work as a “strategic scientist” at Wuhan University of Technology.
There are only five confirmed cases in the U.S. at the moment. HHS Secretary Alex Azar, along with other top health officials, urge Americans not to panic about a potential outbreak. Meanwhile, the government is taking steps to regulate air travel to and from China.
China Agrees To Allow International Experts To Visit To Help Bolster Country’s Coronavirus Response
Chinese authorities agreed to work with experts from other countries after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization. The number of cases in China has now surpassed the SARS outbreak total. As of Wednesday, there were 5,974 confirmed cases of the virus in mainland China, including 132 deaths.
First Edition: January 29, 2020
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Are Social Media Influencers Boosting Pharma Sales? The FDA Wants To Investigate
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical development and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Terminally Ill, He Wanted Aid-In-Dying. His Catholic Hospital Said No.
Neil Mahoney had terminal cancer. He also had a legal right to aid-in-dying. But his faith-based hospital called it “morally unacceptable.” So he turned to a network of Colorado doctors to fulfill his last wish.
Bike Fatalities Are On The Rise
More than 450 cyclists died in traffic accidents in California from 2016 through 2018, marking the highest three-year death rate in 25 years. Among the factors at play: more cars on roads, distracted driving and a pronounced consumer shift toward SUVs.
Response To Nation’s 1st Coronavirus Case Draws On Lessons From Measles Outbreak
When the first confirmed U.S. patient was pinpointed in Washington state, health clinic workers there weren’t rattled. They were prepped by new statewide protocols on contagion containment, in the wake of last year’s measles scare.
California reabre el debate sobre un sistema universal de salud
El gobernador de California Gavin Newsom abogó desde su campaña por un sistema de pagador único que cubriera a todos los californianos.
Opinion writers tackle these and other health issues.
Media outlets report on health care news from Utah, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Florida, California, Maryland, Wisconsin, Missouri, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Connecticut.
Walking The Tightrope Between Curbing Vaping Epidemic And Pushing Kids Toward Traditional Cigarettes
Pointing to the decline in traditional smoking numbers, some advocates say that intense regulations on vaping could actually backfire and cause more harm. In other public health news: 9/11 responders’ health, well-child checkups, prostate cancer, suicide rates, baby powder, and more.
Markets Tumble Worldwide On Fears Of Coronavirus Outbreak
Experts caution that it is still too early to understand how big an economic impact the virus will have, but the stock market took a hit on Monday on news of how quickly the virus was spreading within China.
States Work To Identify, Contain Any Possible Cases Of Coronavirus
News stories from across the country look at where patients are being monitored over concerns of infections.
Azar Frustrated That Some Stakeholders Are Fiercely Pushing Back Against Interoperability Rules
The two interoperability proposals, released by the ONC and the CMS early last year, are designed to make it easier for providers, insurers and patients to exchange health data, HHS Secretary Alex Azar says. But some groups have expressed privacy concerns about the changes. Meanwhile, experts say a national patient identifier may help some, but it won’t act as a cure-all for all coordination woes.
Health Tech Company Resolves Allegations It Helped Set Up System To Encourage Opioid Prescriptions
Information technology company Practice Fusion admits to soliciting and receiving kickbacks of nearly $1 million from a “major opioid company.” The Department of Justice says this is the first time criminal action has been taken against an electronic health records vendor over its role in the opioid crisis.
Most teens seeking care aren’t getting permanent surgeries, but rather injections that pause the process of puberty. A new wave of bills from conservative states, including South Dakota and Kentucky, want to make it illegal for doctors to give such care, despite testimony that the injections help diminish depression and suicidal thoughts. “They’re not listening to any health care providers,” said Dr. Alexis Chávez, a psychiatrist. “And they’re advancing something that’s very dangerous to make a statement.”