Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: October 17, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Adult Vaccine Use; Safety-Net Hospital Readmissions; State Abortion Policy
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Outlets report on health news from Massachusetts, North Carolina, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland and Georgia.
Minn. Nurses Ratify Contract, Will Return To Work Sunday After Months-Long Dispute
The nurses went on two strikes for a combined 44 days.
Mass. Hospital Faulted For Lax Safety Measures After Removing Kidney From Wrong Patient
The Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health conducted the inspection at Saint Vincent Hospital in conjunction with Medicare. Media outlets also report on hospital news out of Florida and Pennsylvania.
Medical Breakthrough Returns Sense Of Touch To Paralyzed Man
Researchers placed tiny electrodes in the sensory cortex of Nathan Copeland’s brain, which allows the sense of touch to bypass his damaged spinal cord.
HHS Releases ‘How-To’ Guide To Help Hospitals Navigate EHR System Contracts
Hidden fees lurk around every corner when it comes to the electronic health systems hospitals and doctors have been pushed to start using.
Doctors: ICU Delirium A ‘Massive Public Health Problem’ That Is Often Overlooked
Up to 80 percent of patients in the ICU experience the phenomenon, which manifests as a sudden and intense confusion that can include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. In other news, the doctor’s white coat may be traditional, but it also helps spread infections, scientists make a breakthrough on keeping HIV in check, sugar is linked to high cholesterol and more.
Homegrown Zika Cases Reported In New Miami-Area Neighborhood
Meanwhile, Florida’s governor urges federal officials to release funds to help the state combat the virus outbreak.
Despite Other Promising Trends In Breast Cancer Deaths, Disparities Remain
While the death rates for women under 50 declined regardless of race, older black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than are white women. In other news, the treatment for prostate cancer can increase the risk of dementia and obesity is linked to liver cancer.
Opioids Dull Parents’ Instinct To Find Babies Irresistible
Recently, a number of incidents have shifted the focus to the toll the crisis is taking on the children of those with an addiction. So researchers looked at why parenting skills seem to be affected by opioids.
A Child Dies From A Gun Accident Every Other Day
USA Today and The Associated Press team up to analyze just how many tragedies have involved minors and accidental shootings.
Device Used During Open-Heart Surgery May Be To Blame For Wave Of Infections, CDC Warns
The agency issued an advisory for health care providers, and urged patients who have had open-heart surgery to seek medical care if they are experiencing symptoms associated with infections.
CMS Set To Unveil Final Rule On New Medicare Physician Payment System
In related news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is also taking steps to reduce physicians’ Medicare-related administrative burdens and encouraging seniors to leave their marketplace plans to sign up for Medicare.
Survey: Medicaid Spending Growth Tapering Off
Now, part of the cost burden of Medicaid coverage will start shifting toward the states because of the requirement they pick up 5 percent of expansion costs starting in 2017. Meanwhile, Virginia’s governor will try again to persuade the state to pursue expansion.
Those Who Benefit Most From Health Law Also Highlight Cracks In Its Foundations
One of the fundamental challenges of the health law is that those who needed coverage the most are getting it. But their care is expensive and younger, healthier people aren’t joining to offset the cost. Meanwhile, more than 1 million customers will need to find new plans as insurers pull out of the marketplace.
Obama Administration Launches Full-On Courtship As Open Enrollment Nears
It will use social media, TV ads, email and direct mail to reach more uninsured Americans. But the media blitz will run up against Republicans’ campaigns touting the opposite message. Meanwhile, a study projects that enrollment will either plateau or drop off this year.
First Edition: October 14, 2016
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Officials Warn Some Older Marketplace Customers To Switch To Medicare
The government is sending emails and letters to some seniors to warn them that if they are eligible for Medicare and stay on the health law’s exchange, they will have to repay any subsidies they receive and if they miss their Medicare enrollment opportunity, they will face a life-long penalty.