Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on AI, space research, Puerto Rico, cannabis, and more.
Abortion Medications Prescribed By Telehealth Are Safe, Effective: Study
Researchers examined the records of 6,000 patients who were prescribed abortion pills via telehealth and received them from a mail-order pharmacy. Of the people who took the medication, 99.7% of the abortions were not followed by any serious adverse events.
Public Health Crisis: Secret List Reveals The Top Sellers Of Guns Used In Crimes
Stores connected to mass shootings appear on the list, including Bass Pro Shops in Denver, which sold a Glock handgun and a Remington shotgun involved in the mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater in 2012 that left 12 dead. As USA Today reported, the list is seen as a warning to the shops that criminals are targeting them for gun trafficking and straw purchasing.
CDC Considers Recommending A Spring Covid Booster For Some
People at risk of severe complications from a covid infection may be recommended to get yet another covid shot in the coming months. Meanwhile Americans’ falling confidence in vaccines was the subject of a House hearing, though some in the room even used the time to spread covid misinformation.
Over Half Of Health Workers Say Racial Discrimination Against Patients Is A Major Problem
In a survey of U.S. health workers, 47% said they have personally witnessed racism or discrimination against patients. That number is higher among Black and Latino health care professionals.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KFF Health News’ First Edition will not be published Monday, Feb. 19, in celebration of the Presidents Day holiday. See you Tuesday!
Viewpoints: Are Weight-Loss Drugs Effective Or Dangerous?; Independent Physicians Are Disappearing
Editorial writers tackle weight-loss drugs, independent doctors, abortion bans, and more.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Overuse; Heart Disease; Covid; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Joyous Super Bowl Celebration Turns To Horror After Gunfire Erupts In KC
Tens of thousands of people fled the scene in chaos after shots were fired into the crowd, killing one woman and injuring 21 other people, including children. The attack came on the sixth anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people.
NIH Boosts Long Covid Study Funding By $515 Million
This is a nearly 50% increase on the project’s budget, Stat reports. Separately, research found that the risk of suffering chronic fatigue is much higher among covid patients than for people who haven’t had covid. Scientists also concluded that covid home test accuracy matches clinician-given tests.
Eicos Science Injection Is First FDA-Approved Frostbite Treatment
The drug will be sold under the brand name Aurlumyn and is expected to be available in the spring, though pricing is not yet known. Meanwhile, prescriptions for the first pill to treat postpartum depression are said to be “off to a promising start” after its launch.
To Tackle Staffing Shortage, University Of Georgia Gets A Medical School
The university will launch an independent medical school amid the ongoing shortage of medical professionals. In other industry news, cyberattacks on hospitals are expected to increase; some services are restored at Lurie Children’s Hospital after a cyberattack; and more.
Fitness Tracker Data Hints At Body Temps As A Depression Symptom
A new study found participants with higher body temperatures also reported higher rates of depressive symptoms, though it’s not clear which way the causal link flows. Also in the news: Science finds walking, yoga and strength training can tackle depression as well as therapy.
1,000 People A Day Signed Up In North Carolina’s Medicaid Expansion
When North Carolina launched its Medicaid expansion on Dec. 1, it was estimated some 600,000 people would get coverage over two years. In the first two months, 58% of that goal has been reached. Also in the news: nearly all states have extended postpartum coverage; and California’s new Medi-Cal eligibility rules.
FTC To Investigate How Purchasing Organizations Impact Drug Shortages
Stat reports that the FTC will look into the role that group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and wholesalers play in controlling the availability and cost of critical medicines to hospitals and other medical facilities in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss conversion therapy, medical aid in dying, maternal assistance, and more.
Perspectives: Why Is Use Of The ‘Polypill’ Not Being Implemented Everywhere?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Harvard Awarded CARB-X Funds To Develop Oral Antibiotics
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Talks Among Lawmakers On Medicare Doctor Payments Float Partial Increase
Stat reports that congressional lawmakers are considering a partial adjustment to Medicare physician pay cuts that were enacted this year. Doctors have been lobbying Congress to make the change in the next spending bill.