Latest KFF Health News Stories
Community Hospitals Hit Disproportionately By Covid: Study
A new study into “downstream” health care impacts of covid shows how community hospitals were more severely hit by central line-associated bloodstream infections and other care-associated infections during the pandemic. Also: Becker’s reports on the best hospitals to work for in each state.
CMS Pushes Back Controversial Radiation Oncology Model
Modern Healthcare says radiation oncologists oppose the model’s design, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation wants to test whether it will save money. Under the new federal government rule, once a decision is made CMS must propose a new start date 6 months ahead.
Pfizer’s RSV Vaccine Found 86% Effective For Older Adults
The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is experimental but has already been in clinical trials. Pfizer says there were no safety concerns. About 14,000 Americans die of RSV each year, reports say.
Abortion Access Shrinks With New Restrictions In Effect In 4 More States
Abortion “trigger laws” were enacted in Idaho, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas this week. And a judge rejected a request for a temporary injunction on Florida’s 15-week ban. News outlets report on the barriers patients face even in states where abortion is still allowed.
Report Says Up To 4 Million Out Of Work Because Of Long Covid
This figure from a new survey is more than twice the number of earlier estimates. The cost of missed work hours may be around $170 billion a year. Also: variant covid rapid tests, covid in kids under 5, New Mexico’s governor has covid, and more.
Monkeypox Case Trends Hint At Progress In Curbing Spread
Globally, new reported cases declined 21% in the last week, though the World Health Organization says that numbers are still steeply climbing in the Americas. Officials in San Francisco and Los Angeles are also seeing signs that the outbreak is slowing in those areas.
No, Not Over: Covid Has So Far Killed 1 Million Worldwide This Year
The World Health Organization announced that global deaths have passed the “tragic milestone” of 1 million lost lives in 2022 due to covid.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Aug. 29 through Sept. 5. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Research Roundup: Childhood Vaccinations; Pregnancy; Covid
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers examine abortion rights, polio, and Medicare.
Different Takes: Long Covid Has Gone On Long Enough; The CDC Needs Updating
Editorial writers weigh in on long covid, the CDC, and Dr. Fauci.
Employer Health Care Costs Driven Mainly By Cancer Diagnoses
A survey from the Business Group on Health shows that the top driver of employers’ care costs are from increasing diagnoses in late-stage cancer. Other health industry news includes data breaches, racism, and more.
Amid Money Headaches, Americans Are Skipping Therapy
A report in the Wall Street Journal covers how medical expenses for therapy are impacting the U.S. during this time of inflation. Also: sugar substitutes’ impact on blood glucose, a link between spirituality and heart health for Black Americans, tattoo ink worries, and more.
Cases Of West Nile Virus Climb In Louisiana; Precautions Advised
The state is experiencing a very challenging West Nile season, according to a regional medical director quoted by AP. Among other news, reports say the wife of a Northern California congressman died after taking an herbal remedy.
During The Pandemic, Type 2 Diabetes In Youngsters Rose Dramatically
A study shows that new diagnoses rose 77% during the first year of covid for patients ages 8 to 21, with the average age being 14.4 years. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that covid deaths are falling, down 15% globally in the last week.
Senate To Convene Hearing On White House’s Monkeypox Response
The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing will happen mid-September and is designed to dig into the Biden administration’s health officials’ response to the monkeypox issue. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, there’s quiet confidence the outbreak is slowing.
Psilocybin, With Therapy, Helps Curb Alcohol Use Disorder: Study
Nearly half of the study participants who got psilocybin stopped drinking entirely, compared with 24% of the control group. The treatment is promising for people who don’t respond to conventional approaches, said the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Amazon To Shutter Telehealth ‘Care’ Business In Surprise Move
Stat reminds us it’s less than a month since Amazon acquired One Medical, a “blockbuster” deal, but the retail giant will still shut down Amazon Care at the end of the year. The senior vice president of Amazon Health Services said it wasn’t “the right long-term solution” for enterprise customers.
Reports Reveal Trump-Era Pressure On FDA Over Hydroxychloroquine
Media outlets cover details revealed by a House Oversight subcommittee. Even though hydroxychloroquine was already shown to be ineffective against covid, and possibly dangerous, Trump White House officials pressured the FDA to authorize it. TV personalities also had a role.
Paxlovid Has Little To No Benefit For Younger Adults With Covid: Study
The Israeli study looked at data from 109,000 people, though it confirmed the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death for high-risk seniors ages 65 and older. Meanwhile, first lady Jill Biden tested positive for a rebound case of covid after taking Paxlovid.