Latest KFF Health News Stories
Task Force: Decision To Get Prostate Screening Should Be ‘An Individual One’
The draft guidance issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force is a shift from its 2012 stance that the harms of the screening outweighed the benefits.
In Era Of Health Care Hacks, Some Worry Medical Devices Are Too Vulnerable To Attack
The Food and Drug Administration has become increasingly concerned about the issue and is working to coordinate with other agencies on how to respond if a serious medical device hack were to occur. In other health IT news, patients with diabetes turn to video chats to help manage their disease, and a new study looks at the effectiveness of fitness trackers.
New Biotech Startup Targets Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Suffered By 48M Americans
In other pharmaceutical news, a newly approved drug offers relief for Parkinson’s patients who experience symptoms of psychosis. And a German company eyes Akorn Pharmaceuticals for acquisition.
Something’s Gotta Give: Astronomical Health Costs May Be Driving Industry To Breaking Point
Modern Healthcare looks at how the sky-high cost of medical care is putting an escalating pressure on providers to offer better quality treatment for less.
Lawmakers Call For Dedicated $300M Fund To Fight Epidemics
“We cannot afford to be caught flat-footed or constrained in our ability to respond and provide aid in a timely and comprehensive manner when the next public health crisis emerges,” the lawmakers’ letter states.
Movement To Provide Low-Income Housing For Patients Faces Threat In Form Of Trump Cuts
Many say that being able to provide housing to patients who need it is crucial to solving the country’s health care woes. But cuts President Donald Trump has proposed to housing programs and possible changes to the tax code could undermine their efforts.
Uncertainty Over Health Law Could Be Its Downfall In Industry That Lives And Dies On Predictability
At the same time insurers are having to make a decision to stay in the Affordable Care Act 2018 marketplaces, the future is unclear for the subsidies the industry sees as crucial to survival.
Following ‘Replace’ Debacle, Vulnerable GOP Lawmakers Dodge Town Halls
USA Today looks at which members are facing their constituents during recess — and there are only a few swing-district Republicans who supported the health bill doing so. Meanwhile, ads are being launched from both sides of the aisle over lawmakers’ health care stances.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Drugmaker’s Link To The Opioid Epidemic; Social Justice And Health Education
A collection of public health opinions from around the country.
Perspectives On Reviving The GOP’s Repeal-And-Replace Effort; Obamacare As A Job Creator
Editorial pages across the country include different thoughts on what’s next in Congress in the Affordable Care Act versus Trumpcare face-off and other issues related to overhauling the health care system.
Ideas About Health Care Decisions, Costs And Navigation
Opinion writers describe the puzzling nature of health care costs and medical decisions.
Outlets report on news from Georgia, Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland, Hawaii, Wisconsin, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington.
New Kansas Law Helps Parents Prevent Hospitals From Using Do-Not-Resusitate Orders On Kids
Kansans for Life, an influential anti-abortion group in the state, helped push the bill. Also in the news, Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a bill to allow out-of-state insurers to sell policies there, the Texas House is weighing transferring funding to a program that helps rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking and the Montana legislature moves toward spending $1 million to help prevent suicide.
Rallies In Boston And Louisville Press For Single-Payer Health System
The demonstrations were part of a national day of action organized by several groups, including Physicians for a National Health Program.
Lawmakers Seeking Answers On Trump’s Views On Legalizing Marijuana Look To His Son-In-Law
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump seemed to go back and forth on the issue, but some think Jared Kushner could hold the answers.
Politico investigates Patrick Soon-Shiong and his research foundation.
In Era Of Opioid Epidemic, Some Seek Alternatives To Quick Pain Fix Of Pills
Experts want patients to realize that painkillers might make them feel better, but they are not treating the underlying cause. Media outlets report on the crisis out of Tennessee, West Virginia, Connecticut, Ohio, Missouri, New York and New Jersey.
Can $200 Really Buy You An Accurate Look At Your Genetic Risk For Diseases?
23andMe, a genetic testing company, recently won Food and Drug Administration approval to sell its product, which tells users if they are susceptible to certain diseases. Stat offers a look at what consumers need to know about it before considering using it. In other public health news: diabetes, MRIs, Tourette’s syndrome, three-parent babies, HPV, strokes, and more.
In other health information technology news, WellCare tests artificial intelligence systems designed to flag health problems and prescribe treatment plans. And senators will consider a bill that would let Medicare test more telehealth models.
