Latest KFF Health News Stories
UNOS To Implement New Technology To Make Organ Donation More Seamless
The United Network for Organ Sharing will roll out a new platform that will be used in the operating room to accurately label, package and track organs, as well as create a comprehensive data exchange interface. In other health IT news, though the ease of telemedicine might be tempting, a good old fashioned doctor’s visit is sometimes what’s actually needed.
One Researcher’s Battle With Schizophrenia
Brandon Chuang was working with patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia when he suffered a psychotic break of his own. His path since has been strewn with dark days, but now he’s back in the lab and talking openly about his illness to help others. Meanwhile, a study finds that young Americans have a significantly weaker hand grip than those in 1985, dangerous chemicals are in public schools across the country and teens who vape are more likely to take up smoking.
Health Officials Revise Guidance Of Where Mosquitos That Could Carry Zika Are Found
The new map represents “the best knowledge of the current distribution of this mosquito based on collection records,” according to a federal scientist quoted by NPR. In other Zika news, the U.N. revokes an invitation to a Canadian professor to join a study group, a look at how cutbacks in women’s health programs could affect Zika prevention and advice on finding travelers’ insurance that might allow you to cancel a trip based on Zika threats.
In the 19 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid through the health law, poor patients aren’t getting the help they need. “The best way to get treatment if you’re addicted to drugs in Missouri is to get pregnant,” said Dr. Joe Parks, director of that state’s Medicaid program.
New Federal Rule Would Force Hospitals To Curb Overuse Of Antibiotics
The proposal is an effort to help stop the growth of drug-resistant germs. The rule also sets anti-discrimination policies for hospitals that include bans against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Maryland Co-Op Files Suit Over CMS’ ‘Outrageous’ Risk Adjustment Formula
Evergreen Health Cooperative Inc. wants to avoid paying $22 million in fees.
Study: 24 Million Fewer People Would Have Insurance If Health Law Were Repealed
The study also found that the government’s spending on health would decrease by $927 billion over 10 years, but, even so, the Congressional Budget Office says the deficit would actually increase if the law were repealed. Meanwhile, consumer advocates are frustrated that Illinois doesn’t require insurers to make their premium hikes public until Aug. 1.
U.S., Cuba Form Partnership To Collaborate On Matters Of Public Health, Biomedical Research
The two countries will work together on issues such as dengue fever, Zika, drug development and medical training.
Millions In Federal Funds Awarded To State Groups To Cover Uninsured Children
Nonprofits and community groups in states such as Texas, Pennsylvania and Maryland receive money from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in order to increase insurance coverage for low-income kids.
Democrats Rail Against ‘Moral Bankruptcy Of The Blood Ban,’ Call For Change In Guidelines
In the aftermath of the Orlando massacre, pressure is mounting against the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations on gay men donating blood.
Why HIPAA Waiver Wasn’t Needed After Orlando Shooting
The law, intended to protect patients’ privacy, grants providers latitude in some circumstances to disclose certain information based on judgment, reason and compassion. Meanwhile, the proximity of the massacre to a Level 1 trauma center may have saved lives, a medical journal editor makes a push for more research on gun violence and experts speak about why it’s dangerous to oversimplify mental illness in relation to mass shootings.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Precautions Against Superbugs; Dying With Society’s Blessing
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from New York, Florida, Connecticut, California, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri and North Carolina.
Hospital Roundup: Connecticut Approves Sale Of Two Hospitals
In other news, New Hampshire’s need for a psychiatric facility to treat prison inmates continues to be pushed off and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio plans a mental health center. Also, California Healthline reports on the growing gap in the cost of services at California’s top two health systems versus the rest of the state.
Survey Offers Glimpse Of Extreme Frustration Fla. Pediatricians Feel Toward Medicaid
Two of the bigger problems they reported were having patients who were reassigned to a different insurance company or pediatrician without the parents’ knowledge and insurance plan limitations impeding care. In other news, advocates say a federal change to Medicaid funding will greatly help Native Americans in Wisconsin.
Both Sides Wait With Bated Breath For Split Court To Rule On Texas Abortion Law
With an unpredictable 4-4 Supreme Court, abortion providers and opponents are planning for any situation. In other news, a look at the Indiana abortion law going in front of a federal judge on Tuesday, and Arizona’s Department of Health Services reports that there’s been no violations to a 10-month-old fetal tissue rule.
Penicillin Still A Match For Syphillis Despite Other Bacteria’s Growing Resistance
News outlets report on other public health stories about unregulated chemicals found in drinking water, America’s least healthy cities and the mental and financial toll Alzheimer’s takes on families.
Federal Health Officials Prepare Plan For Responding To Possible Zika Outbreak In U.S.
The blueprint for federal and state action if the virus begins to be transmitted in this country could be released this week. Meanwhile, Florida officials are looking for more leadership and funding from the federal government. And Kaiser Health News has an FAQ about concerns for women of child-bearing age.
When Drugs Are Everywhere, The Daily Struggle To Stay Clean Can Be A Herculean Effort
Prescription painkillers have become so ubiquitous in America’s rural towns, those trying to stay sober are facing a constant uphill battle. Meanwhile, a New Jersey ER has embraced a culture shift in how it treats pain, federal prosecutors have gone after a drugmaker’s former employees saying they were inappropriately marketing fentanyl, and investors and businesses are seeing a big opportunity in addiction treatment.
