Latest KFF Health News Stories
Proper Pain Management From Parents Can Take Sting Out Of Vaccinations For Kids
More often than not, parents are unaware of the vast amount of children’s pain and anxiety management research they can pull from when their kids are getting vaccinated. And doctors aren’t providing the information because they say they aren’t being asked. In other news, advocates in California want adults to make sure they’re getting vaccinated, too.
How A Tough-On-Crime Politician’s Opioid Policy Shifted Toward Treatment Over Punishment
“Once you have the facts, it’s very clear to you,” says Frank Guinta, a New Hampshire politician who used to have a single-minded focus of ridding the state of drug dealers. His view has shifted to seeing addiction as an illness rather than a crime.
The Golden Age Of Antibiotics Is Staring Down Its Own Demise
Common ailments are regaining the power to kill as bacteria evolves to resist antibiotics. The Los Angeles Times offers an in-depth look at the issue.
Disability Advocates Press Federal Officials To Get Kansas To Fix Medicaid Backlog
The Disability Rights Center is asking the Obama administration to force Kansas to prove that it is notifying applicants of their right to a hearing if their application isn’t processed within 45 days. Also, another group is staging meetings across the state to rally support for Medicaid expansion.
Theranos’ Downfall Serves As Cautionary Reminder To Silicon Valley Investors
If something seems too good to be true, it just might be. Don’t buy into the hype. Pay attention to red flags. These are just some of the lessons investors may take away when they evaluate what happened with the blood-testing startup.
Consumers Can Search Prices For Medical Services With New Online Tool
USA Today spotlights the expanded search from Amino, a data company that launched last year to help patients find doctors. In other health IT news, a new computerized biopsy tool may help pathologists and a Nashville, Tenn., tech company teams up with Uber to transport people to appointments.
With Proper Drugs, HIV-Positive Patients Have Low Risk For Sexual Transmission
A new study finds that patients who are HIV-positive and taking antiretroviral drugs have a low risk of spreading the virus to their partner, even if they are not using condoms. Doctors, however, warn about placing too much weight on the findings. In other news, a look at why the South is so disproportionately hard hit by AIDS.
Merck Plans R&D Layoffs At East Coast Locations
The pharmaceutical company’s reorganization also includes new laboratories near Boston and San Francisco with an increased focus on microbiome research.
After 3 Patient Deaths, Juno Therapeutics To Resume Modified Trial Of Anti-Cancer Treatment
The FDA is allowing the continuation after the company said that the deaths of the three young leukemia patients — who developed fatal brain swelling — stemmed not from its treatment but from a chemotherapy drug also used. Juno will drop that chemo drug in the modified trial.
‘Right To Try’ Experimental Medications Stance May Be Adopted In Republican Platform
Laws have passed in 31 states that allow terminal patients access to unapproved treatments. In other development news, a drug to help severe postpartum depression shows promising results in a clinical trial. And, in a first for a major venture capital firm, Flagship Ventures hires a new chief medical officer.
Democrats Will Support Opioid Bill — But They’re Not Happy About It
The package is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday. While Senate Democrats voice concerns about the legislation, they say they will give it their support. The bill authorizes $181 million for drug abuse and treatment programs but does not appropriate the funds.
Zika Battle Rages On As Republicans Dig In With Take-It-Or-Leave-It Stance
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans rejected a new Democratic proposal aimed at finding a middle ground in the battle over Zika funding.
Dems Signal Renewed Interest In Public Option, But Hospitals Want It Out Of Platform
Adding a public option to the insurance market has gained traction of late as both Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama have voiced support for it. But not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.
CMS Counters Attacks That Health Law Insurance Costs Are Too High For Consumers
The agency’s report shows that when factoring in financial assistance from the government, the median deductible that consumers actually pay for Obamacare health plans is $850 this year. That’s down $50 from the past year. Meanwhile, another co-op is shutting down.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Calif. Lawmakers And ‘Scourge’ Of Surprise Medical Bills; Opioid Bill Needs Funding
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Outlets report on health news from Missouri, California, Texas, New Hampshire, Florida and Minnesota.
Patient Who Helped Force Washington Medicaid To Cover Hep C Drugs Savors Victory
Adam Rabb of Olympia, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that forced Washington state to cover the expensive drugs for Medicaid enrollees, has begun receiving the medication. But he worries about other patients who haven’t heard about the court injunction and may not know they can get medicine. Also in Medicaid news are concerns about toddlers falling out of the program and an audit finds some oversight problems in New Jersey.
Study Examines Explosion Of Cancer Center Advertising That Often Plays On Patients’ Emotions
Researchers found that just 20 centers accounted for 86 percent of ad spending in 2014, with for-profit Cancer Treatment Centers of America laying out the most with $101.7 million.
Parents, Let Your Kids Get A Little Dirty; New Study Suggests It Has Health Benefits.
Researchers find that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less likely to develop allergies later in their lives, which could support the theory that exposure to microbes does have health benefits. Also in public health news: the long-term effects of protesting, a second person with the superbug gene, workers’ habit of going into work sick, and more.
