Latest KFF Health News Stories
Long Before Mehmet Oz’s Senate Run, His Surgical Research Was Banned
The Washington Post reported that in 2003, Mehmet Oz faced a controversy over his research on heart bypass surgery and was banned from presenting research to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery conference for the next two years. Oz is now the Pennsylvania’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate.
Unreliable Pulse Oximeter Readings Due To Skin Color Reviewed By FDA Panel
The FDA’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee examined clinical data Tuesday and discussed interim steps — like box labels to warn of potentially inaccurate readings for patients with darker skin tones — to provide more time for the agency to investigate. The devices have been widely used by consumers during the covid pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Equitable Access To Covid Drugs Is Improving
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Dementia Now Affecting 10% Of Americans Over 65
A new study into cognitive issues in older Americans has updated a 20-year-old estimate of the scope of the situation, the Washington Post reports. It also notes that 1 in 5 adults over 65 has cognitive difficulties. Separately, more data on functionality of transplanted pig hearts is in the news.
Atlanta Medical Center Shuts; Closed Houston Hospital To Be Reborn
Monday night saw the end of operations for the Atlanta Medical Center, where care was offered to city residents for over a century. Meanwhile shuttered Riverside General Hospital in Houston is set to be reborn as a safety-net health services hub.
Viewpoints: Long Covid Patients Feel Ignored; Overturning Roe Has Far Reaching Consequences
Editorial writers delve into long covid, reproductive rights, veteran health care, and gender dysphoria.
Study Shines Light On Drug, Devicemaker Payments To Health Providers
A slightly greater proportion of advanced practice clinicians accept payments from drug and device makers compared with physicians, a “first of its kind” study finds. Modern Healthcare, meanwhile, reports on how specialty pharmacies boost health systems’ efficiency.
Medicare To Increase Payments For Home Health Care
Federal officials backed off of a plan to reduce reimbursements. They also announced a boost for dialysis treatments. KHN also reports on the penalties leveled against hospitals for having high rates of readmissions.
Suffering Severe Covid Linked To Higher Long Covid Risk: Study
CIDRAP reports the results of a large study that links experiencing worse covid symptoms to risk of subsequent long covid problems. Meanwhile, a CNBC piece covers data showing long covid is affecting more women than men. Also, the CDC director has again tested positive for covid.
Medicare, Pot, Transgender Care Among Issues Shaping Midterms
In the final campaign days, abortion is not the only health care issue that candidates are focusing on to sway voters. The future of Medicare, transgender health care, and marijuana are among others that could determine congressional balance of power.
Investigation Started After Missouri Hospital Blocked Emergency Abortion
A Missouri hospital that refused a woman a medical abortion because of the state’s ban on the procedure is under investigation by the state’s health agency to determine if federal law was broken. In other abortion news, the FDA has concerns over mifepristone prescriptions.
Ballot Measure On Abortion Stirs Passions In Michigan
The high-stakes issue has brought in millions of dollars in campaign contributions on both sides. Abortion is also on the ballot in Kentucky and California.
ACA Enrollment Opens With Hefty Subsidies Still Available For Many
Americans can start signing up for 2023 health insurance plans through healthcare.gov, with federal subsidies expanded through 2025 for those who qualify. Premiums are expected to go up though for those who do not qualify.
Pfizer Says Its Maternal RSV Vaccine Protects Infants Post-Birth
Pfizer announced that if its respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is administered during pregnancy, it acts to protect newborn babies from severe symptoms for six months. It’s set to apply for approval for the drug soon. More stories about surging RSV, and the promise of vaccines are also reported.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle bird flu, covid, and virus research safety.
EPA To Boost Blood Screening For Lead In Midwest Children
NPR reports on a new plan from the Environmental Protection Agency to screen more kids for lead in their blood, alongside other measures to reduce lead exposure. In other news, undetected hearing loss, “almond moms” on TikTok, dialysis services on the ballot in California, and more.
Wait Lists For Therapy Are Huge And ‘Not Going Away,’ Psychologists Say
A “tidal wave of need” has led to wait lists at some hospitals that are regularly six months or longer, The Washington Post reports.
