Latest KFF Health News Stories
Varying Hospital Readmission Rates Not Explained By Socioeconomic Status
According to new research reported at Modern Healthcare, some of the issues “often” blamed for poor readmission rates to hospitals actually aren’t correlated: Socioeconomic status, care access and insurance coverage differences can’t explain why some hospitals have higher rates.
As Biden Weighs Choice For Court, GOP Senators Offer Their Thoughts
Some Republicans say that they are open to the president’s promise to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, but others stake a hard line on any liberal nominees. Meanwhile, some news outlets look at the issue of abortion access, which the court is currently considering.
Covid Means 1,000 Wichita School Staff Out; Record Student Cases In Texas
The Wichita situation is thanks to a mix of actual covid illness or exposure, and affects nearly 14% of the state’s largest school district staff. In Texas, a surge is affecting schoolkids, but the governor’s rule bans mask mandates — so some students are reportedly turning to walkouts over limited covid rules.
Worries That 174,000 Utahns Weren’t Told Their Covid Test May Be Wrong
Testing at Timpanogos Regional Hospital is at the center of the Salt Lake Tribune report. Also: Tests will be sold in New Hampshire liquor stores and given out free in Detroit libraries.
Judges Uphold Local Vax Requirements In Minnesota, Ohio
Also in the news: a New Jersey gym owner who defied the state’s mandates says he is running for the U.S. House of Representatives.; U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., calls the vaccine mandate the “worst thing that has ever happened in America”; and more.
Third Dose OK’d For San Franciscans Who Got Johnson & Johnson Shots
The city’s Department of Public Health decided that people who’ve already had one booster shot for the J&J vaccine can now get a third dose. Separately, cheetahs at the Maryland Zoo are helping in a covid study, and Maine’s vaccine disparities are worse among younger kids.
At Missouri Hospitals, Desk Workers Are Scrubbing Rooms, Emptying Trash
Short-staffed hospitals have asked their administrators and office workers to pitch in with tasks that usually fall to the nursing or custodial staff.
Spread Of Covid Likely Linked To Temperature, Humidity
A new study suggests that transmission of the virus may be linked to the seasons: Warmer regions may see more transmission in the summer, while colder regions may get more cases in the winter.
‘Stealth’ Omicron Spreading Across US, But Vaccines Can Fight It, Data Show
The subvariant, known as BA.2, is 1.5 times more contagious than the original variant, research shows. Experts say BA.2 is no reason to panic but that it could drag out this phase of the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ACT For ALS Paves Way For New Therapies; UNOS Updates Improve Transplant Equity
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid, meditation, bone density, senior health, skin tags, and more.
Winter Olympics Poised To Begin, In Shadow Of Covid And Strict Rules
On Wednesday, U.S. bobsled team member Josh Williamson tested positive for covid, meaning he can’t travel to the Games, and in China itself, authorities are fighting to prevent flare-ups of the virus caused by omicron, including previous lockdowns of whole cities.
Study Shows Late-Stage Colon Cancer Found In More Younger Adults
The University of Colorado School of Medicine study found more younger adults with colon cancer, including cases in 20- to 29-year-olds. In other news, the U.S. blood shortage continues, and a study found a link between vitamin D and fish oil supplements and preventing autoimmune disease.
Meningitis Might Have Been Spread At Parties At Michigan State University
Health officials are warning that people who attended two college fraternity events on Jan. 20 and 22 may have been exposed to rare bacterial meningococcal meningitis and should start antibiotics immediately.
Chiefs Fans Raise Over $300K For Buffalo Children’s Hospital
Many of the donations were for $13 – the same amount of seconds it took the Chiefs to tie the game against the Buffalo Bills, CBS reported. In Massachusetts, Mass General Brigham defended a $2.3 billion expansion plan after criticism from regulators over excessive spending.
Pre-Surgery Immunotherapy Linked To Better Liver Cancer Outcomes
A third of patients enrolled in a study who received immunotherapy treatment before surgical interventions had their liver tumors die off. Separately, reports say two new, little-known drugs are adding to the overdose crisis. AbbVie is also in the news over a Humira trade secrets investigation.
For First Time, Grants For Medicaid, CHIP Target Those Who Are Pregnant
Modern Healthcare reports that state and local governments, not-for-profits, schools and more can now apply to receive up to $1.5 million each over three years to help more kids get health coverage.
Covid Rules Eased In San Francisco; Boston Vax Mandate Paused By Judge
San Francisco is easing its mandate for masking in gyms and offices, if people are vaccinated, and will relax vaccine proof requirements for indoor sports arenas, restaurants and bars. Meanwhile in Boston, a judge ruled some unionized city workers won’t have to get vaccinated under a mandate. Media outlets cover other moves toward and away from mandates across the country.
