Latest KFF Health News Stories
After Bruising Report, Inspector General Recommends Medicare Restrict Home Visit Payments
The Wall Street Journal reported on a new report from the OIG that found private Medicare insurers got about $4.2 billion in extra federal payments in 2023 for diagnoses from home visits the companies initiated, even though they led to no treatment. The Medicare agency disputed the report and said it disagreed with the recommendation.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Big Pharma Is Swamping Small Biz; Stakes Are Huge On Nov. 5
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board Eyes Price Caps
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Walmart Prescription Deliveries Set To Reach Over 86% Of American Homes
Two weeks after Amazon announced it will open pharmacies in 20 new U.S. cities in 2025, Walmart introduced its prescription delivery service. Already live in six states, it is expected to be available in 49 states by the end of January.
Study On Importance Of Physicians’ Race In Infant Mortality Is Debunked
The findings in a 2020 study, which claimed Black babies treated by white doctors were twice as likely to die within 12 months, are being reevaluated. Survival is now thought to be linked to birth weight and not race. Also: lawsuits, the No Surprises Act arbitration, and new treatment for shingles.
Clear Poised To Break Into Health Care Industry With Facial Recognition Tech
Clear, best known for its fast-pass airport security technology, is trying to expand into the health care market using its facial recognition technology to help speed up insurance claim approvals and prior authorizations, even amid data privacy concerns.
Study Examines Respiratory Pattern’s Link To Anosmia, Other Health Issues
Sniff spikes, the study noted, might help researchers better understand some of the mental issues experienced by covid patients who have lost their sense of smell. Separately, researchers found that children too young to be vaccinated against covid were more likely to be hospitalized with infection.
Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald’s Burgers Sickens 49 People
One person has died and 10 have been hospitalized. In other news, the aging impact of experiencing loss, research into a new concussion symptom, and more.
Tarver Will Take Reins At FDA’s Medical Device Division
Dr. Michelle Tarver, an ophthalmologist with a background in epidemiology, will lead the unit that reviews products key to medical diagnosis and surgery. Also in the news: legacy medical devices, wheelchair repairs, and more.
Harris: No Compromise On Abortion Rights, Even If GOP Controls Congress
“I don’t think we should be making concessions,” Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said in an interview with NBC News. Meanwhile, Republicans push back against Democrats’ efforts to paint them as extreme on abortion, The Hill reports.
Despite Bans, Abortions Are Surging
The New York Times breaks down abortion data by states that enacted bans after the fall of Roe. Other news outlets look at legal and political efforts underway in Missouri, Maryland, and elsewhere.
First Edition: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
After Dual Storms, Florida Sees Uptick In Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections
So far, 76 people have become sick, and 13 of them have died, because of Vibrio vulnificus. The bacteria is commonly found in floodwaters after storm surges. Elsewhere, 46 people have been hospitalized because of food poisoning in Maryland, and New York City’s health commissioner has stepped down.
Women Are Less Likely Than Men To Receive Pain Meds In The ER
The study, published in PNAS, looked at emergency department data from the U.S. and Israel and found wide disparities between how men and women are treated. Also, a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that few transgender and nonbinary youths regret receiving gender-affirming medical care.
GLP-1 Drugs Suggested For Diabetics At Risk Of Stroke, Heart Disease
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association issued guidelines Monday that also look at the effects of testosterone and estrogen on the body. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly sues three makers of copycat versions of its weight loss drug.
Doctors Don’t Care For MIPS; Alternative Isn’t Appealing, Either
Physicians have wanted CMS’ burdensome Merit-based Incentive Payment System replaced for years. The proposed replacement, Value Pathways, has limitations that make MIPS look better, they say.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Washington State Reports 4 Suspected Bird Flu Cases In Poultry Workers
If positive, these cases would be the first infections in the state. Also: the accuracy of tracking norovirus in wastewater, and exploring why mental illness raises the risk of severe covid.
