Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: We Already Have The Data And Tools To Fight Medicare Fraud. Use Them; The Stigma Of An Autism Diagnosis Is Hurting Kids
The Hill: Home Care Model Offers Solution To Medicare Fraud
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a six-month moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for new home health and hospice agencies, its latest move to combat fraud in federal health programs. The government is right to focus on fraud, waste and abuse. But its oversight efforts should be targeted, data-driven and aligned with demonstrated risk. (Jason R. Lee, 6/14)
Stat: An Autism Diagnosis Is Unspeakable For Too Many South Asian Families
The CDC’s latest data show autism prevalence is 1 in 31 children in the United States. That is 16% higher than the previous estimate in 2020. It is the kind of number that should change how health systems allocate resources, how pediatricians screen, and how schools plan. But there is a population this number barely touches: South Asian American families, where an autism diagnosis is still, in many homes, a secret. (Ritu Goel, 6/15)
The Washington Post: Vaccine Hesitancy Can Be Overcome, This 98-Year-Old Doctor Argues
Utah’s worsening measles outbreak, which has already sickened more than 670 people, including babies too young to get vaccinated, is a stark reminder of what happens when immunization rates fall. Doctors who want to confront the crisis before it gets worse can take a lesson from Gilbert “Gil” Walker, a 98-year-old retired physician who knows a thing or two about convincing parents to vaccinate their children. (Leana S. Wen, 6/11)
Stat: Well-Designed AI Could Be Beneficial For Children’s Development
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” I said, slipping into the exam room. The boy sat perfectly still, watching “Bluey” on an iPad propped against his stroller. His mother looked exhausted. Coffee untouched. Diaper bag spilling open on the floor. “It’s fine,” she said. “He didn’t even notice.” I didn’t judge her. I couldn’t. I’ve handed my own toddler my phone at the dinner table more times than I’d admit to myself or my colleagues. (Dua Hassan, 6/15)
