Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Research Roundup: Disparities For Gender Nonconforming Adolescents; U.S. Health System Performance
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Media outlets report on news from Iowa, New Hampshire, California, New York, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Minnesota.
In Search Of Migraine Treatments, Genetic Researchers Trace Variations Through Families
Scientists studying families with migraines find evidence that hundreds of genetic variants can determine the symptoms and severity of the debilitating disease. In other public health news today: brain implants, the CDC’s disease detective program, brain trauma, breast cancer and menopause.
FDA Wants Electronic Health Records System Dedicated To Tracking Safety Of Regulated Products
Specifically, researchers want to analyze Veterans Affairs data to look for adverse side effects from medications. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic is launching its new electronic medical records system.
Lawyers For Louisiana Ask Federal Appeals Court To Uphold Admitting-Privileges Abortion Law
U.S. District Judge John deGravelles “exaggerated the burden” and “minimized the benefits” of the law when he ruled against it, said Elizabeth Murill of the state attorney general’s office.
The state’s House of Representatives voted to extend New Hampshire’s Medicaid expansion program with an added work requirement.
Administration Urged To Use Workaround To Slash Cost Of Pricey Anti-Overdose Drug
Baltimore’s health department and a national advocacy group wrote to the Trump administration asking officials to take action. Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to make New York City a pioneer in creating supervised safe injection sites.
Congressional Oversight Lags Far Behind Fast-Growing Commercial DNA Testing
Despite consumer unease about their DNA privacy, especially on the heels of the Golden State Killer case, Congress has made no moves to update the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the lone law in this field.
There’s A Gap In Treatment For Sickle Cell Disease. This Small Biotech Company Might Fill It.
There are very few treatments for the disease and a cure through gene-editing is years off. But Global Blood Therapeutics has created a drug that could offer hope to those with sickle cell.
Government May Reexamine Safe Harbor That Drug Rebates Have Under Antikickback Laws
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb suggested the approach days ahead of an anticipated speech by President Donald Trump on lowering drug prices.
Trump Says He’ll Sign Legislation Revamping VA Choice Program As Soon As Congress Passes It
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) on Thursday reintroduced a bill that would overhaul private-care options for veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health-care system.
Health Insurers On ‘Hot Streak’ Despite Worries Over Nasty Flu Season
One big reason for the Q1 windfall is the tax cuts passed by Congress last year, which in some cases more than halved what the insurers owe the government. Meanwhile, conservative groups are drawing up a new “repeal” plan, but Republicans aren’t sold.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these and other health topics.
Media outlets report on news from New York, Texas, Georgia, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Scientists Identify Autism Signpost That Could Eventually Lead To Treatment For The Disorder
Researchers found a correlation between a hormone and autism-like behavior in monkeys, which could be used to diagnose the disorder. The hormone could also become a drug target if future studies show boosting its levels can assuage social impairments. In other public health news: cancer screenings, gene-editing, tick-borne diseases, empathy, strokes, and more.
E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Romaine Lettuce Turns Deadly, Sends More Patients To Hospitals
The weeks-long outbreak has claimed the life of a person in California and has spread to 25 states. Health officials have warned consumers to avoid romaine grown in Yuma, Ariz.
The facilities are also concerned that the new patient categories proposed in the rule won’t actually improve pay accuracy.
