Atrium Health, Big Collector Of Medical Debt, Stops Suing Patients
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Charlotte Ledger and North Carolina Health News report that the hospital system has quietly stopped suing patients for unpaid medical bills, earning praise from critics who object to health system debt collection habits. Separately, Allina Health physicians have voted to unionize; UnitedHealth Group sees profits jump; and more.
Emergency Doctors’ Group Withdraws Its ‘Excited Delirium’ Paper
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
Though previously rejected by most other medical organizations, the American College of Emergency Physicians has now disavowed its 2009 report on”excited delirium” syndrome that was subsequently used to justify police custody deaths.
Doctors Write Letter Warning Of Risks From Low Blood Transfusion Rates
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
Preventable deaths and risks to national security are said to be the result of health care facilities and emergency vehicles lacking equipment for transfusions. Among other news, a study pinpoints possible better treatments for Raynaud’s disease; ways around the U.S. vape ban; and more.
Medicare Coverage Expanded For More Brain Scans To Detect Alzheimer’s
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
The goal of the expanded coverage is to detect a brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the target of new Alzheimer’s drugs. Meanwhile, a neuroscientist whose studies are linked to an experimental Alzheimer’s treatment has been faulted for errors in his research after an investigation.
California Health Workers Will Get $25-Per-Hour Minimum Pay Soon
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill late Friday; wages will be gradually raised to $25 per hour over several years. California is the first state to enact minimum pay for health industry workers. In other news, Kaiser Permanente and union workers have reached a tentative deal to avert further strikes.
Morning Briefing for Monday, October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
Bankruptcies and closures, Medicare open enrollment, opioids, health worker pay, covid vaccines, medical debt, and more are in the news.
Falling Sales, Opioid Lawsuits Drive Rite Aid Into Bankruptcy
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
More than a thousand federal, state, and local lawsuits, sales losses, and problem mergers are reportedly behind the pharmacy giant’s bankruptcy filing. Also in the news, the tragic deaths of dozens of toddlers in Missouri and Kansas from fentanyl overdoses
Enrollment For 2024 Medicare Plans Now Open
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
As Medicare open enrollment kicks off — running from Oct. 15 to Dec. — media outlets round up this year’s changes and other information that shoppers should know.
First Edition: Oct. 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Doctors Abandon a Diagnosis Used to Justify Police Custody Deaths. It Might Live On, Anyway.
By Markian Hawryluk and Renuka Rayasam
October 16, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The American College of Emergency Physicians agreed to withdraw its 2009 white paper on excited delirium, removing the only official medical pillar of support left for the theory that has played a key role in absolving police of culpability for in-custody deaths.
Listen: Inroads for Women in California’s Health Care Workforce
October 16, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News senior correspondent Angela Hart leads a discussion about the role women play as California grapples with a shortage of health care providers.
Medicare Enrollees Can Switch Coverage Now. Here’s What’s New and What to Consider.
By Julie Appleby
October 16, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Fall is the time when enrollees in the federal program for older people and people with certain disabilities can make changes to their health and drug plans. The decision can be complicated, but here are some key points to keep in mind.
Es el momento de revisar el plan de Medicare. Lo nuevo que hay que saber
By Julie Appleby
October 16, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Desde el 15 de octubre y hasta el 7 de diciembre, los afiliados al programa tradicional o a los planes de Medicare Advantage, que ofrecen aseguradoras privadas, pueden cambiar su cobertura.
A Third of Schools Don’t Have a Nurse. Here’s Why That’s a Problem.
By Colleen DeGuzman
Photos by Eric Harkleroad
October 16, 2023
KFF Health News Original
School nurses treat children daily for a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and sometimes serve as a young patient’s only health provider. They also function as a point person for critical public health interventions. Yet many states don’t require them, and school districts struggle to hire them.
Journalists Offer Insights on Mobile Clinics and Suicide Prevention
October 14, 2023
KFF Health News Original
KFF Health News and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on aging, lobotomies, Down syndrome, and more.
The Number Of At-Home Births Is Rising, Hitting Highs In 2020-21
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The at-home birth figures for 2021 reportedly reached the “highest level since at least 1990.” Similarly, CDC data show more midwives joined the profession. Among other news, an app helps Black parents report bias in birth and delivery care; and birth rates have fallen in Arizona and Washington state.
Walgreens To Shut 60 Underperforming VillageMD Clinics To Save Costs
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The closures are part of a $1 billion cost-saving push, which could also see some stores’ opening hours changed and other nonessential projects shuttered. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is warning of a surge in counterfeit versions of its Wegovy and Ozempic drugs being sold online.
Scientists Unveil Most Detailed Map Of Brain Yet
October 13, 2023
Morning Briefing
The effort is part of the $3 billion government-funded Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies initiative. The map offers insights into brain function, and could result in clues to future treatments. Also: the American Academy of Neurology updates its guidance on brain death.