Medical Students Fill Record Number Of Residencies On Match Day
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Increased state and health system efforts and funding may have played a part in this year’s record residency filling, with numbers up 3% from 2023. Separately, although America is aging, concerns rise over a lack of senior care specialists.
FDA Panel Votes In Favor Of Expanding CAR-T Therapy For Blood Cancer
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The vote in favor happened Friday, despite what Stat notes are concerns about the treatment’s side effects. Separately, the failure of ALS drug Relyvrio highlights controversial FDA drug approvals.
Supreme Court Set To Consider Free Speech Issues Around Covid Misinfo
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
The question is on of suppression of free speech, when incorrect or misleading commentary was removed from social media during the pandemic. USA Today notes covid misinformation is still hurting Americans’ health.
Covid Tracking: Unpredictable Funding Could Jeopardize Sewage Surveillance
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Wastewater testing is one of the most reliable ways to track the spread of the novel coronavirus. Currently, covid infections are on the decline across the U.S., but the flu remains elevated.
US Measles Cases Hit 60, Beating 2023’s Total In 11 Weeks Of 2024
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
There have now been 60 known or suspected measles cases across 17 states this year, with 12 cases in Chicago alone. In other news, the CDC reports that marriage rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
First Edition: March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Covid and Medicare Payments Spark Remote Patient Monitoring Boom
By Phil Galewitz and Holly K. Hacker
March 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Demand for help monitoring patients’ vital signs remotely has taken off since a Medicare change in 2019. Dozens of companies now push the service to help overburdened primary care doctors — and as a revenue stream. But some policy experts say its growth has outpaced oversight and evidence of effectiveness.
As More States Target Disavowed ‘Excited Delirium’ Diagnosis, Police Groups Push Back
By Renuka Rayasam
March 18, 2024
KFF Health News Original
After California passed the first law in the nation to limit the disavowed term “excited delirium,” bills in other states are being introduced to help end use of the diagnosis. But momentum is being met with resistance from law enforcement and first responder groups, who cite free speech.
Joe Biden’s Skittish Support for Abortion Rights
By Julie Rovner
March 15, 2024
KFF Health News Original
President Biden spent much of his State of the Union speech last week talking about two subjects central to his reelection campaign while seemingly trying not to name them. One was Donald Trump, or as Biden called him, “my predecessor.” The other was abortion. It’s hardly news that Biden, an 81-year-old devout Catholic, is uncomfortable […]
Michigan School Shooter’s Father Guilty Of Involuntary Manslaughter
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
James Crumbley’s son killed four students at Oxford High School in 2021. Other news is from California, New York, New Hampshire, and Louisiana.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on HIV, homelessness, PCOS, and more.
Viewpoint: New Legislation Equals Lower Costs For Chemo; Women Demand Better Than Roe
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle chemotherapy costs, reproductive rights, long covid and more.
Trump Walks Back Comments On ‘Cutting’ Medicare, Social Security
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Former President Donald Trump clarified his earlier comments about the entitlement programs, telling Breitbart News that he would do nothing to “jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare,” if elected to a second term.
Senators Mount Effort To Have PBM Regulations Included In Spending Bill
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Measures to tighten regulations for pharmacy benefit managers may be included in the March 22 spending bill if key lawmakers get their way.
Study Links Teen Pregnancies With Increased Premature Death Risk
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
A study in Canada found women who were pregnant as teens, even if they miscarried, were more likely to die before their 31st birthday. Meanwhile in Texas, the state medical board is set to consider guidance on medical abortion exceptions.
Republican Senator Objects To IVF Access Bill For Veterans
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
Sen. James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, says he objects to the bill’s language and undefined costs, though he asserts he does support IVF. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he doesn’t believe Congress need to act on IVF-protecting legislation.
Survey Finds Nearly 7% Of American Adults Have Long Covid Symptoms
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new CDC survey revealed what’s being called an “alarming” rise in long covid cases in recent months. Separately, the CDC is also continuing to receive reports of MIS-C in children following a covid infection.
FDA Approves First Treatment For MASH Liver Disease
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
The drug, called Rezdiffra, is manufactured by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. Separately, Gilead Pharmaceuticals says it will be able to quadruple production of its CAR-T cancer therapy by 2026 due to manufacturing process improvements.
Attendees Of A Disney On Ice Show Warned Of Measles Exposure Risk
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Cincinnati Health Department is warning that anyone who went to the performance on March 8 is at risk of being exposed to measles. Meanwhile, in Stanislaus County, California, an unvaccinated child was confirmed with measles.
Lurie Children’s Hospital Reopens Patient Portal After Cyberattack
March 15, 2024
Morning Briefing
It’s been more than a month since Lurie Children’s Hospital was hit by a cyberattack, but it’s now bringing the MyChart portal back online. Also in the news: University of Chicago Medical Center must pay $14 million over a boy’s death.