Covid Symptoms To Watch Out For Now: Runny Nose, Headache, Cough, Sore Throat
October 25, 2022
Morning Briefing
The predominant symptoms of covid have shifted since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers say. The virus now most commonly manifests itself with a sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, and headache. Vaccinated and unvaccinated patients are experiencing similar signs, though they may rank differently between groups.
Hospitals On Edge As Details Emerge In Shooting That Killed 2 Medical Workers
October 25, 2022
Morning Briefing
Other facilities in the Dallas area have increased security measures following the deadly shooting at Methodist Health Center. The two victims were identified as a nurse and a patient case manager.
First Edition: Oct. 25, 2022
October 25, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospitals Said They Lost Money on Medicare Patients. Some Made Millions, a State Report Finds.
By Fred Clasen-Kelly
October 25, 2022
KFF Health News Original
A North Carolina state treasurer’s report found hospitals give conflicting information about whether they profit from Medicare patients. Experts said the findings are significant because they suggest the federal government has failed to closely watch the billions of dollars in tax breaks that nonprofit hospitals have received.
An Abortion Rights Question on the California Ballot Revives the Debate Over ‘Viability’
By April Dembosky, KQED
October 25, 2022
KFF Health News Original
California voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to explicitly protect abortion rights. But there is disagreement over whether the proposal, Proposition 1, would merely enshrine existing rights or expand them.
A Billing Expert Saved Big After Finding an Incorrect Charge in Her Husband’s ER Bill
By Bram Sable-Smith
October 25, 2022
KFF Health News Original
A medical billing specialist investigated her husband’s ER bill. Her sleuthing took over a year but knocked thousands of dollars off the hospital’s charges — and provides a playbook for other consumers.
Viewpoints: US Unprepared For Next Pandemic; Nursing Shortage At Dangerous Levels
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues and more.
Overhaul Of Weight Loss Surgery Rules May Broaden Eligibility
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Surgical standards haven’t been updated in over 30 years, USA Today reports, and are said to be out of step with growing U.S. obesity levels. Updated standards could increase the number of people eligible for bariatric surgery. Among other news: transplant surgery, schizophrenia gene links, and more.
Cluster Of Candida Auris Superbug Reported In Kids In Las Vegas Hospital
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Infections of Candida auris, a drug-resistant superbug, were reported in three infants with heart defects at a Las Vegas hospital in May. The Las Vegas Review-Journal says it’s the first U.S. cluster of pediatric cases of the fungus. Other news is on Medicaid expansion, prisoner health monitoring, and more.
Amoxicillin In Short Supply Due To ‘Significant Demand’
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Doctors are also running short of helium for MRI machines as the nonrenewable element becomes scarcer around the world. Meanwhile, doctors have suggestions for those who are having trouble filling their Adderall prescriptions.
Over 100,000 Physicians Left Their Jobs In 2021: Report
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
A report finds 117,000 physicians are the biggest group among some 334,000 health care workers who left the workforce, with retirement, burnout, and other pandemic stressors to blame. A nurse strike in the Bay Area, hospitals’ financial struggles, and other issues are also in industry news.
Monkeypox Infections Lead To 6 More Deaths
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
The deaths were reported in New York City, Chicago, Nevada, and Maryland. Meanwhile, a study reported in CIDRAP says that racial disparities in the monkeypox vaccine program are easing somewhat. And while case numbers decline, experts still emphasize caution.
‘Uncharted Territory’: Covid, Flu, RSV Infections All Expected To Rise
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Public health officials eye a potential “tripledemic” coming this winter. Hospitals are already straining to cope with the surge of patients.
Uptake Of Covid Boosters Slows, Even Among Older Americans
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Despite a growing concern over new omicron subvariants, surveys and data indicate lower adoption rates of the follow-up shots.
Pentagon Abortion Policies May Impact Defense Spending Bills
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Republican lawmakers say that the Defense Department’s plans to pay for service members’ abortion travel could be the subject of future legislation, especially if they gain control of Congress in the November elections.
CDC Director Walensky Tests Positive For Covid
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Dr. Rochelle Walensky has mild symptoms, media outlets report, and caught covid despite being “up to date” on covid shots and using precautions like masks. Separately, NBC News covers the risk of new variants for people with immune deficiencies, and other reports note the rise of BQ.1 and BQ.1.1.
White House Plans Push To Combat Addiction In Pregnancy
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
The plan includes expanded availability of medication to treat substance abuse. Also: a new paramedic policy for overdose patients, and fentanyl contamination in cocaine.
Morning Briefing for Monday, October 24, 2022
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Monday’s roundup covers health worker safety, nursing home quality, covid boosters, abortion, “tripledemic” risk, Medicaid, and more.
After 2 Nurses Killed In Dallas Hospital, Worker Safety Again In Spotlight
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
Two employees in the mother/baby unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center were shot and killed Saturday, reports say. A 30-year-old man out on parole has been charged in the slayings. He’d been given permission to attend the birth of his child.
Nursing Homes Already On CMS Watchlist Could Face Stiff Penalties
October 24, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Biden administration unveiled plans to impose tougher consequences on the worst-performing nursing homes. For the small number already designated as “special focus” facilities, they could lose federal funds if they receive more than one violation citation.