The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America
The expansion of Catholic hospitals nationwide leaves patients at the mercy of the church’s religious directives, which are often at odds with accepted medical standards.
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The expansion of Catholic hospitals nationwide leaves patients at the mercy of the church’s religious directives, which are often at odds with accepted medical standards.
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NPR highlights words from the Justice Department's inspector general who said the deaths were from "numerous operational and management deficiencies." Separate research shows that doulas improve health outcomes for pregnant women with Medicaid.
People at risk of severe complications from a covid infection may be recommended to get yet another covid shot in the coming months. Meanwhile Americans' falling confidence in vaccines was the subject of a House hearing, though some in the room even used the time to spread covid misinformation.
In a survey of U.S. health workers, 47% said they have personally witnessed racism or discrimination against patients. That number is higher among Black and Latino health care professionals.
A restructuring of the Medicare drug benefit has wiped out big drug bills for people who need expensive medicines. But the legal battle over drug negotiations means uncertainty over long-term savings.
While many Republican state lawmakers remain firmly against Medicaid expansion, some key leaders in holdout states are showing a willingness to reconsider. Public opinion, financial incentives, and widening health care needs make resistance harder.
This is a nearly 50% increase on the project's budget, Stat reports. Separately, research found that the risk of suffering chronic fatigue is much higher among covid patients than for people who haven't had covid. Scientists also concluded that covid home test accuracy matches clinician-given tests.
The drug will be sold under the brand name Aurlumyn and is expected to be available in the spring, though pricing is not yet known. Meanwhile, prescriptions for the first pill to treat postpartum depression are said to be "off to a promising start" after its launch.
The university will launch an independent medical school amid the ongoing shortage of medical professionals. In other industry news, cyberattacks on hospitals are expected to increase; some services are restored at Lurie Children's Hospital after a cyberattack; and more.
A new study found participants with higher body temperatures also reported higher rates of depressive symptoms, though it's not clear which way the causal link flows. Also in the news: Science finds walking, yoga and strength training can tackle depression as well as therapy.
When North Carolina launched its Medicaid expansion on Dec. 1, it was estimated some 600,000 people would get coverage over two years. In the first two months, 58% of that goal has been reached. Also in the news: nearly all states have extended postpartum coverage; and California's new Medi-Cal eligibility rules.
Stat reports that the FTC will look into the role that group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and wholesalers play in controlling the availability and cost of critical medicines to hospitals and other medical facilities in the U.S.
After a decade of work, a Kentucky program launched to diagnose lung cancer earlier is beginning to change the prognosis for residents by catching tumors when they’re more treatable.
KFF Health News' Céline Gounder explains the "five-day rule" on covid safety, how guidelines and testing have evolved, and how best to protect yourself and others.
Stat reports that congressional lawmakers are considering a partial adjustment to Medicare physician pay cuts that were enacted this year. Doctors have been lobbying Congress to make the change in the next spending bill.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to the FTC and SEC, asking the agencies to investigate allegations that a private location data company, Near Intelligence, tracked visits to 600 Planned Parenthood locations across 48 states and sold that data for use in a targeted anti-abortion ad campaign.
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Data published by the CDC this week shows that U.S. maternal syphilis rates rose 222% from 2016 to 2022. Other public health news stories report on cancer, depression, and more.
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