SPOTLIGHT -
Health care inequities are costing billions across the United States
Medical care, lost productivity, premature deaths take a huge toll on patients, families, and the economy, according to researchers.
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The COVID-19 public health emergency is over. Should health care workers keep wearing face masks with patients?
Physicians debate merits of face covers as virus becomes endemic in the population.
HHS: Hospitals violated federal law by denying needed emergency abortion care
Cases involving EMTALA emergency care law are first since U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
Telehealth can expand health care only where patients have internet access
Researchers examine disparities in areas lacking medicine and tech.
Marriage, children lead to fewer hours worked, less pay over time for female physicians
Addressing barriers for women doctors could reduce pay gap while expanding the workforce, researchers say.
Patients like immediate access to medical test results
Study examines effects of law that makes records available to patients.
Health care computers remain targets for emerging hacker groups
HHS’ cybersecurity wing publishes notices on three ransomware threats.
Helping patients navigate telehealth video visits pays off
Attendance and reimbursement increase when physicians and patients connect in online appointments.
Amazon Clinic to offer online primary care services in 32 states
Telehealth store doesn’t accept insurance yet, but Amazon Pharmacy will deliver prescriptions.
Iranian hackers emerge as cyberthreat to health care computer networks
‘Charming Kitten’ believed to be a front for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to HHS’ cybersecurity agency.
Health care costs per person vary across 50 states, Washington
Income, price levels, Medicaid expansion all are factors in state-level analysis.
ACP: Physicians must be a force for environmental health and justice
Fighting pollution and climate change are at heart of new policy paper for health care sector, government regulators.
Feds sue Cigna for bogus billing for Medicare Advantage patients
Justice Department says Cigna pocketed millions; complaint follows national news report about widespread fraud by Medicare Advantage insurers.
What duties can medical assistants take on? Some principles for delegating
Physicians should consider legalities as scope of practice laws change around the country.
Health care leads job growth for September as national unemployment rate drops to 3.5%
Feds to revise questions about COVID-19 effects on jobless rate and will ask about telework.
Suicide, ‘a major contributor to premature death’ in US, rises by 4% for 2021
Figures strengthen resolve but don’t offer context for complex issue, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says.
Feds warn of monkeypox-themed malicious email campaign targeting health care providers
Don’t click on links or attachments unless you’re sure they are legitimate.
Removing barriers to physician mental health care in 3 steps
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation teams with Physicians Foundation to define problem, propose solutions.
Physician burnout, depression, and suicide
All are important, with key differences.
AMA publishes new codes for updated COVID-19 vaccines, boosters
Four for adult vaccines effective immediately, four pending approval for youths.
Survey says 1 in 7 physicians use alcohol, drugs while on the job to cope with stress
Peer and family judgment, and possible license loss, deter some from seeking help.
Public money paid for majority of COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutic clinical trials
Study examines funding sources for 18 months of pandemic in 2020, 2021.
President signs Inflation Reduction Act with health care provisions
Physicians groups, analysts, have praised insurance premium subsidies, Medicare drug cost caps.
National legislation aims to simplify Medicare Advantage prior authorizations
Bill has strong support from medical groups and lawmakers, but House and Senate votes are not scheduled yet.
Outpatient behavioral health visits rise due to greater telehealth use
Loosened restrictions during pandemic have eased access barriers, report finds
Monkeypox vaccine gets emergency approval to increase vaccine supply
Smaller dose given by intradermal injection creates five-fold increase in total supply, FDA says.
Medical, insurance groups praise Senate action on health insurance
Medicare drug prices, insulin costs affected by Inflation Reduction Act.
Health insurance marketer faces fines, sanctions for lying about plans it sells
Benefytt Technologies, Inc. would have to refund $100 million and stop misleading customers about coverage.
HHS declares monkeypox a public health emergency in U.S.
White House ramps up efforts to fight outbreak.
Rate of people without health insurance hits record low
More people getting health coverage, but 26.4 million still don’t have it.
