North Carolina officials, led by Gov. Roy Cooper, took on the state’s medical debt problem by negotiating with hospitals to relieve patient debt in exchange for public funding tied to Medicaid expansion. Hospitals initially opposed the plan but eventually agreed after federal approval, wiping out billions in patient debt and adopting new standards to prevent…
The digital era has brought innovation to mental health care due to the increasing prevalence of issues like depression and anxiety. AI-driven mental health apps analyze vast datasets to personalize treatment plans and offer support. Chatbots provide a judgment-free zone for expressing feelings, evaluating conditions with accuracy, and tracking progress over time. These apps address…
The Florida Health Department is spreading misinformation by telling older residents to avoid most booster shots, claiming they are dangerous. This message has been criticized by clinicians and scientists as politically motivated scaremongering. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a DeSantis appointee, has been spreading false claims about the efficacy and safety of mRNA-based covid vaccines. Medical…
At Vision Expo West, Nicholas J. Bruns, OD, FAAO, discussed the benefits of the cyclosporine Vevye, which has a newer vehicle that improves penetration and speed. The pivotal trials show that Vevye starts showing success in 2 weeks, faster than previous versions of cyclosporine, with symptom improvement continuing for over 52 weeks. Bruns also recommends…
The Department of Health and Human Services’ federal watchdog has called for increased oversight of remote patient monitoring in Medicare due to the potential for fraud and misuse. The report highlighted the significant increase in the number of Medicare patients using remote monitoring tools like at-home blood pressure cuffs and continuous glucose monitors since 2019….
Julian, born in Penketh, Cheshire, grew up in Liverpool and North Wales. He excelled in school and studied medicine at Edinburgh University. After marrying nurse Edna in 1946, he worked in Wakefield before studying psychological medicine at Leeds University. During national service at Royal Victoria hospital, he encountered patients with what would now be considered…
A recent review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a magnesium sulfate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug is inexpensive and recommended by the World Health Organization but is not consistently available worldwide. Implementation of this intervention has been successful in England, resulting in fewer cases of…
Researchers conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of risk stratification tools in helping general practitioners evaluate chest pain and rule out acute coronary syndrome. The study included a systematic review of 14 studies involving adult patients with chest pain in primary care settings. Clinical decision rules without troponin showed some improvement in safety, but…
A retrospective study showed that pegcetacoplan, a complement inhibitor, may benefit patients with geographic atrophy (GA) from age-related macular degeneration. Treatment slowed the growth rate of GA lesions by 41% in comparison to clinical trials. Symptomatic patients with progressive vision loss derived the most benefit. Managing patient expectations and avoiding complications is crucial, as patients…
Heating pads are a popular solution for temporary relief from muscle aches, joint pain, stomach aches, and menstrual pain. They offer easy-to-use heat therapy without any fear of side effects. Research shows that heat therapy is effective in lower back pain relief, improving muscular strength, and increasing flexibility. When choosing a heating pad, it’s important…
Biohaven is close to filing a new drug application for troriluzole, a potential treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a rare neurodegenerative disorder with no approved therapies. Despite setbacks, including a failed Phase 3 study in SCA, Biohaven worked with the FDA to design a new study using real-world evidence. Preliminary results show troriluzole slowed disease…
ImpriMed, a precision medicine company, is expanding its services to include human oncology, focusing on drug-response predictions for routine blood cancers like multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. They will use genomic analysis, ex vivo drug sensitivity testing, and machine learning to target complex blood cancers. Data from new research on non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment outcomes…
Every year, more than 10,000 taxpayer-supported public housing units are lost due to disrepair, with lawmakers failing to allocate the $115 billion needed for maintenance. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act cut funds for public housing repairs to appease centrist Senate Democrats, impacting over 1 million low-income, Black, and Hispanic tenants. Living in deteriorating housing contributes…
Researchers at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut, found that using a color additive in disinfectant wipes improved cleanliness in hospital rooms. The additive initially appears blue on surfaces and disappears after cleaning, providing real-time feedback for users. During a trial, rooms were up to 70% better disinfected when wipes included the additive. This approach may…
Mike, a doctor from Newcastle, attended Durham University before joining the Royal Navy. He later joined a medical practice in Hexham, where he played a key role in establishing vocational training and computerized practices in the area. Under his leadership, the Burn Brae Medical Group grew to include multiple partners and a primary healthcare team….
A recent study has identified distinct biological differences in protein profiles between adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and older adult (OA) patients with soft tissue tumors known as sarcomas. This research has highlighted a potential biomarker that could predict aggressive forms of sarcoma in AYA patients, guiding treatment decisions for better outcomes. These findings…
The NIH is providing $5.4 million in funding to establish a program that integrates genomics into learning health systems in hospitals. Learning health systems analyze patient data to improve care. The Genomics-enabled Learning Health System (gLHS) Network aims to integrate genetic information into these systems. Six clinical study sites will use patient data for genomic…
A large rheumatology clinic in Richmond, Virginia, launched a virtual navigator program after learning that Medicare would reimburse patient navigators. This initiative aims to provide assistance to patients with high-risk conditions, including rheumatologic diseases. CMS established reimbursement codes for navigators in 2024, recognizing the importance of patient support in improving health outcomes. Studies have shown…
A recent study has examined the gender differences in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), highlighting the role of hormonal and biochemical factors in shaping patterns of alcohol use. The study found that men with AUD had lower levels of certain hormones and proteins, leading to more symptoms of depression and stronger cravings for alcohol. In women…
The global obesity crisis affects over 1 billion people, leading to increased health risks and chronic illnesses. Treatment options are evolving, with a focus on holistic approaches and personalized care. Organizations are promoting more integrated and inclusive guidelines for obesity management, considering factors like cardiovascular health and metabolic dysfunction. To conduct successful obesity-related clinical trials,…
A 1,395sq ft. unit on Chancery Lane in Dublin 2 is available for rent, suitable for medical use like dentist, physio, GP, etc. It has two floors, one bathroom on each floor, and a fully fitted kitchen. The unit has good natural light, a large window for branding, an underground parking space, intruder alarm, and…
Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is essential for athletes and bodybuilders to restore testosterone levels after using performance-enhancing supplements. Natural products like Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, Tribulus Terrestris, Tongkat Ali, Milk Thistle, and ZMA are beneficial during PCT. These natural remedies can increase testosterone levels, reduce stress, improve libido, support liver health, and provide other health benefits. Natural PCT…
Meridian, a Michigan-based managed care organization, is partnering with Mae, a digital health platform, to support underserved pregnant mothers. Mae connects Meridian’s Medicaid members with a network of doulas for virtual and in-person support in various areas related to pregnancy and childbirth. The goal is to reduce disparate maternal health outcomes and unnecessary medical procedures….
On March 30, 2019, Tom Burke’s life was turned upside down by a car accident that left him severely injured. Despite having Medicaid, he was left with over $10,000 in medical bills, leading to financial struggles and homelessness. Medical debt is a widespread issue in North Carolina, with over 8% of consumers having unpaid medical…
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors showed similar effectiveness in reducing hepatic decompensation events compared to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and a reduced risk compared to thiazolidinediones in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). A study conducted in Korea found that SGLT-2i users had a lower risk of decompensation events compared to TZD users and similar…
In 2022, 5 out of 6 Americans who tried to quit smoking failed, highlighting the lack of effective treatment options for this deadly addiction that kills 480,000 people annually in the U.S. The current smoking cessation drugs on the market have limited success rates, come with side effects, and have not seen any new developments…
A study comparing US healthcare with other western countries found that Americans spend more on healthcare but die four years earlier on average. The US has the highest rate of preventable and treatable deaths and excess deaths during the pandemic for people under 75. The Commonwealth Fund report states that Americans have the shortest lifespan…
A study by psychologists at the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford found that older adults are more likely to be influenced by impulsive financial decisions of others compared to young adults. The research focused on delayed gratification and social influence across different age groups. The study involved young adults and older adults…
The DECIDER project, funded by the EU with 15 million euros, aims to improve diagnostics and treatment of ovarian cancer using artificial intelligence over a 5-year period. The project involves partners from 14 organizations in seven EU countries and focuses on developing personalized treatments for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. By integrating and visualizing patient…
Whooping cough cases in the US have surged this year, with four times as many cases reported compared to all of 2023. The CDC reported 14,569 cases as of September 14, 2024, with 291 new cases that week. New York had the most cases, followed by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. Whooping cough, also known as…
Researchers have found that SSRI antidepressant medications can improve brain function, specifically verbal memory, by enhancing serotonin levels in the brain. A study focused on the 5HT4 receptor, where serotonin binds, found that patients with depression showed improved cognitive abilities and mood after taking escitalopram for 8 weeks. The levels of the 5HT4 receptor decreased…
Dr. Eve Cunningham from Providence discussed the challenges primary care physicians face due to overwhelming amounts of electronic medical record data. She highlighted the need for integrated care delivery models and remote monitoring solutions for chronic disease management. Cunningham discussed the importance of telehealth in addressing physician shortages and improving access to specialty care in…
Harrison.ai unveils a radiology-specific vision language model called Harrison.rad.1, trained on real-world proprietary data for clinical safety and accuracy, outperforming other LLMs in radiology exams. See-Mode Technologies gets FDA clearance for AI-powered thyroid ultrasound analysis to detect and diagnose thyroid issues. La Trobe University in Victoria establishes a centre for medical AI innovation with A$10…
Organon, a global healthcare company focused on women’s health, has entered into an agreement to acquire Dermavant for up to $1.2 billion. The acquisition aims to improve women’s health by investing in treatments for conditions that affect women differently. The agreement includes Dermavant’s product, Vtama cream 1%, for plaque psoriasis, with potential FDA approval for…
Amazon is ending its contract with Progyny, a company that provides fertility benefits to employers like in vitro fertilization and egg freezing. Starting January 1, 2025, Amazon employees will no longer have access to Progyny services and will instead use Maven for fertility benefits. Progyny disclosed to investors that a significant client, who represented 13%…
A study presented at the ECNP Congress reveals that men and women with alcohol dependence may benefit from different treatments due to hormonal and biochemical factors. The study found that men and women with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) have different hormone and protein markers that can impact their response to treatment. Men with AUD had…
A recent follow-up to the MAVIDOS trial showed that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy improves offspring bone mineral density up to seven years of age. The study involved 965 participants, with 477 children assessed at four years and 447 at six to seven years. Children whose mothers took vitamin D had higher bone mineral density….
Air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors are contributing to global increases in stroke, leading to 12 million cases and over 7 million deaths annually. The number of stroke cases, survivors, and deaths have all seen significant increases since 1990. Stroke is highly preventable, with 84% of cases attributed to modifiable risk factors such…
Investment in digital health has been stable, with startups raising $6 billion in the first half of the year. During a panel discussion, investors emphasized the importance of startups clearly explaining the problems they aim to solve before discussing their technology. They also highlighted the need for a fee-for-service payment model, understanding of value-based care’s…
En 2018, una clínica de Planned Parenthood en Missouri cerró debido a leyes estatales que prohibían los abortos. Parte del equipo de la clínica fue trasladado a otros estados donde el aborto seguía siendo accesible. En los últimos años, ha habido un aumento en los abortos asistidos por médicos en estados donde no hay prohibiciones,…
At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, Nishani Amerasinghe, MD discusses her experience with the Alcon Ngenuity 1.5 3D visualization system. The system, which debuted at the meeting, offers an enhanced level of detail that makes minimally invasive glaucoma surgery easier. The upgrade provides a clear, detailed view of the meshwork and…
The FDA has approved the first treatment for Niemann-Pick disease, type C, after years of advocacy and drug development efforts. The drug, arimoclomol, now marketed as Miplyffa, was a result of clinical trials a decade ago, driven by parents of children with the disease. The trials initially failed or had mixed results due to the…
Dr. William Brian Glenn from Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in New Jersey explains how to differentiate between symptoms of a cold, flu, and COVID-19. The symptoms for each can be similar but vary in severity. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions are at higher risk for respiratory infections. Taking preventive…
Cells rely on proteins being in the right place, with diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders being linked to misplaced proteins. Steven Banik’s lab at Stanford University has developed a method to force misplaced proteins back to their proper locations within cells using targeted relocalization activating molecules (TRAMs). By rewiring natural shuttles in the cell,…
Central Oregon Pathology Consultants has experienced financial difficulties due to delayed payments following a major cyberattack on Change Healthcare. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, prompting concerns about cybersecurity preparedness. While the federal government has proposed strategies to enhance cybersecurity, the focus on hospitals has been criticized for neglecting other healthcare entities. Fragmentation…
The 32BJ Labor Industry Cooperation Fund has released two tools aimed at helping employers and unions lower healthcare costs. The Healthcare Savings Calculator allows purchasers to estimate savings by paying hospitals what they need to break even. The Healthcare Administrator “Contract-first” Template provides a model contract template for negotiating with health plans and third-party administrators….
LifeNet Health and Johnson & Johnson have launched the PliaFX Pak bone allografting solution for orthopedic trauma and spine procedures. The solution, developed with advanced fiber technology, is designed for fracture fixations, fusions, and osteotomies. The PliaFX Pak bone allograft is indicated for various procedures such as lumbar interbody fusion, anterior cervical discectomy, and femur…
Cancer cells need to consume nutrients to survive, and researchers have primarily focused on blocking their ability to digest glucose as a way to starve tumors. However, new research suggests that cancer cells can readily consume multiple food sources, and blocking the metabolism of at least two nutrients may be more effective. A study published…
The World Health Organization has verified Jordan as the first country in the world to have eliminated leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. While leprosy still occurs in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually, the majority of new cases are reported in Southeast Asia. Saima Wazed, WHO’s regional director for…
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Center at UNSW Sydney conducts annual surveys of people who regularly use drugs in Australia. The 2024 report focused on 740 people from Australian capital cities who use ecstasy or other illicit stimulants, revealing a high percentage of non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulant use, such as ADHD medications. This trend has…