Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that it will no longer limit reimbursement for anesthesia during surgeries, following backlash from medical groups and the public. The policy would have capped reimbursement if surgery exceeded a set time limit, regardless of the actual length of the procedure. The change comes after criticism from anesthesiologist groups and…
First Opinion on STAT is a platform for articles written by biotech insiders, healthcare workers, and researchers about topics related to the life sciences. Readers can submit Letters to the Editor in response to these articles. One article discusses the importance of empathetic touch in medicine, citing a personal experience during World War 2. Another…
The government in England aims to end the hospital treatment backlog by 2029, with a target for 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks for elective care. Healthcare leaders are calling for a monumental increase in activity to achieve this goal. Keir Starmer highlighted this objective as one of six ambitious milestones…
Experts have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the effects of a gluten-free diet on patients with celiac disease. The MARCO study, led by the University of Nottingham, found that patients with celiac disease had more gut symptoms, slower bowel transit, and higher levels of ‘bad bugs’ in their microbiota. After one year on…
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry showed that brain volume changes are linked to social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The research, led by Noboru Hiroi at UT Health San Antonio, focused on the Tbx1 gene and its impact on social behavior in mice. Genetic variants, specifically copy number…
The international paediatric type 1 diabetes registry data from 2013 to 2022 showed improvements in average A1c levels and the proportion of children meeting A1c targets, along with reduced rates of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia. However, many children still did not meet the glycaemic targets recommended by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent…
When trying to lose weight, cutting out sugary treats may be the first step. However, it is normal to crave sugar, as the sweet taste triggers the release of calming hormones in the brain. To curb sugar cravings, one can try eating a healthy snack, avoiding triggers, taking a walk, drinking water, taking a hot…
Hinge Health and Amazon Health Services have partnered to provide digital musculoskeletal care through Amazon’s Health Condition Programs. This collaboration aims to offer support for back, joint and muscle pain, connecting users with health coaches, therapists, specialists, and more. By simplifying access to Hinge Health’s program on Amazon, patients can receive tailored treatment plans, including…
Government departments such as the HSE and Department of Health have produced around 650 tonnes of CO2 from flights taken in the last four years, leading to contributions of over €27,000 to the Government’s Climate Action Fund. These payments are meant to offset the carbon emissions caused by official air travel. The majority of these…
Jerry Qualls suffered a heart attack in 2022 and was hospitalized at Holston Valley Medical Center, part of the Ballad Health system. His wife, Katherine Qualls, was told he would not qualify for a heart transplant. She insisted on transferring him to a hospital in Nashville, where he ultimately received a lifesaving heart transplant. Ballad…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the National Milk Testing Strategy to test for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The strategy will require national milk testing and the provision of epidemiological information, initially being implemented in six states. Farmers will need to share raw milk samples for testing and provide epidemiological information about positive…
The targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sparked widespread anger and outrage towards the American health care system, which is known for high prices and bureaucratic barriers to care. The public dissatisfaction with the system is at an all-time high, with many facing insurance denials, high deductibles, and confusing medical bills. The shooting highlighted…
The UK parliament voted to give the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill a second reading, paving the way for the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of less than six months to have help…
The USDA has mandated nationwide testing for bird flu virus in raw milk due to rising cases in California. This initiative, known as the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), aims to identify herds infected with the avian flu virus. 718 cattle herds nationwide are known to be infected. A California dairy farm has expanded its…
A study from Simon Fraser University found that the use of antidepressants is linked to sexual side effects, such as reduced genital sensitivity that can persist even after stopping the medication. Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is a syndrome where sexual function does not return to normal after discontinuing antidepressant use. The study, which focused on…
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of dying from infections compared to those without diabetes. The study analyzed data for over 500,000 people with diabetes and found that infections were the third leading cause of death among them. Despite this, the risk of infections is not commonly addressed…
Users on social media platforms like Reddit and X have shared horror stories related to UnitedHealthcare, including denials of care and high bills. One user shared how their patient was denied neurosurgery for chronic migraines. Others shared stories of exorbitant bills after insurance denial for posthumous care or pregnancy. Users ridiculed the late CEO and…
Teri Thomas, CEO of Volpara Health, believes AI will shape the future of radiology. Volpara sold itself to Lunit, a South Korean company specializing in AI tools for cancer diagnostics. This partnership allowed Volpara to share knowledge and improve AI expertise. Thomas highlighted AI benefits, such as assisting radiologists in detecting cancer. At Saint Göran…
Sports-related injuries are common, with almost 28 in every 1,000 patients presenting to primary care with such injuries. Vhi recently hosted a webinar focusing on managing sports-related injuries, including hand and foot injuries, knee osteoarthritis, and injuries in children. Presenters discussed common hand injuries such as Mallet Finger and Jersey Finger, the management of hallux…
The Justice Department has taken legal action against states for confining people with disabilities unnecessarily in places like psychiatric hospitals and nursing homes, a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Some states have addressed these issues, while others, like Georgia, have struggled. Despite progress, challenges remain, including the need to transition more people from…
Dr. Judy L. Chen from the Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye Center at UCLA discusses uveitic glaucoma in a Healio Video Perspective from the AAO meeting. Uveitic glaucoma is a challenging condition that often affects younger patients and can lead to permanent vision loss. Dr. Chen highlights the complexity of treating this condition and…
The USDA is implementing a mandatory milk testing program in response to the H5N1 bird flu virus spreading through California dairy herds. The program will begin in six states and aims to provide a clearer picture of the virus’s prevalence in the country’s dairy industry. The federal order will help inform the response to the…
In 2023, England experienced an 11% increase in tuberculosis notifications, marking the largest year-on-year rise since 2000, according to the UK Health Security Agency. There were 4855 notifications in 2023, up from 4380 in 2022. Despite still being considered a country with low incidence, with 8.5 notifications per 100,000 population, England may struggle to meet…
A new study suggests that a radiation-free screening protocol can identify interstitial lung involvement (ILI) in asymptomatic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study proposed a noninvasive approach using pulmonary function tests (PFT) and pleuro-pulmonary transthoracic ultrasound (LUS) for early detection of ILI. Results showed that 40% of patients had noticeable changes in LUS, with 24%…
A study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated a large language model (LLM) for generating emergency medicine handoff notes. The study found that LLM-generated notes were highly useful and safe compared to notes written by physicians, reducing documentation burden without compromising patient safety. Handoffs in healthcare are critical communication points and a known source of…
Chronic exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research on mice showed that even regulated levels of glyphosate led to neuroinflammation and accelerated Alzheimer’s-like pathology, persisting even after exposure was stopped. Glyphosate, used in agriculture and weed control, has been deemed safe by the EPA but classified as…
During the holiday season, Dr. Meghan Martin warns about the dangers of “Granny’s purse syndrome,” where children accidentally ingest medications left by grandparents. Around 20% of poisonings in young kids are due to this. To prevent accidents, medications should be kept in locked cabinets, out of reach of children. Avoid taking medication in front of…
Cybersecurity in healthcare is crucial for patient safety, as data breaches can disrupt care and delay treatment. Large healthcare systems in urban areas often have more resources for cybersecurity, while smaller providers in rural areas struggle due to budget constraints. Cyberattacks on healthcare facilities have direct consequences for patients, such as delays in care and…
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The availability of effective Covid vaccines marked a high point in vaccination history, but with the nomination of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a top health official, experts fear a resurgence of deadly epidemics. Kennedy’s nomination raises concerns about vaccine safety and could lead to weakened vaccine laws and policies. This may result…
Asthma increases the risk of poor outcomes in pregnancy. Biologic treatments, such as omalizumab, may be safe during pregnancy but require shared decision-making between the patient and physician. Studies show that biologics like omalizumab do not negatively impact live births, gestational age, or congenital abnormalities. Patients with asthma, especially those with exacerbations, have higher risks…
In 2001, Victor Ambros received an email asking him to review two studies on microRNAs. He had previously discovered these genetic molecules in C. elegans roundworms with his wife Rosalind Lee, believing them to be unique to this species. However, a collaborator found microRNAs in various animals, indicating they were widespread. Ambros and Lee discovered…
Trusts have been reminded to inquire about time-critical medicines for patients after a patient died due to missing Parkinson’s medication. The patient did not receive 10 out of the 18 required doses during a three-day stay in the emergency department. Subsequently, he was transferred to a ward where his condition worsened and he eventually died….
Researchers from Kyushu University and Nagoya University have developed a model using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the development of organoids at an early stage, specifically focusing on hypothalamic-pituitary organoids. These lab-grown tissues mimic organ function and structure and have the potential for personalized transplants and disease modeling. The model was trained to classify organoids…
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have developed a computational pipeline to identify protein biomarkers associated with complex diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. The pipeline analyzes biomarkers that induce 3D structural changes in proteins, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The study identified seven key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s risk…
Telehealth has been well-received by patients undergoing cancer treatment or in palliative care, with high satisfaction rates reported in studies. Despite peaking in 2020 during the pandemic, telehealth encounters have been steadily declining. Experts note that telehealth adoption in oncology needs improvement, with barriers including technical issues, reimbursement uncertainties, and regulatory challenges. Research is needed…
Researchers have found that for individuals with diabetes, a larger waist circumference may actually reduce the risk of mortality, contrary to common belief. A study of 6,600 U.S. adults with diabetes found that the relationship between waist size and risk of death is not linear, with different patterns based on gender. For women, a waist…
StretchDollar, a health benefits company, has secured $6 million in funding to assist small businesses in providing their employees with pre-tax funds for individual insurance plans. The San Francisco-based company offers an ICHRA-focused model, simplifying the process and giving employees more choice. This funding round was led by Fika Ventures and Oscar Health and will…
Prof Eoin O’Brien reflects on his 50-year association with the Irish Medical Times (IMT), founded by Dr John O’Connell in 1967. O’Connell aimed to provide a resource for the medical and allied professions in Ireland, with a focus on general practice, hospital medicine, and academia. Despite not fulfilling his political ambitions as Minister for Health,…
President-elect Donald Trump has selected candidates for key federal health agency positions who propose major changes. The Supreme Court seems likely to support Tennessee’s ban on transgender health care for minors. Key takeaways include potential changes in FDA, NIH, and CDC leadership, potential uphold of laws limiting transitional care for transgender minors, and possible dropping…
At the Academy 2024 conference, researchers presented data showing that individuals with prediabetes have lower choriocapillaris flow deficits compared to controls. This suggests a potential protective mechanism in response to early prediabetic changes. The study recruited 46 participants and used OCT imaging to analyze the retinal and choroidal vasculature. The mean flow deficit percentage was…
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked shock and grief among his family, colleagues, and the public. Many people feel anger towards the healthcare system due to its unaffordability, lack of accessibility, and rising costs. The system has become financially driven, with for-profit organizations prioritizing stock values over quality care. The monopolization of…
Hospitals are facing a potential “quad-demic” this winter as cases of covid-19, influenza, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rise, according to NHS England. The increase in cases has led to long delays in emergency departments and concerns about hospital capacity. Last week, there were an average of 1099 people hospitalized with flu per day,…
A detailed analysis published in The Lancet reveals that the U.S. is falling behind other countries in health progress. Life expectancy is forecasted to increase modestly by 2050 but the country’s global ranking is expected to drop. Mortality rates have declined, but the U.S. still lags in healthy life expectancy. Women’s health is declining faster…
A study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that EZH2 inhibitors, a new class of anticancer drugs, could enhance the potency of cancer immunotherapies for non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The inhibitors target the EZH2 enzyme, known to be a significant factor in many cancers. Combining EZH2 inhibition with T-cell based immunotherapy was found to be…
Approximately 1 in 6 young adults with breast cancer experienced significant financial difficulties that persisted into early survivorship, with factors such as Hispanic ethnicity, higher BMI, unemployment, bilateral mastectomy, and arm symptoms increasing the risk. A study of 1008 young adults aged 40 and under with stage 0-III breast cancer found that 16.3% experienced moderate…
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield faced backlash for a proposed policy that would limit coverage for anesthesia during surgeries. The policy was set to take effect in 2025 but was met with criticism from medical professionals, lawmakers, and the public. Critics argued that the policy jeopardized patient care by not accounting for complex surgeries. Connecticut…
The pandemic worsened healthcare’s workforce crisis, with many workers leaving due to stress and burnout. This has caused capacity constraints, care delays, and more complex cases for remaining clinicians. Creating a positive work environment and adopting software to reduce administrative tasks are strategies to address this issue. The rise of the chief wellbeing officer and…
In September 2024, during the WONCA Europe annual conference in Dublin, Irish doctors showed solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza by protesting for a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza is described as the most dangerous in the world for children and healthcare workers, with healthcare facilities being destroyed and healthcare workers killed or detained. The…
“Food noise” is the term used to describe a constant preoccupation with food, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and overwhelming focus on eating. This phenomenon can be linked to conditions like addiction, OCD, and compulsive disorders, stemming from shared brain pathways related to reward and motivation. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and environmental cues can…