In the healthcare industry, the US is spending more than other countries with poor health outcomes, leading to physician burnout and hospital financial struggles. The focus needs to shift towards patient acquisition and retention strategies, rather than simply branding, to drive hospital revenue. Healthcare organizations struggle to pinpoint their most lucrative patient segments and often…
A series written by Dr. Ray O’Connor discusses the latest clinical studies from around the world with a focus on their practical implications. One study highlighted the association between alcohol use and various injuries and diseases, including cancer. This information is important for medical professionals and individuals alike to better understand the health effects of…
Pre-pregnancy dietary and physical activity changes can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes. A study published in Nutrition & Diabetes conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies, including randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies, to investigate the association between lifestyle interventions and gestational diabetes risk. The meta-analysis showed that pre-pregnancy…
Revenue cycle management (RCM) is essential for healthcare and other service-oriented industries, ensuring operational and financial stability. It encompasses every step from patient registration to payment collection and is crucial for improved financial performance, patient experience, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making. RCM involves automation, technology integration, and compliance with regulatory norms, reducing errors,…
Digital weight loss company Noom has made several new hires in its leadership team, including an executive vice president and chief financial officer, a chief technology officer, and a general counsel. The company has also promoted several internal candidates to key positions. Noom’s CEO, Geoff Cook, expressed excitement about the new team members and their…
Angelo Quinto died in 2020 after being pinned to the ground by police in California for at least 90 seconds, and despite these circumstances, officials blamed his death on “excited delirium.” This term has been widely discredited and has been used to explain away police responsibility in in-custody deaths. Quinto’s family, along with other families,…
A study of 242,779 participants found that men have a 1.6-fold increased risk for colorectal cancer and reach equivalent risk 6 years earlier than women. This was determined by using a risk-advancement period approach, based on sex and polygenic risk score criteria. It was found that the polygenic risk score was strongly related to colorectal…
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have filed a class-action lawsuit accusing Humana of illegally using an algorithm called nH Predict to stop payment for rehabilitation care for patients who have had serious illnesses and injuries. The lawsuit claims that this is part of a scheme to deny claims to sick people and reap financial benefits. This lawsuit…
Consultant obstetrician David Sim has been suspended for 12 months from the UK medical register after sterilizing a woman without her consent in Northern Ireland. He believed the patient wanted the sterilization due to previous conversations, but admitted there was no consent form and his approach could be seen as paternalistic. He referred himself to…
Charco Neurotech has developed CUE1, a non-invasive wearable device to aid Parkinson’s patients in managing their symptoms. The device provides vibratory action to targeted regions, inspired by 19th-century observations showing reduced symptoms in patients on bumpy rides. CUE1 uses cueing to improve patients’ mobility, without drugs. With over 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s can be hard to…
Researchers suggest grading skateboard parts like ski runs to curtail fall risk. Analysis of more than 500 young skateboarders shows that flips, jumps, and turns on flat ground and specialized ramps pose the greatest risk, and these moves are popular. Young skateboarders are more likely to use flat ground and ramps, while older ones also…
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) among US veterans. PCC refers to persistent symptoms after COVID-19, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and altered senses. Vaccination was found to have a protective effect on individuals with PCC. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms in COVID-19 survivors…
Certain foods such as beans, soup, dark chocolate, vegetables, and Greek yogurt can help you feel full longer and curb cravings, aiding in weight loss. A protein-rich breakfast, nuts, and crunchy apples with skin on can also aid in weight loss. Yogurt, grapefruit, and whole grains can be beneficial for weight loss as well. However,…
A recent randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of Abbots’ TriClip system for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of tricuspid valve in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) showed improvements in quality of life and safety at 30 days. Results were presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2023 congress and revealed that patients experienced sustained TR…
A study found that a supplement containing 6-MSITC, the main bioactive compound in wasabi, improved short-term and long-term memory in healthy participants above 60. The trial involved 72 participants split into two groups, with one group taking 100mg of wasabi extract daily and the other taking a placebo. After 12 weeks, the group taking wasabi…
A study by Tel Aviv University found that mothers devote only 25% of their attention to their toddlers while using smartphones, which can impair child development. Mothers talked less with their children and provided poorer quality interactions while using smartphones. Reduced maternal linguistic input can lead to decreased vocabulary in children and impact social and…
Prostanil capsules are designed to treat prostate enlargement, which is a common condition in men over 50 years old. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces semen, and its enlargement can cause difficulty urinating and other symptoms. Prostate cancer is a slowly progressing condition that can be diagnosed early and treated to minimize complications….
A study has been conducted to investigate the safety and effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for treating depression. The results shed light on this alternative treatment method. The research suggests that auricular acupuncture may be a safe and effective option for managing depression. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The use of cookies…
Sanofi is backing out of a deal to license Maze Therapeutics’ experimental drug for Pompe disease after the Federal Trade Commission accused the transaction of being anti-competitive. The FTC claimed that the deal was an attempt by Sanofi to eliminate a smaller competitor in the market. The complaint alleged that the deal would contribute to…
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists held its Winter Meeting and Montgomery Lecture at RCSI in Dublin 2 on December 1, 2023. The event featured various presentations and discussions related to ophthalmology. The photos from the event were taken by photographer Leon Farrell from Photocall Ireland. The images likely captured the attendees, speakers, and the overall…
The American Academy of Dermatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis in the United States. It provides 11 evidence-based recommendations for the use of phototherapy and systemic therapies, including biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, with strong recommendations for the use of certain medications. The guidelines advise against the use of…
Moorfields Eye Hospital experts have developed an AI tool, RETFound, to diagnose eye-related diseases quickly and reliably. The model was trained using 1,640,612 retinal scans from Moorsfield Eye Hospital, and it showed exceptional performance in detecting diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. RETFound is more efficient than other AI tools, requiring only 10% of…
Publicly-traded digital behavioral health company Talkspace has partnered with menopause-focused telehealth startup Evernow to expand their portfolio. Talkspace offers therapy, psychiatric services, and medication management for various mental health conditions, while Evernow provides hormone therapy and treatment plans for menopausal women. Through the partnership, Talkspace providers can access Evernow’s resources, and Evernow’s members can receive…
The KFF Health News Minute provides weekly updates on various health-related issues. Recent topics include the impact of Medicaid purges on those seeking assistance, shortages of physical therapists, and concerns about the rising cost of long-term care. Other topics covered include confusion around definitions of preventive care and the difficulty of obtaining a lifesaving overdose…
The world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacing system, Aveir DR, was named one of 2023’s top inventions. It has been successfully implanted since FDA approval in July and offers substantial reductions in complications. Dr. Cyrus A. Hadadi, one of the first to implant the system, discussed its benefits, patient selection, implantation challenges, and long-term implications. The…
The day is beginning with clear blue skies and sunshine at the Pharmalot campus. The company’s newest mascot is enjoying the outdoors in search of creatures, and Pharmalot is busy as ever hunting for items of interest. According to CNBC, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, Zepbound, is causing patients to regain about half of the…
Minerva (BMJ 2023;383:p2761 doi:10.1136/bmj.p2761) reported a UK register of cardiac arrests during anesthesia found 881 cases in a 12-month period, with an incidence of three arrests per 100,000 anesthesia. However, the correct incidence is three arrests in 10,000 anesthesia. The article has been corrected. Source link
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a magnetic hydrogel wound dressing that contains two different regenerative cell types. The dressing is stimulated by an external magnetic field, which causes mechanical stresses to act on the cells, stimulating them to grow and enhancing their regenerative potential. The advanced dressing aims to treat difficult-to-heal…
Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1,100 suspected cases and 20 deaths reported this year, according to the World Health Organization. The countries affected are Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Anthrax usually affects livestock and wild herbivores, with humans being infected if they are exposed to…
Researchers recently developed the REP-EQUITY toolbox to address underrepresentation in health research. This toolbox aims to help researchers capture a representative and equitable sample, which is crucial due to the highlighted need to include underserved populations in the wake of COVID-19. The toolkit was developed through a comprehensive data search and consensus workshop, including input…
An experimental device with millions of stem cells reduced the need for insulin shots in people with type 1 diabetes. The device, containing lab-grown pancreatic cells, led to significant improvement in some patients, allowing their bodies to spend more time within the normal blood sugar range and reducing their need for insulin. Researchers hope this…
The recent FDA approval of the Paradise and Symplicity Spyral systems provides a new therapeutic approach to treat resistant hypertension by reducing the activity in the sympathetic nervous system through renal denervation. Both developed after over a decade in development, these devices have been shown to lower blood pressure significantly in patients with hypertension who…
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects 3.3 million adults in the U.S. and is marked by severe fatigue that limits a person’s activity. The first nationally representative survey conducted by the CDC estimated that 1.3% of the population had CFS between 2021 and 2022, with higher estimates possibly due to long COVID. Symptoms of CFS include…
The author was diagnosed with Fatty Liver Grade 2 and was at risk of developing irreversible liver diseases. He decided to make lifestyle changes to reduce the fat on his liver by focusing on his diet and exercise. He stopped eating rich and sugary foods, increased his vegetable intake, and exercised for half an hour…
TensioCare is a product that emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s blood pressure and regularly monitoring it, as high blood pressure often goes unrecognized for a long time. It is necessary to measure blood pressure regularly because high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications. The content discusses the importance of blood pressure, the…
A study found that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) does not provide pain relief for fibromyalgia. The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial and found that LDN did not significantly reduce pain compared to a placebo. The study included 80 participants with fibromyalgia and lasted for 12 weeks. Overall, the findings suggest that LDN may not be…
Privia Medical Group Gulf Coast has partnered with Iron Health to launch Privia Wellness, a program offering medication management and nutrition support for women. Privia Health helps independent providers manage administrative tasks and improve care for employees and members. Iron Health, a virtual care platform, focuses on supporting OB/GYN practices and health systems with primary…
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in Ireland, with about 3,940 men diagnosed each year. AKEEGA® received first approval worldwide with EC Authorisation. It was based on the results of the Phase 3 MAGNITUDE study, which showed that niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival in…
A post hoc analysis of pooled data from three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials shows that the treatment abrocitinib is a safe and effective option for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis across different racial and ethnic groups. Results from clinical trials with 945 patients, including 628 white patients, 204 Asian patients, 83 Black patients, and 37 Hispanic/Latino…
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that occurs when the natural support for internal organs weakens, causing them to slump into the vaginal cavity. It can happen in women who have been through pregnancy or menopause, but also women who haven’t given birth. Some common symptoms include urinary incontinence and constipation. The condition can progress…
Privia Medical Group Gulf Coast is partnering with Iron Health to launch Privia Wellness, an initiative that combines health services with OB/GYN care. Iron Health offers primary care, mental health services, patient screening, virtual care, EHR integration, and patient and population health data insights. The partnership will provide patients with weight management tools, hormone replacement…
Sharon Woodward, a former medical technician, was forced to retire after being diagnosed with a debilitating form of arthritis, leaving her with over $20,000 in medical debt. She had to move to a small town in Virginia and at times relied on food banks to eat. This is a common story in America, with 100…
Ophthalmologists were urged to collaborate with the industry to reduce the carbon footprint of medical products at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. Dr. Emily M. Schehlein emphasized the need for the industry to minimize unnecessary waste and carbon emissions. A survey conducted by EyeSustain in 2023 found that while the industry is interested in…
Dr. Laurie Glimcher, inspired by her father, learned that big discoveries require big risks in science. In the late 1990s, she and her postdoctoral student conducted experiments at her Harvard immunology lab that colleagues considered “crazy.” After a year of trial and error, they made a groundbreaking discovery that white blood cells could be reprogrammed,…
Doctors are concerned about the high amount of money being paid to oversee patients in pilot trials of the weight loss drug Wegovy. Leaked documents show that primary care networks will be reimbursed £1109 for each patient in the pilot if GPs initiate prescribing, and £663 if patients are referred to a specialist weight management…
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have developed plant-based microrobots intended to facilitate medical procedures. The robots consist of a biocompatible hydrogel material and cellulose nanoparticles that respond predictably to environmental factors, such as changes in pH. Magnetic elements incorporated into the robots allow them to be moved and deliver cargoes throughout the…
Researchers from the Organoid Group and the Rare Cancers Genomics Team have created a new model for studying neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the lab. The researchers found that some types of NETs need the protein Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to grow, potentially making them treatable with inhibitors of the EGF receptor. This discovery is surprising…
Sharon Woodward was a medical technician who had to retire in her mid-40s due to being diagnosed with a debilitating form of arthritis, resulting in her accumulating over $20,000 in medical debts. She was forced to move to a small town and relied on food banks to get enough to eat. This story is one…
Experts are concerned about the rise of a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, especially as the holiday season approaches. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine appears to work against this variant, but vaccine uptake is still low. JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron and is showing up in Europe. Wastewater data suggests it is fueling a new wave…
The survey at a pediatric rheumatology clinic shows that many teenagers and young adults on teratogenic medication aren’t being asked by their rheumatologist about their sexual activity. Many aren’t aware that their medication could harm a fetus. The most common diagnoses among participants were juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and about one third…