Health Catalyst acquired Lumeon, a care management automation startup, to enhance revenue and reduce staff workload. Health Catalyst plans to integrate Lumeon’s Care Orchestration technology into their AI and analytics platform. The acquisition will also allow Health Catalyst to expand into the UK market. In addition, Health Catalyst has announced partnerships with Contexture and South…
Julie Rovner, the host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy news podcast, discusses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice for running mate. Walz has a liberal record, supporting bills expanding abortion rights and medical care for transgender people. The number of abortions in the US is rising post-Roe v. Wade…
A hospital system in Florida implemented an electronic smart order set for C. difficile testing, leading to a 20 percentage point reduction in unnecessary tests. The study analyzed data from patients before and after the smart order was implemented, showing that more patients met testing criteria post-implementation. While there was an increase in 30-day readmissions…
The CDC has increased its risk assessment of the H5N1 bird flu virus in dairy cows, indicating a slightly higher chance of triggering a pandemic. The assessment was done using the influenza risk assessment tool (IRAT) and classified the virus as having a moderate risk of causing a pandemic. The CDC emphasizes that this assessment…
Jonathan Spencer, a neurology academic clinical fellow, discusses the challenges of academic medical training. While much attention is on the lottery-based recruitment to specialized programs, there is little focus on the confusion and complexity of academic training post-specialized foundation programs. The integrated academic training pathway is difficult to navigate and understand, especially for those who…
A study found that women with type 2 diabetes have higher bone mineral density and better bone microarchitecture, but poorer physical function compared to those without diabetes. The research involved 3,008 women aged 75 to 80, with 294 having type 2 diabetes. Women with diabetes had higher BMD, cortical area, and trabecular bone volume fraction,…
A study from UCL, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Cambridge found that various biological pathways involving organs and the brain are crucial for physical and mental health. Analyzing data from over 18,000 individuals, they discovered connections between poor organ health and higher depressive symptoms, with the brain playing a significant role in…
The FDA declined to approve a treatment combining the psychedelic drug midomafetamine with assisted therapy for PTSD. The agency issued a complete response letter requesting additional study and an additional Phase 3 trial to further study the safety and efficacy of the treatment. This decision comes after an advisory panel voted against approval due to…
Friendships during teenage years have a significant impact on mental health, not just through emotional support, but also through genetic traits. A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that a person’s friends’ genetic predisposition to mental health issues can influence their own risk of developing similar issues later in life. The…
The White House is finalizing a rule that could impact patients’ prescription drug costs. The rule involves “copay accumulators,” which prevent copay assistance from counting towards deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. A judge overturned a 2021 rule allowing the use of copay accumulators in September, with HHS and CMS appealing the decision. Patients with conditions like…
New Irish research emphasizes the need for tailored guidelines in managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain, which is a common side-effect of many antipsychotic medications. The study found that current guidelines are insufficient and do not align with the needs and experiences of patients struggling with weight gain. Patients reported that lifestyle changes alone were not effective…
Healthcare technology company Syra Health reported a significant increase in revenue from its Population Health unit, with total revenue reaching $2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The company signed contracts with several states, showing growth and diversification in its client base. DarioHealth, a digital therapeutics company, also experienced revenue growth in the second…
Dan Shively, a former bank president, and Jeffrey Dowd, a former auto mechanic, both suffered from dementia and ended up at the same memory care facility in Billings, Montana. Despite their previous lives, both men exhibited troubling behavior at the facility, with Dowd being physically and verbally abusive to other residents. This behavior culminated in…
Clinicians are advised to start ordering immunizations now to increase vaccination rates among patients as the respiratory virus season approaches. Manisha S. Patel, MD, MS, director of the division of viral diseases at the CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, highlighted the importance of convenience in getting vaccines. Key talking points were discussed,…
Noah Lyles, a 27-year-old athlete from Florida, won a gold medal in the 100-meter dash and a bronze in the 200-meter dash at the Olympics. He tested positive for Covid-19 before the 200-meter race but still competed, risking serious complications. The decision to compete should not be left to athletes, but to medical professionals to…
Sir Thomas More coined the word “Utopia” in his 1516 novel, describing a perfect, fictional place with dual meanings of “no place” or “goodly place.” Following this, the term “dystopia” was created as an antonym based on the Greek roots meaning “ill” or “bad.” Jeremy Bentham later introduced “cacotopia” as a worse alternative, emphasizing bad…
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that a behavioral intervention supporting weight loss can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes. The intervention included a 12-month program that involved total diet replacement for three months, followed by behavioral support for weight loss. Results showed an average weight loss of 8.3% or…
Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s have identified a new molecular signaling pathway involving the protein CARD14 that is crucial for maintaining the skin barrier, which could lead to new treatments for inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that when CARD14 interacts with MYC, a protein that controls cell…
In a phase 3 randomized controlled trial, methotrexate was found to alleviate pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis when added to usual analgesia. The study included 155 patients with knee osteoarthritis in the UK who had an inadequate response to their current medication. At 6 months, the methotrexate group saw a greater decrease in knee…
Breastfeeding is a crucial bonding experience for new mothers and their babies, but it can be challenging in the beginning. Avery Young, a lactation consultant, debunks common misconceptions about breastfeeding during Breastfeeding Awareness Month. She explains that while formula milk and breast milk both have essential nutrients, breast milk is uniquely tailored to a human…
In 2022, about 21.5 million American adults had a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance use, as those with mental illness are more prone to substance use disorders. Recognizing this, outpatient addiction treatment provider Eleanor Health has partnered with mental health provider Thriveworks to offer additional support beyond substance use disorder treatment. Eleanor Health…
HSE CEO expressed shock at the number of patients waiting for care at University Hospital Limerick. The Irish Hospital Consultant Association criticized the HSE’s decision to cancel scheduled care at ULHG, calling it unnecessary and an abandonment of the people in the region. The move will have severe consequences on patient health outcomes and waiting…
An online calculator developed by Australian universities can now predict a person’s risk of developing long COVID, taking into account factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, and vaccination status. The Australian Digital Health Agency has updated its Provider Connect Australia service to integrate with clinical information systems using a SMART on FHIR interface. Clintel Systems…
The article discusses the challenges faced by Medicaid patients in Marin County, California, in accessing dental care due to limited coverage and lack of dentists willing to accept Medicaid. Bobby Moske, a Medicaid patient, had to have a tooth pulled due to decay after struggling to find a dentist for a root canal. Lawmakers are…
Sleep disturbances are common in menopausal women, with up to 69% reporting issues. Estrogen effectively treats hot flashes but not sleep disturbances. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the gold standard treatment. Research is ongoing to better understand the neuronal circuits involved and develop more targeted therapies. Chronic sleep deprivation can impact work, relationships, mood,…
The article discusses the pursuit to get MDMA approved for PTSD treatment, a young girl’s improvement with genetic medicine, and Merck’s acquisition of a bispecific antibody. A new AI drug development merger is also highlighted, along with Novo’s decision on heart failure treatment. The FDA’s looming decision on MDMA, the potential impact on psychedelics, and…
African trial of HIV prevention through twice yearly injection shows promising results in preventing new infections in adolescent girls and young women in South Africa and Uganda. UNAIDS leaders believe this could break the cycle of mass infection in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the success of this treatment depends on lowering the cost of the new…
Sleep is a complex and fascinating phenomenon characterized by various brain activity cycles. Recent research from Yale School of Medicine focuses on how neuronal ensembles in the hippocampus represent sequential experiences during sleep. By studying freely moving rats on linear tracks, researchers found that the brain can process multiple experiences without interference by representing past…
Dan Shively and Jeffrey Dowd were both bank president and auto mechanic respectively, before they both developed dementia and ended up in Canyon Creek Memory Care Community in Montana. Dowd was known for his aggressive behavior, leading to a fatal incident where he pushed Shively, causing his death. Dowd continued to exhibit violent behavior toward…
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved denileukin diftitox-cxdl (Lymphir, Citius Pharmaceuticals) for adults with relapsed or refractory stage 1-3 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after prior systemic therapy. Citius acquired rights to market a reformulated product in 2021, targeting interleukin-2 receptors on malignant T cells. Approval was based on a study showing a 36.2% response…
A recent study has found that erythritol, a common low-calorie sweetener, may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic discovered this risk while investigating the effects of sugar substitutes on the body. Erythritol, classified as safe by food regulatory agencies, is commonly used in “keto” products. However, the study…
A new report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR) reveals that over 700 rural hospitals in the U.S. are at risk of closure, with immediate risk for more than half. Financial instability due to inadequate reimbursement from health plans is the main cause, with Medicare often being the most lucrative payer…
The England and Wales High Court granted an application for a fresh inquest into the death of an elderly man who went missing in 2009 and whose body was found almost four years later. The original inquest had recorded an ‘Open Conclusion’ due to lack of evidence. Skeletal remains discovered in December 2022 were confirmed…
Medical News Bulletin offers guidance on choosing supplements to help manage eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by itching, dryness, and flare-ups. Treatment focuses on symptom management and prevention, including avoiding triggers, moisturizing, and using medications. Supplements like Vitamin B12, D, fish oil, evening primrose oil, zinc, probiotics, melatonin, turmeric, and CBD may help reduce…
Matt Cybulsky, a leader in healthcare AI and product innovation, discussed the changing landscape of digital health investment with MobiHealthNews. Despite a slowdown in funding due to various economic factors, there is a renewed interest in healthcare investment. Cybulsky emphasizes the importance of a solid business plan and market research when advising companies seeking funding….
Kamala Harris was concerned about health care industry consolidation and its impact on competition and prices as California’s attorney general. If elected president, she could continue to prioritize enforcement of antitrust laws in the health care industry. Under President Joe Biden, aggressive antitrust enforcement has already been seen. Despite the benefits of consolidation for health…
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that one-third of prisoners with mental health conditions and nearly 14% of those with chronic physical conditions did not receive any treatment while incarcerated. Co-payments, especially higher ones, were associated with lower odds of receiving care among prisoners. The study, which analyzed data from the U.S….
Purdue Pharma, known for its role in the opioid crisis, has received FDA approval for a new auto-injector device to reverse opioid overdoses. The device, Zurnai, uses nalmefene, a stronger form of naloxone. Despite Purdue’s controversial history, the company plans to sell Zurnai at cost to help address the crisis it contributed to. The approval…
This investigation analyzed sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intakes among children and adolescents aged 3-19 years in 185 countries from 1990 to 2018. Data from the Global Dietary Database was used, incorporating individual-level dietary surveys from various sources. The study found a 23% increase in SSB intake over the study period, correlating with the rise in global…
A review of 148 studies involving over 4.3 million chronic pain patients treated with prescription opioids found that nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or use disorder, and almost one in three shows symptoms of dependence. This study contradicts claims by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma that less than 1% of patients face…
Memory decline in old age has long been attributed to the loss of dendritic spines in brain neurons. However, a recent study challenges this belief by demonstrating that the quality, rather than the quantity, of synapses in old age plays a crucial role in memory preservation. Researchers found that larger dendritic spine head diameters are…
Researchers found that uptake of infliximab biosimilars in the United States increased significantly after the third biosimilar became available in July 2020. However, Medicare prescriptions still lag behind private insurance and Medicaid. The study analyzed data from over 1100 rheumatologists from April 2016 to September 2022. By September 2022, biosimilar uptake was higher for Medicaid…
A recent mice study has discovered a breakthrough treatment that could potentially boost longevity and vitality in old age. Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that monthly treatments, which involved removing highly inflammatory cells expressing a specific gene called p21, extended the lifespan of mice by 9% and improved physical capabilities such as walking…
G1 Therapeutics developed a lung cancer drug called Cosela, which was FDA-approved in 2021. The company was recently acquired by Pharmacosmos for $405 million. Cosela is an intravenously infused therapy that protects bone marrow from chemotherapy’s effects by blocking CDK4/6 proteins. G1 reported $46.3 million in product sales in 2023, but faced challenges in expanding…
Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews various clinical studies on men’s health, highlighting the existing health paradox where men have worse health outcomes compared to women. A study delves into men’s mental help-seeking behaviors post-breakup, emphasizing the importance of accessing professional mental health care. Another study suggests a framework for designing men’s health programs that address barriers…
Guidehealth, an AI-enabled provider for health systems, closed a $14 million seed funding round with participation from Memorial Hermann Health System and other healthcare leaders. Guidehealth offers a value-based care platform with AI insights to identify patients needing specific care before a health event. The platform includes virtual health guides, community engagement tools, and workflow-focused…
Herlinda Sanchez, a 36-year-old diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, faces challenges accessing chemotherapy due to the lack of cancer services in her rural community. She and her husband must drive three hours to San Antonio for treatment, highlighting the struggles rural cancer patients face. Lack of local chemotherapy services can lead to gaps in…
A study conducted by Nathan Efron and colleagues found that toric soft contact lens prescribing almost doubled internationally from 2000 to 2023. The researchers analyzed data from over 220,000 soft daily single-vision lens fits and found that toric soft lens prescribing increased from 24.4% in 2000 to 46.2% in 2023. Men were more likely to…
STAT’s investigative series, Health Care’s Colossus, exposes injustices in the health care system. The latest story reveals how UnitedHealth Group pushed clinicians to use a medical device to screen patients for artery disease, increasing profits at the expense of patient well-being. The series also examines how United has monopolized the health care industry, similar to…
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined an NHS IT provider over £6 million for a cyberattack in August 2022 that resulted in the theft of sensitive information and medical records belonging to 82,946 people. Hackers launched a ransomware attack on the IT company Advanced, which provides services to the NHS and other healthcare providers. Advanced…