Lawmakers are facing a year-end deadline to decide on covid-era payment changes for telehealth services, including allowing patients to stay at home for medical visits. During a Capitol Hill hearing, Rep. Brad Wenstrup and other House members shared personal stories of how telehealth has benefited patients. The proposals primarily focus on how Medicare covers telehealth,…
SHEA Spring conference, organized by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, is scheduled to take place from April 16 to 19 in Houston. The theme for this year is “The Future is Now: Implementing Change through People, Policy and Technology”. The conference will focus on emerging issues in health care epidemiology, antibiotic stewardship, long-term…
STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage discussion on difficult issues. The content highlights stories from Carlinville and Conques that demonstrate acts of kindness towards refugees and those in need. Another article discusses the need for more pediatricians in underserved areas. There are also opinions on OTC…
Thirty organizations, including mental health charities and bereaved families’ organizations, are urging the UK Covid-19 Inquiry to prioritize the mental health effects of the pandemic. They are concerned that mental health has not been prioritized in the inquiry’s third module, which is looking at the government’s response to Covid-19 and its impact on healthcare systems….
A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research found that mailing at-home self-sampling kits for HPV testing significantly increased cervical cancer screening participation in underscreened populations. The study included 2,115 patients randomly assigned to different screening methods, with participation rates of 15.3%, 44.0%, and 51.4% for different arms. Compared…
Glen Kelley, a heart transplant recipient, shared his journey at the ISHLT conference in Prague. After battling cancer and heart disease, he received two transplants and faced multiple health challenges. Despite this, Kelley had a successful career and transitioned to a patient advocate. He dedicated himself to supporting others dealing with heart disease and now…
In early 2014, Dr. Ilene Ruhoy experienced dismissal of her health complaints, leading to a delayed tumor diagnosis. This reflects a systemic issue where women’s symptoms are often not taken seriously, resulting in longer diagnostic delays and misdiagnoses. Female doctors like Sarah Diekman and Alicia Miller also faced dismissive attitudes from medical professionals, with Diekman…
Data from an extension study of delgocitinib cream supports positive results from phase 3 trials for chronic hand eczema. The extension study showed continued efficacy and tolerability over 36 weeks, with no change in conclusions about its safety and efficacy. The DELTA 1 and DELTA 2 trials demonstrated that delgocitinib was effective in achieving clear…
A recent study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024 revealed a link between accelerated aging and an increased risk of certain cancers in young adults. The study analyzed data from 148,724 participants in the UK Biobank database, with those exhibiting accelerated aging having a higher likelihood of early-onset lung, gastrointestinal,…
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has set guidelines on the number of leaves that medical professionals can take while pursuing postgraduate medical courses. This information is important for understanding the criteria for medical professionals balancing their academic and clinical responsibilities. Additionally, the website uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement purposes. By continuing to…
Kaiser Permanente has opened a Food is Medicine Center of Excellence to provide nutrition interventions to its 12.5 million members. This includes medically-tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition counseling. The center will also focus on expanding nutrition screening, clinical nutrition training, and partnerships with government agencies and businesses to improve access to healthy food. The…
A new audit in Ireland found that over two-thirds of Parkinson’s disease patients had to wait longer than six months for a diagnosis, with some waiting up to 20 months to see a specialist. One-third of patients did not have access to a Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist. The audit also revealed delays in accessing care…
Progyny and Evite recently held an event in Los Angeles discussing IVF options with panelists including RESOLVE, chief medical officer Dr. Janet Choi, actress Kellee Stewart, and the first US IVF baby Elizabeth Carr. Progyny offers benefits packages focusing on family building, fertility, and women’s reproductive health. Stewart discussed her involvement with Progyny and Evite,…
Pediatrician Patricia Braun treats low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients at a community health clinic in Denver, integrating oral health into medical checkups for children and pregnant women. With funding from federal grants, primary care providers in various states are receiving training in oral health. Dental hygienists are being embedded in medical practices to provide preventive…
Matt Kalaycio, MD, FACP, has been elected as the chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s board of directors, succeeding John W. Sweetenham, MD, FRCP, FACP, FASCO. Christopher H. Lieu, MD, has been elected as the vice chair. The NCCN aims to provide high-quality, patient-centered cancer care worldwide by offering evidence-based treatment options to healthcare…
Share your new hires, promotions, and job changes with us to be featured in our regular highlight series. This week, ADARx Pharmaceuticals welcomed Chris Storgard as chief medical officer, previously from Heron Therapeutics. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your team members’ successes, as we all want to know who is joining and…
Healthcare systems globally are facing multiple crises such as resource constraints and a burnt out workforce. Clinicians are being asked to do more with less, leading to backlogs in access to services, health inequalities, and patient complexity. Evidence-based ways to curb wasteful spending and promote sustainability are crucial. Choosing Wisely campaigns, implemented in over 30…
A recent study from Swansea University suggests that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks in early childhood can lead to poor dietary habits and an increased risk of obesity later in life. The research followed 14,000 British children and found that those who drank fizzy drinks at a young age gained more weight as adults, while those who…
Professor Jos Malda has received a €2.5 million grant to develop a way to repair cartilage damage, a crucial issue in our aging society. Cartilage’s intricate internal structure has been difficult to recreate, with few cells and collagen in arched structures. Malda plans to use the grant to understand how these arches form and recreate…
Research warns of the potential negative health effects of emulsifiers commonly found in foods such as ice cream, yogurt, and bread. These emulsifiers have been linked to gut microbiome disruption, inflammation, and an increased risk of conditions like heart attacks and cancer. Studies have shown that certain emulsifiers can decrease beneficial gut bacteria while increasing…
Research presented at the European Psychiatric Association 2024 Congress shows that low- to moderate-intensity physical exercise is linked to improved medication adherence in patients with severe mental illness, regardless of medication type or duration of illness. A study involving 401 participants found that a 90-minute lifestyle intervention, including supervised exercise sessions, led to a significant…
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion. Various serums, such as L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, Asterwood Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin, Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid…
Delhi AIIMS has launched a multi-centre study to assess the accuracy of HPV tests in screening for cervical cancer. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of these tests in detecting cervical cancer early and improving overall screening outcomes. By analyzing data from multiple centers, researchers hope to gather comprehensive information on the reliability of…
Torl BioTherapeutics, a biotech company, recently secured $158 million in financing for their antibody drug conjugate (ADC) cancer therapy program, TORL-1-23. This funding will support ongoing clinical development of the program, which targets tumors expressing the protein CLDN 6, with a focus on platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The financing was led by Deep Track Capital and…
Irish researchers have made a breakthrough in treating cystic fibrosis in babies as young as one month old with a drug called Ivacaftor. This drug targets the underlying cause of the condition and has been shown to be safe and effective in newborns. The earlier the treatment is started, the better chance there is of…
The popularity of ketamine clinics has risen, with concerns about regulations, legal issues, efficacy, and safety being raised. Ketamine, once a club drug, has evolved into a breakthrough therapy. Ketamine clinics now offer off-label treatment for various conditions, but the rise of online clinics has raised red flags. While some patients find at-home ketamine treatment…
Turkey-based digital health startup h2o therapeutics has announced the FDA listing of its new Apple Watch-enabled freezing of gait-cuing feature, Foggy, designed for Parkinson’s Disease patients. Freezing of gait is a symptom of Parkinson’s in which patients temporarily lose the ability to move. Foggy uses the Taptic Engine in an Apple Watch to provide vibrotactile…
Regina Barrett, a retiree in Monroe, North Carolina, is unhappy with her tap water due to its appearance and the addition of fluoride. Union County recently voted to stop adding fluoride to the water supply, sparking debate among residents and officials. Supporters of banning fluoride argue for individual choice, citing the availability of dental products…
At least four individuals have been hospitalized with severe complications resembling botulism after receiving counterfeit Botox injections. The CDC is issuing warnings to doctors nationwide about these fake injections that have caused hospitalizations in various states. The American Academy of Dermatology Association and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association have both released official statements in…
The recent detection of H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle and a dairy worker contracting the virus is concerning, as federal health officials emphasize diligent monitoring but urge a departure from reassurances. The virus has now shown inter-mammalian transmission among dairy cows, raising concerns about further evolution for efficient human transmission. Current vaccines are not…
The article discusses different types of verbal errors that people make, including folk etymology, mondegreens, malapropisms, and eggcorns. It provides examples of medical eggcorns, which are verbal errors where a word is replaced by another that sounds similar and shares a semantic connection. The article also introduces the term “acyrology” to encompass all types of…
New research presented at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona shows that pet dogs and cats can play a significant role in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study found evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria being transmitted between sick pets and their healthy owners in Portugal and the UK. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern,…
Researchers have adapted an AI program to identify signs of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) by analyzing short narratives of patients who have given birth. The AI model successfully identified a large proportion of participants likely to have the disorder, with the potential to identify more with further refinements. CB-PTSD affects around 8 million people…
In April 2024, a mother in Atlanta, Georgia, kept her son with measles symptoms in the car outside the emergency room to avoid exposing others. The boy, unvaccinated and over 5 years old, recovered after hospitalization. Measles cases are rising rapidly in the US, with vaccination rates dropping. The CDC predicts about 300 cases in…
A study comparing the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and semaglutide over a 5-year period in patients with class II obesity found that ESG resulted in greater weight loss and was more cost-effective than semaglutide. ESG led to better weight loss outcomes and added more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to semaglutide. Semaglutide was…
Stress can stem from both negative and positive life experiences, impacting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. Prolonged stress can lead to various health issues, worsen existing mental conditions, and contribute to burnout. Managing stress involves practicing self-care, setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and seeking help when needed. Small acts of self-nurturing, reducing exposure to…
A study found that there is no significant difference in the risk of kidney failure among three Anti-VEGF drugs. The study analyzed data on the three drugs and concluded that they have similar risk profiles for kidney failure. The use of cookies for analytics and advertising on the site was also mentioned, with users agreeing…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a 2.6% increase in hospitals’ inpatient payment rates for fiscal year 2025, based on a projected hospital market basket update of 3%. However, hospital groups argue that this increase is inadequate, given ongoing inflation and rising costs. They believe the proposed payment boost will not be sufficient…
Ireland is falling short of the target of six percent cancer patient involvement in clinical trials due to a hostile and oppressive regulatory environment, according to leading oncologist Prof John Kennedy. Despite the National Cancer Strategy setting a goal of six percent patient participation, only around two percent have access to trials nearly eight years…
As research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves, evidence shows that symptoms manifest differently in women compared to men, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Women with ASD may not get an official diagnosis until later in life, impacting mental health and quality of life. Differences in symptom presentation and comorbid conditions exist between genders, with…
Grow Therapy, a digital mental health company, has secured $88 million in Series C funding, led by Sequoia Capital. The funding includes investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and PLUS Capital, as well as contributions from artists and athletes. The company also announced a new measurement-based care system to enhance patient experiences and support providers in…
Following a lawsuit by prisoners with disabilities, a judge found that California prison officials are not adequately helping deaf and blind prisoners, despite available technology like video recordings and laptops. The ruling focuses on improving accommodations for these prisoners to better prepare for parole hearings. California’s prison system has been slow to adopt technological accommodations…
Preoperative antibiotic therapy in patients with native joint septic arthritis led to a significant decrease in operative culture yield, according to a recent study. Researchers found that patients who received preoperative antibiotics had a lower microbiologic yield in operative cultures compared to those who did not receive antibiotics. Additional doses and earlier initiation of antibiotics…
A group of Colorado lawmakers abandoned a controversial bill that would have required exemptions for rare disease drugs on a state board setting caps for medicine costs. They introduced a revised version, directing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to consider different uses of medicines with orphan designations, aiming to give more voice to patients. The…
A survey by the General Medical Council (GMC) found that 30% of doctors in the UK are considering leaving to work abroad in the next 12 months. Of the 3154 doctors surveyed, 13% are very likely to leave and 17% are fairly likely. Another 33% said they were likely to move abroad at some point….
New research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests that updated COVID-19 vaccines prompt a strong immune response against previous strains and emerging variants. The study, published as a preprint in medRxiv, indicates the benefits of regularly receiving updated vaccinations, especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. The research involved testing…
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common cancer-causing virus that can lead to cervical cancer if infections persist. A study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified genetic variants in certain women that increase the risk of persistent HPV infections and cervical cancer. These findings were published in The European Journal of Human…
New research has found that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, such as Tylenol, does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children. The study analyzed data from almost 2.5 million children born in Sweden and found a slight increase in risk when comparing children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy to those who…
At the 32nd European Congress of Psychiatry, research suggests that Europe is not facing an opioid crisis like the United States. Prescription opioid deaths are lower, with only a slight rise in prescribing. Most European countries do not have a crisis, except the UK and Ireland. There is concern about synthetic opiates like fentanyl. István…
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality for up to a year postpartum. A study published in Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that conditions causing high blood pressure in pregnancy double the fatal cardiovascular disease risk in women. The study identified various hypertensive disorders, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Researchers…