States Get in on the Prior Authorization Crackdown
The Biden administration is cracking down on insurance plans' prior authorization policies for certain health plans participating in federal programs, such as Medicare Advantage or the Affordable Care Act marketplace.…
Role of circulating tumor DNA in guiding therapeutic choices for colon emphasized
Dr. Rachna T. Shroff discussed the CIRCULATE and COBRA studies at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. These studies evaluated the role of circulating tumor DNA in guiding treatment decisions for…
Telehealth medication abortion as safe as pills prescribed in-person
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that a telehealth consultation and mail delivery of abortion pills is safe and effective, with a 97.7% success rate in completing abortions.…
Alaskapox: First human death from zoonotic virus is announced
Alaska health officials have reported the first human death from a new virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The deceased was an elderly man with a history…
In fight over Medicare payments, the hospital lobby shows its strength
Hospitals are fighting to maintain higher Medicare payments for their services, including at hospital-owned physician practices. This unequal arrangement is seen as driving up costs for patients and taxpayers and…
Study explores health benefits of selenium and zinc-enriched eggs
In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of a diet of selenium- and/or zinc-enriched eggs (SZE) on oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and intestinal flora in aging mice. The study…
How to Deal With Side Effects of Medicine
Prescription drugs help with medical conditions, but can also have unwelcome side effects. It's important to communicate with your doctor and pharmacist about these side effects. New drugs may have…
Inflammatory Arthritis Has Big Impact on Systemic Sclerosis
In a large observational study of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), researchers found that one third of patients had inflammatory arthritis (IA), which was associated with poor quality of life…
Coughing Even Weeks After Infection? Here’s What Researchers Say
Post-infectious cough affects 11-25% of adults after a respiratory illness, lasting 3-8 weeks. It can arise due to inflammatory reaction, mucous production, and bronchial sensitivity. Medications like inhaled corticosteroids and…
Home insulin pump use safe for hospitalized children with diabetes without active ketoacidosis
Home insulin pump use has been found to be safe for hospitalized children with diabetes who do not have active ketoacidosis. A study conducted by researchers supports the continued use…