COVID-19

Outside of the loss of human life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have greatly affected hospitals, health systems and the way providers deliver care. Healthcare executives are grappling with federal monetary assistance, growing burnout rates, workforce shortages and federal oversight of vaccines and testing. This channel is also designed to update clinicians on new research and guidelines regarding COVID patient treatment strategies and risk assessments.

PET imaging reveals long-term heart and lung damage from COVID-19
New data highlight the long-lasting effects of the coronavirus, revealing changes that are not detectable by standard medical assessments.
HHS, NIH announce new ‘universal’ vaccine standard for broad-spectrum protection
Currently in development, the “Generation Gold Standard” platform utilizes inert whole viruses to combat more strains of common illnesses, such as COVID and the flu. It’s on track for FDA approval in 2029.
HHS sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control
The Department of Health and Human Services is refusing to allocate funds meant to support state and local healthcare initiatives, as the money stemmed from now-defunct COVID-19 control efforts. A coalition of municipalities is suing to lift the block.
Owner of home healthcare company gets 14 months for defrauding COVID programs
Nakita Cannady, 49, was also convicted of defrauding Cigna to the tune of $194,000, billing the insurer for patient care hours her providers never filled.
Deaths after TAVR are on the rise: Is the pandemic to blame or should cardiologists be concerned?
COVID-19 may help explain the increased rates of cardiac and noncardiac mortality among TAVR patients, but there are several other factors to consider as well. Researchers explored nearly 11 years of STS/ACC registry data to learn more.

coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

Biden’s winter preparedness plan includes more free COVID-19 tests

The Biden administration plans to make more free, at-home COVID-19 tests available to Americans as part of its newly announced winter preparedness plan.

Health spending reached $4.3 trillion in 2021

After a significant jump in healthcare spending in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare spending in the United States only increased 2.7% in 2021, according to new analysis from the Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), published in Health Affairs.

CMS proposes ACA expansion on behavioral health, special enrollment

The revisions impact insurers operating on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Cardiovascular disease still the No. 1 cause of death in the world

A new global report, based on data from 204 different countries and territories, has been published in full in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

COVID-19 infection and vaccination linked to debilitating heart condition—risk from vaccines ‘relatively slim’

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a significant, but treatable condition. The risk among COVID-19 patients was considerably higher than the risk after vaccination, researchers explained.

Millions will lose Medicaid coverage when COVID-19 PHE ends

The PHE has been in effect since the early days of the pandemic, and it has been reaffirmed every 90 days since. CMS has indicated it will give healthcare stakeholders at least 60 days’ notice before winding down the PHE.

Daniela Pfeiffer, professor of radiology and medical director of the study

Dark field chest X-rays can improve diagnosis of COVID-related lung disease

The novel technology offers a lower-radiation alternative to CT while offering key information about infected lung tissue.

Bucking the trend: Some hospitals achieving higher margins than before the pandemic

Their financial results are in stark opposition to several dismal reports about hospitals’ operating environments.

COVID-19

PET imaging reveals long-term heart and lung damage from COVID-19

HHS, NIH announce new ‘universal’ vaccine standard for broad-spectrum protection

HHS sued over RFK’s $11B cuts to infectious disease control

Owner of home healthcare company gets 14 months for defrauding COVID programs

Deaths after TAVR are on the rise: Is the pandemic to blame or should cardiologists be concerned?