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.

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%
In a new data analysis from nine states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the protective effect tapers off as juveniles age, with 5-17 year olds seeing fewer trips to urgent care or the emergency room at a rate of 56%. Overall, the agency said evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are still effective.
Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?
Hospitals could be turning away high-risk heart patients to help their TAVR programs receive a higher ranking, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination
Adults are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke after a COVID-19 infection than when they are healthy. The risks are even greater for the flu.
Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019
A new study published in JAMA, which looked at fee-for-service Medicare records from 2013–2023, found that overall participation has trended upward. However, the details paint a complicated picture.
Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework
Without a formal extension before the government shutdown, the flexible telemedicine reimbursement policies introduced in 2020 that removed regional barriers for Medicare patients have officially ended.

Doctor accused of forging vaccine cards and injecting children with saline has all charges dropped

Under the direction of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, charges against Michael Kirk Moore Jr., MD, were dropped just as his trial began. He had been accused of destroying 1,937 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and accepting kickbacks for falsifying vaccine records.

Low-intensity focused ultrasound a noninvasive treatment option for lingering COVID symptoms

New research suggests the technique can effectively break down amyloid fibrinogen microclots, which are believed to interfere with perfusion and cause inflammation.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sign.

HHS, RFK sued by medical associations over COVID policy shift

Multiple professional groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, challenge recent policy changes to vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, which end routine inoculations for minors and pregnant women.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Lab owner indicted in $290M COVID fraud scheme pleads not guilty

Mahmood Sami Khan, 36, has been charged on five counts of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

Vaccines—for the flu, COVID-19 and other infections—are a ‘foundational pillar’ of heart protection

Staying vaccinated as recommended by doctors can help patients limit their risk of adverse cardiovascular events, according to a new consensus statement published in European Heart Journal.

What can federal health agencies do to revive the fading trust of the public?

Confidence in public health entities is spiraling downward in the U.S., and once-revered Washington institutions like the CDC and NIH are among the casualties in serious condition. How to break the negative momentum?

AAP, other physician societies double down on Kennedy-crossing vaccination stance

5 high-profile physician leaders: ‘Misinformation, politicization of commonsense public health efforts and sudden changes to federal vaccine guidance are creating mass confusion and diminishing trust in public health.’

Major association of physicians presents itself as a go-to alternative vs. the government on vaccine expertise

One of the most formidable societies of medical professionals in the U.S. is going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy’s HHS over changing vaccination recommendations.

COVID-19

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%

Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?

COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019

Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework