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.

How to diagnose and treat rare blood clots associated with a COVID-19 vaccine

The team behind the new guidance also emphasized how important it still is for all adults to get vaccinated.

Cardiologists urge CMS to permanently allow virtual supervision for rehab services

Six healthcare organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, signed the letter.

SCAI 2021: COVID-19 especially harmful for high-risk heart attack patients

Researchers presented new data from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction registry, detailing the ongoing pandemic's "deadly impact."

‘The next wave of complications’: Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients face a prolonged stroke risk

The median time from a positive serological test result to acute ischemic stroke was nearly 55 days.

Hospital allocates $517,000 toward vaccination bonuses, as health systems team to target hesitancy

Sixty top hospitals and healthcare institutions launched a nationwide campaign this week, targeting communities that have been slow to receive their first shot.

Football player cleared by cardiologist after missing time due to COVID-related myocarditis

Tommy Sweeney was the first NFL player to come down with myocarditis following a case of COVID-19, missing the rest of the 2020 season after his diagnosis in November.

Half of US adults have received one COVID-19 vaccine dose

Half of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed. About one-third of adults are also fully vaccinated.

coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

CDC recommends pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine

Following reports of a rare blood clot reaction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of “an abundance of caution.”

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