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.

PE CT studies have risen nearly 50% in recent years
The diagnostic yield of the exam, however, has remained largely unchanged, prompting experts to question whether CT pulmonary angiography is being overused in the ED.
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.

As vaccinations continue, American Heart Association urges people to keep wearing masks, practicing social distancing

More and more people are receiving their vaccines, but it is still crucial to limit the spread of COVID-19 in as many ways as possible.

An encouraging update: Professional athletes rarely develop heart inflammation after a mild COVID-19 infection

After tracking data for nearly 800 professional athletes, the researchers found that no adverse cardiac events were reported after a mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Unprecedented: Cardiology providers lost an estimated $506M in revenue in the pandemic’s early months

Overall, Medicare providers missed out on approximately $9.4 billion in the first 6 months of 2020.

All radiologists likely to encounter COVID-19 vaccine side effects in coming months, experts say

Massachusetts General Hospital rads outlined steps providers can take to limit unnecessary follow-up care in these situations, sharing their guidance in JACR.

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson’s Covid vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization to Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine, sending into circulation the first such medicine requiring just one shot.

How 64% of U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations could have been avoided

“Medical providers should educate patients who may be at risk for severe COVID-19 and consider promoting preventive lifestyle measures,” one researcher said.

‘Bidirectional’ patient transfers helped this state protect rural healthcare from COVID

The state has set the bar for regional health networks facing similar threats around the country.

Cardiologists are much less happy outside of work than they were before the pandemic

Burnout among cardiologists, however, did not get worse as a result of COVID-19.

COVID-19

PE CT studies have risen nearly 50% in recent years

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