SPOTLIGHT -
COVID-19 death toll likely higher according to study
Official death toll is almost 6 million, but excess deaths indicate far more may have died from COVID than reported
Test-to-Treat COVID initiative under fire from clinicians
Skipping physicians for convenience not the best way for patients to receive care says American Medical Association
Impact of racial prejudice on health outcomes
Study shows that people who live in communities with higher levels of racial prejudice have higher rates of heart disease and mental health problems.
Vaccine divide between urban and rural areas increasing
Rural areas lag well behind their urban counterparts when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.
1 in 4 Americans has more than $10,000 in medical debt
Emergency department visits are a big contributor
Physician shortage exacerbated by COVID-19
Doctors face increased burnout rates, loss of autonomy and greater financial threats from nonphysician practitioners
Burnout reported by 50% of health care workers
Almost a quarter are thinking about leaving health care after two years of a pandemic
Staffing still a challenge for many practices
Data shows some encouraging trends, but filling positions proving difficult with costs increasing
Better services may lead patients to switching providers
Report shows public’s desire for more convenience and empathy
Bill to tackle clinician burnout and suicide passsed
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act aims to help physicians receive mental health assistance without jeopardizing their licenses.
Massive surge in injury and illness rates for health care workers
Health care and social workers combined for more injuries and illnesses than any other industry in the nation.
FDA to be headed by cardiologist
Robert Califf was approved in a 50-46 vote by the senate
$55 million in HHS awards given to increase access to underserved populations
29 HRSA-funded health centers to receive boost in technology to improve outcomes
Price transparency in hospitals remains elusive, in spite of rule
Just 14.3% of hospitals complying with rule meant to encourage consumer price shopping.
Underinsured children increases by 2.4 million
High out-of-pockets costs of inadequate insurance are the main driver.
COVID-19 hospitalizations for the unvaccinated have cost billions of dollars
Taxpayers ultimately picking up the tab for those refusing the jab.