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Editor's Note More than 300,000 healthcare positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been exempted from a federal hiring freeze ordered by President Donald Trump on January 20, ensuring continuity in care for veterans. Military.com reported the news January 23. According to the article, acting VA Secretary Todd…
Editor's Note Analysts say proposed tariffs on imported goods could increase costs for approximately 75% of medical devices marketed in the United States, 69% of which are manufactured solely abroad, according to a January 20 article in Medical Product Outsourcing. Valued at $197.8 billion in 2023, the US medical device…
Editor's Note Escalating administrative hurdles from insurers are heightening tensions between healthcare payers and providers who criticize the measures for threatening patient care, Modern Healthcare reported January 22. According to the article, policies attracting criticism include stringent prior authorization rules, claims denials, and new fees for appeals. For their part,…
Editor's Note Individuals with negative colonoscopy screening (NCS) results face significantly lower long-term risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality, suggesting the recommended 10-year rescreening interval could be safely extended for low-risk populations, according to a study published in JAMA Oncology. Healio reported on the results January 15. As…
Editor's Note The first large-scale, randomized pediatric trial of its kind reveals the potential of treating acute, non-perforated appendicitis in children with antibiotics instead of surgery, Medical Xpress reported January 20. Published in The Lancet, the APPY study involved collaboration among 11 children’s hospitals worldwide to compare the effectiveness of…
Editor's Note Although medical device shortages threaten all patients, a recent FDA announcement highlights particular risks for pediatric populations who require size-appropriate equipment. “From ventilators and neonatal breathing tubes to hemodialysis catheters, the scarcity of these critical devices poses a growing threat to patient care – especially for our youngest…
Editor's Note Known for managing Type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may also reduce the risks of numerous other conditions, including Alzheimer’s, substance use disorders, and certain cancers, according to an article published in Fortune January 20. Led by the Veterans Affairs St.…
Editor's Note Growing consolidation and private equity investments in healthcare are driving up costs, reducing access, and raising quality concerns, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to HHS’ January 15 announcement, the report stems from a tri-agency effort by HHS, the…
Editor's Note New research underscores the need for innovative educational approaches to strengthen infection control practices. Published January 8 in the American Journal of Infection control, the study examined the impact of clinical observations on nursing students' adherence to standard precautions. Findings show observational learning contributes minimally to compliance, accounting…
Editor's Note A recent survey from Orlando Health highlights limited awareness of the link between bariatric surgery and improved fertility, with only half of respondents acknowledging its benefits. According to January 16 coverage in Contemporary OB/GYN, the findings underscore a broader knowledge gap among the US population regarding the role…
