Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Infectious Disease for August 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Ground Chuck Products Recalled by Publix Super Markets

FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Escherichia coli contamination has triggered the recall of ground beef products made from chuck that were sold at Publix Super Markets in Florida.

More Information

Medical Bills in Collections Decrease With Patient Age

FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical collections decrease substantially with age, possibly because of increased health insurance coverage and incomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Pediatric Revisits, Admissions for UTI Similar With Oral or IV Meds

FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very young children with urinary tract infections (UTIs) who receive parenteral antibiotics before emergency department discharge do not have lower rates of revisits leading to admission than children receiving oral antibiotics, according to a study published online Aug. 21 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

China Withholding H7N9 Bird Flu Virus Samples From U.S.

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chinese officials have not sent lab samples of H7N9 bird flu virus to their U.S. counterparts despite repeated requests and an international agreement.

The New York Times Article

FDA: Common Diabetes Meds Tied to Serious Genital Infection

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A rare but serious genital infection known as necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum, also called Fournier’s gangrene, has been reported in some patients taking a certain class of type 2 diabetes medicine, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the FDA has ordered a new warning about this risk to be added to the prescribing information and patient medication guide of all sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

More Information

Oral High-Risk HPV Prevalence Appears to Be Low in England

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in adult men and women is low in England, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in BMJ Open.

Abstract/Full Text

No Meaningful Increase in Physician Compensation Last Year

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was no meaningful increase in physician compensation in 2017, and a decline in productivity was noted, according to the results of a survey conducted by AMGA Consulting.

Press Release
Survey (subscription or payment may be required)

Many ED Visits for Antibiotic Adverse Drug Events in Children

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Emergency department (ED) visits for antibiotic adverse drug events (ADEs) in children account for 46.2 percent of emergency department visits for ADEs resulting from systemic medication, according to a study published online Aug. 23 in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

Abstract/Full Text

MICs of Isoniazid, Rifampin May Predict Tuberculosis Relapse

THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In pretreatment isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of isoniazid and rifampin below the standard resistance breakpoint are associated with increased risk of relapse, according to a study published in the Aug. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

CDC: Salmonella Outbreak in 4 States Linked to Kosher Chicken

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One person has died and 16 others sickened in a four-state Salmonella outbreak linked to kosher chicken, U.S. health officials say.

More Information

CDC: Greater Awareness of Valley Fever Needed Nationally

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Greater nationwide awareness of the fungal infection Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is needed, according to a report published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Abstract/Full Text

Marketplace Premiums Increase More With Monopolist Insurers

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Affordable Care Act Marketplace premiums increase more in areas with monopolist insurers, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

State Public Health Workforce Grew From 2013 to 2017

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The state health department epidemiology workforce increased 22 percent from 2013 to 2017, according to research published in the Aug. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Emotional Pain Tied to Health Care-Associated Infections

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with health care-associated infections (HAIs) suffer social and emotional pain, according to a review published in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.

Abstract/Full Text

FDA: Hundreds of Human, Pet Homeopathy Products Recalled

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hundreds of Dr. King’s water-based homeopathic drugs for children, adults, and pets may be unsafe to use because of high levels of microbial contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

website
More Information

Medical Practices Should Address Negative Online Reviews

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practice staff can effectively handle negative online reviews by staying calm and positive, looking for solutions, apologizing, and thanking the reviewers, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

Artificial Intelligence Holds Promise in Medicine

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers opportunities for early detection and triage, diagnostics and personalized medicine, and medical decision-making, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.

Abstract/Full Text

Skin Microbiota Differ for Obese, Non-Obese Undergoing C-Section

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After cesarean delivery (CD), the incision site harbors a higher bacterial biomass in obese women than in non-obese women, according to a study recently published in Scientific Reports.

Abstract/Full Text

Alcohol Is Leading Risk Factor for Global Disease Burden

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Globally, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden, according to research published online Aug. 23 in The Lancet.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Physicians Lack Knowledge About Serogroup MenB Vaccination

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) have considerable knowledge gaps regarding serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccination, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Experts Address Loss of the National Guideline Clearinghouse

TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The demise of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) in July 2018 is likely to impact evidence-based health care around the world, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Two Ebola Patients Who Received Experimental Tx Have Recovered

MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two of the first 10 people to receive an experimental Ebola treatment have recovered from the highly dangerous disease, Congo’s health ministry says.

AP News Article
More Information

Most Research Participants Not Concerned About Data Sharing

MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few participants in clinical trials have strong concerns about the risks of data sharing, according to a special article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Smartphone App Can Help Improve Outcomes With HIV

MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone app designed for people living with HIV increases users’ consistency in doctor visits and improves their health outcomes, according to a study recently published in AIDS Patient Care and STDs.

Abstract/Full Text

AMA Adopts Policy Promoting Health Equity As a Goal

FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy that sets health equity as a goal for the U.S. health care system, according to a report published in the organization’s AMA Wire.

More Information

FDA: Illnesses Linked to McDonald’s Salads Reach 507

FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection linked to salads from McDonald’s restaurants was 507 in 15 states and New York City as of Aug. 23, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Outbreak Alert
More Information

Decline in Hospital-Acquired Conditions Continues

FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) continued its decline from 2014 to 2016, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) National Scorecard on Hospital-Acquired Conditions.

More Information

Education RE: Herd Immunity Can Up Readiness to Be Vaccinated

FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Educating adults about herd immunity can increase the proportion willing to be vaccinated for influenza, according to a study recently published in Vaccine.

Abstract/Full Text

1997 to 2015 Saw Increase in HIV Viral Suppression Rates

THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 1997 to 2015 there was a considerable increase in HIV viral suppression rates among people living with HIV (PLWH), according to a study published online Aug. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Small Practices Also at Risk for Data Breaches

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Data breaches can happen to small medical practices, but staff can take steps to prevent them, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

4 Experimental Ebola Therapies Approved for Use in Congo

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Four more experimental treatments for Ebola virus have been approved by the Congo health ministry for use in an outbreak of the deadly infectious disease in the country’s northeast.

AP News Article
More Information

Strategy Outlined for Shooter Incident in Health Care Facility

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adhering to a “secure, preserve, fight” strategy is recommended for health care professionals working with a vulnerable patient population, according to a Medicine and Society piece published in the Aug. 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Teen Smoke Exposure Tied to Increase in Related Symptoms

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Non-smoking adolescents with tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) have increased risk of TSE-related symptoms, according to a study published online Aug. 6 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

National Provider Identifiers Are Vulnerable to Theft

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) are vulnerable to identity theft, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

Catch-Up HPV Doses Effective to Age 21 Against Cervical Neoplasia

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Catch-up doses of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are effective for girls and women aged 14 to 20 years at the time of first dose, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Advantages for HDHP Enrollees in Large Versus Small Firms

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Workers in small firms are more likely to have higher deductible levels and lack employer contributions to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses compared to workers in larger firms, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Doctors Often Not Discussing Risk Factors With Patients

TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients report that doctors are routinely not discussing known risk factors for common causes of death, according to a survey conducted by ImagineMD.

More Information

USPSTF Updates Guidance for Cervical Cancer Screening

TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated the recommendations for screening for cervical cancer; the final recommendation statement has been published in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Recommendation Statement
Evidence Report
Modeling Study
Editorial 1
Editorial 2

Pennsylvania Case Could Affect Evidence for Malpractice Defense

TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could affect what evidence physicians may present in defense during medical malpractice suits, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

Interim Guidance Provided for Men With Possible Zika Infection

TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Interim guidance recommends that men with possible Zika virus infection wait three months before trying to conceive or engaging in unprotected sex, according to research published in the Aug. 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Experts Offer Tips for Provider Appeal of Denied Medical Claims

MONDAY, Aug.20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Knowing payer policies and regulatory requirements is critical to appealing denials, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

More Information

NYU Becomes First Medical School to Cover All Tuition

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The NYU School of Medicine has announced that it is offering full-tuition scholarships to all current and future students in its M.D. degree program, regardless of need or merit.

Press Release

Declines in Life Expectancy in Many High-Income Countries

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy has declined in recent years in some high-income countries, and in the United States, midlife mortality has increased due to several causes, according to two studies published online Aug. 15 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text – Ho and Hendi
Abstract/Full Text – Woolf
Editorial

Little Global Development Assistance for Adolescent Health

MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Development assistance for adolescent health (DAAH) makes up a small proportion of total development assistance for health, according to a study published online Aug. 10 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text

Comments Open on End of NIH Review for Gene Therapy Studies

FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments. Instead, the panel will assume an advisory role, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will assess gene therapy experiments and products as it does with other treatments and drugs. The proposed change will take effect after a public comment period which runs through Oct. 16.

AP News Article
NIH Statement
Comment on Regulations

U.S. Measles Outbreak Hits 107 Cases in 21 States, D.C.

FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A measles outbreak that’s so far affected 21 states and the District of Columbia is being investigated by U.S. health officials.

More Information
Juneau Empire Article

Report Details Corneal Infection Tied to Sleeping in Contacts

FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Six cases of corneal infections associated with sleeping in contact lenses are described in a case report published in the Aug. 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Residents’ Sleep Deteriorates During Training

FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — First-year residents experience worsening sleep duration and quality as well as daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Practice Names, Logos Should Be Carefully Designed

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practice names and logos should be carefully designed to emphasize what is unique about a practice, according to a blog post published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

CDC: Brucellosis in Dogs Remains a Public Health Risk

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Brucella canis is an under-recognized infection in dogs that poses a threat to human health, according to a report published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Abstract/Full Text

NIH Panel Will No Longer Review Gene Therapy Experiments

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments, according to a perspective piece published online Aug. 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text
NIH Statement

Ibalizumab Active in Multidrug Resistant HIV-1 Infection

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ibalizumab has antiviral activity among patients with multidrug resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection, according to a study published in the Aug. 16 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Perspective (subscription or payment may be required)

Steps Provided for Discharging Patient From Practice

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain steps should be taken when discharging a patient for failure or inability to meet financial obligations, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

Patient Portals Don’t Appear to Have Much Traction

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals have not taken off as expected, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

ACA Coverage Gains Include Workers Without Insurance

THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After the expanded coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were implemented in 2014, self-employed individuals and wage earners without employer-sponsored health coverage offers had coverage gains equal to or greater than those of people not employed, according to a report published in the August issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Integration of Opioid, Infectious Disease Treatment Needed

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Steps should be taken to integrate treatment at the intersection of opioid use disorder (OUD) and related HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infectious disease epidemics, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The article was published to coincide with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) expert panel’s recommendations for treating opioid abuse and its related infectious epidemics.

Abstract/Full Text

Trends in HIV/AIDS Have Worsened in African-Americans

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community; the recommendations are presented in an article published in the June issue of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

HPV Legislation Doesn’t Impact Teen Sexual Behaviors

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of state legislation relating to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is not associated with changes in adolescent sexual behaviors, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Zika, West Nile Cases Reported in Alabama

TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Multiple reports of Zika virus and West Nile virus are being investigated by Alabama health officials.

Alabama Public Health
More Information – Zika
More Information – West Nile

Completing Sepsis Bundle Within an Hour Cuts Pediatric Mortality

TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Completion of a one-hour sepsis bundle within one hour cuts mortality in pediatric patients, according to a study published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Intervention Cuts Risk for HIV in Young Transgender Women

TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A culturally specific, empowerment-based, and group-delivered behavioral prevention intervention can reduce sexual risk for HIV acquisition and transmission in sexually active young transgender women (YTW), according to a study published online Aug. 13 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

6 Factors Related to Inclusion in Health Care Workplace ID’d

TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are six broad factors that can affect inclusion within health care organizations, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Four Pros to Integrating EHR, Practice Management Software

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consolidating electronic health records and practice management software allows practices to save time and money, make fewer mistakes, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full text

Prenatal Tdap Vaccination Not Linked to Autism Risk

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination is not associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

CDC: More Than 400 Sickened by McDonald’s Salads

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases of a parasite-caused illness linked to McDonald’s Fresh Express Salad Mix is now 436 in 15 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

More Information

Neurodevelopmental Anomalies, Birth Defects Linked to Zika ID’d

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many children of mothers with evidence of confirmed or possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy do not undergo all recommended evaluations, according to a Vital Signs report published in the Aug. 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

FDA Warns Against Long-Term Azithromycin Use for Some

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning patients with cancers of the blood or lymph nodes who undergo a donor stem cell transplant not to take azithromycin, as long-term use of the antibiotic has been associated with increased risk of cancer relapse.

More Information
MedWatch Reporting

C. difficile Tied to Increased Graft Loss in Solid Organ Recipients

MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with increased graft loss, according to a study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Bundling Doesn’t Cut Medicare Payments for Medical Conditions

FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Bundling of payments for five common medical conditions is not associated with changes in Medicare payments per episode or health outcomes, according to a study published in the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

AMA Adopts Policy on Augmented Intelligence

FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy on augmented intelligence, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

AMA Adopts Policy to Advance Gender Equity in Medicine

THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a new policy to study, act for, and advocate to advance gender equity in medicine, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

Vaccinations Begin in Congo Ebola Outbreak

THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vaccinations against Ebola began yesterday in an effort to stem the latest outbreak in Congo.

AP News Article
More Information

Infection Prevention Differs Between Small, Large Hospitals

THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Small and large hospitals differ in infection preventionist (IP) staffing and infection prevention and control (IPC) resources, according to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.

Abstract/Full Text

Cyber Insurance Recommended for All Physician Practices

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The growing threat of hacking is increasing the number of physicians buying cyber insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

Measles Case Reported in Minnesota

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Somali-American child in Minnesota has been diagnosed with the measles after returning from a trip to Africa, state health officials said Tuesday, adding that the unidentified 5-year-old in Hennepin County was not vaccinated, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Star Tribune Article
More Information

Steps Taken to Increase Use of Electronic Tools in Medicine

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Additional codes have been approved by the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel for chronic care remote physiologic monitoring and internet consultations, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

More Information

AMA Proposes Policy Opposing Medicaid ‘Lockout’ Provisions

TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new policy opposing lockout provisions that block Medicaid patients from the program for lengthy periods and instead supporting allowing patients to reapply immediately for redetermination was adopted by the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates during the AMA’s annual meeting in Chicago, according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

HIV, Syphilis Screening Low With ED-Diagnosed PID in Adolescents

TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — HIV and syphilis screening rates are low among adolescents who are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the emergency department, according to a study published in the August issue of Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

New Tick Species Spreading in the United States

TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The first new tick species to appear in the United States in 50 years is spreading rapidly in the east and has been confirmed in seven states and the suburbs of New York City.

The New York Times Article

Death Records Estimate 1,139 Deaths Due to Hurricane Maria

TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Based on death records following Hurricane Maria, the hurricane-related mortality burden of excess deaths through December 2017 is estimated to be 1,139, higher than the official death toll of 64, according to a research letter published online Aug. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text

Thirteen Confirmed Ebola Cases in Latest Congo Outbreak

MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The number of confirmed cases in a new Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 13, including three deaths, the country’s health ministry said late Saturday. It also said there were 30 probable cases and 33 suspected cases, the Associated Press reported.

AP News Article
More Information

Good Outcomes for HCV-Negative Recipients of HCV Kidneys

MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-negative recipients of HCV-infected kidneys experience HCV cure and good quality of life, according to research published online Aug. 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Rifampin Effective for Latent Tuberculosis in Children

MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In children with latent tuberculosis, a regimen of four months of rifampin has better rates of completion than nine months of isoniazid, with similar safety profiles, according to a study published in the Aug. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Some Bacteria Now More Tolerant of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Some types of bacteria are developing tolerance of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in hospitals, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Variation in Specialty Drug Coverage Across Health Plans

FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in specialty drug coverage across commercial health plans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Rifampin Similar to Isoniazid for Preventing Active Tuberculosis

FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A four-month regimen of rifampin is similar to a nine-month regimen of isoniazid for the prevention of active tuberculosis, according to a study published in the Aug. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Groups Urge CMS to Reconsider Suspending Risk Adjustment

FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a letter sent to Administrator Seema Verma of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), medical organizations are urging reconsideration of the decision to suspend payments to insurers as required under the Affordable Care Act’s risk-adjustment program.

More Information

Health Affairs Announces Launch of New Three-Year Initiative

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A council on health care spending and value has been established by the journal Health Affairs.

More Information

Three Financial Metrics Can Improve Practice Performance

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — By understanding three indices and metrics, physicians can change the financial outcome of their medical practice, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

New Ebola Outbreak in Congo

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Just a week after being declared Ebola-free, the Democratic Republic of Congo said yesterday that a new outbreak of the deadly virus has killed at least 20 people.

The New York Times Article
More Information

CDC: Salmonella Outbreaks in 44 States Linked to Backyard Poultry

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — At least 212 people in 44 states have been sickened in Salmonella outbreaks linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More Information

New Short-Term Health Plans Have Large Coverage Gaps

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are large coverage gaps in short-term health plans that were approved Wednesday by the Trump administration, and are described by critics as “junk insurance.”

More Information

New York City 2013 Measles Outbreak Proved Costly

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vaccine refusals and delays, particularly in young children, fueled a large measles outbreak following importation of a case into the United States, according to a study published online July 30 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

How Doctors Receive Feedback Is Key for Antimicrobial Programs

THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticipation of how providers will receive feedback is important for antimicrobial stewardship programs to consider in informing educational messaging, according to a study published online June 7 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

National Guideline Clearinghouse Offline Due to Funding Cuts

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) and National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) websites were taken down on July 16 when funding for these federal databases ended, according to an announcement by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Announcement
More Information

Dog’s Saliva Caused Bacterial Infection Leading to Amputations

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Wisconsin man had his lower legs and hands amputated after developing a rare blood infection caused by bacteria in dog saliva.

Washington Post Article
More Information

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad has now sickened 79 people in nine states. Eighteen people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

FDA Recall Notice
CDC Food Safety Alert

Steps Can Be Taken by Doctors to Minimize Risk of Lawsuits

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Targeted steps can be taken to minimize future risks of lawsuits, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

Evidence Exists for Persistence, Transmission of Ebola Virus

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is evidence for persistence of Ebola virus and transmission from a persistently infected individual, according to case study published online July 23 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Several Invasive Procedures Linked to Infective Endocarditis

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several invasive medical procedures, including cardiovascular procedures and procedures of the skin and management of wounds, are associated with increased risk of infective endocarditis, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2018 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
healthday

Author