More than one in five emergency room patients face what are called "surprise medical bills," even though they went to an in-network hospital. They discover they were treated and billed by out-of-network specialists. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook has the details.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/patients-socked-by-surprise-medical-bills/
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
More than 1 in 5 ER patients socked by surprise medical bills
Study by Johns Hopkins found a lot of patients are getting socked with unexpected bills -- despite making sure to get treatment at hospitals in their insurance network
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/emergency-room-patients-face-surprise-medical-bills-study/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/emergency-room-patients-face-surprise-medical-bills-study/
New guidelines for preventing peanut allergy in babies
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire
In 2015, a study showed that giving peanut products to babies could help prevent peanut allergy. This was exciting news, given that 1-2% of children suffer from peanut allergy, an allergy that can not only be life-threatening but last a lifetime, unlike other food allergies that often improve as children get older.
This is a change for pediatricians and parents, who traditionally have thought that peanut products shouldn’t be given until children are a bit older. It’s also tricky in that babies can choke on peanuts and peanut butter. And to make it even trickier, the study cautioned that some babies at higher risk of peanut allergy might need testing before trying out peanut products. So it is great news that the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out with a guideline that gives specific guidance to pediatricians on how to implement the findings of the study.
The guideline divides babies into three groups:
- babies with severe eczema (persistent or recurrent eczema with a frequent need for prescription creams) and/or egg allergy
- babies with mild to moderate eczema
- babies without eczema or food allergy.
Testing for peanut allergy is recommended for the first group. Skin prick testing is best, but a blood test can be done also. If the testing shows allergy, the baby should see a specialist to discuss giving peanut products. Most babies can get them, but it needs to be done carefully and in small amounts. The first time should be in a doctor’s office, in case a severe allergic reaction occurs. It’s important to do this testing early, as the recommendation is that these babies should get peanut products between 4 and 6 months, once they have tried some solid foods and shown that they are ready.
The second group, those with mild to moderate eczema, don’t need to get testing — although parents should talk to their doctors about their particular situation and see if testing might be a good idea. Those babies should get peanut products at around 6 months of age, once (like the babies in the first group) they can handle solid foods.
As for babies without eczema or food allergy, the guideline says that parents should introduce peanut products “freely” into the diet along with other foods, based on their own family preferences and cultural practices. For these babies, it’s less important that peanut products be in the diet early, although it’s fine if they are.
Notice that I am saying “peanut products” and not “peanuts.” Whole peanuts, or chunks of peanuts, should never be given to babies because they can choke on them. A spoonful of peanut butter, even creamy peanut butter (never give chunky to babies!) can also be hard for babies to manage. A little bit of peanut butter (just enough to lick off a spoon) is a bit more manageable — and the AAP suggests mixing it into purees. Families can also give snacks or foods made with peanut butter. In the original study, researchers used an Israeli snack called Bamba.
At the 2- or 4-month checkup, parents should talk to their doctor about what group their baby falls into, and about any other factors — like a family history of peanut or other food allergy — that might be important. That gives them and their doctor time to figure out if testing is needed, and talk about the best plan for preventing food allergy in their baby.
The post New guidelines for preventing peanut allergy in babies appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-guidelines-preventing-peanut-allergy-babies-2017011711049
Second death in California likely linked to meningitis
The woman was found dead last Tuesday sitting upright in the back of a San Francisco Muni bus
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-death-in-california-likely-linked-to-meningitis/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-death-in-california-likely-linked-to-meningitis/
High Blood Pressure May Not Be All Bad in Elderly
Developing it after 80 might help prevent mental decline, research suggests
From: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20170117/high-blood-pressure-elderly-dementia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
ACA Repeal: Many More Uninsured, Higher Premiums?
Nonpartisan report analyzes probable effects of a 2015 Congressional bill
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170117/obamacare-repeal-could-bring-many-more-uninsured-higher-premiums?src=RSS_PUBLIC
1 in 3 Adults Diagnosed as Asthmatic May Not Be
Almost half did not get objective breathing test, researchers in Canada found
From: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20170117/1-in-3-adults-diagnosed-with-asthma-may-not-have-it-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Texas dentist stays active as locum tenens
As a locum tenens for the Dallas County Dental Society, Dr. Jan Rollow, 71, stays busy.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/texas-dentist-stays-active-as-locum-tenens
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/texas-dentist-stays-active-as-locum-tenens
ADA supports Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act
The ADA on Jan. 10 offered its support of Congress' efforts to strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-supports-small-business-regulatory-flexibility-improvements-act
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-supports-small-business-regulatory-flexibility-improvements-act
ADA urges Senate to “promptly confirm” Price
Washington — The Association is urging Congress to confirm the nomination of Tom Price, M.D., for secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-urges-senate-to-promptly-confirm-price
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-urges-senate-to-promptly-confirm-price
New prescription: Doctor offices that look more like Apple stores
A new health-care system from Silicon Valley plans to deploy body scanners, sensors, giant touch-screen monitors, and infrared devices to tend to all of its patients’ primary-care needs
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-prescription-doctor-offices-that-look-more-like-apple-stores/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-prescription-doctor-offices-that-look-more-like-apple-stores/
How to know when to keep your sick child from school
Experts offer advice on how parents can make the sometimes nerve-wracking decision
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-know-when-to-keep-your-sick-child-from-school/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-know-when-to-keep-your-sick-child-from-school/
U.S. Abortion Rate Drops to Lowest in Decades
U.S. Abortion Rate Drops to Lowest in Decades
From: http://www.webmd.com/women/news/20170117/abortion-rate-lowest-in-decades?src=RSS_PUBLIC
ADA, DRB loan refinancing offer extends to residents, graduate students
In an effort to help ease the burden of student debt on dental residents and graduate students, the ADA announced this month a new program through its exclusive endorsement of Darien Rowayton Bank.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-drb-loan-refinancing-offer-extends-to-residents-graduate-students
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-drb-loan-refinancing-offer-extends-to-residents-graduate-students
ADA weighs in on ACA repeal
As the new Congress considers replacement legislation for the Affordable Care Act, the Association on Jan. 13 shared its priorities with the new administration.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-weighs-in-on-aca-repeal
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-weighs-in-on-aca-repeal
CBO: Repealing ACA without replacing could mean 32M would lose insurance
The nonpartisan budget office release a new estimate of the effects of a GOP-sponsored bill to repeal Obamacare
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbo-obamacare-repeal-could-cost-32m-their-insurance-without-replacement/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbo-obamacare-repeal-could-cost-32m-their-insurance-without-replacement/
"Superbug" CRE may be more widespread than thought
A new study of four U.S. hospitals found wide variety of deadly germs resistant to last-resort antibiotics
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/superbug-cre-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/superbug-cre-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought/
Mold Found in Baby Teething Toy
Mold Found in Baby Teething Toy
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20170117/mold-teething-toy?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Should More Kids Have Their Tonsils Out?
Research suggests looser surgical guidelines might be warranted for sore throat, sleep problems
From: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20170117/should-more-kids-have-their-tonsils-out?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Can HIV Drugs Boost Syphilis Risk?
Meds may raise susceptibility to bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted disease, study suggests
From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20170116/can-hiv-drugs-boost-syphilis-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Colicky Baby? You Might Give Acupuncture a Try
Treatment with 1 to 5 needles might stop the excessive crying, Swedish researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20170116/for-a-colicky-baby-you-might-give-acupuncture-a-try?src=RSS_PUBLIC
'Superbug' May Be More Widespread Than Thought
Study of 4 U.S. hospitals found wide variety of germs resistant to antibiotics of last resort
From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20170116/superbug-may-be-more-widespread-than-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC
When Should Healthy Adults Be Treated for High BP?
Guidelines say therapy should begin after top number in reading meets or exceeds 150 mmHG, not 140
From: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20170116/medical-groups-raise-blood-pressure-rx-threshold-for-healthy-adults-over-60?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Can Coffee Perk Up Heart Health, Too?
In lab tests, caffeine blocked inflammatory response, but did not prove cause-and-effect
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20170116/can-coffee-perk-up-heart-health-too?src=RSS_PUBLIC
School Performance in Kids of Opioid-Addicted Moms
By 7th grade, 4 out of 10 failed to meet standards in at least one academic area, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170116/kids-born-to-opioid-addicted-moms-seem-to-fare-poorly-in-school?src=RSS_PUBLIC
When should you keep your sick child from school?
A new poll from the University of Michigan found parents rely on three main criteria to decide if their child is too sick for school: whether the child's condition could get worse, whether the illness may spread to classmates, or whether their child will miss important work. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to offer practical tips that could help you decide when to keep your kids home.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/when-should-you-keep-your-sick-child-from-school/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/when-should-you-keep-your-sick-child-from-school/
Abortion rate in U.S. drops to lowest level since 1974: survey
Pro-life research group counted 926,000 abortions in 2014, a 12.5 percent drop from 2011; better contraceptives and stricter abortion laws cited
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/abortion-rate-us-lowest-level-since-roe-v-wade-decision-1974-survey/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/abortion-rate-us-lowest-level-since-roe-v-wade-decision-1974-survey/
HHS nominee Tom Price faces insider trading accusations
Rep. Tom Price is set to testify at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hhs-nominee-tom-price-faces-accusations-of-engaging-in-insider-trading/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hhs-nominee-tom-price-faces-accusations-of-engaging-in-insider-trading/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Ditch your resolutions day? No way
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-XWFuSwUX4
Apply for a first-of-its-kind evidence-based dentistry workshop
For the first time, the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry is offering a single workshop that caters to people in either position.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/apply-for-a-first-of-its-kind-evidence-based-dentistry-workshop
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/apply-for-a-first-of-its-kind-evidence-based-dentistry-workshop
Nutrition claims: How to tell fact from fiction
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/nutrition-claims-how-to-tell-fact-from-fiction/art-20300972
4 ways to reach (and maintain) New Year's resolutions
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/4-ways-to-reach-and-maintain-new-years-resolutions/art-20270847
Moms blame military housing in S.C. for children's leukemia
Mothers say least 15 children who lived on or near the housing community are sick with cancer, and families blame contamination from oil tanks
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/laurel-bay-military-housing-moms-blame-oil-tanks-contamination-childrens-leukemia/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/laurel-bay-military-housing-moms-blame-oil-tanks-contamination-childrens-leukemia/
Nutrition claims: How to tell fact from fiction
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/nutrition-claims-how-to-tell-fact-from-fiction/art-20300972
4 ways to reach (and maintain) New Year's resolutions
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/4-ways-to-reach-and-maintain-new-years-resolutions/art-20270847
Nutrition claims: How to tell fact from fiction
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-claims-how-to-tell-fact-from-fiction/art-20300972
4 ways to reach (and maintain) New Year's resolutions
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/4-ways-to-reach-and-maintain-new-years-resolutions/art-20270847
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