FDA Escalates Recall of Inspire Medical’s Nerve-Stimulating Implant for Sleep Apnea
The FDA has issued a Class I recall for Inspire Medical’s nerve-stimulating implant used in treating obstructive sleep apnea due to a manufacturing defect. Despite no reported injuries, up to 32 devices may be impacted. Inspire Medical continues to expand its therapy offerings amidst the recall, with a projected revenue growth of 26% for 2024.
FTC Report Reveals Prescription Drug Middlemen’s $1.6 Billion Revenue from Cancer Drugs
A recent FTC report exposes how prescription drug middlemen generated nearly $1.6 billion in additional revenue from cancer drugs by directing business to affiliated pharmacies. The report highlights the influence of major PBMs like CVS Caremark and Express Scripts in driving up drug costs, disadvantaging smaller pharmacies, and inflating prices for critical medications like cancer drugs. The findings are expected to prompt Congressional action to address rising drug costs and hold the industry accountable.
Doctors Recommend Apple Watches and Wearable Devices for Health Monitoring
Doctors are increasingly recommending Apple watches and other wearable devices for managing health conditions like heart disease monitoring. These devices empower patients to engage in their healthcare and allow doctors to remotely monitor heart rhythm long-term. While not meant for diagnosing diseases, they aid in the diagnostic process and can detect abnormal heart rhythms accurately. Dr. Rod Passman is leading a study to explore personalized care using wearable devices for individuals with abnormal heart rhythms.
Mpox Update: 15 Patients Recovered, 4 New Cases Confirmed
15 Mpox patients have received a clean bill of health, while four new cases have been confirmed in South Africa. The Department of Health emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment for Mpox, urging individuals with symptoms to seek healthcare. Efforts are underway to combat the spread of Mpox, with outbreak response teams activated and new treatment expected to arrive soon.
Study Reveals Gaps in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries Following Nonfatal Overdoses
A recent federal study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that Medicare beneficiaries who experienced nonfatal overdoses faced a high risk of subsequent overdoses and mortality. The study emphasized the importance of interventions like medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, and behavioral health services in preventing overdose-related deaths. However, the study also highlighted significant gaps in care, with delays in treatment initiation and low rates of medication provision. The lead researcher stressed the urgent need to improve access to these lifesaving interventions to reduce the risk of future overdoses and fatalities.
Nurse Care Management and Home Telemonitoring Reduce Blood Pressure in Low-Income Stroke Survivors
A recent study published in JAMA found that adding nurse care management to home telemonitoring can significantly reduce blood pressure among low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors. With Black individuals being at a higher risk of stroke, this research highlights the importance of tailored care for minority groups in managing hypertension post-stroke.
Georgetown’s Healthcare Facilities: A Vital Resource for Residents
Discover the range of healthcare facilities in Georgetown, from retail clinics to urgent care centers and free-standing emergency rooms. Learn about the unique services offered by each type of facility, such as basic medical care at retail clinics, treatment for minor injuries at urgent care centers, and comprehensive emergency services at free-standing emergency rooms. Explore options like Ascension Medical Group Seton Express Care Georgetown and Baylor Scott & White Clinic-Georgetown Central for convenient and reliable healthcare services in the community.
Teladoc Appoints Chuck Divita as New CEO
Teladoc, a leading virtual care company, has appointed Chuck Divita as its new CEO. Divita brings extensive experience from his previous roles in the healthcare industry, including as head of commercial markets at GuideWell and CFO at FPIC Insurance Group. With Divita leading the company, Teladoc aims to navigate challenges in the healthcare landscape and provide high-quality virtual care services.
The Role of Technology in Diagnosing Sepsis
Discover how technology is revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Learn about the latest advancements in diagnostic technology and care protocols that are improving patient outcomes. Sponsored by Nuance, a Microsoft company, this podcast episode explores the collaboration between AI-driven technology and healthcare to enhance the patient and provider experience.
Study Shows N95 Respirators Highly Effective in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) has highlighted the effectiveness of N95 respirators in preventing the leakage of SARS-CoV-2 virus into the air. The study compared various face masks and respirators in impeding the transmission of COVID-19. The ‘duckbill’ N95 respirator was found to be the most effective, stopping 98% of the virus from entering the air. This research emphasizes the importance of using N95 respirators to reduce the airborne transmission of the virus, especially with highly transmissible variants like Omicron.