Austin Littrell is assistant editor of Medical Economics.
Two-thirds of patients distrust AI in health care
New research highlights the need for stronger patient communication regarding AI implementation in clinical settings.
Tips for a heart-healthy Valentine's Day; a blood test that could improve heart attack prevention; just 17% of cardiologists are women – Morning Medical Update
The top news stories in medicine today.
RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS Secretary
The Senate voted 52-48 in favor of Kennedy — Sen. Mitch McConnell the lone Republican to oppose Kennedy’s nomination.
Leading physician groups call for the protection of Medicaid
Several leading physician groups issued a statement in support of the Medicaid program amid proposals to implement budget cuts, structural changes.
Ozempic for alcohol use disorder; NIH clinical trial for dengue treatment; $24 million Medicare fraud scheme – Morning Medical Update
Senate advances RFK Jr.’s HHS Secretary nomination
The Senate voted along party lines to advance the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary to the floor for a final vote, likely Thursday.
UVA to test AI-powered insulin delivery to improve diabetes care
UVA researchers test AI technology to enhance automated insulin delivery and improve blood sugar control for patients with T1D.
Less older Americans have disabilities; infection-related hospitalizations linked to heart failure; illegal opioid distribution and $5.4 million fraud scheme – Morning Medical Update
AI chatbots enhance physician decision-making, but don’t replace it
Stanford study finds AI support improves physician decision-making in complex cases.
Medical students, clinicians support integrated care education
97% of survey respondents reported experience with integrated care, with many interested in learning more.
NIH uncertainty amid federal restrictions, leadership changes; a brain mechanism that suppresses fear; hospital ventilation may spread viruses – Morning Medical Update
Health care profits flow to shareholders, not patient care, study finds
Yale researchers revealed $2.6 trillion in payouts over two decades, raising concerns about affordability and reinvestment.
50 million Americans lack access to a gastroenterologist
Just one-third of U.S. counties have gastroenterologists, leaving millions without sufficient digestive care.
Some football players choose to wear guardian caps; Invivyd, head coach Jim Harbaugh partner for COVID-19 awareness; managing the stress of the big game – Morning Medical Update
Primary care is harder to access since the COVID-19 pandemic
A recent Dartmouth study finds primary care practices struggling with accessibility despite advances in practice capabilities since 2017-2018.
Leading physician groups: Restoring online CDC, NIH data ‘a public health imperative’
Several leading physician groups issued a statement condemning the removal of data from federal government websites and databases in compliance with recent executive orders.
Unhealthy food in NFL commercials; pharma group condemns GLP-1 Super Bowl ad; NFL wives, AHA promote water safety ahead of the big game – Morning Medical Update
This AI-powered stethoscope can detect pulmonary hypertension
A new study highlights the potential of AI for early detection of PH.
New payment model narrows Medicaid primary care funding gap
Risk-adjusted monthly payments better align funding with the needs of high-risk primary care patients, UMass Chan study finds.
The amount of microplastics in human brains has tripled; less than 7% worldwide receive effective mental health treatment; diet could influence risk of depression, Alzheimer’s disease – Morning Medical Update
32% less hospitalizations, $11 billion saved from value-based care
Humana’s 11th annual Value-Based Care Report highlights the impact of value-based care on patient outcomes and health care costs.
ACP urges cost-effective migraine prevention over expensive new medications
New ACP guideline prioritizes affordable, patient-preferred migraine treatments over expensive CGRP therapies.
48% of U.S. adults overestimate the benefits of aspirin; connection between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia tripled post-legalization; $17 million Medicare hospice fraud – Morning Medical Update
RFK Jr. gets key vote, moves closer to confirmation as HHS secretary
Kennedy’s controversial nomination advances to a full Senate vote after a 14-13 party-line decision.
Telehealth billing does not fairly value doctors’ expertise and time
Inexperienced physicians who take longer to answer patient inquiries are better compensated than medical experts who are able to help right away.
Flossing teeth to reduce risk of stroke; Arizona couple pleads guilty to $1.2 billion health care fraud; first study on the molecular basis of food allergy – Morning Medical Update
Missing family history: Physicians unprepared to care for adult adoptees
New study highlights gaps in education on preventive screening, genetic testing and mental health support for adoptees with limited family history.
ACP urges Medicare expansion to cover obesity medications
Amid mounting evidence of GLP-1 receptor agonists’ efficacy as weight loss drugs, ACP calls on policymakers to ensure access for patients in need.
Ep. 50: Direct primary care with Maryal Concepcion, MD, FAAFP
Maryal Concepcion, MD, FAAFP, the owner and CEO of Big Trees MD, shares her experience with direct primary care.
Early adult mortality 70% higher than expected by 2023; surgical robot enhances clinician precision, control and safety; AI can detect congenital heart defects in prenatal ultrasounds – Morning Medical Update