Doctors, lab marketers to pay $1.9M in kickback settlement; teens who sleep less have higher blood pressure; world’s oldest llama supports chronically ill children – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

Physicians and medical entities settled for $1.9 million over lab kickback allegations, impacting Medicare and TRICARE-funded tests.
Insufficient sleep in teenagers is linked to a higher risk of developing stage 2 hypertension, highlighting the importance of sleep monitoring.
Whitetop, the world’s oldest llama, offers comfort and therapy to chronically ill children at Victory Junction camp in North Carolina.

The top news stories in medicine today.

Doctors, lab marketers to pay $1.9M in kickback settlement

Three physicians and multiple medical entities have agreed to pay over $1.9 million to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act through laboratory kickback schemes, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. The settlements address claims that the providers and marketers received illicit payments in exchange for referring Medicare and TRICARE-funded lab tests. The FBI and federal health agencies emphasized the impact of such schemes on patient trust and taxpayer-funded healthcare integrity. The involved parties have also agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations into other participants.

Teens who sleep less may have higher blood pressure

Teenagers who sleep less than 7.7 hours per night may face a significantly higher risk of developing high blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific sessions. The study found that teens with insomnia and insufficient sleep were five times more likely to develop stage 2 hypertension compared to well-rested peers. However, those who reported insomnia but slept at least 7.7 hours did not show increased risk. Researchers emphasize the importance of sleep monitoring in adolescents to prevent long-term cardiovascular issues.

The world’s oldest llama brings comfort to chronically ill children in North Carolina

Whitetop, a 27-year-old llama at Victory Junction camp in North Carolina, has been named the world’s oldest llama in captivity by Guinness World Records. Since 2006, Whitetop has provided comfort to children with chronic illnesses at the camp, founded by NASCAR’s Petty family. Known for his gentle nature, he helps campers overcome fears and offers sensory therapy through touch. Despite arthritis, Whitetop remains in good health and enjoys selfies, alfalfa, and companionship with his barnyard friends — including a miniature highland cow named Gus-Gus. His legacy now extends to a camp fundraiser featuring “Still Spit’n” T-shirts in his honor. The Associated Press has more.