At-home COVID-19 tests get a $70M boost as feds push to increase access
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2021
The Biden Administration is streamlining the process to bring new tests to market among other moves designed to increase testing supplies and access.
CDC says COVID-19 vaccine boosters not yet necessary, while Pfizer seeks approval for third dose
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans do not need a COVID-19 booster shot at this time, according to federal health officials. But Pfizer has asked to offer a third dose of its current vaccine and is developing an...
First biosimilar approved by FDA to treat common eye degeneration in elders
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 21, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a less expensive copy of the blockbuster drug Lucentis for treating age-related (wet) macular degeneration and several other eye conditions.
FDA panel recommends second J&J coronavirus vaccine dose for adult recipients
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 18, 2021
Independent experts have unanimously agreed that a full second dose of the drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine be offered to adults aged 18 years and older at least two months after receipt of the first...
Strong clinical workforce protects against functional decline in nursing homes, review finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 17, 2022
“Dramatic” yearly functional decline up to 51% among nursing home residents may be alleviated by a strong workforce and the onsite presence of geriatricians, a new study finds.
‘Embrace’ staffing measures in new CMS pay rule, expert advises
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 12, 2022
While proposed funding cuts grabbed the spotlight in the administration’s newly offered nursing home pay rule Monday, also within it are some highly noteworthy plans regarding President Joe Biden’s...
Opposition to Medicare cuts grows in Senate
Jul 29, 2008
Nearly half of the nation’s senators have voiced objections to proposed Medicare cuts of $770 million in fiscal year 2009, according to the American Health Care Association and the Alliance for Quality...
Florida receives nation’s first emergency Medicaid waiver approval for coronavirus response
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 18, 2020
Florida became the nation’s first state to be granted an emergency Medicaid waiver for dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Stroke survivors double functional improvement rate with vagus nerve stimulation: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 27, 2021
Vagus nerve stimulation during post-stroke rehabilitation can significantly boost the improvement rate of arm and hand function, a new study finds.
Vetting COVID-19 vaccine in bariatric population is essential, investigator says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2020
Judging from the performance of other vaccines, some experts are concerned that a COVID-19 inoculation will be less effective in people with obesity than for those with a lower body mass.