NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Feds OK Georgia’s second waiver plan, but controversies remain
Georgia Health News
Federal officials, as expected, have approved Georgia’s waiver request to revamp the state’s health insurance market for people who don’t get job-based or government coverage. | READ MORE
[Gov.] Kemp extends Georgia COVID-19 emergency order into December
Fox 5 Atlanta
Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday he was extending the public health state of emergency and renewing current COVID-19 restrictions. | READ MORE
Surprise billing rating system set to start in Georgia
McDuffie Progress
Health insurance providers in Georgia will be rated on their risk of sending patients unexpected medical bills starting Sunday. | READ MORE
How flu vaccine can help the fight against COVID
Georgia Health News
There’s another pressing reason to get vaccinated this fall – the potential for health care professionals to misdiagnose the flu for COVID-19, and vice versa. Both are respiratory illnesses, with many of the same symptoms. | READ MORE
‘Obamacare’ sign-ups begin as millions more are uninsured
Associated Press
Millions of Americans who have lost health insurance in an economy shaken by the coronavirus can sign up for taxpayer-subsidized coverage starting Sunday. | READ MORE
[President] Trump rule says health plans must disclose costs up front
Associated Press
Trying to pull back the veil on health care costs to encourage competition, the Trump administration on Thursday finalized a requirement for insurers to tell consumers up front the actual prices for common tests and procedures. | READ MORE
Biogen Alzheimer's drug closer to approval with U.S. FDA staff backing
Reuters
Biogen Inc has shown “exceptionally persuasive” evidence that its experimental Alzheimer’s disease drug is effective, U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff said on Wednesday, elevating its chances of a swift approval and sending company shares soaring. | READ MORE
Though standard medical visits have made a comeback, telehealth is here to stay
Georgia Health News
The surge in telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has leveled off, with more patients seeing their doctors in person again. But experts say virtual medical appointments will continue, and with more frequency than before COVID struck. Some of the change appears permanent. | READ MORE
How COVID-19’s affecting mental health of women physicians (quotes MAG member Tracey Henry, M.D.)
AMA Wire
[Physicians share] advice as part of a conversation on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on female physicians and patients. | READ MORE
What doctors can do now to be ready when COVID-19 vaccines arrive
AMA Wire
It’s not known when COVID-19 vaccines will be available for patients, but physicians can take steps to prepare for the expected rapid rollout. | READ MORE
AMA: The pandemic’s not over, and the overdose epidemic is getting worse
AMA Wire
Nearly 72,000 Americans died from a drug-related overdose last year and reports from more than 40 states show increasing concerns about the overdose epidemic become worse. | READ MORE
Why expanding APRN scope of practice is bad idea
AMA Wire
Expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) leads to higher costs and reduced safety for patients who are better served by an integrated care team led by a physician whose education and training requirements far exceeds those of other health professionals. | READ MORE
More U.S. patients to have easy, free access to doctor’s notes
Associated Press
More U.S. patients will soon have free, electronic access to the notes their doctors write about them under a new federal requirement for transparency. | READ MORE
Advertise with MAG: Please contact Tom Kornegay at 678.303.9260 or tkornegay@mag.org if you are interested in running an ad in the Georgia Pulse, which is a weekly compilation of media reports that are related to health care and the medical profession. It is sent to more than 6,000 physicians in Georgia.
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Atlanta, Georgia 30339
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