NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Georgia medical marijuana program starts after seven-month wait
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia’s top elected leaders moved forward Tuesday with a program to provide medical marijuana to the state’s 15,000 registered patients, nearly seven months after Gov. Brian Kemp signed it into law. | READ MORE
Deal reached on millions in erroneous Medicare payments
Georgia Health News
Federal health officials have worked out an agreement to resolve an overpayment problem with medical providers in Georgia and other states. | READ MORE
This is what's causing the fight between Anthem, Northeast Georgia Health System
Gainesville Times
A dispute between Northeast Georgia Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield boils down to who has the final say about what kind of medical care patients need. | READ MORE
Fewer Georgia hospitals earn ‘A’ safety rating in new Leapfrog report
Georgia Health News
One in four Georgia hospitals earned an “A’’ grade in the latest safety ratings by the Leapfrog Group, released Thursday. | READ MORE
Flu activity steadily rising in Georgia
The Newnan Times-Herald
The fifth week for reported flu activity for the 2019-2020 season shows that flu activity in Georgia is still in the low category, a five on a scale of 1-10, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The report examined data from the week of Oct. 27 through Nov. 2. The activity is up from the week before when activity was a four on a scale of 1-10. | READ MORE
Cobb student with measles may have spread to others unvaccinated
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An unvaccinated Cobb County middle schooler contracted measles and exposed others who were unimmunized to the highly contagious virus, the Georgia Public Health Department said Monday. | READ MORE
Emory breaks ground on $61 million expansion of Johns Creek hospital
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ceremonial shovels met ceremonial dirt outside Emory Johns Creek Hospital on Friday. Officials marked the ground-breaking of a $61 million expansion of the medical facility. | READ MORE
13% of Americans say they know someone who died after they couldn't afford health care, survey says
CNN
More than 13% of Americans – about 34 million people – say a friend or family member recently passed away in the last five years after being unable to afford treatment for a condition, according to a new Gallup poll. | READ MORE
Americans spending more out-of-pocket on mental health than physical health
Reuters
Many insured Americans go out of network for mental health services, a new study suggests, despite the higher costs to them and despite a federal law mandating that policies’ mental health coverage be at least as good as their physical health coverage. | READ MORE
Ascension and Google working together on health care transformation
Bloomberg
Ascension, one of the nation’s leading non-profit health systems, is working with Google to optimize the health and wellness of individuals and communities, and deliver a comprehensive portfolio of digital capabilities that enhance the experience of Ascension consumers, patients and clinical providers across the continuum of care. | READ MORE
Patients just as satisfied when surgeons give fewer opioids for pain
Reuters
When surgeons cut their prescribing of opioids for pain by more than 50%, their patient-satisfaction scores didn’t suffer, a small U.S. study found. | READ MORE
Cholesterol levels dropping in U.S., but many still need care
Associated Press
Americans’ cholesterol levels are dropping, and more people at especially high risk are getting treatment. Researchers say Monday’s report suggests a controversial change in recommendations for cholesterol treatment may be starting to pay off. | READ MORE
Granting dying patients' wishes may help families feel better about end-of-life ICU care
Reuters
Families of dying patients may feel better about end-of-life care in the ICU if they are granted simple wishes, like letting the patient taste a favorite meal or use a blanket from home, a small study suggests. | READ MORE
Best medical schools? It's more about the right fit than rankings
AMA Wire
Numerous publications rank medical schools. A recent commentary in the journal Academic Medicine – "America’s Best Medical Schools: A Renewed Critique of the U.S. News & World Report Rankings” – highlights the flawed science behind those rankings. | 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, GA 30339
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