About healthcare professionals
The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections From 2018 to 2033: This pre-COVID-19 survey is the latest estimates of the title’s topic and worth a read. The bottom line is:
A primary care physician shortage of between 21,400 and 55,200 is projected by 2033.
A shortage of non-primary care specialty physicians of between 33,700 and 86,700 is projected by 2033.
About the public’s health
Supreme Court Hands Abortion-Rights A Victory In Louisiana Case:”A sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court on Monday stood by its most recent abortion precedent. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's four liberals, citing the Supreme Court's adherence to precedent, to invalidate a Louisiana law that required doctors at clinics that perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Louisiana's law is virtually identical to one struck down by the court in 2016, which found that the admitting privileges law in Texas was medically unnecessary and that it significantly limited access to abortion.”
How the World Missed COVID-19’s Silent Spread:Excellent article in the NY Times with many examples : “The two-month delay was a product of faulty scientific assumptions, academic rivalries and, perhaps most important, a reluctance to accept that containing the virus would take drastic measures. The resistance to emerging evidence was one part of the world’s sluggish response to the virus.”
Some US states return to previous restrictions to slow surges of coronavirus cases: A good summary of the headline’s topic.
How the Coronavirus Short-Circuits the Immune System: This well-written article explains the current knowledge of what happens to the immune system in COVID-19 infection.
This coronavirus mutation has taken over the world. Scientists are trying to understand why.: In January, SARS-CoV-2 infections “bore the same genetic signatures as a germ that emerged in China weeks before.” But as the virus spread, it has mutated “in the part of the genome that codes for the all-important ‘spike protein’ — the protruding structure that gives the coronavirus its crownlike profile and allows it to enter human cells the way a burglar picks a lock.”
America’s Shifting Covid-19 Epidemic in Five Charts: A really good graphic representation of current pandemic trends. National trend are being driven by a few states where rates are rising. Overall cases are in an upward trend that should surpass the previous peak.
Japanese startup creates 'connected' face mask for coronavirus new normal: For your interest, or amusement. Wonder how good it is at containing infection.
About health insurance
CPT code approved for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing: This AMA article is a good example of how codes are added with emerging diseases and technology.
About pharma
Gilead's long-awaited remdesivir price is $3,120, in line with watchdog estimates: “For private insurance plans, Gilead set a list price of $520 per vial, Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day revealed Monday. The cost for a five-day treatment course using six vials, which most patients are expected to receive, would add up to $3,120. For governments of developed countries, including the U.S., the price will be lower, at $390 per vial or $2,340 per course.”
HHS secures 500K courses of remdesivir for distribution to hospitals: “The amount secured represents 100% of drugmaker Gilead's projected production for July (94,200 courses), 90% of production projected for August (174,900 courses) and 90% of production projected for September (232,800 course).”
Pfizer sues for U.S. permission to assist patients needing expensive heart drugs: “The drugmaker said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General is blocking it from offering financial aid to patients unable to afford copayments for its Vyndaqel and Vyndamax drugs, because it views such aid as an illegal kickback.” The drugs can cost $225,000 per year.
The issue is that drug company payments for out of pocket expenses have allowed them to raise prices to payers for the remainder of the bill.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics of US Adults Who Purchase Prescription Drugs From Other Countries: ““Among 61 238 US adults taking prescription medications… the estimated prevalence of purchasing of medication outside the US was 1.5%... Those who purchased medications outside the US were more likely to be older (age >64 years…), to be from Hispanic…or immigrant populations, and to have higher educational attainment (bachelor's degree…), lower family income…, and lack of insurance… Data analyses indicated that online health information–seeking behavior… or use of an online pharmacy… was associated with a greater likelihood of medication purchases outside the US. Individuals who skipped medications…or delayed filling a prescription… (also had higher odds of purchasing medication outside the US.” It is estimated that more than 2 million Americans buy their drugs from sources abroad.
AstraZeneca, Moderna ahead in COVID-19 vaccine race: WHO: The headline speaks for itself and provides an update on vaccine progress against SARS-CoV-2.
About healthcare IT
CMS issues its first proposal to continue telehealth flexibilities, in home health proposed rule: “CMS has issued a proposed rule to make permanent regulatory changes to telecommunications technologies in providing care under the Medicare home health benefit beyond the expiration of the public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic.”
About emerging technology
Using laser-welded sugar, Rice bioengineers build 3D vessel networks for lab-grown tissues: The headline speaks for itself. Fascinating!