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What We’re Reading: Over a Billion People Worldwide Classified as Obese; Tetanus Shot Shortages; Financial Regulator Steps in to Tackle Medical Debt
WHO warns of global obesity epidemic challenges; doctors advised to conserve a certain type of tetanus shot; a new set of rules will bar medical debt from consumer credit reports
Over a Billion People Worldwide Classified as Obese, WHO Study Reveals
A study by the WHO revealed that more than a billion people worldwide are now classified as obese, according to Reuters. The findings are based off data from more than 220 million people in more than 190 countries. As obesity rates plateau in many wealthier countries, they are rapidly rising in some countries that may also face what is known as the “double burden” of obesity and malnutrition.
CDC Warns of Tetanus Shot Shortages Amid Supply Challenges
The CDC has issued a warning about shortages of tetanus shots, according to The Hill. Two tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine products have been available in the United States under manufacturers Sanofi and MassBiologics. According to the CDC, MassBiologics, the sole Td vaccine manufacturer in the country, has discontinued production of its shot. Because of this, the CDC has advised doctors switch to giving patients the broader Tdap vaccine instead whenever possible.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tackles Medical Debt Crisis
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is stepping in to help alleviate the burden of medical debt that has impacted millions of individuals, according to Kaiser Health News. The agency is taking a big leap in its most ambitious move to date, developing rules to bar medical debt from consumer credit reports. This policy could make it easier for people with medical debt to rent a home, buy a car, or even get a job. These rules are expected to be revealed later this year.
CMS' 340B Repayment Proposal May Harm Vulnerable Hospitals, Reward Those With Higher Revenues
April 26th 2024The 340B hospitals not receiving an offsetting lump-sum payment from CMS following 2018-2022 cuts later ruled unlawful are disproportionately rural, publicly owned, and nonacademic, according to a new study.
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Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds
April 26th 2024While behavioral health care utilization has been rising, the treatment landscape has been worsening. New findings show that 20% of youths did not receive any form of treatment within 3 months of their initial behavioral health diagnosis.
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