What We’re Reading: Surging Global Dengue Cases; EHR Blocking Ban Finalized; Weight-Loss Drug Access

CDC Warns of Rising Dengue Risk in US as Cases Surge Globally

The CDC issued a warning to doctors on Tuesday to look out for dengue cases amid a global surge, according to CNN. Although dengue has been relatively rare in the continental US, the CDC has identified an elevated number of dengue cases among US travelers, with 745 cases identified through June 24. Also, the CDC explained that the number of global infections this year has been the highest on record; cases in the Americas have already exceeded the highest number ever recorded in a single year, with more than 9.7 million people getting sick with dengue. Doctors are advised to test patients with dengue-like symptoms, especially those who have traveled to a part of the world where the disease is common.

HHS Finalizes Ban on EHR Information Blocking

HHS has finalized the disincentives to prevent health care organizations from unreasonably blocking the exchange of electronic health record (EHR) information, according to Healthcare Innovation. Information blocking is when a provider unreasonably and knowingly interferes with the exchange, access, or use of EHR information; an example would be not providing patients prompt access to their data. Although the information blocking regulations of the Cures Act took effect on April 5, 2021, the disincentives were recently finalized. These include hospitals losing significant financial benefits under the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System clinicians receiving a zero score in the Promoting Interoperability category, and accountable care organization providers potentially being ineligible for the Shared Savings Program for at least 1 year.

Some States Cannot Afford Weight Loss Drugs

Patients in some states, like West Virginia, cannot afford weight-loss medications due to the high costs and lack of insurance coverage, according to The New York Times. Although these drugs help patients lose 15% to 20% of their weight, most residents cannot afford them. State programs and private insurers often do not cover these medications, too, exacerbating health disparities in one of the poorest states with the highest obesity rate. Attempts to extend coverage have been financially unsustainable, leading to program cancellations and leaving patients hopeless. This struggle highlights a broader conflict between health care providers advocating for obesity treatment and insurers concerned about costs.