Kaiser Health News

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FRITZ LIEDTKE/OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

Pfizer CEO To Public: Just Trust Us On The Covid Booster

As pharmaceutical companies declare a need for boosters, scientists and doctors emphasize that there’s no proof yet.

Aug 13, 2021

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The National Academy of Sciences for years has been collecting generous gifts from foundations, universities and corporations./Hannah Norman/Kaiser Health News

National Academies’ Report Took Pharma-Friendly Stance After Millions in Gifts From Drugmakers

The report, which failed to disclose conflicts of interest, advised against an effort by Medicare to recoup millions for discarded drugs.

Aug 12, 2021

Getting COVID Vaccine During Pregnancy Even More Urgent As ICU Beds Fill Up

As of July 31, only 23% of those who are pregnant had received at least one dose of vaccine against the coronavirus, according to CDC statistics.

Aug 12, 2021

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U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. | LOUIS VELAZQUEZ/UNSPLASH

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Services So Many Seniors Need?

In the 56 years since Medicare was established, few benefits have been added. That may change if Congress passes Democrats’ budget bill.

Aug 11, 2021

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NANCY LAZO IS SUING DR. KINGSLEY CHIN, WHOSE COMPANY’S SCREW IMPLANT CAUSED NERVE DAMAGE, HER LAWYERS ALLEGE./MARIA ALEJANDRA CARDONA/KAISER HEALTH NEWS

Device Makers Have Funneled Billions To Orthopedic Surgeons Who Use Their Products

Federal officials say that some of the money changing hands has corrupted doctors and endangered patients.

Aug 9, 2021

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JOHN SALTIS IS SUING SPINAL DEVICE COMPANY NUVASIVE./HANS PENNINK/KAISER HEALTH NEWS

Injuries Mount As Sales Reps For Device Makers Cozy Up To Surgeons

Aggressive sales tactics have allegedly led surgeons to use defective or wrong-size implants, screws or other products on patients.

Aug 9, 2021

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FREESTOCKS/UNSPLASH

Pharmacies Face Extra Audit Burdens That Threaten Their Existence

Pharmacy benefit managers switched to virtual audits during the pandemic, which increased reviews, payment denials and their profits.

Aug 6, 2021

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STEVE BUISSINNE/PIXABAY

The Unsung Importance Of Casual Relationships For Older Adults

Studies show a broad array of casual and close ties can lead to better physical and psychological well-being in older adults — and a longer lifespan.

Aug 2, 2021

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Pfizer is one of the world's largest drugmakers./Mat Napo on Unsplash

Pfizer Court Fight Could Legalize Medicare Copays And Unleash ‘Gold Rush’ in Sales

A Pfizer win in a lawsuit against the federal government could cost taxpayers billions of dollars and erase an important control on pharma marketing after decades of regulatory erosion and soaring drug prices, say health policy analysts.

Jul 29, 2021

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The novel coronavirus captured by a lab at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Unraveling Mysterious Mutations That Make Delta Most Transmissible Variant

Delta has kept some of the most successful mutations found in earlier variants, but also contains new genetic changes that enable it to spread twice as fast.

Jul 29, 2021