US Department of Health and Human Services
Coverage of US Department of Health and Human Services in the Nexus archive.
- STAT+: This spine surgery usually costs $1,400. Under No Surprises Act arbitration? $34,000
The No Surprises Act's arbitration process is resulting in out-of-network providers receiving significantly higher prices for spine surgery, with median prices reaching $34,000, compared to the usual $1,400. This has been a major benefit for providers, who are prevailing in over 80% of disputes. The law has protected patients from unexpected bills but has also led to high awards for providers.
- Meat-only diet followers claim disease reversal as expert says Americans are 'the sickest'
Followers of meat-only diets claim to have reversed diseases, with a Texas biochemist stating that Americans are the sickest people on the planet due to their diet. The claims were made at Meatstock, a convention for followers of meat-based diets. A registered dietitian cautioned that such diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
- 'Do not eat' warning issued as Headcheese deli meat urgently recalled for deadly listeria poisoning that's sickened three
A 'do not eat' warning has been issued due to a recall of Headcheese deli meat because of listeria poisoning which has sickened three people. The recall is urgent and necessary to prevent further cases. Listeria poisoning can be deadly and the recall aims to protect public health.
- STAT+: Provider, insurer groups rush to shape No Surprises Act arbitration rules
The federal government is set to unveil changes to the No Surprises Act's arbitration process, with health care providers and insurers meeting with officials to shape the rules. The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Treasury, and the Office of Personnel Management released an initial version of the rule in November 2023. Providers have had more meetings with officials than insurers.
- US sends evacuation flight to rescue 17 Americans trapped on hantavirus cruise ship and bring them to state-of-the-art quarantine center in NEBRASKA
The US sent an evacuation flight to rescue 17 Americans trapped on a hantavirus-infected cruise ship and transport them to a state-of-the-art quarantine center in Nebraska. The rescue effort aims to contain the outbreak and provide medical care to those affected. The operation involves collaboration between US health authorities and emergency response teams.
- Health insurance giant to pay $2.7billion in class action settlement… check if you are one of the six million eligible
A health insurance giant has agreed to pay $2.7 billion in a class action settlement, with approximately six million people eligible to receive compensation. The settlement is one of the largest in history, affecting a significant number of policyholders. Eligible individuals can check if they qualify for the payout.
- That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
The TrumpRx program connects consumers with discount coupons from drugmakers, but using these coupons can be problematic for insured patients. This is because coupons can lead to hidden costs. The program's implications are still being assessed.
- HHS tackles ‘overmedication’
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is addressing the issue of overmedication. The HHS is working to tackle this problem. Overmedication is a significant concern in the healthcare industry.
- RFK Jr. unveils initiative targeting 'overuse' of psychiatric medications, especially among children
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled an initiative to address the overuse of psychiatric medications, especially among children, by promoting appropriate deprescribing and shifting care towards prevention and holistic treatment approaches. The effort aims to support patient autonomy and informed consent. The initiative includes new guidance for physicians and a report on prescribing trends.
- RFK Jr. unveils initiative targeting 'overuse' of psychiatric medications, especially among children
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched an initiative to address the overuse of psychiatric medications, especially among children. The effort aims to promote informed consent and shared decision-making, while shifting care toward prevention and holistic treatment approaches. The initiative includes new guidance for physicians and a report on prescribing trends.
- US ‘drowning in misinformation’ under RFK Jr, autism advocates say
Health officials in the Trump administration are accused of fueling a 'crisis of public trust' by spreading misinformation linking vaccines and autism, including promoting unproven connections between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The report calls for congressional oversight hearings and potential impeachment of officials like Robert F Kennedy Jr., the HHS secretary.
- Delays in Visa Program Threaten Placement of Hundreds of Doctors in Underserved Areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors may have to leave the US due to delays in visa waiver applications, threatening healthcare in underserved areas. The doctors are part of the HHS Exchange Visitor Program, which requires them to work in underserved areas for at least three years. If their applications are not processed by July 30, they will have to return to their home countries.
- Inside the CDC’s leadership vacuum: work at a ‘standstill’ and low morale as 80% of top posts remain vacant
The CDC faces severe leadership issues with 80% of top director positions vacant under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as US health secretary, leading to stalled operations and warnings from officials about compromised public health security.