Category: COVID-19

Help Wanted: Retired Doctors And Nurses Don Scrubs Again In Coronavirus Fight

As they prepare for an onslaught of coronavirus patients, health officials in New York and other states urge retired medical professionals to rejoin the ranks.

Physicians Fear For Their Families As They Battle Coronavirus With Too Little Armor

Doctors sent an impassioned, desperate letter to Congress describing the lack of protective equipment across the country — from masks to respirators to gowns to goggles. They’re using equipment from construction sites and home-repair stores or wearing the same mask from patient to patient. And they worry about what exposure without sufficient protection means for them and their families.

Under Financial Strain, Community Health Centers Ramp Up Coronavirus Response

Many of the nation’s safety-net clinics for low-income patients are having to turn their model of care upside down overnight to deal with the realities of the pandemic — a challenge both financially and logistically. Federal funding is on the way.

Telemedicine Surges, Fueled By Coronavirus Fears And Shift In Payment Rules

Millions of Americans are suddenly seeking care by connecting with a doctor electronically. Helping drive that trend, medical providers can now charge as much as they would for an office visit.

Not So Fast Using CPAPs In Place Of Ventilators. They Could Spread The Coronavirus.

U.S. pandemic planning envisioned the possibility of using CPAP machines for milder cases of COVID-19 when ventilators are in short supply. But evidence suggests that the machines, commonly used by people with sleep apnea, can aerosolize and possibly spread the virus. That leaves hospitals with few good alternatives if the demand for ventilators exceeds the supply.

Shortfall Of Comfort Care Signals Undue Suffering For Coronavirus Patients

Families worry that overwhelmed hospitals won’t be able to provide palliative care for loved ones stricken with COVID-19.

Public Health Officials To Newsom: Lockdown Won’t Work Without Enforcement

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was out front nationally when he ordered nearly all Californians to stay at home to stem the spread of COVID-19. But local officials warn it won’t work without tougher enforcement.

Sheltered At Home, Families Broach End-Of-Life Planning

Barbara Dreyfuss died March 1 after contracting COVID-19 at a Seattle-area nursing home. Her earlier decision to document her final wishes may offer an example for families as the deadly virus spurs interest in end-of-life care.

Trump’s Boast About U.S., South Korea Coronavirus Testing Misses The Mark

The president’s statement frames the data in a way that doesn’t accurately represent the status of the American response to COVID-19.

California Lawmakers Struggle To Conduct Business Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

In an interview with California Healthline, the state’s Senate leader, Toni Atkins, makes clear that with social-distancing measures in force it will be difficult to debate and pass complicated budget measures ― but public health, education and public safety will be priorities.