Category: NPR

Trump Team Hits Brakes On Law That Would Curb Unneeded Medicare CT Scans, MRIs

Critics worry the administration’s delays come at a steep cost: Medicare is continuing to pay for millions of unnecessary exams and patients are being subjected to radiation for no medical benefit.

How The CDC’s Reluctance To Use The ‘F-Word’ — Firearms — Hinders Suicide Prevention

Congress has told the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to “advocate or promote gun control.” That directive complicates the public health agency’s efforts to prevent suicide.

Why Competition Hasn’t Brought Down The High Price Of Snakebite Treatment

The snakebite antivenin CroFab, on the U.S. market since 2000, now faces competition from a drug called Anavip. But both are expensive. “Perverse incentives” keep prices high, says one legal scholar.

Coordinating Care Of Mind And Body Might Help Medicaid Save Money And Lives

Tennessee’s innovative Medicaid program is offering bonuses to mental health providers who help make sure their Medicaid patients get preventive help and treatment for physical ailments too.

Pain Rescue Team Helps Seriously Ill Kids Cope In Terrible Times

An interdisciplinary team in San Francisco uses acupressure, massage, counseling and other methods, as well as medicine, to help kids get relief from chronic pain. But such pediatric centers are rare.

1,300 Wait For Free Dental Care In Pittsburgh

More than a thousand people waited in line to see a dentist at an annual free clinic in Pittsburgh. Some had never been to a dentist before.

Trump Administration’s Prescription Drug Importation Plan Is Likely To Face Challenges

The Trump administration announced plans to allow the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. But the plan is just the first step and is likely to face challenges.

Doctors In The U.S. Use CRISPR Technique To Treat A Genetic Disorder For The 1st Time

For the first time, doctors have used the gene-editing technique CRISPR to treat a genetic disorder in the U.S. The patient, who has sickle cell disease, spoke with NPR about her treatment.

Seizures Of Methamphetamine Are Surging In The U.S.

The amount of meth seized in the U.S. more than doubled from 2017 to 2018. That translates to lots more meth, along with cocaine and other stimulants, on the streets — and likely more deaths.

Bill Of The Month Update On Story Involving Kidney Dialysis

The medical bill of the month story that Morning Edition brought you last Monday — half a million dollars for kidney dialysis — has been reduced to zero by the company that owns the dialysis center.