Petitions for compassionate release soared in the pandemic, but federal judges denied most requests. This week officials will review guidelines aimed at freeing imprisoned people who pose no threat.
Category: NPR
Over-the-counter Narcan will save lives, experts say. But the cost will affect access
Advisers to the FDA put the opioid overdose-reversal drug a step closer to being sold without a needing a prescription. Even if approved, the medication may not reach many people who need it.
Why hundreds of doctors are lobbying in Washington this week
They came to tell Congress about their “recovery plan” for physicians, which includes a Medicare pay boost and an end to some frustrating insurance company requirements.
The Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a concern — and a chance for progress
Marburg virus is hard to detect early on–and goes on to kill about half its victims. Researchers hope to work quickly during this outbreak to make progress on emerging vaccines and treatments.
How seniors could lose in the Medicare political wars
Politicians are again pointing fingers over cutting Medicare. Any party accused of threatening the program tends to lose elections, but without a bipartisan agreement, seniors stand to lose the most.
Nearly $50,000 a week for a cancer drug? A man worries about bankrupting his family
Medicare suddenly stopped paying for the pricey drug that prolongs his life. As he waits for an appeal, this retired physician wonders if he should give up treatment to spare his family the cost.
‘Dr. Lisa on the street’ busts health myths and empowers patients
She’s seen what happens when people don’t trust or understand their doctor. Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick founded ‘Grapevine Health’ to get solid information out, especially to Black and Latinx patients.
In Tennessee, a Medicaid mix-up could land you on a ‘most wanted’ list
Medicaid enrollment swelled during the pandemic. And some states are being especially aggressive at policing their rolls.
Hospitals contracted with private companies are cutting costs by relying on nurses
More and more hospitals are contracting with private companies to run their emergency departments. To save money, many are increasingly relying on nurses and physician assistants instead of doctors.
ERs staffed by private equity firms aim to cut costs by hiring fewer doctors
Increasingly, private equity firms shape staffing decisions at hospital emergency rooms, research shows. One apparent effect: Hiring fewer doctors and more health care practitioners who earn far less.
