The Pandemic of Loneliness In this extraordinary era of pandemic isolation, social distancing, and masking, it makes perfect sense that loneliness and its impact on mental and physical health would garner literary attention. Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, the US surgeon general, released a book early in the pandemic saying America is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Murthy reported that chronic loneliness works this way: Persistent stress increases inflammation that damages tissues and blood vessels, increasing risk of cardiovascular illness and death. It can interfere with the function of the immune system and make high blood ... August 12, 2021 Mental Health COVID-19, Isolation, Loneliness, Pandemic 0 0 Comment Read More »
Effect of Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs on US Smokers’ Cognitions and Smoking Behavior After 3 Months, A Randomized Clinical Trial Abstract Importance The US Food and Drug Administration’s implementation of graphic warning labels (GWLs) on cigarette packs is under challenge in US courts. Objective To determine whether GWLs can affect US smokers’ perceptions about their cigarettes or health consequences and changes in smoking behavior. Design, Setting, and Participants This study was a randomized clinical trial of the effect of a 3-month, real-world experience of cigarettes with GWL packaging. Community recruitment was done from September 2016 through December 2019 of daily smokers from San Diego, California, aged 21 to 65 years, who were not ready to ... August 10, 2021 General, Public Health Cigarette, FDA, Warning Labels 0 0 Comment Read More »
County of Santa Clara Releases Data Dashboard Showing COVID-19 Case Rates by Vaccination Status This dashboard shows the 7-day daily average COVID-19 case rate by day for Santa Clara County overall, for unvaccinated residents, and for fully vaccinated residents. The COVID-19 case rate for the county overall is calculated as the total number of cases on a given day per 100,000 County residents. The COVID-19 case rate for unvaccinated residents is calculated as the total number of cases on a given day per 100,000 unvaccinated residents on that day. The COVID-19 case rate for fully vaccinated residents is calculated as the total number ... August 5, 2021 COVID19, Public Health Case Rate, COVID-19 0 0 Comment Read More »
2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Quality Payment Program (OPP) Proposed Rule Summary Physician Payment Schedule On July 13, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies proposed rule (published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2021 – Docket number CMS-1751-P). In addition, CMS published a fact sheet on the PFS proposed rule highlighting the key provisions. If finalized, the proposed policies in the rule will take effect on January 1, 2022. CMS is requesting that comments ... August 3, 2021 Healthcare, Medicare Medicare, Services, Telehealth 0 0 Comment Read More »
