|
|
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against U.S.
Anesthesia Partners Inc. (USAP) and its private-equity backer, Welsh,
Carson, Anderson & Stowe, accusing them of conspiring over a decade
to acquire anesthesia practices in Texas, create a monopoly, raise prices
for patients, and generate profits. The FTC argues that USAP's
anticompetitive conduct has led to significant price increases for patients,
amounting to tens of millions of dollars annually. This case is part of the
FTC's increased focus on anticompetitive practices in healthcare
companies backed by private-equity firms, signaling a potential shift in
regulatory scrutiny of smaller buyouts that could result in market
monopolies.
|
A new study of cardiac arrest survivors suggests that nearly 40% of
individuals undergoing CPR have memories, dreamlike experiences, or
some form of perception even when they are unconscious. Brain waves
during CPR sometimes showed signs of activity suggesting awareness for
up to an hour as they were being resuscitated. Some survivors had positive
memories or experiences, while others reported feeling separated from
their bodies or experienced delusions. The study, which involved
monitoring 567 people who underwent cardiac arrest resuscitation at 25
hospitals, provides unique insights into near-death experiences during
cardiac arrest.
|
Healthcare workers in the United States are preparing to strike to protest
staffing shortages and low wages. These strikes are occurring as the
country faces the prospect of another season of respiratory viruses.
Healthcare workers argue that staffing shortages are already affecting
patient care and causing burnout. Many healthcare professionals report
being overworked and underpaid, leading to increased turnover and
decreased job satisfaction. The strikes are a response to these issues, and
they highlight the challenges facing the healthcare system in the US.
Efforts are being made at both the state and federal levels to address
these concerns and improve conditions for healthcare workers.
|
Amid a growing awareness of the economic and health consequences of
poor dental health, several U.S. states have expanded their Medicaid
programs to include dental care for adults, using federal pandemic
funds. This initiative aims to address the long-standing issue of dental
neglect among low-income individuals. However, challenges persist,
including a shortage of dentists willing to treat Medicaid patients and
concerns regarding reimbursement rates in different states.
|
A new report from the World Health Organization identifies hypertension
as one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults globally and can lead to severe health
problems like stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. WHO recommends
simple measures like a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight,
reducing sodium intake, and regular exercise to control hypertension.
Implementing these strategies, along with comprehensive national
treatment programs, could potentially prevent 76 million deaths between
2023 and 2050, according to the WHO.
|
|
