Health Headlines for Friday, April 13

Doctors Curbing First-Time Prescriptions for Opioids

U.S. News

Although the opioid epidemic continues to rage in America, promising new data show that first-time opioid painkiller prescription rates have slowed in recent years.

Drug executives to testify before Congress about their role in U.S. opioid crisis

Washington Post

Current and former executives with the pharmaceutical distributors that are accused of flooding communities with powerful prescription painkillers have been summoned to testify before Congress about their role in the U.S. opioid epidemic.

Excellus Announces Community Health Awards for Seven CNY Nonprofits

Business Journal News Network

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has chosen seven Central New York nonprofit organizations for its community health awards.

Uninsured struggle to obtain, afford doctor appointments

Reuters

Without some kind of health insurance, getting an appointment with a primary care doctor, and being able to pay in full or over time remains a challenge for millions in the U.S., a recent study suggests.