Health Headlines for Friday, May 13
Treating Pain Without Feeding Addiction at Epicenter for Opioids
New York Times
The doctors wanted to talk about illness, but the patients — often miners, waitresses, tree cutters and others whose jobs were punishingly physical — wanted to talk only about how much they hurt.
Judge Backs House Challenge to a Key Part of Health Law
New York Times
The Republican-led House of Representatives won a significant victory over the Obama administration on Thursday when a Federal District Court judge in Washington ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services did not have the authority to spend billions of dollars on a key element of the new health care law.
Opioid Abuse Bill Passes U.S. House Without Funds Attached
Bloomberg
The U.S. House passed legislation aimed at curbing opioid addiction in a bid for a rare bipartisan agreement in Congress that also may aid the campaigns of vulnerable Republicans from states hard hit by the crisis.
Primary care physician shortage worsens in WNY
Buffalo Business First
Physicians are leaving Western New York for better opportunities or in response to high-pressure practice environments.
UB researchers explore depression, asthma link
Buffalo News
Studies have shown that children with asthma are at higher risk for depression. Research also has shown an association between a parent or caregiver’s depression and worsening symptoms in an asthmatic child.
A look at Saratoga Hospital’s investments
Albany Business Review
Over the past three years, Saratoga Hospital has invested heavily, hiring more surgeons, expanding programs and upgrading facilities.
FDA Warns Sweetener Xylitol Can Kill or Poison Dogs
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a stronger warning that a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products could kill or severely poison dogs.
Judge Rules Against Administration In Cost-Sharing Reduction Payment Case
Health Affairs Blog
Judge Rosemary Collyer of the federal district court for the District of Columbia decided that the Obama administration cannot constitutionally reimburse insurers for the costs they incur in fulfilling their obligation under the ACA to reduce cost sharing for marketplace enrollees with incomes below 250 percent of the poverty level. Judge Collyer found that Congress has not specifically appropriated money for this purpose.