CNN visits underground hospital in Israel treating patients from Iranian missile attacks
As Iran and Israel trade missile attacks, Israeli hospitals are moving operations underground. CNN's Clarissa Ward visits Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv to see how doctors prep for incoming attacks.
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New York Times
16 minutes ago
- New York Times
Insurers Pledge to Ease Controversial Prior Approvals for Medical Care
Facing regulatory crackdowns and intensifying criticism from patients and doctors, the nation's biggest health insurers said on Friday that they would retreat from tactics that have delayed medical care and led at times to denials for necessary treatments. For years, the widespread practice known as prior authorization has vexed patients who might not have been notified until the day of surgery whether a procedure would be covered by their insurance or if a prescription medicine would be denied for no clear reason. Insurers often send unintelligible form letters, leaving patients to puzzle out the basis for the denial or what their next steps should be. Patients may delay or even abandon necessary medical care because they may not even be aware that they can appeal the decisions. Lawmakers, regulators and public outrage have drawn attention to abuses of the system, leading to mounting calls for reforms. Insurers have also been the target of myriad lawsuits, some of which attributed patient deaths to those denials and delays. The murder of Brian Thompson, a UnitedHealthcare executive, last December renewed criticisms of the tactic, unleashing a barrage of complaints that the practice was deployed to avoid covering care. 'Prior authorization is a huge issue for people who are in managed care plans because it is one of the ways plans use to control their costs,' said David A. Lipschutz, co-director for the Center for Medicare Advocacy. He pointed to several studies showing that insurers may have inappropriately denied care, particularly in private Medicare plans. Various reports from federal regulators and researchers show that the vast majority of appeals are successful. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Medscape
37 minutes ago
- Medscape
How to Take Care of Your Patients so They Feel Cared About
Francis W. Peabody wrote, 'The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient." What are the best ways we can take care of patients in a way that they feel cared about and valued? Be Curious Douglas S. Paauw, MD Make sure to listen intently when your patients are sharing their symptoms and concerns. Do not look at the computer when they are sharing sensitive information. Ask questions that show you really want to understand their concern. Ask how this symptom may be affecting their lives and what they are worried about. A curious line of questioning is helpful when you do not have a good explanation for the patient's symptoms. Because you asked in depth about the symptom and clearly show that you are considering what it could possibly mean, the patient will feel reassured despite the uncertainty. Be curious about who they are and what is important to them. Getting to know the person helps develop trust. Affirmation I think this is one of the most important things we can do to help patients feel cared about, to feel confident in the partnership you have with them to promote their health. Let patients know how happy you are with their progress toward goals. For example, when a patient has gone from the precontemplative phase to the contemplative phase of smoking cessation, it is great to affirm the work they have done and show the optimism you have that they will be able to quit smoking. When patients are trying to eat healthier, even when they are not succeeding all the time, point out some of the changes they share with you that are positive and encourage them to continue. I think it is also important to tell patients you are glad when they reach out to you to be evaluated about a new symptom or problem. Many patients think they are burdening us when they bring up a new problem; reassure them that we want to know when they have concerns. Patients often have their own opinions about what could be going on, and I like to congratulate them when they help me understand their symptoms and make a diagnosis. I also like to recognize and thank patients when they have read about their diseases and have developed a deeper understanding of the medical problems they have. Adaptability Be adaptable in the care plan you have for the patient: including ideas and thoughts the patient has is important in earning their trust. Include their ideas in the care plan even if it's not something you would do. I find this especially true in the realm of natural products. Patients often want to try a natural product for a symptom or clinical problem. My feeling is if there is no significant side effect or danger, letting the patient incorporate treatments that they want to try helps build trust in your relationship with them. It also opens up more possibilities if they do not improve; they usually will be more receptive to my recommendations. The same goes for starting prescription medications. Sometimes patients are not ready to start appropriate medication at a clinic visit. I encourage them to read about the medication and think about the advice that I have shared with them; hopefully, we will be able to start the treatment at their next visit. Building trust with your patient is essential. It allows you to be a more effective healthcare professional and saves time as well. When patients trust you, they are much more likely to follow and accept recommendations.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
NYC Mayor Adams drops plans to change Medicare benefits for retired city employees
New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the city will no longer move forward with a Bill de Blasio-era plan he previously supported. The plan would've impacted about 250,000 retired municipal workers. Retirees had said the plan would've limited their access to higher cost providers. "We have heard concerns from retirees about these potential changes at numerous older adult town halls and public events, and our administration remains focused on ensuring that New York City remains an affordable place to live. Thankfully, we have found other ways to address health care costs while providing quality health care coverage for our city's workers, and we have decided not to move forward with the Medicare Advantage plan at this time," Adams said. "We have informed union leadership that we are pursuing other avenues for improving health care for city workers that will provide even better outcomes, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the best path forward." Adams had previously said the switch would save taxpayers $600 million a year. The controversial move had prompted numerous rallies and demonstrations at City Hall. "While I am glad the retirees will keep their healthcare, we never should have reached this point. Mayor Adams should never have pursued the Medicare Advantage deal in the first place. The retirees have struggled with the fear and uncertainty that their healthcare could be taken away at any time. Workers who have served our city should always have had the guarantee of the health insurance they were promised," City Councilmember Keith Powers said.
