Physicians News Health news for doctors and patients.

Federal officials allowed telemedicine providers to waive patient deductibles and copayments during the crisis. Under normal conditions, these actions can be construed as a kickback because they discourage patients from complaining.

A new study conducted by the V.A. found that patients using hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug highly promoted by President Trump as a cure-all for COVID-19, had higher rates of death compared with those not using the drug.

Should they be included, the new class of medical residents from other countries, scheduled to start their assignments at hospitals across the U.S. on July 1, would not be able to enter the U.S in time to start their residency assignments. These physicians play a vital part of providing care in our health care system and are especially needed now to treat thousands of patients battling COVID-19.

The Trump administration’s handling of the virus crisis is shaping up to be a defining issue in the run-up to November. Meanwhile, Biden made the health care law a signature component of his presidential platform and has been a vocal critic of the administration’s pandemic response.

While seizures at the nation’s international mail facilities have periodically spiked during the past two decades, the latest crackdown is distressing many older customers whose goal is to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Climate change presents many threats across the country: Heat stress can exacerbate mental illness; Air pollution worsens respiratory problems; High temperatures can weaken the effectiveness of medications. But is the topic too political for the exam room?

As hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and staff are stretched to their limits, electronic medical record (EMR) documentation may suffer as a result of rushed, less detailed and error-prone entries. In the current medical malpractice climate, it is very important to maintain an accurate chart.

“This absolutely does not mean the pandemic is nearing an end,” according to an infectious disease expert. “Once you get past the peak, it’s not over until it’s over. It’s just the starting time for the rest of the response.”

Expect Round 2 of the coronavirus battle to return next Winter. As the U.S. nears the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is already expecting another big hit of the virus before the end of the year.

The global pandemic has put medical staffing shortages in stark relief — and prompted a halt to the system overhaul. Veterans and military advocates say that, with the focus on fighting COVID-19, now is not the time to pursue major changes.