Prescription Opioids Fail Rigorous New Test for Chronic Pain
In patients with stubborn back aches or hip or knee arthritis, opioids worked no better than over-the-counter drugs or other nonopioids at reducing problems with walking or sleeping. And they provided slightly less pain relief. (Lindsey Tanner/Associated Press)
From the ER to Inpatient Care—At Home
Brigham Health in Boston is one of a slowly growing number of health systems that encourage selected acutely ill emergency department patients who are stable and don’t need intensive, round-the-clock care to opt for hospital-level care at home. (Michelle Andrews/Kaiser Health News)
Trump's Health Chief Warns Hospital Execs About Health Care Costs: “Change is coming”
Speaking at the Federation of American Hospitals convention in D.C., Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar laid out a series of actions the administration will take that are aimed at lowering health care costs, and warned that it wouldn’t be deterred by powerful special interests. (Jessie Hellman/The Hill)
For Heart Disease Patients, Think Exercise, Not Weight Loss
For people with coronary heart disease, losing weight will not prolong life, a new study reports, but increasing physical activity will. (Nicholas Bakalar/New York Times)
Store-and-Forward Telemedicine Services Expand Connected Health
Asynchronous or store-and-forward telemedicine, popular with dermatologists and ophthalmologists, is now showing up in primary care programs. Proponents say it gives them a better chance to use evidence-based best practices. (Eric Wicklund/mHealth Intelligence)
