Latest California Healthline Stories
Pricey New Treatment Roils Issues Of How To Treat Prostate Cancer
High-intensity focused ultrasound, often not covered by insurance, leads to discussions about which patients benefit in the real world.
The Need To Replace EpiPens Regularly Adds To Concerns About Cost
The drug’s manufacturer says it has an expiration date of 12 to 18 months but that includes distribution time, so many customers find they have to buy a new device at least once a year.
Behind The EpiPen Monopoly: Lobbying, Flailing Competition And Tragedy
The death of a Sacramento girl paved the way for a state law that strengthened the demand for EpiPens in California.
Gas Relief Drops, Often Added To Medical Scopes, May Pose Danger
In a small study, Minnesota researchers found that the infant drops used to increase visibility during procedures may create a “perfect habitat” for bacteria and make scopes harder to clean.
University of California OKs $8.5 Million For Two Patients Suing Over Financial Conflicts
The patients allege that Dr. Jeffrey Wang, former executive director of UCLA’s spine center, failed to disclose his conflicts of interest with device maker Medtronic before using the company’s devices in surgeries that left them in chronic pain. Both UCLA and Medtronic deny wrongdoing.
Congressman Decries Olympus’ Failure To Warn U.S. Hospitals About Tainted Scopes
U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) renews his call for tightened laws that would force manufacturers to notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when they issue safety warnings in other countries related to the design and cleaning of their devices.
Olympus Told U.S. Executives No Broad Scope Warning Needed Despite Superbug Outbreaks
Internal emails show that after the Tokyo-based device maker alerted customers in Europe in 2013, it told its U.S. operation not to widely warn U.S. doctors and hospitals. Since then, at least 35 patients have died after being sickened in outbreaks.
FDA Retreats From Recall Of Scope-Cleaning Machines Tied To Outbreaks
After a wave of sometimes-deadly superbug infections, the agency last year ordered a recall of Custom Ultrasonics machines used to disinfect medical scopes. Now, with little explanation, it is backing off.
Tainted Scope Infections Far Exceed Earlier Estimates
House panel concludes inquiry on superbug outbreaks; one member prepares legislation “to make sure these situations don’t happen again.”
CT Scans For Minor Injuries On A Rapid Rise In California Emergency Rooms
Researchers say they’re reporting the facts, but not taking a stand on CT “overuse.”