Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Should ‘Gender-Affirming Health Care’ Be On The Radar For California’s Foster Kids?
Pending state legislation would require that foster youth be informed of their legal right to seek “gender-affirming health care.” Advocates say the measure would simply give them access to doctors who can help them navigate gender identity issues, but opponents warn it would open the door to hormone and other therapies that could cause long-term health problems.
Gawande’s Goal Is Providing The ‘Right’ Health Care In New Venture By 3 Firms
The surgeon and writer has been named to head a project by Amazon, Bershire-Hathway and JP Morgan to reduce health costs. He said he wants to help doctors “do the right thing” in delivering care.
At L.A. Clinic, Free Showers Can Get Homeless People In To See A Doctor
The showers at Saban Community Clinic can be a gateway to other services, including health care, insurance sign-ups and housing referrals.
Using Drones And Ditties To Help Hunt Down Disease-Bearing Mosquitoes
Last year, 44 Californians died from West Nile virus. Invasive mosquitoes that can carry the illness, as well as other serious diseases such as Zika, are spreading across the state. Mosquito-control officials are responding with new and aggressive tactics to limit the threat.
Doling Out Pain Pills Post-Surgery: An Ingrown Toenail Not The Same As A Bypass
As the opioid epidemic rages, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and researcher is leading an effort to curb overprescribing by offering procedure-specific guidelines to ensure that post-surgical patients leave the hospital with enough, but not too much, pain medication.
California Poised To Expand Access To Hepatitis C Drugs
New state rules and funding, which are pending approval from the governor, would make almost all Medi-Cal recipients with hepatitis C eligible for pricey, lifesaving medications, as long as they are at least 13 and have more than one year to live.
As Medicaid Costs Soar, States Try A New Approach
New programs, known as ACOs, reward hospitals and physician groups that hold down costs by keeping enrollees healthy. The health care providers are asked to address social issues — such as homelessness, lack of transportation and poor nutrition — that can cause and exacerbate health problems.
With The Rise Of Legal Weed, Drug Education Moves From ‘Don’t’ to ‘Delay’
Today’s drug prevention messaging is a far cry from the “Just Say No” days. Schools want to give kids the facts to make informed decisions about whether and when to try drugs or alcohol.
Applying Silicon Valley Smarts To Age-Old Diseases
Customized iPhones are just one example of devices that can be used to combat health threats in developing countries. They are helping scientists in California and Cameroon attack the parasite that causes river blindness, an African scourge.
New Technologies Help Seniors Age In Place — And Not Feel Alone
Motion sensors, Alexa and other voice-assistive technologies give seniors the tools they need to live independently and safely.