Cancer care in Florida: A cure at a cost
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Cancer care in Florida: A cure at a cost
Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Yescarta, a new type of cancer treatment that trains a patient’s immune system to seek and destroy lymphoma tumors. The approval followed a national, two year clinical trial, co-led by Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Full story here.
Also in this series:
» Wider appeal: The FDA takes a broader approach to approving drug therapy.
These stories will be running all week on FloridaTrend.com. Visit FloridaTrend.com/news for the latest installment, or find links to the entire series on Cancer Care in Florida, here.
"Direct primary care" bill gets Gov. Scott's approval
After years of legislative discussion about the issue, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a measure (HB 37) that amends the state insurance code to make clear that “direct primary care” agreements do not run afoul of insurance laws. See the bill here, and read more at WLRN.
Blaming doctors for opioid crisis is easy, but not the whole story
When the number of national opioid deaths swelled, people quickly pointed to physicians and their prescription pads as the culprits. But recent studies say singling out the medical community won’t help to stem the opioid epidemic. [Source: Ocala StarBanner]
State considers changes to Medicaid eligibility
Proposed changes to Florida’s Medicaid eligibility requirements would make it harder for people to get coverage after they become sick. The state is considering doing away with a three-month “retroactive eligibility period,” which allows patients to enroll in Medicaid up to 90 days after they see a provider. See full story from WUSF, here.
Should Florida law require school kids to get the HPV vaccine?
During a spring legislative session dominated by school safety concerns, lawmakers left another pressing health issue on the back burner. And, like the Parkland shootings that commanded their attention, it involves life, death and young people. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Your turn:
» Do you think Florida should require school kids to get the HPV vaccine? (quick poll)
› A Doctors Day salute to FSU's medical faculty [Tallahassee Democrat]
Next time you’re in your doctor’s waiting room, check out the walls. You might see a framed certificate proclaiming that your doctor is also a teacher.
› Orange Park Medical Center pleased with state law settling trauma drama [Health News Florida]
Orange Park Medical Center is celebrating a new state law cementing its status as a trauma center. The law settles a long-fought battle over how many trauma centers are allowed to operate in Florida and where.
› Florida Hospital starts art therapy program for cancer patients [Orlando Sentinel]
Today, all three of Central Florida’s major health systems — Florida Hospital, Orlando Health and Nemours — have arts therapies programs. Nemours Children’s Hospital, the youngest of the three, brought on board a grant-funded part-time music therapist this year.
› New law gives permanent state funding to private ‘pregnancy centers’ [Tampa Bay Times]
The new law provides funding for the often faith-based organizations that offer emotional support and limited medical services for unplanned pregnancies — while also working to prevent abortions — through the Florida Department of Health.