Florida Trend Exclusive
Sickle cell progress
Cutting edge gene therapy being used by doctors at Miami’s Holtz Children’s Hospital shows signs of curing sickle cell disease. Two therapies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and a Holtz patient in a clinical trial for a third “did extraordinarily well,” says David Crawford, a University of Miami associate professor and director of Holtz’s pediatric stem cell transplantation program. “We essentially cured him of the disease.” Florida has one of the highest numbers of people living with sickle cell — about 14,000. [Source: Florida Trend]
Medical mistrust, religious exemptions cited in sharp drop of Florida immunizations
Childhood vaccinations against diseases like whooping cough, polio and measles in Florida are down 10 percentage points in the last decade, as distrust of the medical establishment in the post-COVID era takes hold and exemptions on religious grounds rise. By age 2, children are recommended to have received immunizations against 16 diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis A and B, and chickenpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Source: Health News Florida]
Medicare covers at-home nursing care for dementia patients for the first time this year
After an initial pilot program, Medicare has introduced a new model for treating patients with dementia this year. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model, called GUIDE, is a voluntary program that covers the cost of at-home nursing care. The goal is to offer respite for caregivers and trained care for patients. This is the first time Medicare is paying for at-home care for dementia patients. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida nonprofits concerned about potential end to ACA tax credits
People who buy insurance through the federal marketplace could soon see a significant increase in their premiums. That's because COVID-era ACA tax credits are set to expire this year. Almost 5 million Floridians are enrolled in the ACA, also known as Obamacare. That's the most of any state. Scott Darius, executive director of Florida Voices for Health, says the tax credits help over 2 million middle-class Floridians afford insurance. [Source: WFSU]
See also:
» Florida health executive warns expiring tax credit will leave people uninsured
New pediatric healthcare model expands, bringing doctors’ offices to South Florida retail centers
A new model in pediatrics is gaining ground in South Florida. Bluebird Kids Health is opening primary care locations in heavily visited retail shopping centers in communities that lack sufficient pediatric offices. By locating in centers where the offices are visible and accessible, Bluebird Kids aims to give parents a convenient place for their children to go for basic care, rather than relying on hospital ERs and urgent care centers, which are more expensive. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› USF now offers a degree in the growing field of health care simulation operations
When the fall semester begins this month at the University of South Florida, the USF College of Public Health will offer a first-of-its-kind, university-based bachelor's degree in health care simulation operations. The curriculum is offered in conjunction with the USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), one of the world’s largest free-standing health care simulation facilities, according to the university.
› Why Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville is preparing for an increase in high-risk pregnancies
High-risk pregnancies are expected to rise 14.5% over the next decade, reflecting a trend across the country, Baptist says. Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one. The causes are many: diabetes, high blood pressure, poor lifestyle choices, lack of health care and delayed child rearing among them.
› Patients say losing BayCare in negotiations with Florida Blue would be ‘devastating’
If you’re one of the thousands of people who get the Medicare Advantage Plan through Florida Blue and use a BayCare facility or physician, you’ll want to pay attention to the current negotiations. The two companies are working to reach a new contract, but if they don’t, patients could be looking for a new doctor or facility starting October 1.
› Orlando medical school partners with Florida Poly to address physician shortage
Florida Polytechnic University has launched a new partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, which was founded by billionaire investor and entrepreneur Dr. Kiran Patel. Florida Poly said the partnership will help address physician shortages and “expand access to high-quality medical training.” The new program allows students to earn both a bachelor of science and doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees in six years.