Deportation fears have legal immigrants avoiding health care
Deportation fears have legal immigrants avoiding health care
The number of legal immigrants from Latin American nations who access public health services and enroll in federally subsidized insurance plans has dipped substantially. In Florida, health workers report that immigrant patients start the health care enrollment process, but drop out once they are required to turn in personal information. More from the AP and the Christian Science Monitor.
Florida free clinics respond as more people head to the ER with dental problems
Most adults who don’t have dental insurance end up in emergency rooms because of tooth or gum problems. The number of patients who go to the ER with dental-related issues surged from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010, and continues to rise, according to the American Dental Association. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Rising health insurance costs affecting Florida companies
This week’s question to South Florida CEOs who are on the Miami Herald CEO Roundtable: How is the ongoing instability in affordable health provisions affecting your company? [Source: Miami Herald]
Floridians reminded to avoid medical marijuana scams
Florida health officials are reminding Floridians to be aware of medical marijuana scams. In a recent case, individuals were offering "official legal certifications" for marijuana use to patients as well as "grow signs." Those items allegedly permitted patients to grow their own marijuana, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health. [Source: WTXL]
Will a machine pick your next medication?
High-speed, big data processing computers combine artificial intelligence with human know-how to crack complex health care conditions. This deep computer analysis may unveil new patterns that could bolster your health care provider’s ability to prescribe precise therapies, make a diagnosis, recommend a clinical trial or even predict your risk of disease. [Source: South Florida Reporter]
› Nursing homes need improved emergency plans. But who will verify them? [Tampa Bay Times]
A report by the Florida House’s Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness includes recommendations on how to improve emergency management plans from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. But the recommendations are thin on oversight that would make sure those plans are better verified.
› Flu outbreak in Florida continues to grow [WJHG]
State health officials say this year’s season is worse than any they’ve seen. The State Department of Health says it has never seen this many flu out breaks this early in the flu season.
› Florida bill increases women’s non-hospital options for labor, delivery [Palm Beach Post]
Women with low-risk pregnancies would not have to deliver at hospitals to get epidurals or to have cesarean sections, under legislation overwhelmingly approved by a House panel last week despite safety concerns raised by Florida hospitals.
› Florida Hospital seeks to fill 86 jobs in hiring event [Orlando Business Journal]
Florida Hospital is looking to hire 86 nurses for its Central Florida campuses. On average, registered nurses earn an annual wage of $62,980 in metro Orlando, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
» Go to page 2 for more health care stories in your region
|