HE news that drew views, Oct. 5–9

Close to 50 medical organizations representing 1.4 million physicians and other clinicians are pressing CMS to amend the physician fee schedule (PFS) the agency has proposed for Medicare in 2021.

Around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, words have occasionally led to blows over people in public not wearing face masks. Then too, fisticuffs have erupted over people in public wearing face masks.

Massachusetts has the lowest percentage of residents lacking health insurance in the country. Texas has the highest.

Along with the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 has brought to U.S. hospitals in 2020 are some older sore spots that the pandemic has only inflamed.

Middle-aged individuals of modest means widely availed themselves of formal long-term care after Obamacare funded the expansion of Medicaid in participating states. 

More than a week after protectively disconnecting all online systems in the U.S. following a Sept. 27 cyberattack, a multistate, two-nation health system is coming back online.

Demand is sure to outstrip supply when a safe and effective COVID vaccine initially enters mass production. First in line to receive the inoculation should be the 5% slice of the population doing essential work to help fight the pandemic.

Scientists, policymakers and the media should acknowledge “inherent uncertainties” in epidemiological models that project the spread of COVID-19 as well as avoid “catastrophizing” worst-case scenarios.