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Author: Lauren Brown

Overview of Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Physician Certification Process

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The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has begun issuing dispensary licenses, allowing the Board of Medical Examiners (BME) to accept applications from physicians seeking certification to recommend medical cannabis. Under Alabama requirements, physicians must complete a four-hour medical cannabis education course and pass a subsequent examination to become a registered certifying physician. A two-hour refresher course is required every two years to maintain certification. All required coursework and examinations are administered through the Medical Association. The…
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Healthcare Updates Impacting Providers and Patients

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Flat 2027 Medicare Advantage payment rate may drive insurers out of marketsA flat Medicare Advantage payment rate for 2027, combined with rising costs, is prompting some major insurers to scale back or exit unprofitable markets—potentially limiting plan options for millions of beneficiaries in certain states and counties. Does inaccurate health information get more views on TikTok?As more young people turn to TikTok for health information, medical student researchers examined whether misleading or inaccurate content spreads…
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FDA Approves New Eye Drops for Presbyopia That May Reduce the Need for Reading Glasses

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The FDA has approved carbachol/brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution (Yuvezzi) for the treatment of presbyopia in adults, making it the first dual-agent eye drop approved for age-related near-vision loss. The once-daily drops combine two active ingredients with different mechanisms of action, distinguishing them from previously approved single-agent presbyopia treatments. Clinical support for the approval came from the phase III BRIO I and BRIO II trials, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in near vision without compromising distance…
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2026 MVPs and Measures & Activities

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2026 Explore MVPs Providers interested in reporting a MIPS Value Pathway (MVP) should review the MVPs finalized for the 2026 performance year to determine whether an option aligns with their scope of care and practice. To participate in MVP reporting for 2026, registration is required between April 1 and November 30, 2026. Please note that the group participation option for 2026 MVP reporting is limited to small practices and groups with a single focus of…
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Largest Medicare Advantage Fraud Settlement Highlights Risk Adjustment Enforcement

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Kaiser Permanente has agreed to pay $556 million to resolve allegations that it submitted unsupported diagnosis codes under the Medicare Advantage program, marking the largest settlement of its kind to date. The government alleged that, between 2009 and 2018, diagnosis codes were added that were not supported by clinical documentation, resulting in inflated risk adjustment payments. At the center of the case is Medicare Advantage risk adjustment, which determines plan payments based on the documented…
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Laboratories: Paper CLIA Fee Coupons & Certificates Ending March 1

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CMS is transitioning the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program to fully electronic fee coupons and CLIA certificates. Beginning March 1, 2026, CMS will no longer mail paper fee coupons or paper CLIA certificates. All CLIA certification and survey fees must be paid online—paper checks will no longer be accepted. This is the final opportunity for eligible laboratories and providers that perform laboratory testing to enroll in CMS email notifications to receive electronic CLIA fee…
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Telehealth Linked to Increased Preventive Care Use in Rural Communities

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New research published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that rural residents who used telehealth were more likely to receive preventive care services compared to those who did not. The study highlights telehealth’s potential to reduce long-standing access barriers—such as travel distance and transportation challenges—that often limit preventive care in rural areas. Using administrative claims data from more than 2 million rural adults with commercial or Medicare Advantage coverage, researchers found that telehealth…
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FDA Clears First At-Home RSV, Flu & COVID Test for Infants as Young as 6 Months

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The FDA has cleared the first over-the-counter at-home test that can detect RSV, influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 using a single nasal swab—and it’s approved for use in children as young as 6 months. The Flowflex Plus 4-in-1 test from ACON Laboratories allows families to identify common respiratory infections quickly, without the need for a clinic visit. This clearance is especially significant as RSV remains a leading cause of hospitalization in young children. Until…
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CDC: Diabetes Affects Over 40 Million Americans, Many Undiagnosed

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New CDC data show that diabetes continues to impact millions of Americans. Key findings from the updated National Diabetes Statistics Report include: The report highlights the importance of prevention, early detection, and management to reduce the health impact of diabetes nationwide. Readers can review the full CDC report for detailed statistics and guidance on diabetes care and prevention. Resource: National Diabetes Statistics ReportDoIHavePrediabetes.orgNational Diabetes Prevention ProgramDiabetes education (DSMES)

American Red Cross Declares Severe Blood Shortage

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The American Red Cross has declared a severe emergency blood shortage, calling on the public to donate. Hospital demand has outpaced supply, with nearly one-third of the organization’s blood stores depleted nationwide. As the largest supplier of blood products in the U.S., the Red Cross emphasizes that donations are urgently needed to support patients and maintain hospital care. Follow this link for resources for donation sites and guidance on giving safely.

CDC Issues Alert as New World Screwworm Outbreak Reaches Northern Mexico

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The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory following confirmed New World screwworm (NWS) cases in Tamaulipas, Mexico, a state bordering Texas. While no human or animal cases linked to this outbreak have been identified in the United States as of January 20, 2026, officials warn of potential geographic spread. The advisory is intended to increase awareness among clinicians, public health agencies, and the public, and outlines CDC guidance on case recognition, reporting,…
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