CMS has revised guidance on telehealth, remote monitoring, and Medicare preventive services for 2026. Key updates include: Telehealth & Remote Monitoring Medicare Wellness Visits Providers can review the full CMS updates and linked resources to ensure compliance and optimize telehealth and preventive service delivery.
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)
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.
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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Sustained use of GLP-1 medications is associated with slower medical cost growth over time, according to new findings from Aon. The analysis examined claims data from more than 190,000 GLP-1 users between 2022 and 2025 and found that consistent use—particularly with high adherence—was linked to lower medical cost growth compared to non-users. The research suggests cost trends improve the longer patients remain on therapy, with the strongest impact seen among individuals using GLP-1s for diabetes…
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The American Academy of Physician Associates continues its push to transition the profession away from the term “physician assistant” and toward “physician associate,” a change it says better reflects PAs’ roles in modern healthcare. While the organization formally adopted the new title in 2021, it acknowledges that full implementation at the state and federal levels will take years. Progress remains uneven. State PA chapters must pursue rebranding and statutory changes individually, and so far only…
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The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status as cases continue to rise nationwide. As of January 6, the CDC has confirmed 2,147 measles cases across 2025 and 2026, with new cases reported in North Carolina and South Carolina, and dozens of outbreaks ongoing across the country. Most cases are occurring among unvaccinated individuals, and public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine has declined in recent years. While…
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The CDC’s latest FluView report shows a modest decline in flu activity, with the national influenza positivity rate dropping to 18.6% for the week ending January 10. However, the overall impact of the season remains significant, as flu-related deaths continued to rise and hospitals across the country reported sustained strain on capacity. Some health systems have even postponed elective procedures as emergency departments and inpatient units remain full. Key takeaways from the CDC’s most recent…
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Effective April 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will update its reimbursement policy for radiology services billed on the same day as evaluation and management (E/M) services. When the same provider bills both an E/M service and a global radiology code for the same patient, a full written interpretation and report will be required to separately reimburse the professional component of the radiology service. Reports must follow American College of Radiology guidelines. If different providers bill the E/M…
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On Jan. 1, UAB Health System completed its acquisition of Southview Medical Group in Birmingham, Ala. The multi-specialty practice includes 30 providers, caring for over 51,000 patients annually with more than 130,000 patient visits. Under the agreement, UAB assumed ownership of Southview’s provider network facilities, including UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham and UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen locations. Patients will continue seeing their trusted providers while gaining access to UAB’s broader network of specialists, advanced…
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will discontinue its Medicare fitness benefit effective Jan. 1, 2026. The move follows a transition in 2024 from the SilverSneakers program to a FlexCard fitness allowance, which the insurer said saw low utilization. A spokesperson noted that maintaining the benefit contributed to higher costs that affect all members, and the change allows BCBS to focus on medical services used by the broadest number of members, helping keep premiums…
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The FDA reports the following recent drug shortages and discontinuations: Providers should check current availability before prescribing due to these changes. Resource: 8 drugs in shortage
