Fixing Prior Authorization

In this week's curation of Moonlighting MD 💼, we’re covering:

• 🥊 The AMA’s Fight Against Prior Authorization

• 🐊 Florida’s New Abortion Law Stirring Fear Among Doctors

• 🥼 WHO Confirms Bird Flu Patient in Mexico Died from Other Conditions

Read more below 👇👇👇

HEALTHCARE NEWS
AMA Takes on Prior Authorization: Advocating for Efficient Patient Care

Struggling with the bureaucracy of prior authorizations? You’re not alone. The AMA’s latest survey reveals the staggering toll this cost-control process takes on both physicians and patients, with nearly half of doctors spending two business days per week on these tasks. The result? Delayed and abandoned care, and in severe cases, hospitalization or even death. The AMA is fighting back, championing reforms to cut red tape and ensure timely, evidence-based patient care. Dive into the latest initiatives and see how the AMA is turning the tide for better healthcare outcomes.

HEALTHCARE NEWS
Florida’s Abortion Law Confusion:
Doctors Fear Criminal Charges Amidst Vague Exceptions

Navigating the labyrinth of Florida’s new abortion laws, Dr. Rachel Humphrey never imagined her medical career could land her in prison. The state’s recent six-week abortion ban, with vague exceptions for life-threatening conditions, is creating a chilling effect among doctors, who now fear criminal charges for doing their jobs. With layers of emergency rules adding to the confusion, physicians like Humphrey are forced to prioritize their safety over patient care. As Florida’s legal landscape grows more complex, the stakes couldn’t be higher for doctors and patients alike. Read on to uncover the real-world impacts of these contentious regulations.

WORLD NEWS
WHO acknowledges bird flu patient in Mexico died of other medical conditions

In a twist that underscores the complexity of diagnosing infectious diseases, the World Health Organization recently confirmed that a Mexican man, initially reported as the first global human case of H5N2 bird flu, actually died from other underlying health conditions. Despite testing positive for the rare avian influenza strain, experts determined his death was due to complications from pre-existing comorbidities. This incident highlights the challenges in distinguishing cause of death amidst concurrent health issues, and while it raises questions, it also reassures that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low. Read on for the full story and implications.