Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine New For You

CDC Issues Monkeypox Travel Alert

Thu, 26 May 2022 14:56:38 GMT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 Travel Alert for travelers to practice enhanced precautions while traveling abroad this summer. The alert has a list of countries on it. Read the alert here.

CDC Issues Monkeypox Alert

Mon, 23 May 2022 16:01:20 GMT

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert to physicians and state health departments to be vigilant for monkeypox cases due to an unprecedented global spread of the virus. A small number of cases have been reported in the U.S. Read the CDC information.

Triple-Risk Theory in SIDS

Wed, 18 May 2022 16:21:22 GMT

According to the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network (KIDS), new research points to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a likely combination of a vulnerable infant (enzyme level), outside stressor (sleep space, smoke, heat, etc.) and critical developmental period (age of baby) - Triple Risk Theory. All infant caregivers need to understand safe sleep practices are still paramount in reducing SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death as addressed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Hospitalization Rates of Unvaccinated Children Twice as High with Omicron Surge

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:06:18 GMT

The CDC is reporting, "Unvaccinated children from 5 to 11 years old were hospitalized at twice the rate of vaccinated children during the winter Omicron variant surge, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on April 19. Rueters is reporting the study found that "for every 100,000 children in the age group, 19.1 were hospitalized for COVID-19 between mid-December and February, compared with 9.2 per 100,000 for vaccinated kids."

New KU Drug Information Center Program for Blind and Visually Impaired

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:56:47 GMT

A new, free, service is being offered to aid those who are blind and visually impaired to help them with their medications. The center will make available medication guides suitable for viewing with visual aid devices.

To accomplish this the KU Drug Information Center plans to offer medication guides (including patient leaflets) in an accessible format which can be read by assistive technology (i.e., screen reader).

To inquire on this new service or other services available to health care professionals or the public please visit the KU Drug Information Center (https://pharmacy.ku.edu/drug-info-center). The center can be reached by email or by phone.

AOA Moves OMED to All Virtual Meeting

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:36:27 GMT

The American Osteopathic Association decided today to cancel in-person attendance at OMED - scheduled for Phoenix, AZ to an all virtual event. In light of the resurgence of COVID-19 due to the delta variant the decision was made today. To read the official announcement click here.

Insurers and Providers Must Provide Free Vaccines and Test for COVID-19

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:34:39 GMT

HHS Secretary Becerra has issued a letter to insurers and providers concerning free COVID-19 vaccines and tests.

To COVID-19 vaccination and testing providers and insurers:

Since we took office, the Biden-Harris administration has made combating the COVID-19 pandemic our top priority. Central to our national plan to protect Americans and end the pandemic has been increasing testing and vaccinations. In light of recent reports of consumer cost concerns, I am reminding health care providers of their signed agreements to cover the administration of COVID-19 vaccines free-of-charge to patients, and group health plans and health insurers of their legal requirement to provide coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations and diagnostic testing without patients shouldering any cost.

Read the letter here.

Kansas COVID State of Emergency Orders Expire

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:36 GMT

Yesterday, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Wichita, and the Legislative Coordinating Council declined to meet on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 to consider extending the Governor's emergency orders on the COVID-19 Pandemic. This in action has ended those orders on June 30. Republican leadership took the action as a way of getting back to normal for Kansas.

COVID-19 Risk Tool

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:44:00 GMT

Johns Hopkins and Maryland University Research Team have developed a tool to assess your relative risk of mortality from the COVID-19 virus. The tool takes your age, height, weight, ethnicity, health conditions and calculates your risk. Please be aware this just indicates, based on your risk factors, how high the risk might be for you. If you are curious you can view it here. No information is saved and this is not medical advice.

CDC Reports Obesity Rates Up - Includes Kansas

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 15:30:11 GMT

Newly released 2019 data from the CDC shows that Kansas is among 12 states with 35% or more adults being obese. Kansas was not one of the nine states cited with this percentage in 2018. Obesity places people at a much higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and other chronic health health conditions including diabetes. The study looks at ethnicity and race related to obesity as well.

While reducing this extremely high percentage of obesity in adults will take time, simple fixes like more physical activity, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and eating a healthy diet can be implemented immediately. Only one state - Colorado - had a percentage of obesity in adult residents between 20-25%, it was 23%.

COVID-19 Projections

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:01:59 GMT

1. COVID-19 is on track to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020.

2. Hard hit states will not be able to "bend" their curves much.

3. COVID-19 could see a roller coaster like graph in many states. As cases mount people more cautious, and cases trend lower people tend to loosen precautions too early making for an up and down in total COVID-19 cases.

4. Cold weather and the flu could cause cases to soar as people spend more time indoors and the flu season starts.

5. Increased mask use by ALL could lower all projections.

These and other projections are being circulated from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

COVID-19 Resources for DOs

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 16:20:06 GMT

Below are links to helpful resources related to COVID-19:

AOA COVID-19 Resources
ACOFP COVID-19 Resources
Small Business Administration Grants & Loans
SBA District Offices: Wichita, Kansas City
KDHE COVID-19 Resources
CDC COVID-19 Resources

CMS Clinician Letter and Updated Elective Surgery Recommendations

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:28:44 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter to clinicians today and a set of recommendations on elective surgeries. The letter to clinicians details accelerated and advanced payments to providers and also has a fact sheet on it.

CDC Puts Out New COVID-19 Website

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 18:52:59 GMT

The CDC just rolled out a new website for all aspects of COVID-19. The website address is coronavirus.gov. The site has information for the general public, institutions, health care providers and more all in one location. Kansas now has one confirmed case of the virus and the individual is hospitalized at the University of Kansas Hospital under quarantine and previous to hospitalization had self-isolated. The individual contracted the virus through a visit to the northeast U.S.

COVID-19 - Caution Not Panic

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:04:21 GMT

As the novel Coronavirus - now named COVID-19 continues it spread across the globe all should be cautious but not panicked. The media tells us it has a high mortality rate of 3.4% but in reality the mortality rate is much lower because the 80% or more of people infected do not become seriously ill - and probably believe they have a cold or the flu. This 80% of the population does not go to a physician, and they spontaneously recover so they are not being counted. For now Kansans should practice good hygiene and wash their hands for 20 seconds. No cases have been reported here to date. Do not travel to places effected by the virus and have a work policy of stay home if you are sick. Do not put your life on hold just be thoughtful on travel and hygiene. For more on COVID-19 visit The DO.

Colds and Flu in 2019-20 Season

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 18:07:22 GMT

The Flu Season is off to an early start this year. The southern states and California are already experiencing widespread flu. As it moves north, Kansas will experience an increase in flu cases.

Each year, Americans get more than 1 billion colds, and between 5 and 20 percent of Americans get the flu. The two diseases have some symptoms in common, and both are caused by viruses. However, they are different conditions, and the flu is more severe. Unlike the flu, colds generally don’t cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, or lead to hospitalization.

No vaccine can protect you against the common cold, but vaccines can protect you against the flu. Everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against the flu each year. Vaccination is the best protection against getting the flu.

Prescription antiviral drugs may be used to treat the flu in people who are very ill or who are at high risk of flu complications. They’re not a substitute for getting vaccinated. Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu; antivirals are the second. If you think you’ve caught the flu, you may want to check with your health care provider to see whether antiviral medicine is appropriate for you. Call promptly. The drugs work best if they’re used early in the illness.

To find out more about the 2019-20 Flu Season in Kansas, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's surveillance website page.

Vaping Lung Injuries and Deaths Climb

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:50:16 GMT

The CDC reported on Thursday there were 1,080 reported lung injuries attributed to vaping and 18 deaths in 15 states - with more deaths being investigated. It is reported today that the mystery has deepened on the cause with the elimination of vitamin E oil as a cause.

Vaping Illnesses and Deaths Mount

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:44:14 GMT

Media outlets are reporting today the total number of those sickened from vaping has risen to 805 and 13 people have died. Two of those people are from Kansas. News reports suggest this number will continue to climb until a definitive cause for the lung injuries is identified. Virtually all states have reported vaping lung injuries to the Centers for Disease Control. States reporting deaths are California, Oregon and Kansas with two each, and Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Missouri with one death each.

AOA and KDH&E on Vaping

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:46:23 GMT

With the CDC condcting a multi-state investigation into over 450 serious illnesses and six fatalities in the U.S. (one in Kansas), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has issued the following statement: Reports of recent deaths related to vaping and e-cigarettes constitute a public health crisis - particularly for adolescents and young adults. The AOA calls upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take immediate action to make young people aware of the risks associated with these products. Here is the full post in the DO. Vaping illnesses have been reported in 33 states.

Following the death of a woman over 50 from vaping in Kansas this week, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, MD, has called on all Kansans to stop vaping. If you or a loved one is vaping, please stop, Sec. Norman said in the news release on Tuesday.

Norman went on to advise anyone who has a history of vaping and is experiencing lung problems with symptoms to seek medical care. The symptoms most frequently cited are:

Shortness of breath
Fever
Cough
Vomiting or diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Chest pain

Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:08:00 GMT

With more and more emphasis on treating pain without opioids - finding helpful non-medication options for patients becomes more important. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health makes available an e-book on alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and meditation. The e-book, Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches, is available for download from the National Institutes of Health.

Moving a little means a lot

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 20:04:23 GMT

The National Institutes of Health has found that long periods of sedentary behavior among older women translates into a greater cardiovascular risk. Being less sedentary for one hour per day translates into a 26% reduction in heart disease and a 12% lower overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Osteopathic physicians should encourage older women (60+) to get up off the couch and move more. Any activity is beneficial. For more go to the press release.

Longevity in the US Declines in 2017

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 15:38:34 GMT

The CDC has released the 2017 death data showing the US life expectancy declined in 2017. According to the Associated Press, The nation is in the longest period of a generally declining life expectancy since the late 1910s, when World War I and the worst flu pandemic in modern history combined to kill nearly one million Americans.

CDC Publishes - Implementing CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:23:42 GMT

The CDC has developed and published a resource for primary care physicians to manage patients on long-term opioid therapy. CDC Guideline for Quality Improvement and Care Coordination: Implementing the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. The publication is intended to aid physicians to move the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain into clinical practice.

KanCare Provider Enrollment Changes

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 19:18:19 GMT

If you are a KanCare provider and want to continue providing services to the Medicaid population, you need to enroll in the Kansas Medical Assistance Program and receive a provider identification (ID) number. KanCare MCOs will begin denying claims submitted without an ID number on January 1, 2019. CMS Final Rule 2390F (KMAP Bulletin) requires all network providers to be KMAP enrolled and screened prior to receiving payment from an MCO.

The rule applies to all provider types and specialties and is inclusive of billing, rendering, ordering, prescribing, referring, sponsoring and attending providers. KAOM recommends, to avoid claims denials you should have your KMAP application to the state by November 1. Please call KMAP Enrollment at 1-800-933-6593 to see if you have a current KMAP provider ID.

KDHE Awards Medicaid Contracts to Three MCOs

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 21:16:16 GMT

KDHE has announced the selection and awarding of three contracts to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to serve the Kansas Medicaid program known as KanCare. The three MCOs are:

Sunflower State Health Plan, Inc.
United Healthcare, Midwest, Inc.
Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Inc.

Amerigroup was not selected from the six companies for renewal of its contract. Kansans currently enrolled in Amerigroup will have the opportunity to select a new MCO during the open enrollment period which begins in October 2018. Amerigroup will continue to serve as a KanCare MCO through the expiration of its contract which is set to expire on December 31, 2018. Visit the KanCare website for more information on it. Visit the Department of Administration website to view evaluation results and the finalized contracts. Consumers who have questions about the change can call 785-766-9012.

Higher Vitamin D - Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 16:11:53 GMT

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and other institutions have found "higher concentrations of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream are linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Pharmaceutical Companies Block Generics and Raise Prices

Thu, 31 May 2018 16:02:33 GMT

Kaiser Health News reports drugmakers that blocked generics of their brand name drugs by not selling samples have also raised prices on those drugs by double digits. This has cost the United States billions.

FDA Approves Non-Opioid for Opioid Withdrawal

Mon, 21 May 2018 16:52:33 GMT

On May 16, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lucemyra (lofexidine hydrochloride) to lessen withdrawal symptoms related to abrupt discontinuation of opioids in adults. Lucemyra is the first non-opioid approved for use in a long term treatment plan for managing opioid use disorder (OUD). The drug is only approved for treatment for up to 14 days. It is not approved as a stand-alone treatment for OUD. The FDA granted approval of Lucemyra to US WorldMeds, LLC. Read the FDA news release.

DEA Scam Targets Health Care Providers

Wed, 16 May 2018 14:28:08 GMT

The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has notified KAOM a Kansas physician was contacted by a man who identified himself as being with the DEA. The physician was told she was "under investigation for illegal drugs" and that DEA agents would "come to her door and arrest her if she did not cooperate." The caller identified himself as Eric White and said his number was 800-882-9539. The DEA has confirmed this is clearly a scam and the DEA will not call the target of an investigation to tell them of the investigation. The DEA instructs physicians who receive a call like this to call 877-792-2873 (fraud number) or report it at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov and to read this alert to advise your patients who have ordered medications over the internet. The DEA also recommends filing a report with local authorities in case the scam is localized and not limited to using the DEA as the cover agent.

Dementia Patients and Increasing Use of Anti-Psychotics

Wed, 09 May 2018 13:38:39 GMT

From the AOA Morning Brief:

Dementia Patients Increasingly Being Given Antipsychotic Medications, Research Indicates.

NPR (5/7) reports that research “from the AARP Public Policy Institute finds that dementia patients living at home or in assisted living facilities are increasingly being given antipsychotic” medications, even though such medications “are not approved to treat dementia.” The study analyzed information from Medicare Advantage plans from 2012 to 2015. When the study began, “12.6 percent of dementia patients living at home or in assisted living had prescriptions for antipsychotic” medications, but “by the end of the...study period, 13.4 percent of dementia patients living at home or in assisted living had prescriptions for antipsychotic” medications.

Short-term increases in inhaled steroid doses do not prevent asthma flare-ups in children

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 16:56:59 GMT

NIH-funded findings challenge common practice of increasing doses at early signs of worsening symptoms.

Researchers have found that temporarily increasing the dosage of inhaled steroids when asthma symptoms begin to worsen does not effectively prevent severe flare-ups, and may be associated with slowing a child’s growth, challenging a common medical practice involving children with mild-to-moderate asthma.

The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, will appear online on March 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) to coincide with its presentation at a meeting of the 2018 Joint Congress of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) in Orlando, Florida. It will appear in print on March 8th.

Click here to read the full article.