All articles tagged with #covid 19 testing
A mother took her toddler to an ER for a nasal swab test but left before seeing a doctor, later receiving a $445 bill for the test. Despite leaving without treatment, the family was charged due to hospital markups and insurance rules, highlighting the high costs of ER visits. The incident underscores the importance of considering urgent care for non-life-threatening issues to avoid unexpected medical bills.
China has restarted COVID-19 testing in hospitals and transportation hubs as a wave of respiratory diseases sweeps through the country. Chinese health officials have acknowledged the spike in pneumonia and respiratory cases, attributing it to a combination of pathogens including mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19. Government documents are now warning about a new wave of coronavirus infections, prompting the State Council to order local authorities to resume testing and disease monitoring at various institutions. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the "Health Code" COVID-19 tracker app may also be reactivated.
The US Postal Service (USPS) will resume shipping free COVID-19 test kits to households across the country with the support of a $600 million investment from the White House. The program, which previously delivered four rounds of tests, was halted due to a lack of tests and funding but has now restarted as COVID cases continue to rise. Ordering the tests is simple and can be done online or via phone, and the kits are typically delivered within one to three days. In addition to the USPS program, there are other avenues for free COVID-19 testing, such as HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites. Free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are also available through various programs, including the Bridge Access Program and partnerships with retail pharmacy locations.
The FDA approved the MiniMed 780G System for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, reopened the comment period for labeling of plant-based milk alternatives, authorized the Bateman Bottle Breast Implant Removal System, released educational materials on GMOs, and provided updates on COVID-19 testing. There are now 445 tests and sample collection devices authorized by the FDA under emergency use authorizations.
The FDA has revised the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet to include warnings about increased risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, and facial paralysis following vaccination. The scope of authorization for a booster dose has also been revised. The FDA has approved Daybue as the first treatment for Rett syndrome in adults and children. There are now 444 COVID-19 tests and sample collection devices authorized by the FDA under emergency use authorizations.