Dr. Scott Lynch, a former Penn State football orthopedic consultant, is suing for wrongful termination, alleging he was fired for opposing head coach James Franklin's interference in medical decisions. The case highlights issues around Lynch's residency in Hershey, which required athletes to travel for surgeries, and his lack of operating privileges at the local hospital. Testimonies reveal mixed opinions on whether Lynch's location and the travel it necessitated posed risks to athletes.
South Korea's government is set to take final steps to suspend the licenses of striking junior doctors next week after they refused to end their weeks-long walkouts protesting the government's plan to increase medical school admissions. The strikes have caused hundreds of cancelled surgeries and treatments, prompting the government to take administrative steps required to suspend their licenses. The government aims to increase medical school enrollment, citing a need for more doctors to address a shortage in rural areas and low-paying specialties, but doctors argue that the plan could undermine medical services and lead to unnecessary treatments.
Cigna Group will eliminate the need for prior authorization for 25% of medical services, responding to pressure from physicians who argue that the requirement is burdensome and increases paperwork. The move aims to reduce the administrative burden on clinicians, with UnitedHealth Group also planning to reduce prior authorization requirements for certain non-urgent surgeries and procedures.
Health insurer Cigna Group has announced that it will eliminate the need for prior authorization or paperwork for 25% of medical services, responding to pressure from physicians who argue that these requirements are burdensome and increase paperwork. Cigna's move follows UnitedHealth Group's earlier plan to reduce prior authorization requirements by 20% for certain non-urgent surgeries and procedures.
UPMC McKeesport Hospital in Pennsylvania has announced that it will no longer provide care for the most serious heart attacks, known as ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs), due to a decline in patient volume and the availability of nearby hospitals with advanced cardiac services. This decision has raised concerns among residents and healthcare professionals about access to emergency care in the area.
Kansas City's emergency planners are preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft by adding over 100 cameras around the Union Station area where the draft will be held, and planning for medical issues and worst-case scenarios. The fan experience will include a 40-yard dash, a Hail Mary passing area, and a field goal-kicking location, so medical services will be available on-site. The off-site emergency operations center will support NFL Control, which will have federal and local law enforcement, NFL leaders, and Kansas City Fire Department officials who will make all the decisions on what actions need to take place in case of issues. Outside agencies will be helping the Kansas City Fire Department cover the entire city for emergency services during the draft.
