Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has decided to delay a controversial change in insurance coverage for endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, following opposition from leading healthcare organizations. The change would have limited coverage for full sedation during procedures, with doctors needing to determine its medical necessity. Some healthcare providers argued that this change would restrict access to colonoscopies and potentially compromise patient safety, while others suggested it was a cost-cutting measure. Blue Cross cited confusion about the policy as the reason for the delay and stated that they are working to ensure members understand all their options for colon cancer screening and sedation.
Medical professionals are warning that weight-loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, can increase the risk of complications during surgery. These drugs slow down digestion and stomach emptying, which can interfere with the effectiveness of pre-surgery fasting and lead to aspiration of solids into the lungs. Current guidelines recommend abstaining from these drugs for a day before surgery, but researchers suggest extending the period to three weeks to ensure the drugs have cleared from the body. Anecdotal research and observational studies have shown a significant risk of aspiration, but rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. Patients on GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes are advised to consult an endocrinologist and abstain from the drug for "at least three half-lives" before planned procedures.
Michael Grimm, winner of "America's Got Talent" season 5, has been hospitalized and sedated after a mystery health issue. He remains unconscious but is breathing on his own again. His upcoming shows have been canceled, and he will need physical therapy and vocal chord repair due to his time on a ventilator. The root of the issue is unclear, but his wife says he had been lacking energy and struggling to finish performances before becoming increasingly sick last month.
A dog named Coco, who was believed to have become addicted to alcohol, had to be sedated for four weeks as part of his recovery at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Devon. The dog was one of two dogs taken in by the shelter after their owner passed away. The dogs began fitting and Geordie passed away despite emergency care by an on-site vet. Staff at the shelter said “a process of elimination” helped them to figure out that the dogs were likely suffering from alcohol withdrawal. Coco has now made a full recovery and is well-behaved and loves cuddles.
