Practice Management
A national survey of 1,000 men conducted by Cleveland Clinic highlighted generational differences regarding men’s health. Nearly 40% of Gen Z men (born between 1997 and 2005) do not have a regular primary care physician. Consequently, many in this group are unsure if they’ve ever had their blood pressure, cholesterol, or weight checked. While 61% Gen X (born 1965-1980) and baby boomer (born before 1965) men say they get a yearly physical, just 32% of …
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The prevalence of severe obesity among Americans, particularly among women, has risen over the past decade, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to a 2021-2023 survey involving 6,000 individuals, about 40% of U.S. adults are obese. Of those surveyed, nearly 10% had severe obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. The rate of severe obesity increased from approximately 8% in the 2013-2014 survey to …
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A new nasal formulation of the flu vaccine has been approved for at-home administration for individuals 2 through 49 years of age, according to an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine will still require a prescription, and it won’t be available until next year. Patients can order FluMist nasal spray directly from an online pharmacy. Those who choose the online option will be screened with an eligibility assessment, and if appropriate, …
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A nonprofit wastewater monitoring network has found that enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that can cause paralysis in children, is spreading across the United States. In rare cases, D68 has been linked to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) , a polio-like illness causing severe weakness in the arms and legs. Historically, September is the typical month for seeing AFM cases, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins told NBC News. While enterovirus is common, the D68 strain first …
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A national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found a surprising feeling of hesitancy among individuals when considering vaccines this fall—just as the new flu season approaches. Among 1,006 people surveyed, researchers found 37% have received vaccines in the past but do not plan to get them this year. The same percentage of respondents said they don’t need any of the vaccines surveyed in the poll, including flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and respiratory …
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The Urgent Care College of Physicians (UCCOP) recently submitted its application to the Specialty and Service Society (SSS) of the American Medical Association (AMA). The application is the first step toward specialty recognition. According to UCCOP, the strategic initiative is part of an effort to amplify the voice of urgent care clinicians within the AMA. The SSS decision should be forthcoming in November. Entrance into the SSS requires that a percentage of UCCOP physicians be …
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CityMD is set to open a new urgent care clinic in Norwalk, Connecticut, later this month. For the past 15 years, CityMD has operated clinics in New York and New Jersey, and the new location is the company’s first expansion beyond those 2 states, according to a press release. A second Connecticut location will open in Fairfield in 2025. New neighbors: CityMD partners with Summit Health, a multispecialty group that offers internal medicine, nephrology, and …
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For patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a trip to a healthcare provider can cause distress. Many with ASD are particularly sensitive to light, sound, textures, and touches. Some have advocates, loved ones, or parents who assist with communication. Yet, few urgent care providers have the insight or the resources to improve the experience of clinic visits for those with ASD. Three Northwell Health-GoHealth pediatric centers in New York recently partnered with the national organization …
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The Cannabis Research Institute recently set up a research lab at the Illinois Medical Center in Chicago to evaluate the potential harms and benefits of marijuana. Researchers will study recreational and medical uses as well as plant cultivation. Efforts are supported by a 3-year, $7 million grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services with anticipation of applying for additional research grants from other governmental and nonprofit organizations. Even so, it can take years to …
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The Aflac Wellness Matters Survey generally reports on routine medical check-ups and cancer screenings, barriers for patients in obtaining screenings, and influences that prompt patients to seek out check-ups and screenings. The recent 2024 report also provides a small snapshot of the urgent care patient population. As cited in the survey with just over 700 employed adults ages 18-65 responding, the emergency department and urgent care centers are the main source of healthcare for many …
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