Despite reported spikes of pneumonia cases among kids in two states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says U.S. transmission rates are still considered "typical" for this time of year.
Driving the news: Health officials in Massachusetts and Ohio have reported a sharp uptick in pediatric pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia, often the cause of what's known as "walking pneumonia" because of its typically mild symptoms.
Doctors specializing in care for older adults are increasingly in demand as the country ages — but America's newer physicians aren't that interested in geriatric medicine.
Driving the news: Less than half of 348 post-residency fellowships for geriatric internal medicine filled up in the initial matching process this year, according to new data from the National Resident Matching Program, the nonprofit that oversees placement of physicians in training.
A potential merger between two of the country's largest health insurers would create yet another massive health care company in an industry increasingly dominated by titans.
Why it matters: Decades of consolidation among hospitals, doctors and insurers has alarmed some experts — and, increasingly, politicians — who argue the tie-ups have allowed companies to bulk up at the expense of patients and taxpayers.
Get ready to eat more buckwheat, pickles, caramelized bananas, cinnamon sugar, dressed-up ramen, grilled halloumi cheese and Korean cuisine in 2024 — and to wash it down with a tall, cool glass of camel milk.
Why it matters: It's the time of year when everyone in the food business predicts what we'll be seeing on restaurant menus and store shelves — trends that can translate to serious bucks when a particular dish or ingredient catches on.
A deal reportedly brewing between health insurance giants Cigna and Humana will likely face antitrust challenges over their respective pharmacy benefit management businesses, experts tell Axios.
Details: The combination would be huge. Cigna is now valued at $78 billion and Humana is at roughly $60 billion.
Republican lawmakers may not be thrilled with former President Trump's renewed push to repeal and replace Obamacare — but few are firmly ruling it out.
Why it matters: The Affordable Care Act has become more popular and even more entrenched in the health care system since the GOP's failed repeal attempt in 2017 contributed to Democrats' big electoral gains the following year.
