After outcry, United softens colonoscopy prior authorization policy; weight restrictions jeopardize access to top surgery

There are a number of hurdles standing in the way of making the most of the new RSV vaccines.

June 2, 2023 Check out STAT+

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Adobe After outcry, UnitedHealthcare softens prior authorization policy for colonoscopies Instead of requiring prior authorization to have GI procedures covered, the insurer is starting an "advanced notification" policy. By Angus Chen Biden plans to pick Mandy Cohen to lead CDC Mandy Cohen spent five years leading North Carolina's health and human services department and had two stints at CMS. By Sarah Owermohle and Helen Branswell and Rachel Cohrs Opinion: PAs need a new name, but 'physician associate' won't cut it. Here's a better idea The American Academy of PAs wants to jettison the word "assistants." The American Medical Association isn't happy with its new plan. By Peter A. Young Logan Cyrus for STAT Studies show top surgery is safe for fat patients, but some surgeons still mandate weight loss Even if they can get past normal hurdles, fat transmasculine people say their body size can still jeopardize their access to top surgery. By H Conley STAT+ | Novartis drug reduces breast cancer recurrence, but experts may debate results The findings will likely lead to regulatory approvals and broader use of the medicine, which may represent a financial windfall for Novartis. By Matthew Herper Opinion: The agony of finding decent health care for my young-adult daughter with Down syndrome When doctors talk about Down syndrome, the focus is either on infants' hearts or old people's brains. What about the years in between? By Amy Silverman

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