U.S. measles cases already surpass 2016, 2017 totals
The CDC has confirmed that, as of February 14, there have been 127 measles cases this year, surpassing the annual totals for both 2016 and 2017. In 2017, the U.S. saw 120 measles cases. In 2016, the CDC reported only 86 for the whole year. Measles cases in 2019 have been reported in 10 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Nearly half of all cases reported in 2019 occurred in Clark County, Washington. The county has seen 61 cases since January 1. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak January 25.
U.S. health spending estimated to reach nearly $6 trillion in 8 years
According to federal estimates published in Health Affairs, national health spending is projected to grow 5.5% on average annually and represent 19.4% of the GDP ($6 trillion) by 2027. Following a ten-year period largely influenced by the Great Recession and major health reform, national health spending growth during 2018–27 is expected to be driven primarily by demographic and economic factors fundamental to the health sector. Additionally, prices for healthcare goods and services are projected to grow 2.5% per year, on average – faster than the average price growth experienced over the last decade – and will account for nearly half of projected personal healthcare spending growth.
HHS launches Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) payment model
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) announced the Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) model, a new payment model for emergency ambulance services. The ET3 model will make it possible for participating ambulance suppliers and providers to partner with qualified healthcare practitioners to deliver treatment in place (either on-the-scene or through telehealth) and with alternative destination sites (such as primary care doctors’ offices or urgent-care clinics) to provide care for Medicare beneficiaries following a medical emergency for which they have accessed 911 services. The model seeks to engage healthcare providers across the care continuum to more appropriately and effectively meet beneficiaries’ needs. Additionally, the model will encourage development of medical triage lines for low-acuity 911 calls in regions where participating ambulance suppliers and providers operate. The ET3 model will have a five-year performance period, with an anticipated start date in early 2020.
Mayo Clinic debuts first-aid voice skill for Google Assistant
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) released Mayo First Aid, a first aid tool for Google’s voice assistant. Mayo First Aid can give advice on how to treat various conditions, such as fevers, spider bites or cuts. It also provides information on how to respond in select emergency, such as how to preform CPR. Mayo Clinic initially launched the too on Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant in late 2017. Now, users of Google Assistant-enabled devices will be able to access the voice application. Mayo Clinic also recently launched a web-based version of the voice application on the health system’s website, where users can access the tool without Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.