Opioid Overdose Deaths: National Trends and Variation by Demographics and States
Opioid overdose deaths fell sharply from 2023 to 2024 (79,358 to 54,045), driven largely by…
Opioid overdose deaths fell sharply from 2023 to 2024 (79,358 to 54,045), driven largely by decreases in fentanyl-involved deaths. Even after these declines, deaths remained above 2019, the year before opioid deaths increased sharply during the pandemic.
Suicide deaths fell slightly from their peak of 49,476 deaths in 2022 to 48,824 deaths in 2024, but trends by suicide method diverged: suicides by other means declined while firearm suicides reached their highest level and accounted for 57% of all suicides (up from 50% in 2014).
Alcohol deaths increased gradually before the pandemic, jumped in 2020 and 2021, and have fallen somewhat since then. Even after these declines, deaths remained above 2019, the year before the pandemic.
By MIKE MAGEE In 1872, English mathematician and sometimes poet, Augustus de Morgan, wrote this catching rhyme: “Great fleas have little fleas upon their backs to bite ‘em, And little fleas have lesser fleas, and so ad infinitum.” This truism about competition among species for access to nutrition and reproduction could have come in handy to…
[Sponsored] Cold and heat therapy remain foundational tools in musculoskeletal care, postoperative recovery and sports rehabilitation. The post Top-Rated Gel Packs for Physical Therapy: Best Brands and Where to Buy appeared first on MedCity News.
Further change in the Star Ratings program is inevitable, but one thing won’t change: plans that make targeted investments in improving the member experience and clinical outcomes, driven by data, are the most likely to succeed and achieve a higher overall rating. The post 2026 Star Ratings Shift: 4 Strategies for MA Plans appeared first…
In prenatal cardiology, that clarity can mean earlier diagnoses, safer deliveries, and better supported families who are prepared for what lies ahead. The post How AI Is Transforming Detection of Congenital Heart Defects appeared first on MedCity News.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — At around 2 a.m., 7-year-old twin brothers arrived at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Both had a fever, a cough, a rash, pink eye, and cold symptoms. The boys sat in one waiting room and then another. Two hours and 20 minutes passed before the two were isolated, according to Centers for Medicare…
In February, the Trump administration launched TrumpRx, a government website that provides prescription drug discounts to consumers. This brief examines issues that may impact consumers, especially those with private insurance, who access drug discounts through TrumpRx.
The Department of Justice and the state of Ohio filed an antitrust lawsuit against OhioHealth this week, alleging the health system used “all-or-nothing” contracts that force insurers to include all of its hospitals and physicians. The case highlights federal and state scrutiny of hospital consolidation and restrictive contracting practices — with potential implications for payers,…