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Good morning, folks. This is Allison, stepping in for Theresa today.
The recent news about the presidential fitness test took me on a nostalgic journey. I recall the “sit and reach” exam, and though my schools had climbing ropes, we weren’t allowed to use them due to safety concerns. Do any other millennial Morning Rounds readers have memories of their fitness test activities? Share your experiences at [email protected].
Now, let’s dive into today’s headlines.
Secret Shopper Reveals Alarming GLP-1 Prescribing Practices Online
The demand for GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide is skyrocketing. However, a recent secret shopper study has revealed significant shortcomings in the prescription process for these drugs. Katie Palmer reports on a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, where a researcher attempted to obtain a weight loss drug prescription from 49 telehealth sites. The findings were concerning for many weight loss physicians: one in five sites didn’t ask about weight loss goals, nearly half failed to inquire about eating disorders, and a few platforms issued prescriptions without clinician interaction.
Physicians urge regulatory bodies to enforce clinical care standards. For more on the study, click here.
Employer-Based Health Insurance Faces Threat from Rising Costs
Bob Herman has released a multipart series exploring the escalating costs and issues surrounding employer-sponsored health benefits. Health insurance premiums are climbing nationwide due to high costs for hospitals, doctors, and medications, coupled with increased care intensity. Consequently, employer-sponsored health insurance is becoming prohibitively expensive for some companies. The percentage of working-age adults receiving job-based health coverage has dropped from 67% in 1998 to about 60%. Herman shares stories from individuals affected by these changes.
He also discusses a New Jersey case where Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield agreed to a $100 million settlement following whistleblower allegations of overpaying hospitals and doctors and fraudulent state contract acquisition.
Explore this comprehensive series. Access all articles here.
Ebola Outbreak Highlights Fractured Response System
Recent Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo raise concerns about containment. In a First Opinion piece, Ivan Buendia Gayton and Eric D. Perakslis discuss the challenges in managing this outbreak, which differs from past instances that were limited to small villages. Now, Ebola spreads in one of Africa’s most densely populated areas. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are operating at reduced capacities, while specialized U.S. treatment facilities remain unused.
The risk is that Ebola could become endemic in Central Africa, posing ongoing threats and sporadic outbreaks globally. Once endemic, control costs may become a regular burden. Learn more about this issue.
Honoring a Pioneering Virus Researcher
C.J. Peters, a renowned virus researcher, passed away on July 4. Known for his extensive knowledge and unique style—often donning Hawaiian-print shirts—Peters made significant contributions to virology. My first interview with him addressed Ebola, and I questioned why people consume bats, to which he replied, “You live in a world with too much protein.” In 2018, I visited his home in Galveston, Texas, where he shared captivating stories of his fieldwork, which I hope were captured in the profile here.
In declining health for years, Peters did not comment on current policies regarding Ebola-infected individuals entering the U.S., but his past statement was clear: “Fences don’t keep viruses out.” Peters was a remarkable figure, and his contributions will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, C.J. — Helen Branswell
The Future Lies with Gen Z Doctors
Can incoming Gen Z physicians bridge the gap left by retiring doctors and those burnt out? Frantz Berthaud, a health care executive, explores this question in a new First Opinion essay. Despite the urgent need for new clinicians, some leaders criticize Gen Z as being “soft” and misguided. Berthaud describes a recent care experience, suggesting Gen Z has valuable lessons for health care leaders. Discover more insights.
Current Reading List
- Is there an autism breakthrough or is assisted spelling a deception? Find out in the New York Times
- Could a decline in Ph.D. admissions threaten new talent? See the New York Times
- Vertex acquires Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion amid a biotech M&A boom, as reported by STAT
