Eclipsing expectations

On April 8, 2024, North America will witness a total solar eclipse as the moon momentarily blocks the sun, creating a shadow that sweeps across the continent.

The chief operating officer of Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, Vermont is having flashbacks to the wild Grateful Dead concerts of the '90s, packing in 100,000 fans and causing traffic chaos for miles. Talk about eclipsing expectations!

Here is the 17-page total solar eclipse preparedness booklet from federal health department Solar Eclipses: Planning Resources (hhs.gov)

In this week’s email:

• CVS introduces tuition aid and scholarship initiatives for pharmacists.

  CVS published a report on the state of community pharmacy, revealing a staggering decline of over 60% in pharmacy school applications over the past decade.

• Unnecessary delay in performing a C-section

  A $120 million damages award.

• The path of the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse

  How to stay safe.

• New Patient Engagement Startup

  $20M in Funding

• Junk Health Insurance

  Protecting consumers from low-quality health coverage

CVS introduces tuition aid and scholarship initiatives for pharmacists.

CVS Health is enhancing the pharmacy workforce through new scholarship and tuition aid initiatives for individuals entering the field. The company's newly launched Pharm.D. assistance program, announced recently, extends eligibility to all graduates who have interned with CVS as of April 30. Applicants can seek awards of up to $20,000, applicable to their final year of tuition. Looking ahead, CVS plans to expand the program in the fall, offering interns in their last two years of pharmacy training up to $20,000 for each of those years while interning at CVS. This initiative also provides participants with year-round opportunities to gain valuable experience before embarking on their post-graduate professional journey in pharmacy.

 "Unnecessary delay" in performing a C-section

A Michigan jury found Henry Ford Health and some of its practitioners negligent in a case involving a delayed caesarean section, resulting in severe disabilities for Kristen Drake's 13-year-old son, K’Jon Drake. The jury awarded $120 million in damages, citing the failure of a Henry Ford obstetrician and hospital nurses to perform the C-section procedure promptly after fetal monitoring showed concerning signs.

The case, filed in Michigan’s Wayne County Circuit Court in 2020, highlighted the urgency of timely medical interventions during childbirth. The delay in the C-section, which lasted over two hours, led to K’Jon Drake's severe disabilities, including cerebral palsy, blindness, and permanent brain damage due to asphyxiation.

 Henry Ford Health intends to appeal the jury's decision, according to a statement from the nonprofit health system. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was also involved in the case, seeking to recover expenses incurred for K’Jon Drake’s ongoing medical care.

Path of the April 8, 2024  Total Solar Eclipse

Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can pose serious risks to your eyesight. Even brief exposure without proper protection can lead to permanent damage to your retina, a condition known as solar retinopathy. It's crucial to take precautions to safeguard your eyes during an eclipse.

Here's how to stay safe:

1. Use Approved Solar Filters:

· Eclipse glasses: These specialized glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. Before using them, check for any scratches or damage.

· Hand-held solar viewers: These viewers also come with the necessary filters and should meet safety standards. Ensure they are in good condition before use.

· Avoid using homemade filters or regular sunglasses as they do not provide adequate protection for solar viewing.

2. Plan Ahead:

· Inspect your solar filter or eclipse glasses for any damage before using them. If you notice any issues, discard them and get a replacement.

· Always read and follow the instructions provided with your solar filter or glasses.

· Teach children the correct way to use handheld solar viewers and eclipse glasses to ensure their safety.

3. Safe Viewing Technique:

· If you wear regular eyeglasses, keep them on. Place the eclipse glasses over your glasses or hold the handheld viewer in front of them.

· Stand still and cover your eyes with the eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking directly at the bright sun.

· After viewing the sun, turn away and remove the filter. Avoid removing it while still facing the sun.

Remember, witnessing a solar eclipse is an incredible experience, but it's essential to prioritize safety. Enjoy the cosmic spectacle responsibly!

New Patient Engagement Startup

Providence’s Digital Innovation Group has spun out Praia Health, a tech startup from Renton, Washington, focused on personalizing healthcare journeys and connecting patients to relevant resources. Praia closed a $20 million Series A funding round led by Frist Cressey Ventures, aiming to improve consumer engagement and offer true personalization at scale.

The Praia platform, developed over two years, integrates fragmented data sources for care navigation, appointment booking, billing, and care delivery. It features a single sign-on for patients across various health system apps, reducing friction and enhancing engagement. Praia aims to personalize healthcare and provide health systems with a comprehensive view of patient health amidst evolving care trends and patient behaviors.

Junk Health Insurance

Healthcare advocacy groups, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), support the White House's final rule targeting short-term health plans, also known as "junk" insurance plans. These plans have been criticized for their limited coverage and unexpected costs, particularly related to pre-existing conditions.

 The final rule restricts short-term plans to four months and requires clear disclaimers about coverage limitations. This change is aimed at protecting consumers from inadequate coverage and high out-of-pocket expenses.

 In support of the rule, the White House cited specific cases, such as a man in Montana facing $43,000 in healthcare costs due to a pre-existing condition denial and a Pennsylvania woman receiving nearly $20,000 in bills for an uncovered amputation. These examples underscore the need for stronger regulations to prevent similar situations.

 Additionally, a coalition of 35 patient organizations, including well-known groups like the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, also backs the final rule. They emphasize the importance of short-term plans serving their intended purpose as temporary coverage and the need for clear information to help consumers make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

Sponsors: