Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
McConnell Shows No Sign Of Stroke, Seizure: Capitol Doctor
The Capitol鈥檚 top doctor told Mitch McConnell on Tuesday that 鈥渢here is no evidence鈥 he suffered a stroke or has a seizure disorder following his public freeze in Kentucky last week. Capitol physician Brian Monahan outlined extensive outside medical evaluations of McConnell after the episode, in which the Senate minority leader stopped talking for roughly 30 seconds in a media availability. In a letter to McConnell, Monahan recommended 鈥渘o changes in treatment protocols鈥 for his recovery from a March fall that left the Kentucky Republican with a concussion. (Everett, 9/5)
In his letter, Monahan says his examination of McConnell on August 30 included "several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study, and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment." (Snell, 9/5)
More news from the federal government 鈥
One-third of political appointees to the Department of Health and Human Services go work for the industry they oversaw immediately after departing their government job, according to a comprehensive new study examining health care's revolving door. (Millman, 9/6)
In military health news 鈥
All seven living former Veterans Affairs Secretaries are joining with a coalition of advocacy groups to call for all Americans to participate in National Warrior Call Day this November in an effort to help prevent veteran suicides. The event 鈥 set for Nov. 12, the day after national Veterans Day ceremonies 鈥 is designed to highlight the estimated 17 veterans a day lost to suicide and prompt members of the public to take a role in reaching out to veterans. (Shane III, 9/5)
If you are in need of help 鈥
The Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday it failed to properly process 56,000 requests from veterans to add or remove dependents -- some dating back to 2011. The agency discovered the mistakes while looking into a technical problem that caused headaches for roughly 900 veterans trying to file online appeals on their PACT Act claims decisions. (Kime, 9/5)