Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Safety Concerns Over Procedures Prompt Insurance Coverage Changes And Court Cases
A growing number of U.S. health insurers are moving to restrict use of the laparoscopic power morcellator, further sidelining the once-popular medical device after federal regulators warned it shouldn’t be used on most women. (Kamp, 4/2)
A Vancouver man whose 53-year-old wife died in 2013 of a severe and unexpected infection is suing Virginia Mason Medical Center and the maker of allegedly defective medical scopes tied to “superbug” outbreaks in Seattle and across the nation. (Aleccia, 4/2)
A former prominent Las Vegas doctor already serving 18 years to life in state prison pleaded guilty Thursday to federal health care fraud and conspiracy charges in a hepatitis C outbreak that was called one of the largest ever in the U.S. The plea by Dipak Kantilal Desai, 65, avoided a federal trial for the former member of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners and one-time owner of busy endoscopy and colonoscopy clinics. (4/2)