Iowa news
MercyOne doctor addresses questions about what to do after getting the COVID-19 vaccine
As a new COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson comes takes another step closer to approval, questions remain about the shots, and what you should do after you’re immunized. To help with these questions, KTIV’s Stella Daskalakis talked to Dr. Larry Volz with MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center. (KTIV)
UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids sees huge success with COVID-19 vaccine among staff
UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids is seeing nearly zero new cases of COVID-19 among hospital staff who are vaccinated. Normally, the hospital’s Employee Health Department focuses on doing yearly physicals and flu shots for staff. This past year was different. They took on the role of keeping track of employee COVID-19 cases and schedules for when they could safely return to work. At their busiest time in November, there were around 20 people on the project; the normal Employee Health Department has fewer than 10. (KCRG)
UIHC plans to forge ahead with proposed new hospital in North Liberty despite opposition
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics plans to continue making the case for building a new $230 million hospital in North Liberty. That’s despite a rejection from a key state board last week and strong opposition from leaders of other area hospitals, who argue the new facility would undercut their own business. The UIHC argues the construction of the 300,000 square foot hospital on a 60-acre plot in North Liberty is “vital” to meet the ever-growing needs of the state’s most complex patients. (Iowa Public Radio)
National news
Mental health therapist Joby Holcomb experienced a wave of relief as he received his COVID-19 vaccination last Monday. Now, he can finally treat patients for mental health services in person, safely. Holcomb, who practices in West Des Moines, says it couldn’t come at a better time. Many patients who have relied on telehealth for safely distanced mental health therapy sessions have started to see their insurance companies stop covering telehealth appointments. Forced with the choice to come in-person and risk their health, or not do therapy at all, many patients are dropping services. (WeAreIowa.com)
Hospitals could lose between $53B and $122B this year due to pandemic
Hospitals could lose between $53 billion and $122 billion due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, depending on the speed of vaccine distribution and complete recovery of patient volumes, according to a new report from Kaufman Hall. The report, released Wednesday and commissioned by the American Hospital Association, details several factors that will continue to depress hospital finances this year. The report comes as the AHA is pressing Congress to include more money for the provider relief fund in its next package. (FierceHealthcare)
A third Pfizer dose? The Covid-19 vaccine maker is studying booster shots.
Despite the 95% effectiveness at preventing coronavirus infection after two doses of its vaccine, Pfizer is now seeing what a third dose might do. The company announced Thursday that a booster dose is being studied among people who received their first doses of the vaccine more than six months ago. (NBC News)