Alicia Gallegos

Chicago

Alicia Gallegos is a medical journalist, legal reporter, and communications writer. #freelancejournalist #freelancewriter

Articles

Don’t Overlook First-Gen Anti-Obesity Medications

1 month ago | medscape.com | Alicia Gallegos

With the explosive popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, physicians say a key avenue in treating obesity is being underutilized by many clinicians: First-generation anti-obesity medications (AOMs). “First-generation medications don’t get as much attention as the newer ones,” said Courtney Younglove, MD, an obesity specialist and founder of Heartland Weight Loss in Overland Park, Kansas. “They’re fantastic, too.
Insurers vs Clinical Guidelines

1 month ago | medscape.com | Alicia Gallegos

Caissa Troutman, MD, recently treated a patient in her early 50s who she planned to prescribe the anti-obesity medication Zepbound. The patient’s insurance covered Zepbound but required prior authorization. After going through the “tedious” prior authorization process, Troutman learned the insurer would only cover Zepbound for patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40.
Helping GLP-1 Patients Focus on Fat Loss vs Weight Loss

2 months ago | medscape.com | Alicia Gallegos

Obesity specialist Carolynn Francavilla Brown, MD, was treating a woman in her late40s who was taking tirzepatide for several months — and successfully reaching her weight-loss goals — without any medication side effects. Based on the patient’s continuing improvement, Francavilla Brown began up-titrating her medication dosage. However, after taking the drug for about 5 months, the patient came for a visit feeling fatigued and weak.
California physician-assisted suicide bill heads to governor

Feb 23, 2025 | mdedge.com | Alicia Gallegos

A controversial bill that would allow physicians in California to assist terminally ill patients in dying will soon hit the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown Jr. (D) for approval. California lawmakers passed the End of Life Option Act on Sept. 11 after nearly a year of consideration. Gov. Brown has 12 days to sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without signature or veto. If Gov. Brown signs or fails to object, the law will become effective by January 2016. Gov.
As Federal Health Data Come Back Online, Docs Remain Wary

Feb 20, 2025 | medscape.com | Alicia Gallegos

Doctors say they’re cautious about the accuracy of health information that’s now returning to federal government websites after a judge ordered federal health agencies to restore treatment guidelines, data sets, and other information abruptly removed last month. Concerns remain about whether the restored information will be censored, incomplete, or outdated, said Ada D.
ACA coverage may lead to more malpractice claims

Jan 22, 2025 | mdedge.com | Alicia Gallegos

The volume of malpractice claims against physicians could increase by 5% as more Americans gain health care coverage and access health services under the Affordable Care Act, according to a study by the RAND Corporation released April 9. That increase could translate into higher malpractice premiums for physicians, RAND researchers found in a study of the ACA’s impact on all liability insurances.
FDA Guidance on Confirmatory Trials May Clarify Rules, but Accelerated Process Still Flawed, say Physicians

Jan 16, 2025 | oncologynewscentral.com | Alicia Gallegos

Physicians say new guidance by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that aims to clarify its rules for confirmatory trials under the agency’s accelerated approval process is a helpful step, but that further interpretation is needed. The FDA issued draft guidance on January 7 to explain when a confirmatory trial is “underway” and what factors the agency intends to consider to make the determination.
FDA Guidance on Confirmatory Trials May Clarify Rules, but Accelerated Process Still Flawed, say Physicians

Jan 16, 2025 | medcentral.com | Alicia Gallegos

Physicians say new guidance by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that aims to clarify its rules for confirmatory trials under the agency’s accelerated approval process is a helpful step, but that further interpretation is needed. The FDA issued draft guidance on January 7 to explain when a confirmatory trial is “underway” and what factors the agency intends to consider to make the determination.
AHIMA Recognizes HI Leaders with Prestigious 2024 Grace, Distinguished Triumph Awards

Nov 4, 2024 | journal.ahima.org | Alicia Gallegos |John Mccormack

In the ever-evolving field of health information, it can be challenging to drive change. But with innovative ideas and pioneering solutions, two health information (HI) leaders are doing just that – and being recognized for their achievements. AHIMA recently awarded Susan H. Fenton, PhD, RHIA, CPHI, ACHIP, FAHIMA, FAMIA, vice dean for Education at UTHealth Houston, with its 2024 Distinguished Triumph Award.
NY Nurse Practitioners Sue State Over Pay Equity, Alleged Gender Inequality

Oct 10, 2024 | mdedge.com | Alicia Gallegos

A group of nurse practitioners (NPs) employed by the state of New York has sued the state, alleging that their employer has them doing the work of physicians but underpays them. The New York State Civil Service Commission understates the job function of NPs, overstates their dependence on physicians, and inadequately pays them for their work, according to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of New York.