Climate Change Report Demands Public Health, Research Investments

Findings in the fourth federal National Climate Assessment highlight immediate threats and urgent challenges the incoming Congress must take on to confront climate change and its impacts on public health.

New Estimate of Annual Deaths Caused by Treatment Resistant Infections Highlights Gaps in Research, Stewardship, Surveillance

The Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology estimates about 162,044 people die annually from multi-drug resistant infections in the US, stressing the immediate need for strengthened research and efforts.

Congress Recognizes Value of PEPFAR with Reauthorization; Funding Increases will be Critical

The Senate's approval reauthorizing PEPFAR acknowledges the program's role in reversing the trajectory of the AIDS pandemic and boosting responses against ID worldwide.

JID Study Sheds Light on Norovirus Outbreaks, May Help Efforts to Develop Vaccine

Outbreaks of norovirus in health care settings and those caused by a particular genotype of the virus are more likely to make people seriously ill, according to a new analysis.

ID Specialist Input Improves Outcomes for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy: New IDSA Guidelines

Before patients receive intravenous (IV) antimicrobial infusion therapy outside of the hospital – whether at home, a doctor’s office or a skilled nursing facility – an infectious diseases (ID) specialist should review the order to ensure the most appropriate treatment, suggest updated guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Antibiotic-focused Pharmaceutical Company Cuts Highlight Vulnerability of Drug Development Pipeline

News of continued cutbacks at one of what is already a limited number of companies conducting antibiotic research and development threatens access to a critical medicine and further validates a critical need for government-led incentives that both reward and support work towards a robust, renewable antibiotic supply.

Climbing Hepatitis C Rates Underscore Needs for Integrated Care, Increased Resources

Data showing a tripling of hepatitis C cases across America during the last decade highlight urgent and multi-faceted public health needs for expanded access to prevention.

IDSA Urges Strengthened U.S. Leadership of Global Health Security Agenda

Infectious Diseases Society of America is asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen its leadership of efforts through the partnership.

IDSA to Continue Efforts to Prevent Implementation of E/M Code Changes

IDSA will engage congressional stakeholders to prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing its final rule on changes to E/M codes announced Nov. 1.

New OFID Case Report Highlights Importance of Herd Immunity

A fatal measles case in Europe illustrates the seriousness of the disease and the need to maintain high levels of vaccine coverage to protect people with weakened immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatment.

Concerns remain on Palmetto GBA final LCD for Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplified Tests for Foodborne Gastrointestinal Panels

The draft local coverage determination finalized by Medicare contractor Palmetto GBA for Foodborne Gastrointestinal Panels Identified by Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), released on October 26 and effective December 10, is responsive to some concerns raised by the Infectious Diseases Society of America but leaves other issues unaddressed.

Article Highlights Need to Fully Measure the Value ID Specialists Bring to Patient Care

As health care shifts from reimbursement based on numbers of patients seen or procedures performed to reimbursement based on quality of care, the infectious diseases (ID) specialty will need to develop measures that accurately reflect the complex, expert care that ID physicians provide.