Good morning! In today's issue, we take a look at telehealth trends and challenges including a plea to lawmakers from hundreds of health-focused organizations about extending Medicare telemedicine flexibilities, and a rise in virtual appointments among immigrant communities.

Also, learn how new NIH data shed light on the benefits of quitting smoking while recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.

More than 25% of U.S. adults with diabetes used GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic in 2024, according to a CDC survey. These injectable medications, targeting the GLP-1 protein, are also marketed for weight loss under different names. The drugs are often used in combination with insulin or oral diabetes medications, reflecting their integration into treatment regimens.

A study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that oral vancomycin may help achieve remission in pediatric patients with non-primary sclerosing cholangitis inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that 55% of patients responded to treatment, with many able to reduce or stop other medications. The treatment was most effective for those with mildly active ulcerative colitis and unclassified IBD.

A presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress focused on the importance of early cardiovascular risk assessment for young adults to prevent premature cardiac events, at a time when obesity and diabetes have become more prevalent. The PREVENT risk age calculator may improve communication about the need for preventive interventions.

A study in The BMJ found that early drug treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with reduced risks of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents and crime. The research, involving 148,581 children and adults, suggested the benefits might stem from improved impulsivity, attention and executive functioning.

Despite the increased use of diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitors, achieving HbA1c levels below 7% remains challenging for many patients with type 1 diabetes. A study published in JAMA Network Open found modest improvements in A1c levels over 15 years, with many people still not reaching optimal glycemic control. Average A1c levels stayed above 8%.

Patient portals can strengthen the clinician-patient connection, but 68% of clinicians responding to a Harris Poll survey reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of portal messages they receive. Some clinicians and health systems have begun billing for responses to patient queries that require significant time and expertise. Dr. Katherine Gregory says using a portal for communication can be a time-saver, but she doesn't engage in lengthy interactions that are better dealt with in person.

Immigration enforcement activities in the US have heightened fear among some immigrant communities, particularly in Southern California, leading to a significant decrease in in-person medical visits. Patients are hesitant to seek health care due to the risk of exposure, pushing many to avoid clinics entirely until their conditions worsen, often resulting in emergency department visits. Some clinicians have emphasized telehealth to address the issue.

A group of 350 health-focused organizations and societies has urged Congress to make Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent, or at least extend them for two years. In a letter to congressional leaders, the organizations emphasized the importance of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic conditions or in rural areas, and highlighted the potential impact on health care access and infrastructure.

Data from NIH's Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study indicate that people who quit smoking cigarettes while recovering from alcohol or drug addiction are more likely to achieve sustained remission. The study, conducted with the FDA, found a 42% greater chance of transitioning from a current to a former smoker among those in recovery from other substances. NIH officials, including Dr. Nora Volkow and Dr. Wilson Compton, emphasize the importance of integrating smoking cessation into addiction treatment.