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What We're Reading: Same-Day Surgery Center Risks; Uber Starts Medical Rides; Immortality for Sale
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An investigation into same-day surgery centers uncovered deadly risks for patients; Uber is launching a medical ride sharing service; the immortality market is attracting cash as well as plenty of skeptics.
Investigation Uncovers Deadly Risks at Surgery Centers
More than 260 patients have died since 2013 after 1-day procedures at surgery centers, according to an investigation by Kaiser Health News and the USA TODAY Network. Some died after routine operations, such as colonoscopies and tonsillectomies, while others died after more risky surgeries, like those performed on or near the spine. The investigation examined autopsy records, legal filings and more than 12,000 state and Medicare inspection records, and reporters interviewed dozens of doctors, health policy experts and patients.
Uber Launches Medical Ride Sharing Service
Immortality Market Attracts Cash, Skepticism
Uber is launching Uber Health, which will allow healthcare providers to schedule rides for patients, the Washington Post reported. No smartphone is necessary. It’s unclear if the service will work to help patients get to their appointments; a study published last month found that a service offering free Lyft rides in Philadelphia didn't decrease the number of missed appointments, compared to a group of people not offered the service. Transfusions of “young blood” into aging people possibly willing to pay big money for it in the hopes of living longer is the latest in a line of business opportunities aimed at the dubious immortality market, according to Stat News. Among the players are a Florida physician, Google’s parent company, a startup called Celularity, and a company called Elysium Health.
