New Parkinson’s Test Released

A woman with grey hair sitting in a chair.


The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently announced the discovery of a spinal fluid test that can objectively detect Parkinson’s in the cells of living people.  This is a huge step forward and will allow scientists to find out some previously unknown facts about the disease.  Things like how early cellular dysfunction begins in brain and body cells, what other aspects of biology are involved in risk, onset and progression, and why Parkinson’s symptoms and disease course are so different in different people.

 

New Parkinson’s Test Released

A person holding hands with another person in bed.


The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently announced the discovery of a spinal fluid test that can objectively detect Parkinson’s in the cells of living people.  This is a huge step forward and will allow scientists to find out some previously unknown facts about the disease.  Things like how early cellular dysfunction begins in brain and body cells, what other aspects of biology are involved in risk, onset and progression, and why Parkinson’s symptoms and disease course are so different in different people.

 

New Parkinson’s Test Released

A woman holding her hands over the shoulder of another person.


The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently announced the discovery of a spinal fluid test that can objectively detect Parkinson’s in the cells of living people.  This is a huge step forward and will allow scientists to find out some previously unknown facts about the disease.  Things like how early cellular dysfunction begins in brain and body cells, what other aspects of biology are involved in risk, onset and progression, and why Parkinson’s symptoms and disease course are so different in different people.

 

New Parkinson’s Test Released

A man in white lab coat and tie.


The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently announced the discovery of a spinal fluid test that can objectively detect Parkinson’s in the cells of living people.  This is a huge step forward and will allow scientists to find out some previously unknown facts about the disease.  Things like how early cellular dysfunction begins in brain and body cells, what other aspects of biology are involved in risk, onset and progression, and why Parkinson’s symptoms and disease course are so different in different people.

 

New Parkinson’s Test Released

A woman is hugging an older man


The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently announced the discovery of a spinal fluid test that can objectively detect Parkinson’s in the cells of living people.  This is a huge step forward and will allow scientists to find out some previously unknown facts about the disease.  Things like how early cellular dysfunction begins in brain and body cells, what other aspects of biology are involved in risk, onset and progression, and why Parkinson’s symptoms and disease course are so different in different people.

 

FDA Approves A New At Home Test For Both Flu And COVID

A vial of influenza vaccine next to two syringes.


The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever over-the-counter test that can detect both the flu and COVID-19.  Unfortunately, this comes just two days after the company which developed the test, Lucira Health, filed for bankruptcy.  Lucira cited the lengthy process the FDA put them through to get the final approval.  The test works by taking a nasal swab and then you receive the results in only 30 minutes.  The test is meant to be used by people 14 and over or by an adult collecting a sample by someone 2 years or older.

Cancer-Detection Blood Tests Increasingly Used

A man in white lab coat and tie.


Blood tests which can pick up early signs of cancer are growing in usage.  Illumina Inc. recently disclosed that its Grail unit has  has sold 38K of its test (which costs $949) since it debuted in June of 2021.  This comes despite the fact that most insurance companies don’t cover the cost so it is an out-of-pocket expense.  Also known as liquid biopsies, they are designed to augment traditional screening tests.  Analyst Puneet Souda at SVB Securities estimates they could eventually reach $50 billion in annual revenue, although he didn’t predict in which year this would occur.

Free COVID-19 Tests Rolling Out For Seniors On Medicare

A close up of the word coronavirus with an image of a virus


Millions of seniors on Medicare can get up to eight free coronavirus home tests each month from pharmacies at more than a dozen national and regional chain retailers.  This has been a long time coming but I will certainly keep my eyes peeled to see if these show up on the shelves.  Locations which are now committed, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Kroger Family, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Walgreens and Walmart.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2022/04/04/covid-tests-medicare-pharmacies-free/7265479001/

 

Medicare Agrees To Cover 8 Home COVID Tests Per Month

A close up of many viruses on a red background


Medicare is usually the leader on what sort of medications are approved for payment, with private insurance companies typically following suit.  Not this time.  It was weeks after President Joe Biden said private insurance companies had to cover the cost of at-home COVID test that finally Medicare announced it would cover up to 8 tests per home per month.  Medicare will pay pharmacies and other entities directly to allow enrollees to pick up the free tests. Until the tests become available in drug stores, you can order them at wwww.CovidTests.gov.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2022/02/03/medicare-cover-free-covid-19-home-tests-starting-spring/6647349001/

Two Free COVID Test Options : Online Is The Easiest Option

A close up of a cell with viruses inside


Americans can now get free at-home COVID-19 tests, either by ordering online or buying them at the store and getting reimbursed by private insurance.  Ordering them online at COVIDTests.gov is by far the easiest way.  I went in and filled out the form online and ordered four tests for free and the process was easy (although the tests have yet to arrive).  Those with private health insurance can also buy the tests at their local drugstore and applying for reimbursement from their private insurer or Medicare Advantage Plan if they cover it (Medicare does not cover this).  However, this can be a complicated process.  Anyone who has tried to file a claim themselves with an insurance company knows that the process is very slow and can be painful.  Reimbursement policies differ by insurance carrier so if four at-home tests will tide you over for the month, that is by far your best bet.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/covid-test-kits-purchase-reimbursement-insurance/?tid=newsletter-dailydozen&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailydozen&cdlcid=607e1442fe2c195e916f3bb4