Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager
Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag
Health Lab
ZIP codes matter when it comes to severe COVID-19
COVID-19 patients from areas with higher social vulnerability index scores were sicker when hospitalized, suggesting social determinants of health play a major role in COVID care access and outcomes.
Health Lab
Did the pandemic interrupt your health care? Time to get back on track!
Many people had doctor’s appointments and dentist appointments cancelled during the pandemic, but it’s important to reschedule to get primary care and prevention.
Health Lab
Hospitalized for COVID-19? Prepare to pay thousands of dollars
Patients with private insurance or Medicare Advantage could receive large bills for a COVID-19 hospitalization now that waivers of out-of-pocket costs have ended.
Health Lab
Pandemic disrupted many older adults’ health care plans
COVID-19 disruptions to health care visits during 2021 affected many older adults, and many still haven’t caught up needed care, especially the unvaccinated.
Health Lab
Follow-up costs can add up if a free cancer screening shows a potential problem
Colon cancer test, colonoscopy, lung CT, Pap smear, cervical exam or mammogram need to be followed up with more tests, but costs.
Health Lab
18 COVID myths dispelled by experts
Misinformation about COVID has spread in tandem with the virus and its variants. Michigan Medicine experts debunk myths about COVID vaccines, testing, illness, treatments and more.
Health Lab
Health apps could help older adults, but most don’t use them
Mobile apps for smartphones and tablets are available to help older adults monitor and manage weight, exercise, mood, diabetes, sleep and more, but a poll shows many who could benefit don’t use them.
Health Lab
Where mental health help is scarce, telehealth makes a big difference
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or bipolar disorder living in rural areas engaged well with telehealth-based telepsychiatry, though the one who received local psychotherapy completed more sessions
Health Lab
Prevention suffers when doctors drop out of Medicare’s ACO program
Older adults got less diabetes and cholesterol screening when their primary care practice or health system left the Shared Savings Program.
Health Lab
Most older adults support steps to reduce firearm injury risk
Gun owners and non-firearm owners over 50 agree with measures to reduce firearm injury and death, including suicide, and accidental shooting. But many gun owners don’t practice safe storage even if children are in their home, the study shows.
Health Lab
Better education needed about oral sex disease risk, poll of young people shows
Most teens and young adults underestimate sexually transmitted infection risk, and feel their generation needs better information.
Health Lab
Suffering from surge stress? 9 things to do right now
COVID-related shame, guilt, apathy and stress are affecting many people, including those who have been careful to do everything right and still gotten sick. Tips for self-care during the omicron surge.
Health Lab
Turning a psychiatric crisis into a chance to prevent firearm injury
Gun locks can reduce the risk of suicide, accidental injury and other firearm violence. A new program focuses on getting them into the hands of people at highest risk through the psychiatric emergency room.
Health Lab
Ivermectin Rx for COVID-19: Insurance coverage doesn’t match evidence
Study shows health plans paid most of the cost of ivermectin, despite drug’s lack of effect on COVID-19.
Health Lab
Bare shelves in the blood bank means threat to patient care
A critical shortage of blood threatens the ability to do organ transplants and care for patients with cancer and injuries, so blood donors should make appointments immediately.
