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Coloradans insured by United Healthcare may have to wait for scope procedures starting in June

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

Starting June 1, some Coloradans who need medical procedures using a scope in their digestive systems will have to wait for their insurance company’s approval — a move that could either curb inappropriate care or discourage patients from getting what they need.United Healthcare, the largest health insurer in the state, will require prior authorization for most digestive procedures using a scope, though not for colonoscopies meant to screen for cancer.Prior authorization is when an insurance company assesses whether care is appropriate for a patient before agreeing to pay for it, and it’s a perennial flashpoint in the health care system.Insurers like it as a way to reduce the amount of care that’s unnecessary or even harmful — which they argue saves everyone money — while doctors and hospitals see it as a time-suck that keeps patients from getting treatments they need.Dr. Larry Kim, a partner in South Denver Gastroenterology, said he doesn’t ...

Broncos draft preview: Signing Jarrett Stidham to back up Russell Wilson makes QB a low priority

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

Editor’s note: First of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Today: quarterback.Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed backup Jarrett Stidham to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million.Under contract: Russell Wilson (six years), Stidham (two years), Jarrett Guarantano (one year).Need scale (1-10): 1. The Broncos committed $5 million guaranteed to Stidham and at present have just five draft selections. As such, using a pick on a quarterback doesn’t make sense if Sean Payton plans to only keep two. That’s been his M.O. outside of having a hybrid player like Taysom Hill. So, if the Broncos add to the quarterback room, it’s likely to be as competition for Guarantano on either making the roster or, more likely, the practice squad.Top Five1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Betting favorite to go No. 1 overall to Carolina. 6-foot-3, 215-pounder threw 85 touchdowns vs. 12 interceptions the past two years for the Buckeyes.2. Bryce Young, Alabama: The 202...

Ohio father of fentanyl victim launches billboard campaign along California freeways

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

Jim Rauh has been fighting his own war against fentanyl since it claimed the life of his 37-year-old son, Thomas, in 2015.That’s when he formed Families Against Fentanyl, a nonpartisan nonprofit that has drawn the attention and support of former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and former CIA Director John Brennan, among others. Rauh believes the cheap synthetic opiate — which has killed more Americans than World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars combined — is a threat to national security.As of Friday, 48,722 people have signed the organization’s petition to persuade the U.S. government to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.“I would sacrifice my life to get rid of this stuff,” Rauh said in a telephone interview.Now the Ohio man has taken his campaign to billboards along Southern California freeways in Los Angeles and Orange counties, with signs carrying the stark message: “Fentanyl is the number one cause of death for Americans age 18 to 45.”State No. 1 in fent...

13-year-old in stolen car causes Northern California crash that kills 1 and injures ‘nearly one dozen’

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

By Shaun Holkko | Daily DemocratA 13-year-old boy could face felony vehicular manslaughter charges after causing a three-car-crash that killed one and injured at least 10 others on Saturday in Woodland.According to Woodland Police Department Sgt. Victoria Danzl, a WPD officer spotted a vehicle driving erratically on Saturday afternoon northbound on College Street. The officer pursued the car to the intersection of College and Court Streets where it collided with two other vehicles and caused two cars to catch on fire at about 4:27 p.m.The Woodland Fire Department quickly arrived and requested four ambulances to respond to the scene, Danzl stated. One person died and “nearly one dozen” others were injured, according to the WPD. Three minors including a 3-year-old were injured in the crash, Danzl stated. The extent of the injuries are being assessed.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Video shows parolee in fatal shootout with California cops Crime and Public Saf...

ABBA’s long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander dies

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

By Amy Woodyatt | CNNABBA’s long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander has died after a short battle with cancer, his family announced.The Swedish pop group described Wellander’s talent as “immense,” and paid tribute to a “dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist.”“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones,” a statement posted to the guitarist’s Facebook page on Sunday said.“You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather,” the statement added.“Kind, safe, caring and loving … and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”“Lasse was a...

Have questions about birds? Read this first

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

People ask me a lot of questions about birds. So let’s clear up some things.• “When do the hummingbirds get here?” They are always here. In the Bay Area, Anna’s hummingbirds are common all year round. Although we do get an additional influx of smaller, rusty-sided Allen’s hummingbirds in spring and summer, they are always in the minority compared to the far more abundant Anna’s hummingbirds.• Backyard bird ID lightning round: “What is the big yellow bird on my hummingbird feeder?” That’s a hooded oriole, just arrived back from Mexico. They enjoy both nectar and jelly. “What are the little yellow birds on my seed feeder?” Mostly lesser goldfinches, with American goldfinches in some yards. “What are the red birds on my feeder?” Those are male house finches, while the streaky brown birds of the same shape and size are female house finches. “What is the really loud bird I hear singing even at night?” A mockingbird, our most extraordinary singer. See what imitations you can recognize and...

A midcentury jewel-box gem

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

Situated down a long driveway this secluded midcentury home sits alone and is flanked by a flagstone patio, lush gardens, landscaped paths and a special treat. Go up the outdoor winding staircase to the “ship” deck where you can enjoy breathtaking bay and city views.This fabulous home features oversize windows and lovely patio and yard areas. Enjoy the all-level-in living that this midcentury house has to offer. Enter into the living/dining room with two walls of oversize windows and a glass sliding door leading to the wonderful patio and yard areas. Enjoy freshly polished wood floors and a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen combines the original charm of the midcentury style with updates of the modern conveniences. Quartz countertops, gas cooktop, on-trend tile backsplash and floors, plus a cozy breakfast corner combined with tons of cabinet space complete this one-of-a-kind kitchen.This house offers three bedrooms, one is a primary suite, and the other two bedrooms...

Video shows parolee in fatal shootout with California cops

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

A parolee attempting to evade arrest died after he was shot multiple times by police while exchanging gunfire with officers in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in March, uniform-worn camera footage released last week shows.On March 8, Los Angeles Police Department narcotics officers were conducting surveillance near the intersection of Prince Street and North Broadway when they spotted the parolee, who was identified as a suspect in an extortion investigation in LAPD’s Hollenbeck division, which includes Lincoln Heights, LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz said in a video released by police. K-9 officers with the LAPD’s elite Metropolitan Division were called in for backup after authorities lost sight of the suspect, identified as Los Angeles resident Jonathan Magana.A K9 dog with one of the search teams alerted officers to a downstairs unit that was under construction in a multi-unit building in the 3800 block of North Broadway Street.Officers then attempted to order Magana, 32, who was inside ...

Maryland fire safety bill prompted by Silver Spring high rise blaze faces midnight deadline

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

Maryland lawmakers have until midnight Monday to pass a fire safety bill written in response to the February fire at the Arrive Silver Spring high rise apartment building that killed a 25-year-old woman, injured 15 and left hundreds out of their homes.As written, by Del. Lorig Charkoudian, a Democrat from Montgomery County, the Melanie Diaz Sprinklers Save Lives Act would have required landlords to install fire alarm in all apartment corridors by July 1 of this year. Diaz was killed in the Feb. 18 fire.While new buildings are now required to install sprinkles, in older buildings like the Arrive Silver Spring, landlords have until 2033 to retrofit older buildings with sprinklers.More Maryland NewsMore Local NewsCharkoudian’s original bill, HB1292, would have also required each unit of a high rise not protected by automatic sprinklers to be equipped with a fire extinguisher.Given the short time period between the bill’s introduction and Monday midnight’s legislative ...

Heartworm disease: Protecting your pet’s heart

Published Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:51:38 GMT

This content is provided by Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital.Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs and cats. April is Heartworm Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to learn about this disease and take steps to protect your pets. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of Heartworm Disease and discuss how to prevent and treat it.Heartworm Disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. It is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up the immature heartworms and can then transmit them to other animals through subsequent bites. Once inside the host’s body, the heartworm larvae migrate to the heart and lungs, where they grow into adult worms that can reach up to 12 inches in length.Heartworm Disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages, as symptoms may not be apparent until the disease has progressed. Some common symptoms of Heartworm Disease in dogs...