Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Deploys New Rapid Response Teams To Fight Zika
Based on lessons learned in the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the federal agency has designated teams to help identify patients and health care workers who have been exposed to the virus.
How Can Parents, Pediatricians Discuss Guns In The House?
Research suggests pediatricians shy away from the topic, but parents generally are open to discussing firearms in the context of safe storage.
Study: Elderly’s Family Caregivers Need Help, Too
A study by the National Academies finds more support is needed for nearly 18 million people giving care to family members 65 and older.
Aseguradoras pueden insistir en asesoramiento antes de pruebas genéticas para el cáncer de seno
Médicos y aseguradoras coinciden en que si la mujer tiene un historial familiar de cáncer de seno, debería hacerse un examen genético. En lo que no se ponen de acuerdo es en lo que debería ocurrir antes.
Number Of Uninsured Falls Again In 2015
The annual Census report finds that the number of uninsured falls to 29 million from 33 million.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Perspectives On Candidates’ Health As A Campaign Issue
News outlets explore why transparency regarding presidential candidates’ health matters.
Outlets report on health news from California, Minnesota, Missouri, Connecticut, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina and Virginia.
Hospitals Tout High-Tech Products More For Image Boost Than Effectiveness
Saying that a hospital uses the most innovative treatments shows consumers it’s at the head of the health care curve, one official says. Media outlets also report on hospital news out of California, Colorado and Louisiana.
Ohio AG Continues Fight To Close Toledo’s Last Remaining Abortion Clinic
The Sixth District Court of Appeals ruled that the state law requiring a written transfer agreement with local hospitals created an undue burden on a woman’s right to have access to an abortion. But Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says he will take the battle to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Vigilance Key To Preventing Burgeoning Threat Of Medical Identity Theft
An expert gives advice on how patients can protect themselves from theft, and what to do if they’re at risk.
Mass. Justice System To Shift Approach Toward Prisoners With Mental Health Issues
Elsewhere, in other psychiatric news, parents can face challenges in securing mental health services at school for their kids. And a psychology internship program faces criticism at a Wisconsin juvenile prison.
A Century Of Walking Tightrope Between Public Health And Rugged Individualism
In celebration of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s centennial, the school draws up a list of 100 objects that have affected public health, for good and ill.
Hackathon Encourages Innovative Solutions For Tackling Complex Opioid Epidemic
The teams listened to the community’s problems, then came up with solutions ranging from a mobile counseling van to a Fitbit-style bracelet that would track oxygen levels and automatically inject naloxone if needed. In other news on the crisis, a decision to ban a tea that helps those addicted to opioids wean themselves has led to an outcry, a report details the cost of the epidemic and lawmakers call attention to the problem of synthetic drugs.
Sugar Industry’s Fingerprints All Over Research Protecting Sugar’s Reputation
In the 1960s, when there was a fierce battle between sugar and fat, the industry paid scientists to shift the blame from the sweet stuff, a new study shows.
VA Quietly Pulls Plug On Sharing Quality-Control Stats With National Database
Despite a law requiring the agency to provide information to help consumers make the best choice for care, the Department of Veterans Affairs stopped reporting data in July. A top official says the decision was based on advice from Department of Health and Human Services lawyers.
Dark Shadow Of Secrecy, Fear And Hubris Erodes Promising Biotech Startup’s Sheen
A Stat investigation reveals the cracks in Moderna Therapeutics’ foundation.
Tennessee Task Force Finalizing Proposal For Partial Medicaid Expansion
The plan, which state officials said could be ready in a week, would go to federal officials for consideration. Also in the news is a study that examines how cutbacks in federal Medicaid funding could affect children’s hospital.
Judge Orders Medicare To Tell Therapists That Patients Don’t Have To Improve To Get Services
Therapists often mistakenly believe that if a beneficiary is not improving, the therapy should be discontinued. Instead, according to a 2013 federal court settlement, the standard is whether skilled care and therapy are “necessary to maintain the patient’s current condition” or slow deterioration. In other Medicare news, several Republican congressional leaders complain about fraud investigations, Vermont ACOs do not qualify for Medicare bonuses and Sen. Richard Burr’s views on a Medicare overhaul are questioned.
Clinton’s Pneumonia Raises Questions About Her Overall Health As Well As Campaign’s Transparency
A narrative has persisted throughout the campaign, encouraged by Donald Trump, that there is something direly wrong with Hillary Clinton health-wise. So, whereas other candidates in the past could shake off any concerns about a sick day, Clinton’s has provided fodder for Republicans. Meanwhile, several media outlets take a look at the history of transparency and presidential candidates.