Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Patients Make Transition From Hospital To Home, Simple Mistakes Can Turn Fatal
It’s one of the most dangerous junctures in medical care, and, despite multiple safeguards in place, the issue continues to endanger patient safety leading to deaths that could have and should have been prevented. In other public health news, a study finds that tighter alcohol restrictions lead to fewer deaths, and an expansive heart disease study turns 30.
Facing Down An Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: ‘The Beginning Is Like Purgatory’
Geri Taylor could not ignore the problem any longer when she looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize her own face. That day she started — with her husband — down the path of navigating Alzheimer’s.
Term ‘Opioid Epidemic’ May Hinder Efforts As Two Distinct Drug Addictions Plague U.S.
Americans are dying in startlingly high numbers from overdoses, but heroin victims and prescription opioid victims are very different. And attempts to find a one-size-fits all to the problem may exacerbate each. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has been particularly hard hit by both epidemics.
‘We Are A Dying Breed’: Even In Democratic States, Abortion Clinics’ Doors Are Closing
A combination of the economic difficulties of operating a clinic, a generally hostile atmosphere and declining demand means that many clinics are shutting down. In other news, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives approves a bill threatening the medical license of any doctor who performs an abortion, and Hillary Clinton speaks out against an Indiana abortion ban.
Medicaid Rules On Managed Care Could Put Power Of Reform In States’ Hands
New federal proposals show some of the challenges for states as Medicaid managed care operations grow. Also news on Medicaid from Iowa, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma and Michigan.
Math Error At Rural Hospital Could Cost All Mass. Hospitals $160M In Medicare Funding
A mistake in a consultant’s report on wages at the state’s only rural hospital affects the complicated formula for Medicare payments to the state. Also in the news is an analysis of the new proposals for Medicare payments to doctors and an article on the controversial plan to change how the government pays for some intravenous drug treatments.
As FDA Turns Watchful Eye On Silicon Valley, Health-Related Tech Companies Adjust Mindset On Agency
Those in the highly competitive industry have begun to think of the Food and Drug Administration as an ally instead of a powerful brake on progress.
Premium Increases This Fall Could Inject Health Law Concerns Into Election Campaign
Politico looks at how an expected rise in health premiums coming out shortly before the November election could bring the health law back into the political debate. Also, Morning Consult examines Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan for high-risk pools.
Documents From Senate Hearing Reveal The Driving Force Behind Valeant’s Price Hikes
Outgoing CEO J. Michael Pearson went against suggestions from the top leaders in the company to push for aggressive increases, documents show. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal takes a look at incoming CEO Joseph Papa’s strategy as head of a pharmaceutical company — and it looks very similar to the course Valeant has set.
First Zika-Linked U.S. Death Reported; Congress Leaves For Recess Without Approving Funding
Doctors say deaths caused by Zika complications are rare. Meanwhile, lawmakers left several unresolved issues, including a compromise that could allocate more than a billion dollars toward efforts to fight the virus, as they left on a week-long break.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Hospital Discharge: It’s One Of The Most Dangerous Periods For Patients
Bad coordination and communication can put patients at risk as they’re discharged from a hospital.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan And High Risk Pools; Why Is Congress Delaying Zika Funding?
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: New Medicare Doc Pay; Workplace Violence; Insurers’ Losses
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets report on health issues in California, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio and Washington.
BP Oil Spill Settlement Will Be Used To Fund Medicaid Under Alabama Plan
The Alabama House approved a proposal for allocating the $1 billion that BP will pay the state, including $70 million for the state’s Medicaid program — which says it needs an additional $85 million to survive next year.
Cancer Nonprofit Helps Younger Patients Find Their Community
Matthew Zachary noticed a gaping hole in the support and attention for cancer patients between the ages of 15 and 39, and he decided to do something about. And so, Stupid Cancer was born.
Severity Of Damage From Zika Far Worse Than Seen With Textbook Microcephaly Cases
Experts have begun calling the constellation of maladies linked to the virus Congenital Zika Syndrome, because they go far beyond what happens with babies who just have microcephaly. In other virus news, the first test for Zika has won approval from the FDA, pregnant women brace for the summer mosquito season and a Hillary Clinton adviser travels to Puerto Rico to learn how it’s dealing with the outbreak.
Ransomware Attacks: Why Hospitals? Why Now?
The digital era has swept in a new “crime of the century,” and hospitals are in the crosshairs.
Gilead Reports 17 Percent Earnings Drop Due To Slow Hep C Drug Sales
Gilead Sciences’ steep discounts and rebates on Harvoni are hitting the drugmaker’s bottom line. And in other pharmaceutical news, The Wall Street Journal reports on upheaval at Valeant.