Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New, Incision-Free Brain Surgery Helps Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Charlotte Observer: Novant Health Performs New Brain Surgery In Charlotte, NC
Luther “Larry” Hicks noticed the shaking around the age of 50. His right hand jittered when he held a spoon or tried to sign his name. At first, he said, it wasn’t that bad; he tried to hide the condition and kept working with contract bonds until he retired at 66. But as the condition worsened, his life got smaller. He began skipping social engagements and staying in. “I didn’t want to go out to eat in a restaurant; I didn’t want to sign my name at the bank. You feel like everyone is looking at you,” he said. Now Hicks, 79, is feeling much more confident. He recently became the first patient to undergo incision-free brain surgery at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. (Wright, 10/5)
Rockdale Newton Citizen: Georgia Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of Rural Macon County Hospital
The Georgia Supreme Court Monday overturned a lower-court ruling requiring a hospital in rural Montezuma, Ga., to get the state’s permission to expand its capacity to serve psychiatric/substance abuse patients. The case goes back to 2010, when Premier Health Care Investments LLC obtained a certificate of need (CON) from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) to establish a 12-bed psychiatric/substance abuse program at its Flint River Hospital, which is licensed for 49 beds overall. (Williams, 10/5)
Crain's Chicago Business: Health Care Service Corp. Providing COVID-Related Premium Credits
Health Care Service Corp. is providing premium credits worth roughly $240 million to fully insured employer customers. The Chicago-based insurer is among those that have benefited from a COVID-fueled decline in nonemergency medical care during the pandemic. The financial relief for customers comes several months after rivals, such as Anthem and UnitedHealth Group, pledged to give customers—and doctors in some cases—a share of the savings through premium credits and other discounts. (Goldberg, 10/5)
Kaiser Health News: ‘No Mercy’ Chapter 2: Unimaginable, After A Century, That Their Hospital Would Close
Closing a hospital hurts. In Fort Scott, Kansas, no one was a bigger symbol for that loss — or bigger target for the town’s anger — than hospital president Reta Baker. Baker was at the helm when the hospital doors closed. “I don’t even like going out in the community anymore, because I get confronted all the time,” Baker said. “Someone confronted me at Walmart. You know — ‘How could you let this happen?’” (Tribble, 10/6)
