Harriet Blair Rowan

Harriet Blair Rowan was a digital reporter for KFF Health News until February 2020.

@HattieRowan

Transparent Hospital Pricing Exposes Wild Fluctuation, Even Within Miles

KFF Health News Original

A new federal rule requires hospitals to post their prices online. These lists reveal the wildly different charges for basic procedures and services, but consumers will have a hard time putting this information to use.

In California, Doctors Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Often Get Second Chances

KFF Health News Original

The state medical board grants probation in more than a third of cases, a KHN analysis found. Even as other institutions adapt to lessons of the #MeToo movement, the board plans no significant changes, saying it has always prioritized discipline for sexual misconduct.

Smoke-Filled Snapshot: California Wildfire Generates Dangerous Air Quality For Millions

KFF Health News Original

Smoke from the deadly and destructive Camp Fire has caused air quality readings to spike into “hazardous” and “unhealthy” levels for millions of people far outside of the burn zones. Is smoky air the new normal for California?

Ad Check: What Happens If California Limits Dialysis Center Profits?

KFF Health News Original

Both sides in the contentious and expensive battle over California’s Proposition 8 are cherry-picking the facts ahead of Tuesday’s vote as dialysis companies spend record amounts to persuade voters through ads.

Spending Against Dialysis Ballot Measure In California Breaks Record

KFF Health News Original

Dialysis companies have contributed more than $110 million to defeat an initiative on California’s Nov. 6 ballot that would limit their profits — breaking the $109 million record set by the pharmaceutical industry in 2016.

States Attacking ACA Would Suffer Most If Preexisting Conditions Shield Gets Axed

KFF Health News Original

A coalition of Republican states has launched a legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act, including provisions requiring insurers to offer coverage to people with preexisting conditions without raising rates. An analysis shows that some of these states have the highest proportion of such residents.