Latest News On Hospitals

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Hospitals Block ‘Surprise Billing’ Measure In California

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers on Wednesday pulled legislation that would have protected some patients from surprise medical bills for emergency care, citing opposition from hospitals. They vowed to resurrect the bill next year.

Delaney’s Debate Claim That ‘Medicare For All’ Will Shutter Hospitals Goes Overboard

KFF Health News Original

At the first Democratic presidential primary debate, former U.S. lawmaker John Delaney outlined his opposition to “Medicare for All” by claiming it would prove fatal for hospitals. It’s really not that simple.

Miracle Machine Makes Heroic Rescues — And Leaves Patients In Limbo

KFF Health News Original

The use of ECMO, the most aggressive form of life support in modern medicine, has skyrocketed — but along with miraculous rescues, it can leave patients in limbo, kept alive with machines but with no prospect of survival outside the ICU.

Hospitals Accused Of Paying Doctors Large Kickbacks In Quest For Patients

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals are eager to get particular specialists on staff because they bring in business that can be highly profitable. But those efforts, if they involve unusually high salaries or other enticements, can violate federal anti-kickback laws.

Lawmakers Push To Stop Surprise ER Billing

KFF Health News Original

Millions of Californians are vulnerable to hefty surprise medical bills from their trips to the emergency room. Now, state lawmakers are considering a measure to cap how much out-of-network hospitals can charge privately insured patients for emergency care, which could serve as a model for other states.

UCSF Medical Center Backs Off Plan To Deepen Ties With Dignity Health

KFF Health News Original

The University of California’s flagship San Francisco hospital system cut off negotiations with the Catholic-run health care system in the face of heated opposition from UCSF faculty and staff.