Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare no investigó 96 casos de peligrosas infecciones en hospitales
Un informe oficial cuestiona el sistema para reportar y monitorear infecciones adquiridas en centros de salud. Los hospitales reciben bonos, o multas, según el número de casos.
Medicare Failed To Investigate Suspicious Infection Cases From 96 Hospitals
The HHS inspector general’s office found that Medicare should have done an in-depth review of suspicious or aberrant infection reports from scores of hospitals.
‘Center Of Excellence’ Designation Doesn’t Rule Out Complications Of Bariatric Surgery
The risk of serious problems varies widely among bariatric surgery centers, a new study finds.
Health Care In America: An Employment Bonanza And A Runaway-Cost Crisis
The Trump administration has pledged to create jobs and shrink health care spending — almost a contradiction in a country where health care is a roaring engine of the economy.
California Hospitals Lose Ground In Quality Of Care, Report Card Shows
The nonprofit Leapfrog Group shows nearly half of California hospitals got a grade of C, D or F in patient safety measures — an increase from two years ago.
In Remote Idaho, A Tiny Facility Lights The Way For Stressed Rural Hospitals
In a region where bears outnumber people, a small medical facility sets a modern example for rural hospitals on life support.
Markups On Care Can Fatten Hospital Budgets — Even If Few Patients Foot The Full Bill
A study finds that higher charges are associated with greater payments by private insurers, which can drive up costs for employers and consumers who pay their way.
Dispositivos que salvan vidas en los Estados Unidos se fabrican en México
Casi todos los estadounidenses con marcapasos -y personas en todo el mundo- caminan portando partes fabricadas en Tijuana, México, en donde se ha creado una industria que podría estar en riesgo si la administración Trump cambia el juego del comercio global.
Also Made In Mexico: Lifesaving Devices
The medical supply industry makes a particularly revelatory case study of the difficulties of untangling global trade.
Obamacare Pushed Nonprofit Hospitals To Do Good Beyond Their Walls. Now What?
A provision in the 2010 health law required these hospitals to justify their tax exemption by demonstrating involvement in community health. Repeal, replace or repair could stall that momentum.
Two Words Can Soothe Patients Who Have Been Harmed: We’re Sorry
For patients killed or maimed by medical errors, doctors and hospitals still often deny wrongdoing. But newer programs offering prompt disclosure of medical errors, an apology and compensation for them or their families are growing.
By Law, Hospitals Now Must Tell Medicare Patients When Care Is ‘Observation’ Only
Not being officially admitted — a status known as observation care — can have financial consequences for beneficiaries, and patients had often complained they were not informed.
Hospitals, Both Rural And Urban, Dread Losing Ground With Health Law Repeal
Under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals made a high-stakes trade of massive cuts in federal aid in exchange for millions of newly insured customers. Now that deal is in jeopardy.
For Some Hospice Patients, A 911 Call Saves A Trip To The ER
Hospice groups are teaming up with specially trained paramedics to deal with common problems that worried patients or families incorrectly think need hospital care.
A Safety-Net Medical Center Wrestles With Specter Of ‘Repeal’
San Mateo Medical Center is among hundreds of safety-net hospitals in California and across the country that stand to lose big if the federal government slashes support for Medicaid and insurance exchanges.
Obamacare Came To Montana Indian Country And Brought Jobs
In remote parts of Montana, the Affordable Care Act has meant better health care for Native Americans and more job opportunities.
With A High Deductible, Even A Doctor Can Shortchange His Health
A Harvard health policy expert faced a racing heartbeat and $6,000 deductible on his insurance plan. What did he do?
Trump’s Immigration Ban Fuels Fear For Young Doctors Whose Jobs May Be In Limbo
With announcements of placements in residencies expected in March, medical education groups and hospitals say they’re unsure how to proceed.
Hospitals Worry Repeal Of Obamacare Would Jeopardize Innovations In Care
One part of the federal health law gave hospitals financial incentives to improve patient care. Some invested big to make those changes and are worried about what losing that support would mean.
Inside Hospital, Families Find Refuge With Recliners, Tissues And Cake
More hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center in New York, are setting up support centers to help stressed-out family members cope.
