Pregnant Women In Houston And Their Doctors Weigh Risks Of Zika
By Carrie Feibel, Houston Public Media
April 28, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The U.S. Gulf Coast has the right weather conditions and mosquitoes for the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects. But the level of risk is unknown in this country so doctors are advising caution to their patients who are pregnant or trying to have a baby.
Prevention Experts, Eye Doctors Disagree On Vision Tests For Seniors
By Michelle Andrews
March 11, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says there is not enough evidence to know whether vision screening given by primary care doctors benefits patients.
Judge Hands Off Anthem-Cigna Case In Order To Speed Process
August 8, 2016
Morning Briefing
Meanwhile, Cigna’s CEO says he still supports the mega-merger but also talks about his Plan B — stock buybacks or acquisitions — if the deal comes undone,
Legal Medical Abortions Are Up In Texas, But So Are DIY Pills From Mexico
By John Burnett, NPR News
June 10, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Women seeking an abortion in restrictive Texas now often pick the medical version, thanks to FDA rules making it easier. Others seek cheaper pills in Mexico, and aren’t getting guidance from a doctor.
Health Effects Of Egg Donation Not Well Studied
By Sandra G. Boodman
June 21, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Fertility specialists say that egg donation is safe and involves the same process as in vitro fertilization, but there are sporadic reports of cancers, some fatal, and subsequent fertility problems among egg donors. Because of a lack of research, it isn’t known whether these problems are linked to the process or are the result of chance.
Back From The Brink, A Rural Texas Hospital Shines
By Sarah Varney
March 11, 2016
KFF Health News Original
One family’s tragedy inspired a radical change at a struggling rural hospital in Texas.
Bill To Stop Medicare From Changing Some Drug Payments Could Cost $1.1B, CBO Says
October 5, 2016
Morning Briefing
Doctors groups and some members of Congress oppose the proposal by federal officials to cut reimbursement rates for drugs administered in doctors’ offices. Also, an inspector general’s report finds that Medicare spent $1.5 billion on defective heart devices and beneficiaries were also on the hook for expenses related to the devices.
Majority Of Young Men Don’t Know About Emergency Contraception, Study Finds
By Michelle Andrews
February 26, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The survey of 93 men, most of whom were sexually active, finds that 42 percent had heard of emergency contraception, or the morning-after pill.
Genetic Counselors Struggle To Keep Up With Huge New Demand
By Todd Bookman, WHYY
April 18, 2016
KFF Health News Original
After Angelina Jolie disclosed her genetic predisposition for breast cancer, demand for genetic tests went up. Counselors help interpret those tests, and demand for their services has increased, too.
Needle Exchanges Can Now Get Federal Funding
By Anna Gorman
Photos by Heidi de Marco
February 17, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Proponents hail the change in policy but say it doesn’t go far enough because federal dollars cannot be used to buy syringes.
With Special Tax Suspended, Medical Device Firms Reap Big Savings
By Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio
February 25, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The medical device industry is enjoying a two-year moratorium on a tax that was created to support the Affordable Care Act. Are firms using their savings to create more jobs, as many claim?
Study Finds No Harm In Allowing Surgeons-In-Training To Work Longer Shifts
By Jordan Rau
February 2, 2016
KFF Health News Original
Researchers found little difference in patient outcomes or satisfaction after placing restraints on medical residents’ working conditions in the past decade. Officials have previously sought to prevent inexperienced doctors from making mistakes caused by fatigue.
Ellmers Ousted In Primary Following Rift With Social Conservatives Over Abortion
June 8, 2016
Morning Briefing
“Actions have consequences,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List.
Tiny Opioid Patients Need Help Easing Into Life
By Kristin Espeland Gourlay, RINPR
March 28, 2016
KFF Health News Original
More babies are being born dependent on opioids. The good news is they can safely be weaned from the drug. But there’s little research on which medical treatment is best, or its long-term effects.
What Happened To $10B Gilead Allegedly Owes In Taxes? Group Asks Feds To Investigate
August 12, 2016
Morning Briefing
The Americans for Tax Fairness wants the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department to take action against the drugmaker following a report released by the group that shows the company may have shifted billions into offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes.
$1B Fraud Case Shines Light On Lucrative Medicare Black Market
July 25, 2016
Morning Briefing
Three people have been charged in the largest single criminal health care fraud case ever brought against individuals by the Department of Justice. “Medicare fraud has infected every facet of our health care system,” Wifredo A. Ferrer, the United States attorney in Miami, said Friday in announcing the indictments.
R2D2’s Next Assignment: Hospital Orderly
By Jenny Gold
March 1, 2016
KFF Health News Original
A gleaming new hospital in San Francisco has a fleet of robots dropping off meals, picking up trash and saving some money in a very 21st century way.
Three Hospitals Hope To Spark A Reduction In Surgeries By Inexperienced Doctors
By Sandra G. Boodman
April 27, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The prestigious facilities are seeking to improve patient safety by getting surgeons and hospitals to pledge to meet minimum thresholds for 10 high-risk procedures.
It’s Open Enrollment Time: What To Know About Obamacare Costs
October 30, 2015
KFF Health News Original
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey appeared on PBS NewsHour to talk about open enrollment season to buy health insurance coverage on healthcare.gov and online state marketplaces.
Health Reform Roils Downton Abbey
By Jenny Gold
February 17, 2016
KFF Health News Original
The hospital consolidation plot in the final season of the beloved British series is historically accurate — and has parallels in today’s U.S. health industry.