Prescribing Opioids To Seniors: It’s A Balancing Act

KFF Health News Original

An expert geriatrician says the benefits for the patient, such as alleviating pain and maintaining independence, must be weighed against the possible risks. Her motto: ‘start low and go slow.’

California Fines Kaiser Permanente $2.5 Million Over Missing Medicaid Data

KFF Health News Original

The HMO blew two deadlines to supply information required by the state to monitor Medi-Cal managed care plans. Kaiser says it is “taking steps” to resolve the problem.

From Its Counterculture Roots, Haight Ashbury Free Clinic Morphs Into Health Care Conglomerate

KFF Health News Original

Since it opened 50 years ago, the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic has been a refuge for everyone from flower children to famous rock stars to Vietnam War veterans returning home addicted to heroin.

For Conservatives, A New Day In Health Care

KFF Health News Original

We talk with a leading expert about Republican ideas for reform. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution says it’s a mistake to think conservatives have too few ideas — rather they have too many.

California’s Community Clinics, Big ACA Beneficiaries, Worry About Their Future

KFF Health News Original

A flow of Medi-Cal expansion dollars — and patients — has fueled significant growth, making clinics in California one of the linchpins of primary care under Obamacare.

Merger May Revitalize California’s Flagging Effort To Pool Medical Records

KFF Health News Original

An Obama administration veteran will take the helm of Cal INDEX as it combines with the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, creating a database covering nearly 17 million patients.

Meals On Wheels Wants To Be The ‘Eyes and Ears’ For Hospitals, Doctors

KFF Health News Original

By checking up on the health and safety of meal recipients, volunteers for the nonprofit network can provide valuable information to medical providers and help ensure better care.

Alzheimer a los 40: científicos estudian la “mutación de Jalisco”

KFF Health News Original

Investigadores están estudiando a familias de los Estados Unidos y México, portadores de una mutación genética que los hace desarrollar Alzheimer a edad temprana, con la esperanza de encontrar tratamientos para frenar este mal.

Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science

KFF Health News Original

Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments and even cures for the more common form of the disease.