Health Industry

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Despite Red Flags At Surgery Centers, Overseers Award Gold Seals

KFF Health News Original

A decade ago, California stopped licensing surgery centers and then gave approval power to private accreditors that are commonly paid by the same centers they inspect. That system of oversight has created a troubling legacy of laxity, a Kaiser Health News investigation finds.

Doctor To The Stars Disciplined Over Use Of Controversial Menopause Therapy 

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Prudence Hall has made a name for herself in the field of “bioidentical hormones” — plant-based compounds purportedly customized for each patient’s needs. Experts say the popular approach is unproven; California regulators say she was grossly negligent in her care of two patients.

Look-Up: Infection Risk Factors At Nursing Homes Near You

KFF Health News Original

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the body’s response to an infection. Explore infection risk factors at nursing homes in your state. This tool tracks infection-related deficiencies and staffing levels for nursing homes that take Medicare and/or Medicaid.

Avoidable Sepsis Infections Send Thousands Of Seniors To Gruesome Deaths

KFF Health News Original

No one tracks sepsis cases closely enough to know how often these severe infections turn fatal. But the toll — both human and financial — is enormous, finds an investigation by KHN and the Chicago Tribune.

California: A Health Care Laboratory With Mixed Results

KFF Health News Original

California frequently innovates to address its wide-ranging health care needs, but it has not always achieved its aims. A series of articles in the journal Health Affairs shows, among other things, that efforts to care for HIV patients, provide better access to reproductive services for low-income women and fill gaps in primary care have sometimes fallen flat.

Surprise Medical Bills Are What Americans Fear Most In Paying For Health Care

KFF Health News Original

Two-thirds of Americans worry about unexpectedly large bills from doctors, hospitals or other medical providers, a poll shows. Four in 10 have received one in the past year.

As California Hospitals Sweep Up Physician Practices, Patients See Higher Bills

KFF Health News Original

A Health Affairs study quantifies the financial effects of such mergers on consumers and their insurers. The hospital industry and doctor practices say the consolidation leads to better coordination of care.

Crear rituales para honrar a los muertos en los centros de vida asistida

KFF Health News Original

Nuevos programas de ayuda abordan un problema pocas veces tratado: el dolor de amigos de residencia y personal cuando muere un adulto mayor en un centro de vida asistida.

Creating Rituals To Honor The Dead At Long-Term Care Facilities

KFF Health News Original

Death and its companion, grief, are often ignored at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Yet ignoring the loss can lead to depression, staff burnout and other problems.

En las últimas dos décadas casi se duplicó el número de niños con trastorno de atención

KFF Health News Original

Los Estados Unidos contabilizan significativamente más casos de TDAH que otros países desarrollados, lo que, según los investigadores, ha hecho pensar que hay un sobre diagnóstico.

Hospital baja cuenta de $109,000 a $332… ¿qué pasa con las facturas sorpresa?

KFF Health News Original

El hospital St. David’s Medical Center, en Austin, Texas, bajó una cuenta médica drásticamente. ¿Por qué fue tan alta en principio? ¿Qué pasa con las cuentas sorpresa?