Health Industry

Latest KFF Health News Stories

In Era Of Increased Competition, Hospitals Fret Over Ratings

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals are jockeying for patients and view the many different quality and safety ratings as a keen way to distinguish their services. But when those ratings nosedive, a hospital may retaliate.

Opioids After Surgery Left Her Addicted. Is That A Medical Error?

KFF Health News Original

Doctors prescribed powerful opioids for a patient after back surgery but gave her little guidance on how to take them safely. Then, she says, they misdiagnosed her withdrawal symptoms. Some experts say this situation is akin to a hospital-acquired condition.

Stopping Opioid Addiction At One Key Source: The Hospital

KFF Health News Original

Based on research conducted at the University of Michigan’s medical center, a group of surgeons developed a strategy to help post-surgical patients from misusing or abusing their prescription painkillers.

Your Plumber Offers A Money-Back Guarantee. Should Your Doctor?

KFF Health News Original

Even though consumers don’t expect to pay for faulty service or goods, they are often forced to pay for bad health care. But a small number of hospitals and doctors are seeking to change that practice.

Whistleblower: Medicaid Managed-Care Firm Improperly Denied Care To Thousands

KFF Health News Original

An explosive report prepared by a SynerMed executive alleges the California firm, which oversaw care for 1.2 million patients, fabricated documents and violated state and federal regulations for years. The state says it left low-income patients on Medicaid managed care in “imminent danger.”

Taken For A Ride? Ambulances Stick Patients With Surprise Bills

KFF Health News Original

Public outrage over surprise medical bills prompted 21 states to pass consumer protection laws. But these laws largely ignore ambulance rides, which can leave patients stuck with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bills.

Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Meanwhile, In Other Health News…

KFF Health News Original

In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Sarah Jane Tribble of Kaiser Health News discuss some of the under-covered health stories of the past several weeks, including drug price issues, the opioid epidemic and women’s reproductive health.