Latest KFF Health News Stories
Q&A: What’s The Difference Between A Doctor And A Nurse Practitioner?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about the differences in practice and qualifications between doctors and nurse practitioners. She discusses the movement to require nurse practitioners to have a clinical doctoral degree although the 2015 timeframe she describes is a goal, rather than a requirement.
Are Medicare’s New Quality Incentives Large Enough To Change Hospital Behavior?
In October, hospitals stand to gain or lose as much as 1 percent of reimbursements. But experts say most will break even.
Hospitals Look To Become Insurers, As Well As Providers Of Care
Under new model, “the last place I’ll want you to be is in the hospital,” says CEO.
U.S. Should Make ‘Life-Long Homes’ A Priority, Says Henry Cisneros
Former HUD secretary helps lay out plans for independent living in “an aging America” in a new book.
Medicare To Penalize 2,217 Hospitals For Excess Readmissions
Too many patients are returning to the hospital soon after being discharged, a costly problem the government is tackling.
KHN periodically shares readers’ comments on recent original stories.
Medicare Seeks To Cut Number Of Seniors Denied Nursing Home Coverage After Hospital Stays
The government is testing new hospital payment rules to see if fewer beneficiaries will be classified as observation patients, which can be a costly designation for seniors.
Analysis: App-Happy Health Care Full of Optimism, Money
Welcome to the world of Internet-enabled health apps. The question, however, is whether these new tools will bring about fundamental health system change.
Group Health Teams With Hospital System In Pacific Northwest
The joint venture seeks to coordinate patient care and cut costs for employers and health plans.
Hospital Debt Collector Settles Minnesota Case For $2.5 Million
Accretive Health has agreed to pay a $2.5 million fine and leave the state for years as part of a settlement of a federal lawsuit brought by state Attorney General Lori Swanson.
‘Child Life Specialists’ Help Sick Kids Be Kids
Child life specialists help sick children and their families navigate difficult medical situations emotionally and psychologically while in the hospital.
Hospitals’ Readmissions Rates Not Budging
Medicare data show little improvement in curbing the number of beneficiaries who are readmitted despite threats of financial penalties to hospitals.
Hospitals Finding Patients On Google, Facebook
Officials say the strategy helps patients, as well as providers. But critics complain it’s about revenue generation, not about improving health.
Rating Doctors Is Tricky, But Consumer Reports Does It In Mass.
Physicians are often nervous about patient reviews but they supported this effort.
Health Law Deadlines Under Pressure
The Supreme Court ruling shifts the focus to states. But between 20 and 40 may be unable to set up new online insurance markets by fall 2013.
Hospitals Celebrate Decision, But Threats Remain
The decision to let states opt out of the Medicaid expansion means hospitals serving the poor could still be stuck with unpaid care.
KHN periodically shares readers’ comments on recent original stories.
New Rules Will Ban ER Debt Collections At Charitable Hospitals
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department released new proposed rules to protect patients from abusive debt collection practices at nonprofit hospitals.
Top Paid Medical Apps for iPhones (from the iTunes store)
There are 40,000 medical applications available for download on smartphones and tablets. Here’s a list of the most popular medical apps for iPhones in the iTunes store.
FDA Seeks To Tame Exploding Medical App Market
The market has been something of an unregulated Wild West; for doctors and patients alike, it is difficult to know which apps actually live up to their health claims or provide accurate information.
