Latest KFF Health News Stories
What To Do If You’re In Observation Care
Although it is difficult to reverse that decision, there are steps you can take to help make your case.
Growing Number Of Patients Find A Hospital Stay Does Not Mean They’re Admitted
The use of observation care is rising as hospitals cope with increasing constraints from Medicare, which is under pressure to control costs. But the decision can mean more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
What You Can Do About The High Cost Of Health Care: Fix It
A nonprofit group is offering a $1,000 prize for the best essay on solving the nation’s problem of high health care costs.
Midlevel Providers Fill Primary Care Doctors’ Shoes
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine, and many operate almost completely independently of physician supervision. And unlike physicians in primary care, the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners is on the rise.
The New Momentum Behind Electronic Health Records
Today, in almost every other sector besides health, electronic information exchange is the way we do business. Health care providers may agree with the benefits of electronic health records. But they’ve also believed that adopting them was too difficult and expensive.
Future Of Primary Care? Some Say ‘Medical Home’
Martin’s Point in Maine is among those pioneering a concept aimed at making care more efficient.
With baby boomers about to turn 65, homebuilders see a big market for a building concept called universal design. It means houses are designed so owners can stay as they grow old — even if they develop physical limitations. The trick is making them beautiful enough that no one suspects they’re meant for seniors.
Bucking The Trend: Primary Care Doc Practices Solo
There’s a catastrophic shortage of primary care doctors who provide basic health care. And the need is expected to grow as more people receive coverage under the new health law.
Wired Homes Keep Tabs On Aging Parents
Baby boomers are increasingly using sensors and cameras to monitor their parents’ well-being.
High-Tech Aging: Tracking Seniors’ Every Move
Companies are using monitoring technology to transform elder care, but will seniors give up privacy?
CT Scans Can Increase Cancer Risk
Several recent studies show the risk of cancer associated with CT scans appears to be greater than previously believed.
Health Law Changes Rules For Docs With In-House Imaging Machines
Doctors who refer Medicare and Medicaid patients to in-house imaging machines must disclose in writing that they own the equipment.
Five Questions for Gail Sheehy On Caregiving
Gail Sheehy talks about her latest book “Passages In Caregiving: From Chaos To Confidence,” a personal story which includes advice on how to navigate the process.
Physician-Owned Hospitals Prepare For Bleak Futures
The biggest losers in federal health care reform – the country’s physician-owned specialty hospitals – are on pins and needles. With a ban on new facilities, expansion plans quashed and doctor ownership curtailed, 70 such hospitals in Texas are plotting their next move.
Breast Cancer: How Politics Is Driving Up Costs
In spite of clear evidence that the high-priced drug Avastin does not benefit breast cancer patients, politicians want the FDA to maintain approval.
Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Usually Get Treatment, Despite Side Effects
Most men with low-risk prostate cancer get aggressive treatment, even though the therapies carry big risks, a new study finds.
Where Are the Innovators in Health Care Delivery?
Almost everyone believes there is an enormous amount of waste and inefficiency in health care. But why is that? In a normal market, wherever there is waste, entrepreneurs are likely to be in hot pursuit – figuring out ways to profit from its elimination by cost-reducing, quality-enhancing innovations. Why isn’t this happening in health care? […]
Torn ACL? New Comp Effectiveness Study Says Exercise Just As Good As Surgery
After a knee injury, patients often have immediate reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. A Swedish researcher found that exercise was just as good as surgery at helping patients recover.
Out Of Network ER Visits Won’t Cost More Under New Health Law
The health overhaul prohibits new insurance plans from charging higher copayments or coinsurance amounts for out-of-network emergency services or from imposing other coverage limitations that wouldn’t apply to in-network care.
This week, news outlets covered the Obama administration as it began implementing parts of the new health law and also unveiled a national HIV/AIDS strategy. And, Capitol Hill is still reacting to the president’s recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid.
